TELEMEDICINE Thyroid Health Practice with a Functional Medicine Approach

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All posts by CountryHealth

Holistic Health Clinic of the Year 2024

The judges for the Innovation & Excellence Awards were very happy to consider CountryHealth as a previous winner in the category Holistic Health Clinic of the Year as a winner for 2024.

They appreciated  that the treatment we provide has a huge impact on the quality of our patient's lives and are very pleased to recognise our hard work.

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Most Dedicated International Telehealth Clinic – UK

Lux Awards 2023

Countryhealth was taking part in the LUX Global Excellence Awards 2023. Following on from their extensive research period, CountryHealth has been successful this year and has gone on to receive:

Most Dedicated International Telehealth Clinic - UK

...in the LUX Global Excellence Awards 2023

For the 7th consecutive year, LUXlife  are proud to recognise passion and innovation across luxury markets worldwide. Recognising that "luxury" is a multi-faceted term, they place emphasis on the quality, craftsmanship, and prestige shown by each nominated party.

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Inuvi Diagnostics / PURA

We no longer accept results from Inuvi Diagnostics / PURA for the preparation of our thyroid reports.  We made a similar decision regarding Genova Diagnostics results a few years ago.

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Holistic Health Clinic of the Year 2023/24- London 

Winner Prestige Awards

The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.

CountryHealth Limited has been selected as the 2023/24 winner in the category Holistic Health Clinic of the Year - London.

For the last 16 years Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards have been running national and international awards under the Corporate Live Wire and LTG business platforms. In 2018 they introduced regional awards to recognise smaller, independent businesses that are extremely successful and hard working on a local level.

A panel of industry expert judges has reviewed our nomination together with publicly sourced information such as; reviewstestimonials, information provided on the company's website and social media platforms

The result will be publicly announced in August with an official press release. 

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Effects of Long-Term Combination LT4 and LT3 Therapy for Improving Hypothyroidism and Overall Quality of Life

This is the only retrospective study reported to use long-term (mean 27 months) thyroid replacements with combination therapy and to compare between the two forms of therapy: synthetic and natural. 

For patients undergoing either therapy, the study did not identify additional risks of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, or mortality in patients of all ages with hypothyroidism.

None of the patients who had abnormally low TSH or elevated FT3 or FT4 levels had hospitalizations for arrhythmias or thyrotoxicosis

On the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 questionnaire, >92% answered feeling "excellent, very good, or good" when questioned about their health while undergoing thyroid replacement compared with levothyroxine alone.

Read the full article here

Source:

Tariq A, Wert Y, Cheriyath P, Joshi R. Effects of Long-Term Combination LT4 and LT3 Therapy for Improving Hypothyroidism and Overall Quality of Life. South Med J. 2018 Jun;111(6):363-369. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000823. PMID: 29863229; PMCID: PMC5965938.

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Best Specialist Private Medical Practice 2022 – East Anglia


Hi Dr Oliver,

We hope you and the team at CountryHealth are keeping well. 

Firstly, we would like to thank you on behalf of SME News for taking part in the Southern Enterprise Awards 2022. We are so proud to be able to celebrate businesses like yourself, who work tirelessly to make this region one of the most diverse and dynamic the UK has to offer. 

Despite the obvious hardships the last two years have brought to the UK, we've seen SMEs work tirelessly to adapt and overcome a myriad of challenges, and we believe more than ever the incredible dedication by these enterprises should be recognised.

Therefore, we are excited to be able to share the final results from our panel of judges and we are very much delighted to say it's great news! CountryHealth has been awarded;

Best Specialist Private Medical Practice 2022 - East Anglia

Well done on this achievement! We hope this accolade demonstrates how valued your contribution to the diverse business landscape that the UK boasts is by SME News.


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Most Trusted Thyroid Health Clinic – UK 2022

Most trusted thyroid health clinic 2022

Most Trusted Thyroid Health Clinic - UK

This is fantastic news for our practice and a well-deserved achievement for our hard work. 

After a tough year (and more!), it is a testament to our perseverance and dedication to have triumphed despite the many difficulties and pressures brought on by the pandemic.

We are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution to the global healthcare community by Global Health & Pharma .

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How to master the checkout page

Using our checkout is easy, if you follow a few simple steps:


Welcome back?

