My Thyroid is Sluggish

THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS

PORTAL

THYROID HORMONES

BLOCK 2 – MY THYROID IS SLUGGISH

Suboptimal thyroid function is more common than you think. For many years the conventional reference ranges have been strictly adhered to with no support given if levels in the normal range. Now we know there is an optimal reference range. If you have been told you have low thyroid symptoms, have been sluggish for no reason, eat very little and never lose weight or have any of the symptoms listed below this section is worth a trial.

Why thyroid function is important in weight loss:

Improving your thyroid function means improving your overall metabolism. Its not as easy as just taking one supplement for one symptom but improving overall thyroid function can really change how you feel on a day to day basis and can significantly boost your weight loss success. Lets get started.

Where to start:

If you suspect your thyroid is not functioning optimally you will most likely have more symptoms than just “inability to lose weight”. Check the list below. If you see any other symptoms that resonate we recommend you have a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test.

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SYMPTOMS

These symptoms can be debilitating and play a major role in preventing weight loss. Check and see if a workup could benefit you.

weight gain
cold hands and feet
constipation
significant fatigue
poor temperature regulation
hair loss/eyebrow loss
puffy neck
weakness
dry skin
hoarse voice

Potential Causes:

Lack of stimulation from the brain
Poor synthesis of thyroid hormone
Poor conversion to active thyroid hormone
Autoimmune disease

Functional issues to consider:

Hyper-intestinal-periability – leaky gut (causing inflammation and immune reactions)
Food sensitivity or immune reactions to food (the most serious being celiac disease)
Exposures to heavy metals including cesium and cadmium and chemicals such as bromine.

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WORKUP

Generally the initial test is enough to tell us if the thyroid is a significant concern. If symptoms continue to occur with a normal TSH specialized tests could be required.

Initial test:

TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone

Complete Panel:

TSH
T4 – precursor to active thyroid hormone
T3 – active thyroid hormone
TPO – thyroperoxidase antibodies (Hashimoto’s Disease)

Special Tests:

Iodine
Bromine
Selenium
Cadmium

Need to run labs? Contact us.

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LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Here are a few basic lifestyle recommendations to implement right away:

Exercise increases thyroid hormone production and improves its function at the tissue level. Therefore, exercise boosts metabolism through helping the thyroid function better.
Cold hydrotherapy can be helpful – 30 seconds of cold, 3 min of warm water x 3 rounds.
Diet changes supporting thyroid nutrient requirements (see below)

Diet recommendations:

A well balanced diet is important. We need iodine, tyrosine, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin A and a series of B vitamins to make thyroid hormone. This means not restricting complete food groups.

Avoid consuming too many goitrogens. These are brassica type foods (raw versions) – It is difficult to harm yourself from these foods but it has happened before. They are usually not a concern.
Consume iodine in food – sea fish, sea veggies (kelp), iodized salt.
Consume zinc in food – seafood, oats, chicken, spinach, nuts and seeds
Consume copper in food – eggs, yeast, beans, nuts and seeds
Consume B vitamins in food – whole grains
Consume selenium in food – brazil nuts

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SUPPLEMENTS

Was your test positive? Consult with a medical professional before starting supplements (you may need a medication). Here are the supplements I use in low thyroid function:

Tyrosine
Iodine
Zinc
Copper
Selenium
Antioxidants
B vitamins

Medications – consider thyroid hormone replacement if your labs warrant a prescription (consult your doc). I would recommend desiccated thyroid but I occasionally will use synthroid, cytomel or T4/T3 combinations as indicated.