Category Archives: Uncategorized

Thyroid questions and answers

Lately, I’ve been getting the same couple of questions about thyroid medications.

Question #1: Are there herbs I can use instead of my thyroid medication?

Question #2: I only want to use natural thyroid hormone. Can I switch my medication to be only natural thyroid?

These are great questions.

The answer to Question #1:  No, there are no herbs that can substitute for thyroid hormone if you are already taking thyroid hormones. 

You MAY be able to correct a thyroid imbalance before you start thyroid medication, but the trial should have a stop date if unsuccessful. Lifestyle, diet, herbal or nutritional support, cortisol balancing, and/or homeopathy may all help to correct a thyroid imbalance.  However, because thyroid hormone is so important to your overall wellness, thyroid levels need to be monitored during these interventions. If no improvement occurs, herbal trials need to stop, and hormone replacement needs to start.

Thyroid hormone medication is not just a medication, it is the replacement of a very important hormone that is no longer being produced.  Thyroid hormone turns on the signals for metabolism (aka, life) such as:

  • making proteins for skin, hair, nails, and wound repair
  • making energy to move the body
  • making the brain work
  • making the digestive system work
  • making bones and muscles
  • making babies
  • and much more

In my opinion, thyroid function is too important to neglect and should be tested regularly to ensure optimal levels. 

Regarding Question #2:  Choosing natural thyroid.

It is important to first understand what hormones we are discussing.  Human thyroid hormones produced in the thyroid gland include T4  (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine).

Triiodothyronine (T3) is about 4 times more potent than Thyroxine (T4).  Thyroxine is more abundantly produced in the thyroid and converts to T3 in other tissues such as the intestines (by bacteria), in the liver, and the kidneys with the help of certain nutrients such as Vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. 

There are naturally derived thyroid medication, but all thyroid  medications on the market are bio-identical to human hormones. See below for pictures of these hormones.

Medical supplementation of T4 is provided as levothyroxine and under brand name such as Synthroid, Euthyrox, Tirosint, Levoxyl, and Unithroid. 

Replacement of T3 is provided as  liothyronine, and under brand names such as Cytomel and Triostat.   All of these drugs are virtually identical to human produced thyroid hormone.

Additionally, some products (Armour, NP thyroid, or compounded thyroid) combine T3 and T4 in a 1:4 ratio to match the natural ratio of T3 and T4 produced in the thyroid gland. 

The most natural source of combined thyroid hormone medication is derived from animal thyroid, such as from pigs or cows. These products also contain the other nutrients found in thyroid glands. Many people benefit from glandular products, but some people react adversely to glandular thyroid products.   

It is important to understand that thyroid medication needs to be chosen to provide the best therapy for each patient. Some people may do well with only T4 or may only need T3 or may do very well with glandular products.

Laboratory analysis every 6 weeks needs to be obtained every time there is a change in thyroid dosing. This allows time for the body to adjust to the dose and to evaluate if the dose and medication type is correct. 

The take home message to answer Question #2:  Although naturally derived thyroid hormone is available, it may not be the best fit for every patient.

T3 and its medication counterpart
T4 and its medication counterpart

USE YOUR MEDICAL DOLLARS WISELY

Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: Did you know that you can use your Health Saving Account (HSA) for your appointments with Dr. Rodgers, lab expenses, prescribed supplements from Fullscript, and prescribed medications?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) allows you to use untaxed income for medical expenses not covered by your medical insurance and is available for those with a high deductible health insurance plan and for those who are not enrolled in Medicare. If you think you qualify, ask your employer, financial advisor, or bank about applying for an HSA.

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available from some employers. Like an HSA, health expenses can be paid with income prior to taxes. 

Check with your FSA and HSA to understand what services are covered. If eligible, consider using these pre-tax income accounts to help pay for your naturopathic and acupuncture services, Fullscript supplements, or laboratory expenses.

Insurance Billing: Submit your receipts!

Dr. Rodgers does not bill insurance and patients are responsible for the full cost of services provided at the time of visit. However, because Dr. Rodgers is a licensed physician and acupuncturist, you may be able to obtain reimbursement for your visits with Dr. Rodgers from your health insurance company or medical sharing group. 

If you do not pay for your visit with a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, (or are not using Medicare), your insurance company may reimburse your visit and/or laboratory fees, or apply the fees towards your deductible.  Dr. Rodgers provides a superbill receipt for each visit containing all the information you need to share with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

Contact your insurance provider or medical sharing group to determine if they recognize out of network naturopathic or acupuncture visits.

Cancer Screening

Cancer is a significant cause of death in the US. According to the CDC, 1.7 million cancers were detected in 2019. For every 100,000 people, 439 cancers were detected, and 146 people died of cancer.

