Actually, I have been taking my temperature first thing in the morning for the past two weeks, Dr. Davis.  The average reading when you throw out the highest and the lowest is 96.5.  What does this mean and what can I do to correct the issue?

Long term LC does something to some of us that isn't detectable by any lab test including the fancy ones but it is very real. That is why I can't  eat at VLC levels for prolonged periods any more. It took over 2 years of VLC eating to develop symptoms the first time, a year the second time and now after 2 months of VLC I'm half dead and freezing cold.

Some kind of controlled carb cycling might help. I have been experimenting with modified alternate day fasting to do intense calorie changes which seems to be raising my body temperature, but unfortunately, it is tough to do with unstable blood sugars.

It makes sense that the body responds to prolonged weight loss by slowing everything down to conserve energy and keep us alive and that this is happening in a way that involves ALL the hormones that regulate weight, which includes a lot more stuff than thyroid.

My basal temp in the mornings averages about 96. My doctor wrote a prescription for Armour Thyroid, but it has been back ordered at the pharmacy for months.
All I can do is wait to try this.

Jeanne

I believe the temps indicate an hypometabolic state.  The most common is hypothyroidism type 2.  My first step is to supplement with Iodine such as Iodarol 12.5 daily.  The next step is to try and eliminate the toxins in your diet that inhibit thyroid function.   See the list in Dr. Stars book.  If your temps stay low, consider supplementing with desiccated thyroid (if you can get it) The best product is naturethroid by RLC labs.  I would start low (30mg or 1/2gr) and slowly increase using your symptoms and temps to guide you.  Don't forget to test your hormones.  Low testosterone can cause a hypometabolic state.  If you supplement with natural testosterone, you should consider a small amount of progesterone and a product like Testanex to help decrease the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol.

Dr. Davis - I think I am in the same boat - my T3 is normal (326), but T4 & TSH are borderline low (0.68 & 1.49) with morning temp of 97.3.  My doctor says these levels are "normal", but I suspect they are partly causing my abdominal fat issues.  So what exactly is your "easy, inexpensive, and benign solution"?

I just used this method over 2 months or so to get iodine levels up....using around 1/3 bottle of tincture of iodine.

http://www.noaw.com/Iodine%20Def/tincture_of_iodine.htm

Did notice some increased mental clarity...I think.  No extra weight loss that I can tell...though I did change my diet.

Hi Jimmy,

I've been reading up on your thyroid testing, and I'm curious as to whether you have any of the other classic symptoms of hypothyroidism apart from the weight gain -- like lethargy, poor memory, feeling cold, muscle pains, depression, etc.  

I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in November.  I've been on 50 mcg of Synthroid, with absolutely zero effect so far.  (I got new labs done last week, including a reverse T3.  I'm waiting to hear from my doctor about the results.)  My numbers aren't terribly bad, although my TSH was 3.23 in November.  And I have those symptoms I mentioned above in spades, such that I've been unable to work.  (I'm very unhappy about that!)  Also, I have a single-nodule goiter.  My temperatures are like yours -- averaging 96.5 a few weeks ago, and now just slightly over 97.

I posted more details here:

http://www.dianahsieh.com/blog/2009/11/lethargic-fat-pained-and-cold.shtml

http://www.dianahsieh.com/blog/2009/11/thyroid-update.shtml

http://www.dianahsieh.com/blog/2010/01/another-thyroid-update.shtml

I've found a local source of desiccated thyroid, so I definitely want to switch to that.  

I've learned that hypothyroidism is rampant in the women of the family, and both my mother and sister have a goiter.  I suspect that iodine deficiency -- brought to my attention by Dr. Davis (thank you!) -- is part of my problem.

A friend of mine has similar symptoms (albeit milder), but her TSH is normal.  And I've read tons of accounts from people with fairly normal lab values, but with pretty clear hypothyroid symptoms.  (I'm not sure if their Free T3 and T4 were good, or if just their TSH was normal.)  Oddly, my Free T3 and T4 aren't terrible, although in the lower-middle of the reference range, despite my elevated TSH.

In any case, I just wanted to encourage you to keep us apprised of what you discover.

Thanks to you and Dr. Davis!

Hi, Jimmy--

Personally, I would first take iodine supplements (e.g., kelp or drops) for 2-3 months and reassess. You might then opt for a low dose of thyroid, preferably both T3 and T4 if thyroid does not improve.

Hilarious but true...the weight loss factor of this disease is really beneficial...hard to deal with the rest though.

Dr. Davis, Jimmy has thyroid antinbodies. You may say they are low, but do you think it is healthy to have antibodies against one’s thyroid!? Seriously... Jimmy DOES have a thyroid problem and it is called Hashimotos.

Furthermore, iodine can worse Hashimotos, so a person with Hashi’s should make sure to test their levels before supplementing iodine.

