Download Neurobiology of the commonly known triggers of the illness of

Neurobiology of the commonly known triggers of the illness of Hashimoto
Of the various observations, causes and subsequent cures of the Thyroid malfunctions, one of
the main contributor is the pituitary gland, is located at the base of the brain and below the
Hypothalamus. Being part of the Endocrine system (Nervous System), and controls the
functions of many other glands in the body, including the thyroid. The pituitary gland produces
TSH, which signals the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones;
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKQa-MbZUPY ). If there is a problem with the pituitary
gland and not enough TSH is produced, hypothyroidism can result. Inflammation of the thyroid
and taking certain medications can also cause low thyroid hormone levels. The illness of
Hashimoto is an auto-immune disease, which triggers anti-bodies to attack the thyroid gland.
What factually triggers this attack, is still not conclusively determined. However, one of the
most recent findings is a. trauma, stress1 and additionally articles have been published
suggesting that b. dietary components like gluten actually stimulates the aggressors of the
thyroid gland.
Hashimoto was diagnosed by accident, due to a small wound on my foot that just wouldn't heal.
Firstly, the specialist looked at diabetes, as specifically in the lower regions of the body (legs and
feet) seem to suffer evidence when self-curative triggers operate insufficiently. I am of average
height and weight, no outward signs of Diabetes could be detected. The blood-test showed a grey
area value of an insufficient produce of Thyroid hormones and would need ongoing monitoring.
When the illness progressed the TH values (anti-bodies that attack the Thyroid) increased, and
have since trebled.
What is unsettling in the diagnosis of Hashimoto is the fact that in regular medicine the level of
TH values in the blood are measured to determine the amount of anti-bodies that attack the
Thyroid, but the influence of the Pineal 2 and Anterior Pituitary gland, who in connection with a.,
primarily responsible for the production of THS (Thyroid stimulating hormone as its name
suggests, is a tropic hormone responsible for the stimulation of the thyroid gland) and
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex, the outer part of the
adrenal gland, to produce its hormones) are never seriously taken into account3 and the
functionality of both are not examined in the medical tests . The interaction of those glands – i.e.
regulation of the cycles and the extent and effectiveness of our metabolism, is generally
neglected when medication is prescribed. Presently the damage and symptoms are being curbed
by administering chemical hormones, but no serious attempts are being made, to discover what
causes this aggressive action of our own bodies. This may be due that outcome from the few
studies point out that the majority of patients are middle-aged women, not much glory to be
gained in doing expensive research on that!
1 (http://www.news-medical.net/news/20150102/Stress-can-trigger-diabetes-depression-and-other-autoimmun...)
2
The pineal gland produces melatonin (light-enhanced), sustaining circadian rhythm and regulate reproductive hormones. For
example: hormonal imbalance that hypothyroidism displays is the occurrence of the hot flashes when the dosage of the medication is
insufficient; even though I am 59 years of age, the hot flushes are indicators that the dosage needs to be reviewed. I noted however,
that my hot flashes are not related to the "outside" temperatures as such, but are primarily instigated by a "surge of hormon es"
cruising to my body, which seem to reverse the menopausal phase, I should be well out of presently!
3
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus both control the thyroid. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, the
hypothalamus secretes TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH), which alerts the pituitary to produce thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH). The thyroid responds to this chain of events by producing more hormones. (source:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-thyroid )
We learnt that the physiology by which our systems can function adequately are determined by
internal conditions, and it becomes painfully obvious to those who suffer auto-immune diseases,
very little can be done to reverse a situation.
Summarising: When we look at cause a.: what chemical interactions take place in our brain
circuits as stress responses release glucocorticoids from the andrenal cortex (see anterior
pituitary) and catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerves, subsequently
provides feedback to the brain. This will affect neural structures that control emotion and
cognition. These experiences of fear will be stored and our psychological pathways will be
determined accordingly, based on the Somatic Markers described by T. Wilson 4 and a downward
spiral, leading into a vicious circle of an overly activated Amygdala, as well as an overproduction
of ACTH. However, if we look at cause b.: Research suggests that the molecule structure of
gluten resembles the chemical composition of the body’s own thyroid gland5, that the attack may
just be one of a mistaken identity. Some of his patients have managed to reduce the amount of
anti-bodies by mere observation of dietary constraints, and find their TSH valued to normal
levels.
From my own findings the strict gluten-free diet has not resulted in any positive outcome, whilst
others have booked overwhelming success in following this adjustment to their diet. So in the
case of my Thyroid deficiency - and as I am not a regular patient patient -I have requested my GP
to take a closer look into the workings of my Pituitary Gland and see if further examination will
point us towards the actual cause of my Hypothyroidism6 and a sustainable solution, c.q. cure
rather than symptom suppression.
Sources: My gratitude extends to the lectures given by Prof. P. Mason - Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of everyday life
- University of Chicago
4
T. D. Wilson, Strangers to Ourselves (2004)
http://chriskresser.com/the-gluten-thyroid-connection/
6
Mind and Body: how the health of the body impacts on neuropsychiatry - Thibault Renoir1*, KyokoHasebe2
and LauraGray2* 1 Melbourne BrainCentre,FloreyInstituteofNeuroscienceandMentalHealth,UniversityofMelbourne,Melbourne,VIC,Australia 2
5
SchoolofMedicine,DeakinUniversity,Geelong,VIC,Australia