Thyroid Health = Life Health

Today we are discussing the importance of the thyroid gland and thyroid health. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that lies in front of your neck. The thyroid is responsible for making hormones that regulate the way the body uses energy. Over 90% of Americans have a thyroid issue and many of them don’t even know it.

How does your thyroid work?

Your thyroid releases hormones called T4 and T3. T4 is an inactive hormone and T3 is the active hormone. Together they regulate your body’s temperature, heart rate, metabolism and many other functions. The thyroid takes T4 and converts it to T3, and this is where a lot of people have issues with their thyroids. Either they are unable to convert the hormones properly or they are being converted into something else (reverse T3 RT3). This is what can cause many conditions including weight loss. Your thyroid health is key in having an overall healthy body so I have 3 tips to help your thyroid function at its optimal level.

3 Steps to have an Optimally Functioning Thyroid:

Step 1:

Healthy Liver – Your liver is one of the main places your T4 converts to T3 (about 80%). If you have a liver which is not functioning optimally “sluggish liver” this will directly affect the T4 to T3 conversion in the body. Your liver is also a storage unit for energy and when the liver is not storing it properly, an enzyme is produced which affects your blood sugar levels. This causes a cascading effect that alters your metabolism, insulin levels and weight loss.

Solution – Cleanse your liver. There are supplements you can use such as turmeric, milk thistle and dandelion. Also remove toxic foods from your diet such as high processed foods, refined sugars, hydrogenated oils. Drink raw vegetable juice and eat potassium rich foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, and bananas.

Step 2:

Decrease Stress – When stress levels are up, your cortisol shoots through the roof. When cortisol is active it stops the conversion of T4 to T3 and begins to convert T4 to RT3. Reverse T3 has the opposite effect of T3, simply put it makes your metabolism tank.

Solution – Ashwagandha is a great supplement that helps lower and control cortisol levels. Taking walks or doing certain things throughout the day that will help you relaxed. Take deep breaths. Listen to music or something that inspires you. Take a bath with Epsom salts and lavender essential oils. These are all great ways to naturally lower cortisol and positively affect thyroid function and thyroid health.

Step 3:

Nervous system and Adjustments – We have nerves in the neck that go directly to the thyroid. If you are losing the curve in your neck, your thyroid gland is being directly affected and will not be able to function properly. Over the last 15-20 years we have dramatically increased the use of mobile devices and computers. We are sitting at work more than ever before and now we are seeing the detrimental effects of these chronic postural disturbances. It is impossible to have a fully functioning thyroid gland, if the nerves in the neck are compressed.

Solution – Be evaluated by a corrective care chiropractor (MaximizedLiving.com is a great resource). If you have tingling in your arms or struggle with headaches that is a sign that you have nerve compression in your neck. Taking care of your spine will affect every organ in your body and it is crucial for a healthy thyroid.