In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone or the body does not use the hormone properly. The thyroid hormone affects almost every cell in the body. An estimated 85% of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers also have hypothyroidism. Some doctors even estimate that as high as 40% of the general U.S. population suffers from below-optimal thyroid function, making it a hidden epidemic.

Iodine and selenium are important for thyroid function. Most people get enough iodine from the food they eat. This is not necessarily the case with selenium. Even a mild selenium deficiency may contribute to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The toxin MSG also contributes to hypothyroidism by damaging the hypothalamus of the brain, which indirectly causes reduced thyroid production. Fluoride is another toxin that strains the thyroid.

Some foods contain chemicals called goitrogens. Goitrogens cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone production. Foods that contain goitrogens include rapeseed/canola oil, soy, corn, peanuts, yucca, sweet potatoes, lima beans, and millet. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussel sprouts, also contain goitrogens. However, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, lightly steaming cruciferous vegetables deactivates the goitrogens so that you may eat them without affecting your thyroid.

Note: A food that has a positive effect on the thyroid and the immune system is extra virgin coconut oil. Alternative medicine practitioners say that coconut oil should be “dosed” by starting with one teaspoon per day and working your way up to three tablespoons daily.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person, but may include feeling cold, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty losing weight, PMS, heavy periods, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, headaches, hair loss, difficulty with memory and concentration, constipation, low libido, frequent infections, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The lower than normal body temperature caused by hypothyroidism is an immune system depressant. Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should make it a priority to determine if their thyroid is doing its job. Unfortunately, blood tests for hypothyroidism are unreliable at best. They also cannot detect when people produce enough thyroid hormone but don’t use it properly.

A good way to screen for hypothyroidism is to check for a low body temperature before getting out of bed in the morning for seven consecutive days. Place the thermometer under your armpit for ten minutes. If your temperature is below 97.8 to 98.2 degrees, talk with your doctor because you are likely hypothyroid, even if you have had normal blood tests.

Note: Women should wait until after their first day of their period before taking their temperature readings.

Disclaimer: I am certainly not a doctor and nothing that I say should be taken as medical advice, nor has it been evaluated by the FDA.