April, 23, 2012

Good morning to all, I continue to explore natural ways in which to combat our health issues. I know that some of you deal with thyroid issues and coconut oil is a good, natural agent of help. I sent a link several months back on the benefits of coconut oil - WAY impressive, but I found this on Saturday and thought I would share it also. Coming from a long line of educators, information is critical to me. I have also been doing some research on xylitol and it's medicinal assistance. Good stuff. I had a great time at mom's, ate really good foods and shopped for a ridiculous amount of time. After paying taxes there wasn't a lot of SHOP MONEY, but we played and walked and laughed. How many know that's a GOOD thing? For about 6 hours I went into another place in my head. It was very restful. :) We finished the journey with a "quick" stop at Fresh Market in Columbus. They carried ALL kinds of the Zevia drinks - 2/$7. GREAT price. I found some of the usual, although I rarely find the lemon lime, but they also carry a Dr. Zevia that Terry and I really enjoyed. They should have the dome removed so that we can begin water aerobics again this week. Hopeful! Hope you enjoy reading this article on the thyroid and the benefits of coconut oil. PK (Cheryl, do you still have the link you sent for that article on the health benefits of coconut/coconut oil?) Many Americans suffer from symptoms such as cold hands and feet, low body temperature, sensitivity to cold, a feeling of always being chilled, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, puffy eyes, hair loss, brittle nails, joint aches, constipation, mental dullness, fatigue, frequent infections, hoarse voice, ringing in the ears, dizziness, loss of libido, and weight gain, which is sometimes uncontrollable. Approximately 65 percent of the U. S. population is overweight; 30 percent is clinically obese. Research is pointing to the fact that an under active thyroid might be the number one cause of weight problems, especially among women, in the US today. Many dietary oils can negatively affect thyroid health. We cook with them almost every day and they are plentiful in commercially prepared foods. It is possible they are among the worst offenders when it comes to the thyroid. They are known as vegetable oils or polyunsaturated oils. The most common source of these oils used in commercially prepared foods is the soybean. Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. When the thyroid hormone is deficient, the body is generally exposed to increased levels of estrogen. The thyroid hormone is essential for making the ‘protective hormones’ progesterone and pregnenolone, so these hormones are lowered when anything interferes with the function of the thyroid. The thyroid hormone is required for using and eliminating cholesterol, so cholesterol is likely to be raised by anything which blocks the thyroid function. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is a saturated fat made up primarily of medium chain fatty acids. Also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), medium chain fatty acids are known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Coconut oil can also raise basal body temperatures while increasing metabolism. This is good news for people who suffer with low thyroid function.