It seems every other patient has thyroid issues these days.
Because every cell in the body has receptor sites for thyroid hormones, these hormones play an important role in our overall health.
They play a central role in our metabolism and can be sensitive to even minor imbalances.
Disorders involving the thyroid are very common in the United States. As a result, thyroid hormones have been in the top 50 most prescribed medications for decades.
Truth is that as we get older, we are more prone to nodules and disorders.
Thyroid issues are often missed in the early stages and it isn’t until the loss of function and quality of life that they are diagnosed.
Thyroid Disorders and Autoimmunity
It’s important to note that the thyroid gland is the most common site for autoimmune attack, and thyroid dysfunction is often the first sign in autoimmune condition.
Hashimoto’s is considered one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders in the US. What’s astounding is that over 90% of hypothyroidism is due to autoimmunity.
Hypothyroidism can affect gut function and metabolic function leading to energy loss, mental function decline, and mood swings.
Even when thyroid disorders are diagnosed, the treatment available is limited to thyroid hormone replacement. Nothing is done for the patient’s underlying autoimmunity.
Overtime, if left untreated, the autoimmunity can attack other tissues in the body which can lead to other autoimmune conditions, increased chance of infections, and digestive issues.
7 Things You Must Know to Enhance Thyroid Health
1. Thyroid levels are super important for your well being.
The right amount is different for each one of us. When off balance, you might experience fatigue, dry skin, brain fog, anxiety, hair loss, depression, joint and muscle aches, swelling, and cold intolerance.
On the other hand, if you have an overactive thyroid, you might experience a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, digestive discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss.
If you suspect you may have thyroid issues, go and get it checked!
2. Women are much more likely to develop thyroid issues, especially after childbirth.
If you feel unusually depressed post partum, it’s a good idea to get tested.
3. High cholesterol can be due to hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can lead to high cholesterol because of metabolic insufficiency and not being able to burn fat.
Before considering cholesterol lowering meds, get your thyroid levels checked first.
4. Most doctors don’t diagnose thyroid problems until too late.
Thyroid problems may affect as many as 10% of women. However due to improper testing, women are often told there’s nothing wrong and are offered antidepressants.
When in doubt, ask your doctor to check the following:
- TSH
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
- Reverse T3
5. Thyroid dysfunction can cause you to gain weight and make it harder to lose weight.
If you’ve forever been on a diet and have a hard time losing weight, it maybe time for you to check your thyroid levels.
6. Eat to enhance thyroid health and function.
It’s a good idea to assess your diet and supplements to make sure you are getting your daily dose of iodine, selenium, and zinc which are three key nutrients for optimal thyroid function.
7. Go gluten free.
As I mentioned, over 90% of hypothyroidism is due to autoimmunity. Even if your antibodies are normal, it isn’t uncommon to have antibodies show up the next time you check.
Going gluten free allows you to minimize the risks of perpetuating inflammation and potential autoimmune condition.
Naturally Enhance Thyroid Health
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