Happy New Year!
Are you ready to dive into the world of thyroid health and learn how it impacts our overall well-being. It’s fascinating how such a small gland can have such a big impact on our bodies. I’m excited to raise awareness about thyroid health and empower others to take charge of their own well-being. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and optimal health!
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in controlling metabolism. Metabolism refers to the process by which our body uses energy. When we consume food, it is broken down and converted into energy that our cells can use to function properly. The thyroid gland regulates this process by producing and secreting hormones. However, metabolism is not just about calorie burning. It also encompasses the overall health and functioning of every cell in our body. The thyroid gland’s influence extends to various systems, including the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Any malfunction in the thyroid gland can have a significant impact on our entire body.
Environmental toxins and obesogens have had a detrimental impact on our thyroid health, leading to a rise in cases of thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive), along with conditions such as Hashimoto’s, Graves, and Thyroiditis, are now classified as autoimmune disorders. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need to address environmental toxins and adopt healthier lifestyles to protect our thyroid function and overall well-being.
So, how do you know if your thyroid is functioning properly and if you need to get your hormones tested? Firstly, let me say that our body systems all work together and are not isolated in their own part of the body and so some symptoms can be a sign of other issues, but it may be time to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing some of these symptoms.
- Unexplained weight loss / gain
- Slow or rapid heart rate
- Irregular periods
- Anxiety or depression
- Overly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
Thyroid testing has come a long way, and I recommend asking your doctor to make sure you are being tested for all the thyroid hormones and not just TSH (Thyroid-stimulating Hormone). It provides a more accurate picture when T3/Free T3, T4/Free T4 and reverse T3 are also tested.
How do you support the Thyroid?
The thyroid needs iodine to convert it into thyroid hormones. It also needs Zinc and Selenium and uses a lot of B Vitamins to facilitate the conversion. Iodine is a mineral and can be foods in many foods and the average person obtains plenty from their diet. Iodine can be found in foods such as organ meats, seaweed, cod, shrimp, turkey, eggs, black-eyed peas, dried prunes. It can also be found in milk, yogurt and cheddar cheese. It is most often found in fortified iodized salt which is used often in packaged / processed foods. Zinc and Selenium are both very important minerals for the thyroid and many other processes in the body and can be found in Brazil nuts, meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, pumpkin seeds, radishes, sea salt and sea vegetables and avocado, to name a few.
There are also foods to avoid depending on the type of Thyroid issue you have. Goitrogens are foods thought to suppress thyroid function if consumed raw so cooking these foods is important as this deactivates the goitrogens. Goitrogen are found in the brassica family – Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and also soy-based foods and sweet potatoes. Wheat gluten should be removed for a time period for those with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Impaired thyroid function can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The stress hormone cortisol, along with other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and leptin, also play a role in influencing the thyroid. Some symptoms of Perimenopause can also mimic thyroid symptoms. Maintaining stable blood sugar, good gut health and supporting the liver to remove toxins also helps with Thyroid Health. This interplay of hormones can make it seem complex and overwhelming. To address this, I guide my clients through a step-by-step process called my “Six Pillars of Health Program” in addition to discussing any specific hormonal concerns. This comprehensive approach covers all the vital areas that contribute to optimal health and empowers individuals to regain control over their well-being.
Are you ready to make 2024 YOUR year to regain control of your health! Reach out and I will design a tailored session or package that works for you.
Yours in wellness,
Mandy
Chief Wellness Officer
Be Well with M