There are cancer screening exams and blood tests for skin, breast, cervical, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancers. For those susceptible, lung and liver screening exams are also available. These test have proven great worth in detecting cancer, hopefully in early and treatable stages. Unfortunately, there are not screening exams for every type of cancer. Sadly, 71% of cancer deaths are from cancers not commonly screened for.

New technologies are also helping to detect more cancers. The Galleri test is a multi-cancer detection blood test that uses DNA analysis to screen for over 50 types of cancer. Although no screening test is 100% accurate, Galleri is expanding the possibilities for detecting more cancers, and in earlier stages.

How it works: healthy vs cancer DNA detection by Galleri

Watch a video HERE (see bottom of that webpage) to learn how this test works.

The stats according to Galleri:

  • Finding it early to treat early. When detected early, cancer 5-year mortality rates are low at 11% as compared to late detection 5-year mortality rates of 79%.
  • Specificity is 99.5%. This means that the false positive rate: is 0.5%. If the test returns as negative, more than likely, there is no cancer.
  • 76.3% sensitivity ( a true positive) for the 12 cancers responsible for 2/3 of all cancer deaths. These cancers include anal, bladder, colon/rectum, esophagus, head/neck, liver/bile duct, lung, lymphoma, ovary, pancreas, plasma cell neoplasm, and stomach.
  • For all 50 cancers screened, there is a 43.1% positive predictive value of cancer present. The positive predictive value drops from 76.3% to 43.1% due to the difficulty in obtaining DNA from some tumors, including prostate and thyroid.
  • 89% of tests were able to detect the correct originating organ producing the cancer.

Galleri is not a substitute for regular cancer screening, but can add quality information to influence your health decisions. Galleri is not FDA approved and may not be covered by your insurance. If cancer is suggested by this test, confirmatory testing is suggested.

Dr. Rodgers is offering this test to patients 50 years and older.

List of research:

Klein EA, Richards D, Cohn A, et al. Clinical validation of a targeted methylation-based multi-cancer early detection test using an independent validation set. Ann Oncol. 2021;32(9):1167-1177. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2021.05.806

Nadauld LD, McDonnell CH 3rd, Beer TM, et al. The PATHFINDER Study: Assessment of the Implementation of an Investigational Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test into Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(14):3501. Published 2021 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/cancers13143501

Wheel of Health Immune Basics

Each piece contributes to health.

How many pieces are strong in your life?

   Strengthen HealthWeaken Health
ExerciseExercise 5-6 x per week, at least 30 minutes. Find activities that you like to do. Exercise to the level you are not exhausted immediately or hours after your activity.Sit all day without breaks.
SleepGo to bed at the same time nightly. Obtain 8 hours sleep/night
Strategies if sleep disturbance occurs.		Go to bed after midnight. Use electronics and screens in the bedroom.
DietEat colors of the rainbow in fruits/vegetables daily. Eat organic foods.   Drink clean, filtered water. Choose immune supportive foods. Identify and avoid food sensitivities.Fast foods food, processed foods. Colors, additives, preservatives. Partially hydrogenated oils. Sugary foods. Drink pop/cola, sugary drinks.
Social InteractionsSpend time with friends and loved ones.Continue toxic relationships. Isolate oneself.
Relaxation/SpiritFind quiet time daily such as with prayer, meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. Mindful Breathing.   Find ways to minimize stress. [i]Fill the day with screens and external, busy, and loud influences.
DetoxificationReduce toxins in your home.  Avoid Fragrance and other personal care toxins.. Make your home a healthy sanctuary. Avoid EMF exposure. Consider HEPA air filtration. Avoid pesticides inside and outside home. Consider a guided detoxification program.  Choose synthetic fragrance in personal care products, candle. Apply insecticides and herbicides in and around the home.    Wi-Fi in the home.
SupplementationChoose quality supplements. Choose targeted immune support supplements. Handout:  Staying Healthy during the Cold and Flu Season and Wet Sock technique.Caffeinated products.

[i] Morey, J et al. Curr Opin Psychol. 2015 Oct 1; 5: 13–17. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.03.007

Resources for Helping Children Cope During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Prepared by Kelsy Newton, Psy.D.

St. Luke’s Children’s Neuro- and Behavioral Psychology

Books:

  • Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
  • How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talkby Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
  • The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Overcome Self-Criticism and Embrace Who You Are by Karen Bluth, PhD
  • Self-Compassion for Parents: Nurture Your Child by Caring for Yourself by Susan Pollak
  • Mindful Games for Kids by Kristina Marcelli-Sargent

Apps:

  • Smiling Mind: Free mindful app developed by psychologists and educators
  • Breathe App: free app for phone or watch that will guide inhalation and exhalation.
  • Breathe Kids: has both a free and subscription version and includes kid friendly mediation/relaxation videos
  • Headspace: requires subscription fee but offers a library of guided mediations
  • Calm: subscription fee required and included a variety of mediations and sleep stories

Websites/Videos: