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Are you tired? You’re not alone. It’s a very common health concern these days. Unfortunately, the standard medical care system does not effectively address it. Adrenal and thyroid problems are often overlooked or not diagnosed properly.

Did you try any of my adrenal tips for improving your energy? Did they help or are you still dragging and not feeling enough energy to make it through the day? No worries, your fatigue could be related to the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is the direct regulator of metabolism. Metabolism is what happens when your body takes in nutrients through food and converts it into energy for the body to use. Slower metabolism can lead to lower energy.

Purposes of the Thyroid:

  • Metabolism
  • Heart contraction
  • Decreases cholesterol
  • Keeps the bowels moving
  • Supports muscle contractions

Low thyroid function can be another cause of fatigue. Hypothyroidism or auto-immune Hashimoto’s can cause fatigue because the thyroid gland is not producing sufficient thyroid hormone.

Another couple of reasons for fatigue are due to toxic excess or nutritional deficiencies. These can relate to hormone levels in that either the toxins are blocking hormone function or the nutrients needed to support the proper hormone functioning are not sufficient.

Thyroid Testing

Blood tests are the gold standard for the thyroid. The standard of care for allopathic medicine is to only test TSH. This is not enough. I always run a comprehensive panel that includes TSH, free T4, and Free T3 to give a more complete picture of your thyroid function. I often include reverse T3 and the thyroid antibodies, TPO or thyroglobulin, if auto-immunity is suspected.

If thyroid function is low, this could be the primary cause of your fatigue. Based on test results, in conjunction with your symptoms, I create a personalized plan for you – which includes supplements and lifestyle therapies to support your hormone pathways and might include thyroid hormone prescription.

My Top 3 Treatments for Healthy Thyroid

#1 Have good daily routines. Hormones love routine! They rise and fall through the day based on the circadian rhythms that are ruled by your waking and sleeping routine. Practice getting up, going to bed, and eating about the same time every day, and yes, that means the weekends too. 🙂

#2 Avoid goitrogens which are toxic to the thyroid gland. Goitrogens interfere with the thyroid being able to take up iodine (crucial to thyroid hormone). They are found in antibiotics, NSAIDs, heavy metals, fluoride, and pesticides just to name a few. Goitrogens are also found in foods – specifically the cruciferous family – kale, cabbage, collards, Brussels sprouts. Steaming these veggies will decrease the levels of goitrogens. If you have a thyroid disorder it may be best to avoid these veggies.

#3 Support your thyroid by getting sufficient zinc and selenium. These nutrients are key to proper thyroid function. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts – 3 nuts are approximately 200mcg! Zinc is also important. Get your zinc through nuts and seeds. Hemp, pumpkin, and sesame seeds have higher amounts of zinc. Cashews and almonds are also great options.

Balancing your hormone systems, especially the adrenals and thyroid can be the key to helping boost your energy and get you back to feeling like a real person again! Call me, I’m here for you. Let me know if these suggestions have helped you to have more energy. I’d love to know!

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