I've been trying to figure out the mito-thyroid-adrenal connection, and came across this interesting new theory, which is so basic, yet seems so profound:

“Most of the day’s cortisol is made in the last four hours of sleep, i.e. the four hours before you normally wake up. So, for example, if one normally wakes up around 8 am, most cortisol is made from 4 -8 am. i.e. that four hour window is when your adrenals work the hardest. Just like ANY organ in your body, your adrenals are made up of cells. And ALL cells in your body need T3. The adrenals need T3 and especially during that four hour window before one wakes up. And, says Robinson, you can’t really expect your adrenals to work well if the mitochondria that make ATP for those cells and the cell nuclei have an inadequate level of T3 thyroid hormone. With the above in mind, it made sense that if adrenals are struggling, they clearly need T3 in that early morning 4-hour window in order to function better.”

(http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com...-for-adrenals/)

(As you may recall, I usually wake up every day after four hours of sleep, and then feel tired - no doubt because my adrenals didn't get a chance to create enough cortisol, etc.)

I have been trying to feed the cells with magnesium solution and mito supplements, but it's not enough, so now I'm looking into T3. I presume it is much more powerful than MgCl and Mito supplements.

I'm trying to find a local naturopath who is in the know about the latest protocols treating hypothyroidism such as this new theory, but apparently they are difficult to find.

My current ND seems to be stuck on the controversial Wilson's Syndrome, evidently because they teach that in ND school.

There's another thread on this board about treating PN with T3:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread110830.html

I'd settle the energy boost, but would be more than happy if it fixes my nerves, too.

It was MrsD who first alerted me to the fact that all cells need T3, so I did more research on it and paid more attention when the subject came up. (Cheers, again.)

I take many wonderful supplements since I have CFS and POTS. Thyroid is one of them. VERY important. I get my levels of that, hormones and everything else tested twice a year.

Hormones have been important also. Cells need a balance of all nutrients that make us as healthy as we can be. Especially with Chronic illnesses like I have. I work hard to keep improving.

Integrative MD's are the most wonderful people! Scientists- always learning, unlike most reg. doctors that just write scripts.

Zinc and selenium are the cofactors in converting T4 to T3 in the tissues.

T3 has a very short half life, and this is one reason, it is not favored by endos too much.

Thyroid hormone is very complex, and IMO the medical community does not do a very good job replacing it with external hormones.

One thing that does stimulate cortisol release is food. So when you wake up (it is likely due to a drop in blood sugar which is a stressor.
At that point if you have a small snack..say 200 cal or less, you will then be able to go back to sleep I bet. This happens to me if I go to bed early, say at 8pm, instead of 10-11pm. I've done
sugar testing all night a few times and found my low at 1am.

Cortisol in the body, is highest after breakfast and after supper.

Thanks to Nervous1 for finding this:

http://archive.gazette.jhu.edu/2011/...or-neuropathy/

This is what Dr. Wahl's talks about in her book. "Minding my Mitochondria." Mitochondria is the center if many illnesses, the powershouses of the cells. The writer needs to remember that drugs can give you the problems and food, supplements, clean environment are the key.Thankfully, the supplements we talk about all work together. It does take quite a few to do it.

So, how can we max out our mitochondria-targeted supplements?

Hey mrsD,

Could you please let me know what brand/type/dose mag you use? I am ready to add this but don't know exactly what to get? I cramp quite often and it keeps me from being able to exercise regularly. I think chelated is a supposed good option...

Thanks
Nervous1

I'm taking plenty of magnesium and my cholesterol is slightly elevated (for the first time in my life).

I use the lotion now for most of my magnesium. My GI tract is very sensitive to it. Even the magnesium oxide in Crystal Light powder can set me off.

I try to get my mag from nuts, and beans, and yogurt etc.
When I do take a supplement I use SlowMag (mostly the generic form called Mag64.)

If you suspect mitochondrial damage, then d-ribose, acetyl carnitine, CoQ-10 and biotin are your supplements.

All of these are more expensive than the B12 and thiamine (benfotiamine), and omega-3's, and other vitamins.

Dr. Wahl's diet includes large amounts of colorful vegetables with antioxidant properties as well. She leans heavily on sulfurous veggies like broccoli and kale, also.

Anyone who suspects mito damage will have to stop using drugs that damage them, like the fluoroquinolones, and statins.(and other less common ones). Stop smoking also which affects blood circulation to the periphery, and which contains many toxins in the smoke as well.

Dr. Bruce Ames made his supplement Juvenon, for this express purpose. He believes also that faulty B-complex metabolism in the cells is also a cause of mito decay. If you search him, you'll find his website which has alot of detailed information on it.