If you have used our services before AND created already an account, please LOGIN into your account first. The link is below. 

If your password is not accepted or you can't remember it, please click the Lost your password? link and we will send you a link via email straight away.

 You have 3 attempts to enter your password correctly! After the 3rd wrong attempt, you will get locked out of our website. [We need to prevent hackers accessing our website]

Payment via STRIPE or Bank transfer

You can either pay via card, using the secure STRIPE portal, or via Direct Bank Transfer.  

Simply click on "Card payment via Stripe" or "Direct Bank Transfer" directly on the text in the checkout section of this page, not in this hint!]


Payment failed?

This is often due to an incorrect post code or insufficient funds. Simply try again!

Check reCAPTCHA

To protect our page from hackers, we added extra security. If you see this box under the checkout, please check the box BEFORE placing your order 
The box is UNDER the Place order button, so please click it BEFORE you hit "Place order"



Billing details

Payment methods

You can either pay with credit or debit card via STRIPE or via Direct Bank Transfer. Simply click on the text to select your choice.

Your personal data will be used to process your order, support your experience throughout this website, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.


Done!

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ImuPro currently out of stock

ImuPro tests out of stock

Food intolerance testing with ImuPro has been very popular and we have now sold out our stock of test kits. 


Due to Brexit, there is currently no possibility to reorder them.


We are sorry for any inconvenience.

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Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the body and if you are feeling tired or weak it could be a sign you are deficient.

There are two types of vitamin B12 in the body, these are active B12 and inactive B12, both make up Total B12. The simple difference between the two forms is that active B12 is the form used by the body.

WHAT IS ACTIVE B12?

Active B12 is when B12 binds to transcobalamin protein (known as Holotranscobalamin or HoloCT) and is made available to cells for use in the body, hence being called active B12. 

The most widely used B12 test on the NHS checks total levels of B12. Active B12 typically makes up 10% - 30% of the total B12 in the body, so being in the “normal,” range of the total B12 might hide a B12 deficiency. It’s the levels of active B12 you really need to be concerned with if you are worried about thyroid issues, fatigue or any other symptoms associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency.

WHY TEST YOUR B12 LEVELS?

The two main reasons to check your Vitamin B12 levels are:

  • You’re concerned about a thyroid disorder
  • You are experiencing unexplained fatigue

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY?

Some of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anaemia
  • Neurological features
  • Sore tongue
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Cardiomyopathy

Low vitamin B12 levels

B12 as a key co-factor in metabolic methylation is involved in several vital biological processes. Therefore, the increase of food sources high in vitamin B12 (see picture) and supplementation - ideally with a methylated form of B12 - are important for rapid restoration of the B12 status, which is indicated by low serum levels.

High vitamin B12 serum concentrations without supplementation: the pitfalls of interpretation

High active B12 concentrations may be due to excessive levels of the vitamin, increased levels of its transport proteins [1] or related to autoimmune or haematological disorders [2].

High or supraphysiological serum B12 levels without supplementation have been associated with many health problems kidney failure, blood disorders, cancer, and liver or autoimmune diseases. [2,3]  All conditions may show elevated concentrations of B12 transport proteins.

Elevated serum B12 levels may also be associated with a functional deficiency of the vitamin. Functional deficiency is caused by a failure of uptake into processing within the cells, Uptake can be reduced due to abnormal increases of B12-binding proteins or the formation of immunoglobulin-B12-complexes.It is unknown, whether B12 should be supplemented in these conditions.

Recent findings in diseases associated with oxidative stress have revealed that intracellular oxidative stress results in local functional B12 deficiency [4]. Treatment with glutathione and/or vitamin C, a key  regenerator of intracellular glutathione, may provide therapeutic benefit.

As supraphysiological levels may serve as a new important diagnostic marker in serious conditions unrelated to the individual patient’s B12 status, further investigations to rule out an underlying health condition need to be initiated, if supplementing with glutathione and vitamin C fails to improve levels.

References:

[1] Jeffery J, Millar H, Mackenzie P, Fahie-Wilson M, Hamilton M, Ayling RM. An IgG complexed form of vitamin B12 is a common cause of elevated serum concentrations. Clin Biochem 2010; 43:82–8.

