Is Your Thyroid in Check??

Recently I was asked by one of my clients why she was still gaining weight, even though she had made some changes to her diet and exercise patterns.   I asked if she was keeping some secrets from me!   So we went one step further.   Sometimes stubborn weight gain can come from the thyroid not reacting the way it is supposed to.    Once our bodies get out of shape, we stop exercising, we start eating everything that isn’t nailed down, we sit all the time, health problems start showing.   It could be the weight gain is because of a sluggish thyroid.  

So what is a thyroid?  It’s a little gland that regulates the body’s thermostat by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy.  If it secretes too much hormone, hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) results and too little hormone, hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid causing weight gain).

Thyroid problems can cause many recurring illnesses and fatigue.  It can be caused by poor diet, fluoridated water,  excess consumption of saturated fats, pesticide residues on foods, radiation (like from Xrays), alcohol, drugs, excess estrogen, lack of exercise.

Measuring levels of different hormones in the blood can determine if the thyroid gland is operating correctly, especially by testing the TSH levels (thyroid stimulating hormone).   An iodine absorption test may also be helpful.  However there is one way you can check for an under active thyroid yourself.  (under active thyroids are the main cause of obesity)  Here’s how:  Keep a thermometer by your bedside and first thing in the morning, before you even stir, put the thermometer under your armpit and hold it there for 15 minutes.  Do not move! Keep still and quiet.  Any motion can upset the thermometer reading.  Do this for 5 days and log your temperature each day.   If your temp remains at 97.6 degrees or lower consistently for those days, it may indicate an under active thyroid.  Consult your health care provider if this is the case.

There are ways to control your thyroid naturally.  Some suggestions are avoiding processed foods, increase whole foods especially dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, whole grains, avoid fluoride, drink distilled water, avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, etc..  Progesterone creams also help to increase thyroid activity.  Kelp can help since it contains iodine, which is the basic substance of thyroid hormone.   Always get enough exercise as that helps control and regulate most all body functions.   Certain herbs like black cohosh can help as well. 

Mainly if you are eating right, getting exercise, cutting out all the junk foods, drinking water and controlling stress, your body will be in tip top shape!  If you find self testing shows a possible issue with low thyroid, have your health care provider run some blood tests.  

To Your Health!

Robin