
Do You Have Difficulty Concentrating, Dry Skin, and Cold Hands and Feet? One of the most common hormonal imbalances that I encounter in my practice is a low-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism).
The thyroid is part of the endocrine system (hormonal system of our body) and is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of our neck. The thyroid gland helps to regulate SO many of our body’s processes!
The Thyroid Gland Regulates
- Metabolism
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Weight
- Body Temperature
- Cholesterol levels
- Menstrual Cycles
When the thyroid gland starts producing too much or too little thyroid hormone, it can wreak havoc on our bodies! Do You Have Difficulty Concentrating, Dry Skin, and Cold Hands and Feet?
Symptoms of a Low-Functioning Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
- Hair loss and/or thinning of the outer third of your eyebrows.
- Dry skin
- Dry hair
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
- High cholesterol
- Constipation (Bowel movement less than once a day or incomplete evacuation)
- Cold hands and feet (sensitivity to cold and always feeling cold)
- Fatigue (especially in the mornings)
- Difficulty concentrating (mentally sluggish)
- Depression or moodiness
- Heavy periods
- Morning headaches
Many of these symptoms start appearing gradually and multiply over time. You may have even discussed some of these symptoms with your doctor and received “normal” lab results, yet you still feel off and think that your thyroid might be the reason why.
Possible causes of Low-Functioning Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
- Genetics
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Chronic stress
- Radiation exposure
- Other environmental triggers
- Damage to the thyroid gland
So, what can you do?
Firstly, I recommend talking to a Functional Medicine Health Coach so that they can listen to your story, evaluate your symptoms, and give you some clear direction.
If you’re ready for some more guidance in healing your thyroid, you can book a complimentary 20-minute Wellness Discovery Call with me here.
Firstly, I recommend talking to a Functional Medicine Health Coach so that they can listen to your story, evaluate your symptoms, and give you some clear direction.
If you’re ready for some more guidance in healing your thyroid, you can book a complimentary 20-minute Wellness Discovery Call with me here.
In the meantime, here are some things you can start doing today to heal your thyroid for free from home.
5 Tips to Improve Your Thyroid Function
1. Reduce Stress: When you feel chronically stressed, your body starts producing too much of the hormone cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your thyroid!
I wrote a whole blog post sharing simple lifestyle strategies you can use to start immediately reducing chronic stress in your life. Check it out here!
2. Eliminate Plastics: It might be impossible for you to completely avoid all plastics but try to eliminate them as much as you are able to. Most plastics contain a chemical called BPA which can leach into the food you eat and the fluids you drink and cause your thyroid to malfunction.
Replace all of your plastic Tupperware for glass and purchase yourself a reusable glass or steel water bottle instead of drinking out of disposable water bottles. Never drink hot liquids out of plastic mugs! Also, avoid putting plastic in the dishwasher.
3. Cut out Gluten: Research studies show that eating a gluten-free diet can help improve thyroid function. Most people are gluten sensitive and don’t even know it!
Thankfully there are a lot of delicious gluten-free options to choose from today. Focus on eating whole foods instead of processed foods and that will make the transition to a gluten-free diet so much easier for you!
4. Prioritize Sleep: Making sure to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night is crucial for your thyroid health and your overall health and well-being.
Keep your room cool and try to get to bed by 10pm. Avoid bright overhead lighting in the evening and put away your electronics at least 1 hour before you go to bed.
5. Take a High-Quality Multivitamin: A high-quality multivitamin can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and enhance your thyroid function. Thyroid Synergy is a great supplement that can help support your thyroid. You can purchase it at our store.
Start incorporating some of these lifestyle strategies in your routine and be patient while your thyroid starts healing. If you would like some more on-on-one guidance, book a complimentary Wellness Discovery Call with me today!