Also, most hypothyroid patients need their FT3 to be at the TOP of the range; not just mid range.

Finally, Jimmy has many of the clinical signs and symptoms of a thyroid problem: weight issues, high total cholesterol, coldness and fatigue.

Perhaps you will be luckier than Jimmy and have thyroid dysfunction that can be corrected and jump-start your weight loss program. Fingerstick thyroid test kits like the one Jimmy used are available here from Track Your Plaque.

azithromycin

That is true that there is a definite loss of weight when struck with thyroid.But that is the least there are other much worse symptoms which better be avoided.

Hi!I have mixed symptoms of hypo and hyper thryoid. I take porcine thyroid daily. I feel much much better now

My morning temperature is usually around 96.7.  My TSH is 1.244. Free T3 is 11.0.  Free T4 is 3.5.  I have mild adrenal fatigue.  I need to lose 5-7 pounds, and it is very difficult.  I have given up grains and junk food.  I mainly eat eggs, meat, vegetables, and nuts - no fruit. Most people who eat like me would be very thin.  My gynecologist suggested going on a low dose of Armour Thyroid.  I am confused.  He says my T3 and T4 are high; so why would I go on Armour?  Any suggestions or ideas will be greatly appreciated. I have not been able to find a doctor that I trust.
P.S.  I am taking kelp capsules daily.
Sandra

I'm Sandra; I just posted earlier.  My doctor's assistant just called and said that she gave me T4 and T3 numbers, not Free T4 and Free T3.
My Free T3 is 2.1 and my Free T4 is 1.5.  My TSH is 1.244. So, from my understanding, my T3 is below normal. This makes more sense to me.  I asked them if I could go on Naturethroid instead of Armour.  She is checking with the doctor.  Still would appreciate suggestions or ideas.
Sandra
P.S.  Dr. Davis, I  appreciate your blog.  I check it regularly.

This is I think one of the best blogs I've come across this year. Keep up.

Medicine Reminder

I go thorugh phases of taking creatine every now and again and it does make me feel stronger and look better....but it also makes me get cramps and urinate a lot and I am not sure if that is healthy?

There is also good evidence that for people who have kidney disease and are on a low-protein diet, supplementing with carnitine, amino acids and keto acids significantly improves health and slows kidney function decline. Some nephrologists had been recommending against a low-protein diet for kidney patients as on its own it decreases health basically due to wasting, but with the supplements this risk is removed and overall health improves.

There is an American doctor working in Malaysia with people who can barely afford dialysis who is a big advocate of this approach, since the supplements are cheap and can delay the start of dialysis by years.

http://jasn.asnjournals.org/cgi/reprint/2/7/1178.pdf

http://www.pkdiet.com/pdf/SavingFailingKidneys.pdf

Too bad there wasn't a control group of strength training but no creatine to separate out the effects of strength training vs. creatine.

My husband gained massively in strength and size by taking creatine and weightlifting so I'm convinced that it works. However, he says that it takes a lot glucose to activate it and since I was low carbing with the hopes that it might improve my Crohn's,  I wanted to avoid drinking all the juice, a pint or more, that he disolves the creatine in when he takes it.

Karen

Nice looking blog. Great article on Creatine. www.Fitness-Diet-Info.blogspot.com

I wonder if any positive/negative effects for hypo/hyper thyroid?

Dr. D,

I think you made a typo in paragraph 6. I believe you meant to say grams (not milligrams).

Also, I think you left out the word, "can" in the last sentence of your first paragraph.

Keep up the good work!

JohnM

P.S. I hope someday you will share a story if any of your patients have ever reversed their scan all the way down to zero. I know you have mentioned big reductions, but I am assuming those are people with pretty big scores to begin with. I was always curious if any of them ever made it all the way back down to zero..

I maybe am wrong....
read this loading as
0.3-g Cr.kg(-1) body weight per day for the first week
for a 70 kg male, 70x0.3=21 g per day
could someone correct me pls?

Dr Davis:
Thought that Creatine needed to be taken with carbs/sugar.  what is the corect way to take it

Dr Davis,
I can't agree more. Not taking creatine while strength training (especially for folks over the age of 40 who may be taking a statin ) is like going out in the the rain without an umbrella.

Personally - I would put strength training while using creatine right up there with the normalization of Vitamin D as far as improving my quality of life.

Peace

Joe E O

Typos: In the monohydrate paragraph, you say mg where you mean grams.

Yes - I think your units are off -- should be g - not mg.

Thanks for catching the typos.

Yes: Creatine doses should be in grams, not milligrams.

To those asking if creatine must be taken with carbs, in one word, no.

Yes, creatine taken w/simple carbs has proven to cause faster and more complete absorption. But, when we're talking 15-20 grams/d during the loading phase, we're going to maximize our body's stores within an extra day or two anyway, without having to spike our insulin.

