Have you noticed that fat seems to melt easily for some people, while others must sweat and grind up every calorie to lose it? If you are one of those people, the problem may be with your thyroid.
The thyroid is a small gland in the middle of your neck that controls your metabolism. An under-functioning thyroid will sabotage even the best physical training efforts.
So how can you tell if your thyroid is working properly or not?
You should look for these common signs and symptoms first:
high cholesterol,
cold hands and feet,
morning headaches,
skin / hair / nail problems,
weak immune system,
depression,
skin bruising,
low energy,
osteoporosis,
hormone issues
and heart problems are among the most common signs and symptoms.
Tests for Thyroid function
Because your thyroid controls your metabolism, we can get an idea of its function by measuring the amount of heat your body produces. The most efficient way to do this is by placing a mercury thermometer under your armpit for 5-10 minutes first thing in the morning. The normal temperature is 97.8 to 98.2. Men can monitor the temperature for three days and calculate the average. Women have to keep track of the temperature for a whole month due to the influence of the menstrual cycle as the temperature is highest during ovulation and lowest before menstruation.
Another simple but important test for thyroid function is the iodine test. The thyroids need adequate iodine to function. To perform the test, you must first obtain a 2% iodine solution. Place the solution on your forearm about 2 inches in diameter. Leave the iodine mark on for 24 hours if the mark is still there, you have sufficient iodine level, but if it is gone, there is likely a deficiency. Women should be aware that their ovaries need iodine, so they will compete with the thyroid in the event of a shortage.
If hypothyroidism is confirmed by blood tests, it is highly recommended to investigate the cause before starting hormone replacement therapy. It is always more beneficial to identify and correct the cause rather than replacing the body’s function with chemicals. Below is a short list of some of the factors that can cause your thyroid to sluggish. Ask your doctor to review these factors before you start using medications:
The liver and small intestine convert thyroid hormone into a form that the body can use; the adrenal glands also have an interdependence with your thyroid. The nerve that supplies your thyroid is in the lower part of your neck: C4, 5, 6. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone have great influence on thyroid hormones. Dysfunction in any of these areas, as well as nutritional deficiencies, including iodine, vitamins D and C, minerals like manganese, copper and the iron should be checked.
I have only touched the surface of this amazing gland and its importance to your health and well-being. The transformation that occurs when correcting a slow thyroid should not be underestimated. In general, for a well functioning thyroid, the following should be assessed and corrected if any functional issues are discovered; hormone issues such as excessive estrogen due to things like birth control pills or beauty products, gut issues such as leaky gut, long term low grade infections, sluggish liver, adrenal/chronic stress, sugar handling issues such as hypoglycemia and insulin resistance. Any one of the above can cause a dysfunctional thyroid. Join our ULTIMATE WEBINAR to learn more about managing your thyroid condition and reclaiming your health. This is a free webinar for those who register this month.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that your body will always function perfectly in relation to it’s environment. Illness represents the genetic intelligence’s best ability to adapt to a chronic unhealthy environment. It is impossible to be 100% healthy by supplying only some of the requirements without addressing the underlying cause or toxic environment. So in order to experience a life of health and vitality learn to live harmoniously within your environment and honor your body as the self-healing and self-regulating miracle that it is. Always remember, life is better when you are healthy!
