Hyperthyroidism - An Interview With Dr. Wilson

HYPERTHYROIDISM - AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. WILSON

WARNING: Those who follow a development program rarely can develop mild hyperthyroid symptoms and a low TSH if they do not eat enough well-cooked vegetables. The symptoms go away on their own when the diet is corrected.

The Interview:

Dr. Lawrence Wilson, my name is Svetla Bankova and I am the owner of www.Gravesdiseasecure.com, a website providing information about Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. You have written a lot about various diseases. I would like to ask you a few questions about your research, findings and experience that will be very helpful for my clients battling with Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism.

Question 1. Dr. Wilson, to my best knowledge hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. Thyrotoxicosis is a toxic condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormone or by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Graves' Disease is caused by a generalized over activity of the thyroid gland, and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged and hyperactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones. Although Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, not all patients suffering from hyperthyroidism have Graves' disease and not all patients with Graves' disease suffer from hyperthyroidism. Would you like to add any more information to this?

A. I agree. Hyperthyroidism can be primary (related just to the thyroid gland and perhaps caused by a tumor), or secondary. This means due to a factor outside of the thyroid such as a pituitary toxin. Let us discuss some of the causes we have found for hyperthyroidism such as toxic metals like copper and mercury, stress as a factor, and some nutritional imbalances as well such as fast and slow oxidation.

Question 2. According to my understanding, we’ll be discussing hyperthyroidism caused by reasons other than Graves’ Disease?

A. No. The names of the diseases just confuse us. I will focus on the physiological causes of an overactive thyroid, no matter what name is given to the condition.

Qu. 3. Since the reason for hyperthyroidism is generally unknown, what are your presumptions and observations regarding the occurrence of this disease?

A. The answer is that stress, toxic metals such as copper and mercury, and perhaps a pituitary toxin are often involved in this condition.

Qu. 4. As far as I am aware, the standard tests regarding proper thyroid imbalance only measure the circulating hormones (T3 and T4) and pituitary stimulation of the thyroid (TSH). In your article, Grave’s Disease Or Hyperthyroidism, you are recommending other tests as well, in order to determine the correct diagnose. What are these tests what do you consider a “mandatory” test, when thyroid imbalance is suspected?

A. I use the hair tissue mineral analysis on everyone to assess the cause and guide the correction of the problem. The hair test must be done at a laboratory that does not wash the hair. I only recommend Analytical Research Labs in Phoenix, Arizona. Testing by other labs is much less useful because the levels of the water-soluble minerals are not as accurate.

There are other tests, of course, but this is what I use and it usually sufficient to set up a program to correct the biochemical imbalances that are causing or at least contributing to the problem. It is usually the only mandatory test for our evaluation, although all the clients have also had the usual blood tests for thyroid evaluation such as T3, T4, TSH, thyroid antibodies and perhaps others.

Qu. 5. Dr. Wilson, what minerals, vitamins and other substances on a patient should be tested if hyperthyroidism is suspected?

A. I find the hair tissue mineral analysis from Analytical Research Labs to be very sufficient. Testing the blood, urine or saliva for vitamins and minerals, for example, is not as accurate, in my view, and largely a waste of money. The hair test, properly interpreted by the method of Dr. Paul Eck, tests minerals at the cellular level. This tells us with how the body is responding to stress, and this is essential for dealing with Grave’s disease. It appears to be all we need. I understand how to use the hair analysis and am happy to share this knowledge with any practitioner, even a non-physician, who is interested in learning how to use this wonderful test.

Note that the hair analysis does NOT reveal the total body load of a mineral such as calcium, even if the level is high. This is a common misconception and cause for great confusion and disrespect for hair tissue mineral analysis. A high hair calcium level, for instance, just means there is too much calcium in the hair, usually due to what is called biounavailability of calcium in the blood. This means that the body is not able to keep calcium in sufficient quantity in the blood.

The goal of the hair mineral test is not to find out how much of a mineral is present, though at times, such as with copper, this may be true. The goal is to determine how the person’s body is responding to stress, and what stress patterns are present. That is the real value of the hair analysis in most cases. It can also show some toxic metals, which definitely play a role in many cases. So we don’t test for specific vitamins or minerals.

Qu. 6. What test readings/results we should be looking for in hyperthyroidism patients that will prove a chemical imbalance or chemical toxicity as a reason for their hyperthyroidism?

A. The answer to this is also in the article that I wrote, Grave’s Disease Or Hyperthyroidism. As stated there, I look for fast oxidation, slow oxidation, copper toxicity, mercury toxicity, the three amigos (Iron, Manganese and Aluminum), and perhaps other stress patterns. Pituitary toxins are not specifically revealed on the hair mineral test. However, by correcting the body chemistry, these are slowly eliminated and the hyperthyroid condition goes away.

