coleus forskohlii

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

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What-is-free-T3?

What is free T3?

What-is-free-T3?_0_0

Free T3 is a thyroid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. It is produced by the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. Free T3 is the active form of the hormone that the body can use, while Total T3 includes both active and inactive forms.

Symptoms-associated-with-low-free-T3

Symptoms associated with low free T3

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight gain or difficulty losing weight</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hair loss</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cold intolerance</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Constipation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depression or mood swings</li></ul>

Possible-causes-of-low-free-T3

Possible causes of low free T3

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There are several possible causes of low Free T3 levels, including:

Hypothyroidism

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This is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, radiation treatment, or surgery. A medical doctor who specializes in endocrinology can help diagnose and treat this condition.

Thyroiditis

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This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause it to release too little thyroid hormone. It can be caused by a viral infection or an autoimmune disorder. A medical doctor who specializes in endocrinology can help diagnose and treat this condition.

Certain-medications

Certain medications

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Certain medications can interfere with the production or conversion of thyroid hormone, leading to low Free T3 levels. These medications include lithium, amiodarone, and glucocorticoids.

Nutrient-deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies

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&nbsp;A lack of iodine, selenium, or zinc can affect thyroid function and lead to low Free T3 levels.

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Possible-side-effects-of-medical-drugs:

Possible side effects of medical drugs:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lithium: This medication is used to treat bipolar disorder and can affect thyroid function. Side effects may include hypothyroidism or goiter.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amiodarone: This medication is used to treat heart rhythm problems and can affect thyroid function. Side effects may include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or goiter.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glucocorticoids: These medications are used to treat inflammation and can affect thyroid function. Side effects may include hypothyroidism or goiter.</li></ul>

Herbal-and-natural-treatments

Herbal and natural treatments

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There are several herbal and natural treatments that may help improve thyroid function and increase Free T3 levels. Some of these include:

Ashwagandha-(Withania-somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha-(Withania-somnifera)_4_0

&nbsp;This herb is known to improve thyroid function and reduce stress. It may also help improve mood and energy levels.

Coleus-forskolii-(Coleus-forskohlii)

Coleus forskolii (Coleus forskohlii)

Coleus-forskolii-(Coleus-forskohlii)_4_0

This herb may increase thyroid hormone levels and improve metabolism. It may also help with weight loss.

Kelp-(Laminaria-spp.)

Kelp (Laminaria spp.)

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This seaweed is a good source of iodine, which is important for thyroid function.

Selenium

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This mineral is important for thyroid function and can be found in Brazil nuts, seafood, and supplements.

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Suggestions-for-Changing-Bad-Living-Habits

Suggestions for Changing Bad Living Habits

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce stress: Stress can interfere with thyroid function and lead to low Free T3 levels. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve thyroid function and metabolism. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eat a balanced diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide important nutrients for thyroid function. Avoid processed foods and excess sugar.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can affect thyroid function and metabolism. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.</li></ul>

Nutritional-advice

Nutritional advice

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A well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can help support thyroid function and increase Free T3 levels. Some important nutrients for thyroid health include:

Nutritional-advice_6_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iodine: Found in seaweed, fish, and iodized salt</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, seafood, and supplements</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zinc: Found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iron: Found in red meat, poultry, and beans</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin D: Found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and supplements</li></ul>It is important to note that excessive amounts of certain nutrients, such as iodine, can also be harmful to thyroid function. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:

Below are ten frequently asked questions that are not covered in the article:

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Q: What is the difference between free T3 and total T3?

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A:&nbsp;Free T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that the body can use, while total T3 includes both active and inactive forms.

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Q: Can stress affect thyroid function?

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A:&nbsp; Yes, stress can interfere with thyroid function and lead to low levels of free T3.

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Q: Can exercise help improve thyroid function?

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A:&nbsp;Yes, regular exercise can help improve thyroid function and metabolism.

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Q: Can low levels of free T3 cause concern?

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A:&nbsp;Yes, low levels of free T3 can cause anxiety as they are associated with low energy levels and mood swings.

