Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies at the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid is a gland that secretes hormones necessary for metabolism, growth and development and body temperature. Some people call it the master gland because it truly does influence the function of every cell in your body in some way.
Thyroid function can be delicate—too high for some people, too low for others. Researchers estimate that about 12 percent of U.S. adults will develop a problem with their thyroid. Women are five to eight times more likely than men.
But what if you are one of the many Americans who’ve been told your thyroid is normal despite your symptoms—like weight gain, hair loss, and low energy? You’re sure something isn’t right, but your lab work measures normal or low-normal function?
There is help.
Three factors that influence your thyroid function
There are three main factors that influence the health of your thyroid and other glands in your body (like your adrenal glands and even your ovaries):
- Toxins
- Inflammation
- Stress
Now each of these areas is a blog topic all on their own—there’s so much we could share. Toxins include heavy metals found in our environment and were present in most of our bodies since birth. There’s no real way to avoid them, but there are strategies we can use to lower the amount in your body.
Inflammation—the source of many health issues today has its root in a variety of causes including a poor diet, obesity, stress and a myriad of other causes. Reducing inflammation in the body is essential for proper thyroid function.
Stress. We all have it, and most of the time a little bit of it is good for us as it drives us to perform well and achieve. But prolonged stress without a break triggers many different events in the body (including inflammation) and problems that affect your health from head to toe.
Real answers for your mystery symptoms
If you are ready to feel normal again, I’m ready to help you find the root cause of your symptoms. Certainly, not every illness’ root is in a thyroid condition, but so many Americans—up to 60 percent—are not even aware they have the type that would show up on traditional lab work. Can you imagine how many are walking around with impaired function, but are being told they are “normal” by their doctors?
Let’s work together to explore your unwell feelings, reduce inflammation and help you feel more like yourself again.