Understanding and managing thyroid health is crucial for overall well-being. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating numerous body functions, including metabolism, temperature regulation, and energy production. Unfortunately, thyroid dysfunction is becoming increasingly prevalent in today's society, with an estimated 20 million Americans affected by some form of thyroid disease.
Thyroid dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or goiter. Hypothyroidism, the most common type of thyroid dysfunction, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and dry skin. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and tremors.
Fortunately, there are steps individuals can take to manage their thyroid health effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss several lifestyle and work-up recommendations to help individuals support their thyroid health.
Perform Basic Thyroid Blood Work
One of the first steps in understanding and managing thyroid health is to perform basic thyroid blood work. Basic thyroid blood work includes testing total and free T4 and T3, TSH, and thyroid antibodies. An ultrasound can also be useful in monitoring thyroid health. These tests can help rule in or rule out significant central axis thyroid dysfunction and monitor progress with therapy.
Monitor Signs and Symptoms
Individuals should monitor signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as coldness, fatigue, dry hair and skin, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, swelling, etc. Improvements in these symptoms can indicate that the therapy is working, while a lack of improvement may require additional investigation and treatment.
Address Adrenal and HPA Axis Dysfunction
Addressing adrenal and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is also crucial in managing thyroid health. The adrenal glands and the HPA axis play a crucial role in regulating stress and cortisol levels in the body. Adequately addressing adrenal and HPA axis dysfunction and cortisol imbalances through nutrition can help support thyroid health.
Consider GI-Map Analysis
Individuals with elevated thyroid antibodies should consider the DFH GI-Map from Diagnostic Solutions Labs for analysis of pathogens, such as Yersinia enterocolitica. This analysis can help identify and eliminate pathogens that may be contributing to thyroid dysfunction.
Consider Food Allergy Detection and Elimination
In cases of autoimmune thyroiditis, individuals should consider food allergy detection and elimination. Tests like ALCAT, ELISA, and elimination diets can help identify and eliminate allergens that may be contributing to thyroid dysfunction.
Rule Out Heavy Metal Toxicity
Heavy metal toxicity, particularly mercury, can contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Individuals should consider ruling out heavy metal toxicity via provoked urine studies or hair analysis.
Consider HRT with Combination T4 & T3 Medication Protocol
If more conservative treatment options do not work, individuals can consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a combination T4 & T3 medication protocol. Medications like Nature-Throid, Armour, Synthroid-Cytomel combination therapy, West Thyroid can help manage thyroid dysfunction.
Monitor Insulin Levels and Blood Glucose
Monitoring insulin levels and blood glucose is essential in managing thyroid health. Blood glucose fluctuations can cause hormonal imbalances, including thyroid dysfunction. It is also essential to monitor LFTs, GGT, estrogen metabolite ratio, possible parasites, and genetic variances in detoxification pathways, such as CYPA12, COMT, and methylation pathways. A CBC with differentials, co-infections, CD4 and CD57+ count, and food sensitivities should also be monitored.
In addition to avoiding certain foods, it's important to emphasize the consumption of others. Lean, clean protein should be included at every meal, with a focus on organic, antibiotic and hormone-free sources such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef, fish (especially salmon and sardines), eggs, and whey protein. Omega-3 and omega-9 fats should also be emphasized, found in foods such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados, macadamia oil, and coconut oil. Complex carbohydrates, like non-starchy vegetables and whole grains, should be substituted for refined and simple carbohydrates. It's important to eliminate refined carbohydrates from the diet, including bread, white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar, corn syrup, honey, and candy.
A daily intake of 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables is recommended. It's also advised to avoid caffeine, colas, alcohol, and smoking, and to drink at least 64 ounces of pure, filtered non-chlorinated water every day. In addition, 2-3 cups of naturally decaffeinated green tea can be consumed daily.
Another dietary tip is to avoid blood sugar fluctuations by balancing protein, carbohydrates, and fats in 5-6 small meals per day. It's also worth considering avoiding gluten and dairy, particularly if other autoimmune diseases are present.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thyroid health is essential to overall well-being, and it's important to take steps to maintain optimal thyroid function. Some of these steps include monitoring thyroid levels and symptoms, addressing adrenal and HPA axis dysfunction, and addressing any heavy metal toxicity. Dietary tips such as avoiding iodine-suppressing foods and emphasizing lean, clean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can also be helpful in supporting thyroid health. By incorporating these lifestyle and dietary recommendations, individuals can support their thyroid function and overall health.
Disclaimer:
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this blog are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this blog is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. No guarantee is provided or implied. Results may vary based on each patient’s physical health and adherence to the care plan designed by the provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
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