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Q: "How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?"

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_13

A:&nbsp;Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_14

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Q: What is the recommended daily intake of iodine?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_16

A:&nbsp;The recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 mcg for most adults.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_17

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_18

Q: Can consuming too much iodine be harmful?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_19

A:&nbsp;Yes, consuming too much iodine can be harmful and can lead to thyroid dysfunction.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_20

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_21

Q:&nbsp; What is the role of selenium in thyroid function?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_22

A:&nbsp; Selenium is important for thyroid function because it is a component of enzymes that convert thyroid hormones into their active form.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_23

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_24

Q:" Are there foods that can affect thyroid function?"

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_25

A:&nbsp; Yes, consuming large amounts of soy or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage can affect thyroid function in some people.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_26

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_27

Q: Can low levels of free T3 cause heart problems?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_7_28

A:&nbsp; Yes, low levels of free T3 can contribute to heart problems, as thyroid hormone plays a role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.

Low Free T3 levels can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. Hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, certain medications, and nutrient deficiencies are possible causes of low Free T3. Herbal and natural treatments, as well as lifestyle changes, can help improve thyroid function and increase Free T3 levels. A well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and zinc can also support thyroid health.

Low Free T3: Understanding the Causes and Implications

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Екипът на Санацио

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that might develop&nbsp;without symptoms and often remains undiagnosed. The most common cause of the disease is increased pressure in the eyes (intraocular pressure), sometimes due to poor drainage of the fluid that normally fills the eyeball.

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There is also the so-called normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) when the disease occurs in people with normal internal pressure.

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Glaucoma leads to damage of the optic nerve - which ultimately causes blindness. People who have a hereditary factor (someone in the family has also suffered from the disease) are at greater risk.

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It is usually found by accident during a routine eye examination, because the symptoms appear at a very advanced stage of the disease, when it is too late. Detected in time, glaucoma can be delayed by appropriate treatment prescribed by a doctor - eye drops, medication, laser or surgery.

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In this article, we will address the question of what we can do with natural means to support our prescribed treatment for glaucoma. The condition is serious and should not be underestimated due to the irreversible consequences for our vision and life.

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma

What foods, vitamins and minerals should you take if you suffer from glaucoma

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_0

There is evidence that it is important for patients with glaucoma to take food rich in <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/kakvo_priedstavliavat_svobodnitie_radikali_i_antioksidantitie_6be12349_ec85_47d4_bcb8_0c265fb59dd4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidants</a> [<a href="https://www.surveyophthalmol.com/article/S0039-6257(08)00116-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>], vitamin A and C, carotenoids.

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_1

<a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_antioksidantitie_za_zdravieto_i_koi_khrani_sa_nai_boghati_na_tiakh_0376155d_ea0c_4218_8ed2_114aed9f37c5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">These substances are found in fresh fruits and vegetables</a> - especially green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, turnip, beets, carrots. Dark fruits are rich in antioxidants - chokeberry, blueberries. There is evidence that peaches can also help glaucoma sufferers. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Glaucoma_risk_and_the_consumption_of_fruits_and_vegetables_among_older_women_in_the_study_of_osteoporotic_fractures_18355790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_2

It is advisable to avoid coffee, as it can further increase intraocular pressure. Instead, it can be replaced with green tea, which contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) - an extremely powerful antioxidant that, according to some studies, can help people suffering from glaucoma and retinal diseases caused by oxidative stress. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Oxidative_induced_retinal_degeneration_is_attenuated_by_epigallocatechin_gallate_17084820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_3

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_4

Despite the variety of affordable foods today, some people suffer from deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies may worsen the condition of glaucoma patients, but the good news is that they can be diagnosed using a simple blood test and measures can be easily taken to address them.