My only concern with creatine is that it causes initial weight gain to be almost entirely due to increased water volume within the muscles and blood vessels.  That may be concerning for people trying to lower their blood pressure. The studies I've read have proven it does not increase bp.  But I have also read anecdotal reports that it may have caused acute elevated bp in some people after starting creatine.

By the way, I've also written a full-length article for Life Extension Magazine called Superhuman that will detail creatine use, along with HMB, BCAA, and other performance-enhancing supplements for non-bodybuilders.

Dr. William Davis,

Does the increased production of creatinine cause concern?

There was a product created to subvert the production of Creatinine called Kre-Alkalyn which fused ash with creatine-monohydrate in order to produce a pH balanced Creatine product which would not breakdown into Creatinine in the body. The pH of Kre-Alkalyn is at around 14. According to the company that holds the patent, as little as only 1-3g is needed in place of the 15-20g of creatine-monohydrate. According to studies posted on their own site, the Kre-Alkalyn users out perform the creatine-monohydrate users.

I would like you to comment critically or share any information that you have on these subjects please.

Thank You!

Dr. Mike,
I had kidney stones last year.  I am on the paleo diet/EF diet.  Once a week or so, in addition to supplements of a multivitamin, antioxidants, and vitamin D I take some ginger extract, which really makes my whole kidney area feel cleaned out.  I'm going to have to try out the creatine.
Best Regards,
Zach

Two comments as an avid creatine user:

It's not necessary to load creatine.  All the loading phase does is saturate your body more quickly.  However, many people, myself included find the loading phase not only annoying, but also causes a significant amount of bloat.  IMO, you can just take it in 5g doses to start and kind of ease into it.  There's no real reason not to do it this way, as loading is just faster, not better.

There are a few forms of creatine.  I prefer supplements made with Creapure, as it seems to go down more smoothly.  I also use powder for quicker absorption, instead of pills.  I generally just put the creatine dose in my mouth and then chug some water.  Creatine doesn't have any taste, so it's really just a matter of texture if you can stand it.  The primary thing I aim for is about 1 gal of water per day.  This isn't as daunting as it sounds, as you should be drinking close to that amount, anyway.

Dr. Davis - If possible, could you do a post about Beta Alanine?

Supplementation with creatine greatly increases ones chances for developing rhabdomyolysis. Beware, especially if you are taking it in combination with a statin.

quitting the statin for a few months is a good idea anyhow.  I am lucky to have the support of an enlightened PCPhys.  She provides guidance and support when I ask to make changes to my Statin or add a supplement.  I don't need her permission to stop taking it but in consultation, she will ask what my goal for the change is and tell me what to look out for.  Get y'rself one of these consultative Docs, they are true gems.

After reading your post I added creatine along with D-Ribose twice a day.  I do an Ultrafit work out twice weekly and was astonished at the increase in my strength.  I had no side effects at all.  I eat lowcarb-gluten free.

Hey are you a professional journalist? This article is very well written, as compared to most other blogs i saw today….
anyhow thanks for the good read!

Any idea when your Superhuman article will be published?

The doc should compare kre-alkalyn to all studies compaired to creatine are very promising.

Im 16 yrs old and i have osteoperosis. i go to a world class doctor who specializes in kidneys. i took a bone density test and 24hr urine test. i took creatine for weightlifting trying to get bigger. when he told me the results he said everything was normal except one thing. i was excreting too much calcium and not retaining too much citrate. (or something). this leads to kidney stones and other problems. creatine is horrible for you. it lowers bone density long term and puts stress on your kidneys. same with shakes. if you have a good diet thats enough protein already. when you take more protein it sits in your stomach waiting to be processed and is terrible for your kidneys. all this info is from my doctor.....just a heads up. i thought it was safe. but i was wrong.

Good post.

http://www.threeblendcreatine.co.uk

Benefits are not confined to men. Similar results were observed in another study that included women (age 65 and older), with outcomes in females comparable to males. This is especially important for females, given the common development of osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.

ATP is a long name for a phosphate that increases muscle contraction. Creatine in NO way is harmful, as you can find Creatine in red meats like the steak you eat after your workout. If taken properly (5mg a day), you will notice increases in size, power, as well as weight.

I took a supplement containing creatine one evening and the next morning I woke up with chest pounding arrythmia. I went to the ER, was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and Rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase 17000 u/L with a normal range 40-170 u/L) and got admitted to the hospital. The A-Fib lasted 24 hours and the rhabdomyolysis lasted 7 days. I had not associated the creatine with this episode, until a few months later I came across an article titled "Lone atrial fibrillation associated with creatine monohydrate supplementation"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15899738
So, before you supplement with creatinine, keep in mind the danger of atrial fibrillation.