Dr Stone and I sat down to talk about everything thyroid.
You can watch the video here or listen to the podcast here
This is what I learned:
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the neck’s base. This gland plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It produces hormones that regulate our energy levels, metabolism, and even our mood. When the thyroid functions properly, we feel energized, maintain a healthy weight, and experience a sense of emotional balance. However, when the thyroid is not working as it should, it can lead to troubling symptoms.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a common condition that affects millions of people, particularly women. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the essential hormones T4 and T3, it can result in a range of symptoms, including low energy, weight gain, anxiety, depression, constipation, and hair thinning. Traditionally, the medical approach to hypothyroidism has been to prescribe synthetic thyroid replacement medication, such as levothyroxine or Synthroid, to supplement the body’s natural thyroid hormone production.
While thyroid replacement medication can be helpful in some cases, it often fails to address the underlying causes of hypothyroidism. Many patients find that even after taking these medications, their symptoms persist or worsen over time. This is because the root of the problem may lie in an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is responsible for up to 98% of hypothyroidism cases.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid gland. This ongoing assault on the thyroid can lead to a gradual decline in its ability to produce sufficient hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. Interestingly, Hashimoto’s is often accompanied by other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.
To effectively manage Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, it’s crucial to address the underlying factors that are driving the autoimmune response. This requires a more comprehensive, functional medicine approach that looks beyond just the thyroid and considers the whole body. Some of the key factors that can contribute to Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism include:
A personalized, holistic approach is essential to effectively managing Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. This involves comprehensive testing to identify the underlying triggers, followed by a customized treatment plan that addresses each individual’s unique needs. The plan may include dietary changes, targeted supplements, stress management techniques, and other lifestyle modifications to support the body’s natural healing processes.
While medication may play a role in managing thyroid dysfunction, the real key to long-term health and wellness lies in addressing the root causes through lifestyle interventions. This is a key piller of my philosophy by using “You Lifestyle As Your Medicine”. By optimizing factors like blood sugar levels, adrenal health, gut function, and environmental exposures, many individuals with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism have been able to significantly improve their symptoms and even achieve remission of their autoimmune condition.
The journey to optimal thyroid health is not a quick fix but a lifelong commitment to self-care and wellness. It will involve experimentation and persistence, but by understanding the complex interplay between the thyroid, the immune system, and the body’s various systems, we can empower ourselves to take control of our health and find lasting solutions to even the most stubborn thyroid problems. With the proper support and guidance, it is possible to overcome the challenges of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism and reclaim a vibrant, healthy life.
I hope you found this information helpful. If you want my help to see if we can use specific exercises and lifestyle medicine to help you recover from pain, injury, or illness please reach out to me via ed@edpaget.com
Over the last 10 years Ed has been building a YouTube library to help people manage their own pain or movement limitations and increase performance through exercise. He regularly adds videos so be sure to subscribe and visit regularly
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