The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck and regulates metabolism. It affects calories burned, is you internal thermostat, controls heart rate, impacts sex hormones, and the digestive tract. When the thyroid is off the body will send signals.
Thyroid function involves multiple hormones -the hypohalamus in the brain releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells your thyroid gland to make Thyroxine (T4). Triiodothyronine (T3) is also produced by the thyroid gland, but in lower amounts than T4. T3 is the active form, and is converted from T4 in the liver. There is also reverse T3 that pushes the active form back to T4 when under stress or fight/flight. The more stress in the body the more T3 is reversed and the body will have less active thyroid hormone.
Thyroid symptoms happen when hormones are not functioning. A reason for an imbalance isbe not being able to convert the hormone into its active usable form (T3), or thyroid receptors become resistant to the hormones, affecting signaling pathways.
There can be a range of reasons including nutrient deficiencies, increased stress, poor gut health, liver issues, food sensitivities, chemicals in someone’s daily environment, etc. Gut issues i can impact the thyroid as gut bacteria help convert T4 into T3. Leaky gut causes by gluten and dairy add to autoimmune Hashimoto’s for many people. Deficiencies in the diet including iodine, selenium, and iron are needed for thyroid health and hormone production.
There are many things outside of medication that can improve thyroid function and overall health. Thyroid supporting foods like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, dark leafy vegetables, and some kinds of wild caught seafood provide thyroid supportive minerals such as iodine and selenium. Learning your multiple thyroid hormone levels helps understand why hormones and endocrine function may be off adding to our stress, mood issues, slow metabolism, etc. I can help educate on all things to improve thyroid hormone levels to restore balance in the body. This includes detoxing the liver and gut, finding food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies, educating on chemicals in our daily environment that lower thyroid function, and much more. I help you understand all aspects of thyroid health and empower you to take control over your body and your health. Please reach out for a complementary initial consultation!
