Insufficient thyroid hormones can leave you exhausted, pack on pounds, and lead to fatty liver.
Disorders of the thyroid, the small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, are increasingly common among women of all ages and stages of life. For those at the height of their reproductive years, a sluggish thyroid can even prevent pregnancy and…that’s not all.
Thyroid hormones exert considerable influence on metabolism at the cellular level, especially the mitochondria (the energy factories in the cells). Not only does an underactive thyroid make you feel tired, but new research also finds that it cuts muscles’ oxidative capacity in half, causing cramping.
“Thyroid hormone has profound and diverse effects on liver metabolism” as well, add scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Their experimental research shows that the active form of this hormone (T3) helps prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—a condition affecting even obese children today.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
While the American Thyroid Association suggests that 1 out of 8 American women have hypothyroidism, I suspect that the actual rate may be 4-5 times higher. In my experience, subclinical thyroid conditions are epidemic in this country.
How can you tell if your thyroid is sluggish?
Look for these signs:
- the inability to lose weight
- fatigue
- infertility
- depression and irritability
- low body temperature
- weight gain
- dry or itchy skin
- thin, dry hair or hair loss (particularly hair missing on the outside arch of the eyebrow)
- premature graying of the hair
- fluid retention (especially a puffy face, hands and feet)
- decreased taste and smell
- slow heart rate
- constipation
- poor memory
- trouble with concentration
- hoarseness or husky voice
- irregular or heavy menstruation
- muscle aches
- high cholesterol
- goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
There are numerous reasons for thyroid dysfunction—ranging from environmental toxins to an overloaded liver to weakened adrenal glands. Adrenal activity is required to stimulate the liver’s production of ceruloplasmin, the primary copper-binding protein in the body. With diminished adrenal activity, unbound copper can start to accumulate in various organs and glands—like the thyroid— and depress function.
Check for both glandular function with a Tissue Mineral Analysis (TMA) that evaluates mineral ratios that impact both the adrenal and thyroid. The sodium to potassium ratio is key for evaluating overall adrenal function while the calcium to potassium ratio is helpful in assessing thyroid function. It is also interesting to note that excessive amounts of calcium from supplementation and/or dairy intake can suppress the thyroid gland.
If you want to go the more conventional route, the following blood tests can be ordered by your physician who can advise you accordingly:
- TSH — Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- Total T4/ Total Thyroxine
- Free T4 / Free Thyroxine
- Total T3 / Total Triiodothyronine
- Free T3 / Free Triiodothyronine
- Anti-Thyroid Antibodies
And One More Thing…Don’t Forget Iodine
Interestingly, over the past 30 years, Americans’ iodine intake has declined 50% while thyroid disorders have significantly increased during that period. Remember to shore up your iodine levels with mineral-rich sea vegetables (agar, hijiki, kombu, nori, and wakame) at least twice a week. And use iodine-rich Seaweed Gomasio to season your food. While 150 mcg of iodine a day is considered adequate, there are many benefits to taking higher amounts.
Iodine acts as an adaptogen, a substance that helps your body adapt to stress. This essential mineral also plays a significant role in preventing hormonal imbalances and—because iodine is concentrated in breast tissue—can protect against fibrocystic breast disease and even breast cancer.
Sources:
Fat Flush for Life
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20236931
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20336276
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332062
www.healthywomen.org