What-foods,-vitamins-and-minerals-should-you-take-if-you-suffer-from-glaucoma_0_5

These include: magnesium, calcium, zinc, vitamin D [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Serum_vitamin_D_status_is_associated_with_the_presence_but_not_the_severity_of_primary_open_angle_glaucoma_26059919" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>], vitamin B-complex, A, C and E, folic acid. Melatonin, lipoic acid and vitamin B12 can also help as supplements&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Natural_therapies_for_ocular_disorders_part_two_cataracts_and_glaucoma_11302779" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>].

What-medicinal-plants-might-help-with-glaucoma

What medicinal plants might help with glaucoma

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According to some studies, certain herbs and medicinal plants could improve the condition and slow down to a certain extent the progression of glaucoma, combined with the conventional treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Baikal-skullcap-or-Chinese-skullcap-(Scutellaria-baicalensis)

Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Baikal-skullcap-or-Chinese-skullcap-(Scutellaria-baicalensis)_1_0

In 2015, a study was published [<a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jop.2014.0074" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>], according to which the substance baicalein - flavon, isolated from the roots of the Baikal skullcap or also known as Chinese skullcap plant, can lower&nbsp;intraocular pressure by improving the rate at which fluid drains from the eye.

Baikal-skullcap-or-Chinese-skullcap-(Scutellaria-baicalensis)_1_1

Baikalein is also found in other plants, such as thyme.

Baikal-skullcap-or-Chinese-skullcap-(Scutellaria-baicalensis)_1_2

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/84773248-8386-4f88-9c16-24327088fb80_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="baikal helmet glaucoma" title="baikal helmet in glaucoma">
<figcaption>Credit: <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a3qr2v63" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr Henry Oakeley</a>.</figcaption>
</figure>

Ginkgo-biloba-might-lower-intraocular-pressure

Ginkgo biloba might lower intraocular pressure

Ginkgo-biloba-might-lower-intraocular-pressure_1_0

Ginkgo biloba extract has been found to increase blood flow to the eyes, improve the survival of retinal cells and protect against oxidative stress - properties that are important for fighting glaucoma.

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It is believed that decreased blood flow to the eyes is the main cause of glaucoma, in which intraocular pressure is normal, not elevated. Several studies have been conducted to check whether Ginkgo biloba extract can help sufferers of this type of glaucoma and the results are encouraging. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Ginkgo_biloba_extract_and_bilberry_anthocyanins_improve_visual_function_in_patients_with_normal_tension_glaucoma_22870951" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

European-blueberry-(Vaccinium-myrtillus)

European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

European-blueberry-(Vaccinium-myrtillus)_1_0

It is also called bilberry, wimberry, whortleberry. There is evidence that European blueberry extract taken orally has a neuroprotective effect and can protect retinal ganglion cells in sufferers of glaucoma and other diseases affecting the retina. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Bilberry_extract_administration_prevents_retinal_ganglion_cell_death_in_mice_via_the_regulation_of_chaperone_molecules_under_conditions_of_endoplasmic_reticulum_stress_29066860" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

European-blueberry-(Vaccinium-myrtillus)_1_1

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_1_0

According to one study from Iran, after a 3-week intake of saffron capsules, there was a significant decrease in the intraocular pressure of the test group of patients. According to scientists, this may be due to the antioxidant effect of saffron. [<a href="https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2184194" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>]

Coleus-forskohlii-also-known-as-Plectranthus-barbatus

Coleus forskohlii also known as Plectranthus barbatus

Coleus-forskohlii-also-known-as-Plectranthus-barbatus_1_0

The tubers of this herb contain the substance forscoline. It can lower intraocular pressure when externally administered.

Coleus-forskohlii-also-known-as-Plectranthus-barbatus_1_1

There is evidence that when taken orally, forscoline reaches the eyes and can exercise its effect there. [<a href="http://www.seu-roma.it/riviste/clinica_terapeutica/apps/autos.php?id=774" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.10</a>]

Coleus-forskohlii-also-known-as-Plectranthus-barbatus_1_2

Given the severity of the disease, it is advisable to discuss the intake of new herbs and supplements with the attending physician.

coleus forskohlii

Herbs, food and minerals that might help you fight glaucoma