Have you ever wondered if maybe you have a slow metabolism, or perhaps hypothyroidism? Well according to Dr. Axe, these types of questions are not rare at all. And if estimates are correct on his website, 13 million sufferers of hypothyroidism are undiagnosed right now. So what can be done?
The thyroid gland is located in the center of your lower neck and has a huge list of responsibilities. Not only does it regulate body temperature and control your metabolic rate, but Dr. Axe states that it also “produces a hormone which impacts every cell, tissue and organ in the body.”
Problems with the thyroid can be caused by various issues, but the most common reasons are:
1. toxicity (radiation and heavy metal exposure), 2. deficiency (in selenium and iodine), 3. food intolerance (to gluten and casein), and 4. hormone imbalance (cortisol levels too high from stress, too little fat in diet, diet too high in carbs)
While some people struggle with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid, which doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone), others are afflicted with hyperthyroidism (when the gland produces too much of the hormone than is needed), and they are essentially opposites. The symptoms of each are as follows:
Hypothyroidism suffers from symptoms of: forgetfulness, weight gain, fatigue (of the extreme kind), depression, while
Hyperthyroidism suffers from symptoms of : nervousness, irritability, vision and eye problems, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, and muscle weakness
In order to get properly tested to make sure you have hypothyroidism, consult a qualified physician and/or holistic practitioner as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, you can follow through with the traditionally prescribed treatment, which is usually some type of pharmaceutical which has likely numerous side effects – or you can go the natural route which follows:
*Cut out or greatly reduce caffeine and sugar
This includes refined carbs like flour. Instead, eat non-starchy veggies as much as you can.
*Increase protein
This can be in the form of legumes, quinoa, nuts and nut butters, hormone and antibiotic-free animal products.
* Eat enough fat
This can be olive oil, ghee, flax seed, fish, nuts and nut butters, full fat cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, coconut milk products, and avocados.
*Do a heavy metal detox
Dr. Axe recommends using a blend of chlorella, milk thistle, cilantro and turmeric
*Go gluten and A1 casein-free
Go grain-free or at least gluten-free and only use dairy from A2 cows, sheep or goat milk
*Get proper nutrients
Make sure your diet contains enough omega-3 fatty acids (from walnuts, flax seed, fish, grassfed animal products), selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D (50-80 ng/mL), vitamin A, the B vitamins, and iodine. Keep in mind primary iodine sources are sea vegetables and seafood while secondary are asparagus, lima beans, spinach, mushrooms, eggs, summer squash, Swiss chard, garlic and sesame seeds.
*Minimize your goitrogens
These foods interfere with your thyroid’s proper function and consist of Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, rutabaga, broccoli, turnips, watercress, peaches, radishes, soybeans, and kale. Cooking makes goitrogens inactive, so warm them up and indulge occasionally otherwise.
*Cut out the BPA (Bisphenol A)
This is found in plastic bottles. Use glass, stainless steel or BPA free plastic containers only.
*Include glutathione
This boosts your body’s immune system and while not found in many foods, there are some which can help your body produce it: grapefruit, squash, raw eggs, avocado, asparagus, broccoli, and peaches.
*Check for allergies or food sensitivities
This can result in an autoimmune response seeing the offending foods as invaders.
*Get your gut flora checked
Healthy gut bacteria is needed for 20 percent of thyroid function, so supplement with probiotics if you’re deficient.
*Check your adrenals
Adrenal fatigue is linked to hypothyroidism as it’s rare to have one second without some level of the first.
*Pay attention to your stressors and learn relaxation techniques
Chronic stress can influence hormones and the thyroid is very sensitive to such things.
*Request a thyroid collar
If you must get x-ray, ask for the thyroid collar to protect your vulnerable thyroid from radiation
*Increase your selenium
Ensure your diet gets enough selenium – but not too much! Go for brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, mushroom, beef, onions, and salmon.
*Get your silver fillings removed
If your mouth contains amalgam fillings, ask a DAMS mercury safe dentist about having them removed
*Grab some adaptogen supplements
Lowering cortisol levels and enhancing thyroid production is the name of the game with Tulsi and Ashwaganda.
*As with all my articles, please consult your physician before trying this at home.