Qu. 7. Are thyroid-inhibiting drugs needed with your method of correction?

A. Yes, at times the thyroid-inhibiting drugs such as methimazole and others may need to be used to stabilize the person until the nutritional balancing corrective program can remove the toxic metals or other biochemical causes of hyperthyroidism.

Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) or surgery have, so far, never been needed in about 150 cases that I have worked with. I would strictly avoid them and refuse them, as they can cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland.

Qu. 8. How do you correct hyperthyroidism?

A. I recommend a method of nutritional correction we call nutritional balancing science. It is a particular use of foods, nutrients, lifestyle, detoxification, rest and a particular mental exercise that reduces stress greatly and corrects body chemistry at very deep levels. This corrective process is offered by a number of practitioners who are listed on my website at https://www.drlwilson.com/do hair analysis.htm. I have been offering this method of correction for hyperthyroidism for about 32 years. (I think your website says 18 years, but that is not up to date).

Qu. 9. In your articles you say that hyperthyroid symptoms are due to copper or mercury toxicity of the thyroid gland. Is there any particular diet you would recommend or specific steps to be taken in order to correct that mercury and copper toxicity in a natural way or any other way for that matter?

A. I believe the article says that some hyperthyroid symptoms may be due to mercury or copper toxicity, but certainly not all of them. Some symptoms, of course, are due to the thyroid hormones themselves, and others to underlying imbalances such as toxic metal excess or nutrient deficiencies such as selenium and, at times, copper.
There are many steps that are helpful for correction. The basic diets are on my website and are called either the Fast Oxidizer Diet or the Slow Oxidizer Diet. Major parts of the diet are to eat cooked vegetables three times daily, in large quantities, with some animal protein daily. Avoid all wheat, all sweets, all fruit and fruit juices, and all dried fruit. These upset body chemistry. To read more about this, read Fruit-Eating on this website. Also, food should be of the highest quality without additives, pesticides and preservatives, if at all possible, and as fresh as possible.

In addition, fast oxidizers in general need more fats and oils. Slow oxidizers may need more proteins and especially many cooked, not raw vegetables.

Qu. 10. Since a lot of my clients have hyperthyroidism, most of them don’t know if it is primary or secondary hyperthyroidism. Would you explain the difference? And what tests would show if the patient had primary or secondary hyperthyroidism? What would be your recommendations for metabolic balancing in both cases?

A. By primary hyperthyroidism I mean it occurs in a fast oxidizer. I have rarely seen this. I use the term secondary hyperthyroidism when it occurs as a secondary stress reaction in a slow oxidizer, which is most often the case. In both cases, the actual cause may lie outside of the thyroid gland itself. For this reason, some other doctors may use the term secondary hyperthyroidism in both these instances.

Grave’s disease often seems to be a kind of ineffective stress response in which the adrenal glands do not participate much and the thyroid overcompensates and becomes hyperactive. Copper and mercury toxicity may also play a role, as these appear to always be present. Also, a pituitary toxin may be present. Usually, the person is always tired underneath. It is also possible to have an active hormone-producing thyroid tumor, but this is much less common among our clients.

Case: A 48-year-old friend had this condition and it responded completely within about 5 months. She needed anti-thyroid drugs at first, as she was extremely anxious and had a very fast pulse. The condition began after an extremely stressful situation occurred.

She followed a very healthful diet with mainly cooked vegetables and some animal protein daily and used a near infrared lamp sauna every day for at least 30 minutes. She also took about 8 nutritional supplements based on a hair mineral analysis, relaxed a lot, and had lots of support and love from myself and others. Within 5 months all symptoms had disappeared, she was off all medication, blood tests returned to normal, and the condition has not returned in 7 years.

Qu. 11. I see that you describe different types of personality, based on the copper presence in the body. I also believe that our disease and health imbalances have a lot to do with our character and personalities. What kind of personality a hyperthyroid patient would be? How would you describe this personality?

A. In our experience, some but not all people with hyperthyroidism are anxious, fearful, and push themselves hard. We call this pattern Sympathetic Dominance, and one can read more about this important personality type.

An acute lifestyle stress can precipitate the Grave’s disease. This could be anything that causes stress, from a family problem to too much exercise, or something else.

The person with hyperthyroidism may also have issues about expression of creativity. The thyroid is located in the area of the body associated with expression of creativity – the throat area. So when there is difficulty and blocks in this area, it can manifest itself as thyroid difficulties. Perhaps the person believes that he or she has little or nothing to contribute, when in reality they have much to contribute.

There may be other patterns, but the above are common ones.

Qu. 12. What are the most typical physical and mental symptoms for people with copper imbalance, especially if they are diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism?

