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The thyroid gland IS the body’s metronome. Symptoms like chronic fatigue + stubborn weight gain + dry skin hair and nails are but a few of the telltale signs that the “metronome” is not getting the information it needs to thrive. Don’t be discouraged [or tempted to let age be a scapegoat]. The thyroid gland can be healed and recalibrated with the consistent intake of targeted nutrients paired with daily doses of intentional stress reduction.
Follow along as I lead you through exactly what you need to know about your thyroid gland, what dysfunction looks like and how to lean into some thyroid TLC.
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands. A beautiful butterfly-shaped gland found in your neck, it powerfully regulates your metabolism, weight, temperature, brain function and heart rate [to name just a few of its roles] via a delicate balance of thyroid hormones [TSH, T4, T3, and rT3]. Additionally, every single tissue in the body has thyroid hormone receptors, further magnifying the fact that if the thyroid is struggling, symptoms of imbalance abound.
Statistics indicates about 20 million Americans suffer from suboptimal thyroid function [13 million of whom are undiagnosed]. Women are also 5-8 times more likely than men to have thyroid issues as well, begging the question: “what is negatively impacting our thyroid glands?” And even more importantly: “how do we proactively give our thyroid the therapy it clearly craves?"
SIGNS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION:
Labs are an incredible indicator of thyroid dysfunction; however, oftentimes only the lab TSH is drawn which does not tell the full story. Ideally T4 + T3 + rT3 are drawn to showcase how TSH is being converted into the active end-product T3. Click HERE for a chart of which labs I recommend and my interpretations. If labs aren't plausible, listen to your body. Are you starting to notice any of the following symptoms?
You feel fatigued after sleeping 8-10 hours at night or absolutely need to take a nap daily.
You're seeing stubborn weight gain or the inability to lose weight [despite your best efforts and intentions].
Your mood swings like a pendulum and errs on the side of anxiety + depression.
You're in the trenches of hormone imbalances such as PMS, irregular periods, infertility or an absentee sex drive.
You've been soothing chronic muscle pain, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis- to no avail.
No matter what, those cold hands and feet of yours won't quit.
Lotions, potions and spa treatments don't seem to do much for your dry + cracking skin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss.
You’re stuck in a rut of apathy, depression, or deep brain fog resulting in poor concentration or poor memory.
You’re experiencing neck swelling, snoring or hoarse voice.
Constipation. [Enough said].
The more vigilant you are in assessing your own symptoms and bringing a complete picture to your physician, the easier it will be for you to find the treatment you both crave and deserve!
TOP 5 THYROID DISRUPTORS:
If you checked quite a few of those questions off as “Yes! That’s me!" don’t you dare fall prey to fear or apathy. Instead, consider this an opportunity to evaluate the most powerful disruptors and then courageously address them at the root. And the line up of thyroid triggers includes:
STRESS: trauma, chronic cardio, and food restriction [particularly carbs and fat concurrently]
INFLAMMATION: via chronic injury, infection or stress, anti-nutrients [i.e soy, processed grains]
RADIATION: via dentistry or chemo
TOXICITY: mercury, cadmium, lead, chlorine, fluoride, bromine, and pesticides
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE: Graves + Hashimotos
YOUR THYROID GROCERY LIST
Whether your thyroid function is inhibited by stress, inflammation or auto-immunity there are some very powerful ways to reinvigorate it to do its job properly and also for its message to be received properly. It all begins with food.
Click HERE for 5 very targeted foods boasting micronutrients including iodine, selenium, magnesium, and B12; all critical for thyroid function [specifically the conversion from T4 into active T3].
TEST > REBALANCE > RE-TEST
While it’s important to tune in and feel thyroid function, testing is also just as important. Sub-clinical issues become more substantial quickly when not caught early on. It’s equally important to view labs through the lens of optimal [not normal]. Click HERE to see the labs that are most indicative of optimal thyroid function and seek a functional medical practitioner to re-balance what is found to be suboptimal. You’re a powerful force of vibrance and energy. Don’t let a sluggish thyroid gland indicate otherwise.
Take a deep breath of sweet empowerment. Your thyroid gland, while powerful, is quite relatable and is most receptive to the nutrients in food. Consistency is its love language. As you intentionally weave thyroid supportive foods into your weekly regimen you’ll notice your labs optimize themselves, but more importantly, you’ll feel like you’re coming back to life.
Why is the thyroid so important? Let's dive in!
This tiny-but-mighty butterfly shaped organ regulates big functions in the body including: metabolism and weight regulation, cholesterol level regulation, mental clarity, sleep pattern regulation, heart function, digestion and assimilation, plus hormonal balance [including maintaining healthy menstrual cycles + fertility + pregnancy]
It's the ultimate multitasker, just like you! 💪💫
Taking care of your thyroid means taking care of yourself. Click on the button below to purchase our tiny tutorial dedicated to thyroid TLC
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