[2] Remacha AF, Zapico E, Sarda MP, Rojas E, Simo M, Remacha J, et al. Immune complexes and persistent high levels of serum vitamin B12. Int J Lab Hematol 2014; 36:92–7.

[3] Andres E, Serraj K, Zhu J, Vermorken AJ. The pathophysiology of elevated vitamin B12 in clinical practice. QJM 2013; 106:505–15.

[4] Solomon LR. Functional cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency: role of advanced age and disorders associated with increased oxidative stress. Eur J Clin Nutr 2015; 69:687–92..

Picture source

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Your mouth and your thyroid

Optimise Thyroid function before Dental work!

 If a suspicion of thyroid disease arises for an undiagnosed patient, all elective dental treatment should be put on hold until a complete medical evaluation is performed.

Patients with history of thyroid diseases should be carefully evaluated to determine the level of medical management, and they should be treated in a way that limits stress and infection. 

Oral manifestations of hypothyroidism

The common oral findings in hypothyroidism include the characteristic enlarged tongue, distortion of the sense of taste, delayed eruption of teeth, poor periodontal health, altered tooth morphology and delayed wound healing.

Before treating a patient who has a history of thyroid disease, the dentist should obtain the correct diagnosis and etiology for the thyroid disorder, as well as past medical complications and medical therapy.

Dental Management of Hypothyroidism

Hemostasis - Patients with long standing hypothyroidism may have a decreased ability of small blood vessels to constrict when cut and may result in increased bleeding. Local pressure for an extended time will probably control the bleeding from the small vessels adequately.[10]

Susceptibility to infection - Patient with hypothyroidism may have delayed wound healing associated with an increased risk for infection because of the longer exposure of the unhealed tissue to pathogenic organisms. Hypothyroid patients are not considered to be immunocompromised.

Patients who have hypothyroidism are susceptible to cardiovascular disease from arteriosclerosis and elevated LDL.

Drug actions and interactions - Patients who have hypothyroidism are sensitive to central nervous system depressants and barbiturates, so these medications should be used sparingly.

It has been found that recent exposure to a surgical antiseptic that includes iodine (such as Povidone) can increase the risk of thyroiditis or hypothyroidism. Patients with underlying thyroid antibodies and a tendency toward autoimmunity appear to be at more risk.

Drug interactions of l-thyroxine include increased metabolism due to phenytoin, rifampicin and carbamazepine, as well as impaired absorption with iron sulfate, sucralfate and aluminum hydroxide. 

When l-thyroxine is used, it increases the effects of warfarin sodium and, because of its gluconeogenic effects; the use of oral hypoglycemic agents must be increased. Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants elevates l-thyroxine levels. Appropriate coagulation tests should be available when the patient is taking an oral anticoagulant and thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Source

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EFT – Emotion Freedom Technique

Emotional freedom technique (EFT or tapping) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.

Dr Frey took part in an intensive EFT course during his time in Switzerland and saw first hand impressive results of this technique. He has been recommending it to patients for several years. 

This technique be especially useful for any emotional trauma you have experienced in the past, You might have put this trauma into a "drawer", never to be opened again. 

Classical cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT pulls all these "drawers" open, puts the contents out and now you have to learn to "deal" with it. This in itself can be very traumatic.

EFT does not require you to disclose your trauma to the therapist. Instead, you deal with the "aftermath" of it, the feelings you have been left with, addressing them one layer at a time. And you can do this yourself, without a therapist!

According to its developer, Gary Craig, a disruption in energy is the cause of all negative emotions and pain.

EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How does EFT tapping work?

Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore balance to your body’s energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms a negative experience or emotion may have caused.

Based on Chinese medicine, meridian points are thought of as areas of the body energy flows through. These pathways help balance energy flow to maintain your health. Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness.

Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure.

EFT tapping in 5 steps

EFT tapping can be divided into five steps. If you have more than one issue or fear, you can repeat this sequence to address it and reduce or eliminate the intensity of your negative feeling.

1. Identify the issue

In order for this technique to be effective, you must first identify the issue or fear you have. This will be your focal point while you’re tapping. Focusing on only one problem at a time is purported to enhance your outcome.

2. Test the initial intensity

After you identify your problem area, you need to set a benchmark level of intensity. The intensity level is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst or most difficult. The scale assesses the emotional or physical pain and discomfort you feel from your focal issue.

