I have a neurological condition (I had symptoms in my 20's) that causes unsteady gait and loss of balance. My MRI shows 'diffuse atrophy'. Apparently I can't have bp in the 90's because I "zone out" according to my wife or heart rate in 40's or 50's. I am having a lot of trouble thinking and slow processing with this thyroid thing. I understand that T3 is the thyroid brain hormone and I'm very low on that as of 6/30 (48) I actually feel stupid and confused as well as weak and tired most of the time now. My wife had hypothyroid a few years ago and I had to lift her foot to put it on a step and she ended up mostly bed ridden and bp hr 62/28 44 but by then she was on synthroid and knew she'd perk up.
My brain doesn't prefuse properly with 'low normal' or less bp or heart rate and I'm losing ground on all the physical therapy and exercises I've done for the last 2 years for balance and gait.
My information is limited and directly thyroid, so BP and Heart rate is a little out of my range of knowledge. What info I do have is that your BP you stated is perfect as well as your PP. So your BP meds. are working for you.
Pulse rate is a little low unless you are very active sports person or exercise buff. Normal pulse without concern and depending on the person, ranges anywhere from and between 60 and 100. Mine averages 60 but has gone down as low as 46, and, as high as 120 from food reactions. I wish my BP is as good as yours, however I am not on meds. for it.
Other than being under doctor's care and medications, proper exercise, nutrition with the help from vitamins and minerals, and a healthy life style is the best we can do for ourselves.
Good Luck!
Yes your comment was helpful. I have been taking B vitamins, zinc, CoQ10, magnesium (and a buch of others) and started on Thyrosense (I think that's what it's called from Nutritional Living) also Sweet Wheat.
Besides the major weakness my blood pressure and heart rate are a concern. Since my original post the anti-hypertensives are down to 5 mg of ACE 2x a day and beta blocker as needed when my heart races. When my blood pressure or heart rate goes down my wife tells me I zone out. My eyes glaze over in a stare. I've been on blood pressure meds for 25 years and the last year I've been a nice 110-115 over 70-75. My body can't tolerate 90's or 80's over 60's or 50's with heart rate in upper 40's to 50's apparently.
Since the MD won't give me thyroid replacement (said that it would supress TSH) and I'm supposed to wait until it "self corrects" what can I do to keep my blood pressure and heart rate in range I can tolerate?
Subacute thyroiditis also called viral thyroiditis, is an uncommon condition thought to be caused by viral infection of the thyroid gland. The condition often occurs after a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Mumps virus, influenza virus, and other respiratory viruses have been found to cause subacute thyroiditis.
Eventually, thyroid gland function returns to normal. The disease usually goes away after a few months. But it may last up to six months. Initially, a person with subacute thyroiditis has signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This results from damaged thyroid cells releasing excess thyroid hormone. As the thyroid heals, a period of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may follow. Thyroid function typically returns to normal with no further problems. Rarely, underactive thyroid persists and needs treatment. Treatment of subacute thyroiditis may include: Pain relievers, such as high doses of aspirin, Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and during the hyperthyroid phase of the disease, drugs to block the effects of excess thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis may be associated with an underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is actually a systemic disease where the thyroid is major target organ and autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Once it is present it doesn't seem to go away, although the disease usually waxes and wanes and some patients never have further trouble. The anti-bodies, however, usually stay positive and are of little help in assessing the activity of the disease, merely the diagnosis.
You might want to avoid fluorine and chloring, including fluoridated toothpastes and drinking water. These two chemicals may block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, potentially causing reduced hormone production. Also minimize the intake of foods that suppress thyroid hormone production such as peaches, brussel sprouts, pears, spinach, turnips, cabbage, kale, broccoli and mustard greens. Instead, consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin B complex for generation and utilization of energy. Some examples would be meats, dairy products, legumes, brewer's yeast, whole grains, eggs, nuts and some herbs.
Cooking may lower the goiterogenic effects. Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, has also been identified as a goitrogenic food. Other goitrogens include maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, potatoes and corn, pearl millet, peaches, pears. Soybean products (tofu, soy sauce, etc.) should only be used in moderation; avoid soy supplements and foods with added soy, as the soy reduces thyroid function. Avoid refined foods, sugar, dairy products, wheat, caffeine, alcohol. Use bottled water, instead. Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function. Avoid processed and refined foods, like white flour and sugar. Avoid dried fruit, processed potatoes, shrimp, and wine. The sulfites in these foods can destroy riboflavin, which can lead to deficiency.
Low progesterone goes hand in hand with low thyroid, so avoid foods that promote oestrogen dominance. This includes any animal product that has not been produced organically (chicken, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, etc.).
Gluten is linked to thyroid dysfunction (both hyper and hypo thyroid) so if you have any digestive problems or any one in your family with a gluten sensitivity, it would be worth dramatically reducing your gluten intake.
Helpful Foods Foods that are helpful for the thyroid function are: carrots, spinach, apricots, asparagus, olive oil, avocado, sunflower seeds, whole grain cereals, bananas, oily fish. The best cooking oils for people with hypothyroid are sunflower, olive, and sesame. Avoid canola, corn, soybean and rapeseed. Kelp, a sea vegetable, iodinized salt. Almonds and wheat germs are also helpful . Supplements: vitamin B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, CoQ10, magnesium, chromium, selenium, zinc, iodine, calcium. Consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin B complex for generation and utilization of energy. Some examples would be meats, dairy products, legumes, brewer's yeast, whole grains, eggs, nuts and some herbs.
Iodine-rich foods such as iodine salt and foods that contain iodine such as seaweed and ocean fish. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones. Ideal food sources include Celtic sea salt, seaweed (sushi, nori rolls), salt water fish and sea food. Iodized salt is available but should be used in small amounts once or twice a week along with a good quality Celtic sea salt. Iodine supplements are usually in the form of kelp tablets. Consult your health practitioner before using these, because the wrong dose can unbalance your thyroid.
Tyrosine-rich foods These foods include meat, fish, turkey and chicken breast, low fat milk and yogurt, almonds, avocado, bananas, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, lentils. Supplements of tyrosine should be taken on an empty stomach so that it doesn’t have to compete with other amino acids.
High quality protein. All of our body’s glands and hormones are made from protein. Try to eat high quality lean protein at every meal.
Selenium-rich foods – meat, chicken, salmon, tuna, seafood, whole unrefined grains, brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, dairy products, garlic, onions and black strap molasses.
The best cooking oils for people with hypothyroid are sunflower, olive, and sesame. Avoid canola, corn, soybean and rapeseed.
Supplements of Vitamin B complex and essential fatty acids because they help to balance the entire hormonal system.
Sunlight – while not a food, its important to get a daily dose of safe sun. Light stimulates the pineal gland, which in turn positively affects the thyroid as well as all the other endocrine glands.
Also, you need to eat fresh and whole foods, they need to be organic so they are not estrogenic in the body. Excess estrogen inhibits thyroid function.
If you eat animal products, they need to be organic and "free range" and you should eat no more than ONE serving daily. If you have been following a high protein diet like many practitioners tell hypothyroid's to do, know that it will not support your thyroid and it will worsen your constipation if that is one of your symptoms.
Other members of the thyroid enhancement family include CoQ10, magnesium, chromium, selenium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin C, the B Vitamins, Niacin, Pyridoxine, and Bladderwrack.
Hope this helps.