A. Common symptoms of copper imbalance are many, depending on the person. These are described more fully in the article entitled Copper Toxicity Syndrome that is also on this website. They may include fearfulness, agitation, headaches, fatigue, spaciness, skin problems such as acne or eczema, anxiety, depression, premenstrual tension, scoliosis, and others.

Qu. 13. Are there any particular behaviors or activities that may correct such imbalance, in order this person to heal naturally and avoid these patterns in the future?

A. To correct copper imbalance usually requires a combination of dietary change, lifestyle correction, and nutritional supplements. Also one can avoid eating a high copper diet. This means limiting foods such as chocolate, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, and some grains such as wheat. One must avoid vegetarian diets, which tend to make copper imbalance much worse.

Qu. 14. What foods are those with hyperthyroidism most likely to be attracted to? What will be a corrective diet for them?

A. I am not aware of particular food cravings for all people with hyperthyroidism. It depends upon one’s body chemistry in most cases.

Qu. 15. I see that you, Dr. Wilson, also suffered from copper imbalance. How did you correct that and what methods did you use?

A. I used the methods described above and in the Copper Toxicity Syndrome article. The Meditation For Healing exercise taught by Mr. Roy Masters was very influential for me as well, and I continue to do it to this day, some 32 years later.

Qu. 16. Meditation and breathing exercises are included in your “tools list”. I am also recommending these methods to my clients, even though I come from another “psychological” point of view to bring balance into their lives. Are there any other natural methods that you want to recommend for them?

A. Nutritional balancing includes sauna therapy and coffee enemas, foot and hand reflexology, twisting the spine daily or quality chiropractic, meditation as described above, and drinking about 10-12 ounces of fresh carrot juice daily.

In particular, I highly recommend near infrared sauna therapy for all hyperthyroid clients. This is very relaxing for them and very healing, it appears. I also recommend foot reflexology every day, and regular chiropractic adjustments at least once a month or more to keep stress off the spine. Healing is more a journey than just a “treatment system”. So one needs to have faith, and follow the healing path as best one can. I once wrote an article about this, entitled The Healing Path.

Qu. 17. What minerals and vitamins would you recommend that may help and balance the thyroid hormone overproduction?

A. This really depends on what is revealed on the person’s hair mineral analysis. It will depend upon a person’s oxidation rate, the major mineral levels and ratio, and perhaps upon the toxic metal situation. There is no specific nutrient or food that will reduce the thyroid hormones in everyone.

Qu. 18. What symptoms would one individual experience while reducing excess copper?

A. Some people do not notice many symptoms. In others, one may experience skin eruptions, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, or at times some anxiety or fear. This is covered in more detail in another article entitled Copper Elimination.

Qu. 19. What are the correct attitudes to balance copper?

A. One needs to check on one’s fear level and reduce fear in whatever way works best. Another attitude is to be more positive about the world situation. This is a spiritual decision, in my opinion, that God or whomever you wish to call the Creator, is in charge and all is well. This is most important for those with the copper personality type, who are very sensitive individuals and prone to fears and negativity. Many people with hyperthyroidism are fearful, so anything that helps reduce this is excellent.

Other attitudes that are always helpful for healing are an attitude of gratitude for all that one has, regardless of how one feels. Also, forgiveness is most important for high-copper types as these people are often angry and full of rage inside, although they may seem very calm on the outside.

Another change is to give up all victim thinking. Believing that you OR ANYONE ELSE is a victim of anything will keep your adrenals in a fear state and will not help them recover at all. This is a tough sell to many people, but it is the truth. We are all responsible for our own lives. This even applies to children. This is a philosophical, metaphysical or religious concept. I am aware that this is a stumbling block for millions around the world, but strive to take control of your life and stop giving power to the government, or to friends, the family and many, many others.

Qu. 20. Dr. Wilson, I see that you also have very ‘spiritual approach” to the diseases and you don’t consider the patients as “lab values” only. Do you have any special advices, recommendations or suggestions for my clients, suffering from hyperthyroidism regarding their lifestyle in general?

A. Lots of rest and relaxation is probably the single most important lifestyle factor. Some people emphasize exercise, but I think this is a huge mistake. Most people with hyperthyroidism are very toxic and tired. So exercise is not going to make them better, though it has symptomatic benefits.

Strive to be happy and joyful, no matter what is going on. Other lifestyle factors that matter a lot can be going to bed at an early hour, by 8 to 9 PM most evenings at the latest. Another is to reduce stress in all ways possible, so life is smooth and easy with as few upsets as possible. This can be done more than one may imagine. The key is to take on less, reduce your needs and wants and rest more. Meditation of the type recommended above is also wonderful for keeping track of what is causing stress at all times. I only recommend one type described in the article entitled Meditation For Healing on this website.

Thank you very much!

Svetla Bankova

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