Establishing a benchmark helps you monitor your progress after performing a complete EFT sequence. If your initial intensity was 10 prior to tapping and ended at 5, you’d have accomplished a 50 percent improvement level.

3. The setup

Prior to tapping, you need to establish a phrase that explains what you’re trying to address. It must focus on two main goals:

  • acknowledging the issues
  • accepting yourself despite the problem

The common setup phrase is: “Even though I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.”

You can alter this phrase so that it fits your problem, but it must not address someone else’s. For example, you can’t say, “Even though my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.” You have to focus on how the problem makes you feel in order to relieve the distress it causes. It’s better to address this situation by saying, “Even though I’m sad my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

4. EFT tapping sequence

The EFT tapping sequence is the methodic tapping on the ends of nine meridian points.

There are 12 major meridians that mirror each side of the body and correspond to an internal organ. However, EFT mainly focuses on these nine:

  • karate chop (KC): small intestine meridian
  • top of head (TH): governing vessel
  • eyebrow (EB): bladder meridian
  • side of the eye (SE): gallbladder meridian
  • under the eye (UE): stomach meridian
  • under the nose (UN): governing vessel
  • chin (Ch): central vessel
  • beginning of the collarbone (CB): kidney meridian
  • under the arm (UA): spleen meridian

Begin by tapping the karate chop point while simultaneously reciting your setup phrase three times. Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order:

  • eyebrow
  • side of the eye
  • under the eye
  • under the nose
  • chin
  • beginning of the collarbone
  • under the arm

After tapping the underarm point, finish the sequence at the top of the head point.

While tapping the ascending points, recite a reminder phrase to maintain focus on your problem area. If your setup phrase is, “Even though I’m sad my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself,” your reminder phrase can be, “The sadness I feel that my mother is sick.” Recite this phrase at each tapping point. Repeat this sequence two or three times.

5. Test the final intensity

At the end of your sequence, rate your intensity level on a scale from 0 to 10. Compare your results with your initial intensity level. If you haven’t reached 0, repeat this process until you do.

Enough theory. Watch the founder Gary Craig explaining the system. 

Now, watch EFT in action, using a painful shoulder as an example. You can fill the "blank" with your current health issue.

Be open minded, give it a go - and start your journey to better health!
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The Unbelievably Long List of Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Every person will present with a different combination of symptoms. The severity of each person’s hypothyroidism will also determine the severity and number of symptoms they experience. Untreated hypothyroidism worsens with age with worsening symptoms. 

Are you being treated with thyroid replacement medication but still suffering symptoms? You might need a "fine-tuning" of your treatment.

Click on each tab and find out, how many symptoms apply to you.

  • Energy Level and Sleep
  • Weight
  • Body Temperature
  • Slowness
  • Infections
  • Related Autoimmune or Endocrine Diseases
  • Swelling and Thickened Skin of
  • Mouth and Throat
  • Ears
  • Eyes
  • Hair
  • Nails
  • Skin
  • Numbness and Tingling
  • pain
  • Digestion
  • Menstrual Disorders
  • Reproductive Disorders and Pregnancy
  • Emotional
  • Other Related Conditions
  • Brain
  • Kidney and Bladder
  • Gallbladder
  • Liver
  • Lungs
  • Heart
  • Cancer
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Less stamina than others
  • Long recovery period after any activity
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Sleep apnea
  • Snoring
  • Insomnia
  • Need naps in the afternoon
  • Weakness
  • Wake feeling tired
  • Frequently oversleep
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    Hashimoto’s and Autism

    Researchers wanted to find out, whether there is evidence that children of mothers with Hashimoto's have a higher risk of developing autism.


    Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired language, disrupted social interactions, and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Genetic factors are known to play a major role in autism. 


    The study found that the odds of autism were increased by nearly 80% among offspring of mothers who had elevated TPO antibodies during pregnancy, independent of the level of thyroid hormones. 


    If you plan to become pregnant, have your antibodies tested. Should they be elevated, you might want to get in touch with us to find out about our holistic root-cause approach to reduce antibodies.
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    Our office will be closed for the Easter holidays from 16:00 Thursday, 28.03.24 until 09:00 Tuesday, 02.04.24
    Our office will be closed for the Easter holidays from 16:00 Thursday, 28.03.24 until 09:00 Tuesday, 02.04.24