What are the causes of hypothyroidism? Is it the thyroid gland itself, another endocrine gland, estrogen dominance or illness? Is low thyroid the problem or the symptom? This is THE key question in a functional wellness practice. Is an issue a symptom of another problem? Or is it the actual key problem that needs to be addressed. Exploring this changes the supplements I would suggest or the type of tests I run. Pros and Cons of Thyroid ... Keep Reading >
Hashimoto’s
How To Order Blood Tests Without a Doctor
You can order blood tests without a doctor. It can be faster and cheaper and you run what you want, when you want. Insurance will not cover it. If you have quick access to a doctor who'll run the exact tests someone else suggested, that's fine. But this is often not the case. Functional Medicine Doctors (or FM Coaches like me) sometimes run unusual labs and check labs more than once a year. Insurance won't cover our long Consults (30 to 90 ... Keep Reading >
Thyroid Toxins, Goitrogens, and Nutrients
I know three ways to improve thyroid function - avoid thyroid toxins, regulate goitrogens and get specific thyroid nutrients. While Hashimoto's thyroiditis is rampant, it's not the only cause of poor thyroid function. Many chemicals and toxins prevent manufacture or conversion of T4 to the active hormone T3. Poor adrenal function, illness, injury and stress play a big role in down-regulating the thyroid. Enjoy my Primal Diet - Modern ... Keep Reading >
Are Your Adrenals Affecting Your Thyroid?
The adrenal and thyroid connection is often missed by doctors checking only the thyroid. Understanding how these glands affect each other helps you address adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism at the same time. The goal of all natural health care is to resolve the cause of the problem, not just the symptom. If you're treating your thyroid lab numbers but not checking adrenal function you may be missing something! What are the Adrenal ... Keep Reading >
Does Leaky Gut Cause Autoimmune Disease?
Does Leaky Gut cause Autoimmune Disease? The idea that a damaged intestine could be key to Autoimmune Disorders is finally hitting the medical community. Why? Because autoimmune diagnoses are growing exponentially and physicians have limited tools to tackle them. With my own history of Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism), Celiac Disease, and probable Addison's Disease, I can clearly relate... What is ... Keep Reading >
When Is High TSH Normal?
When is high TSH normal? Does a TSH above 4 require medication? Are you really Hypothyroid? As many authors write, including myself..... Don't we want TSH to be between 1 and 2? This 2013 Mercola newsletter article caught my eye with this statement.... "Reduced thyroid levels (TSH levels above 5), for a lean individual following a low-carb diet, may be normal and healthy!" OK then! My ... Keep Reading >
“Stop The Thyroid Madness” Interview: PODCAST
Here I am with Author Janie Bowthorpe of "Stop the Thyroid Madness" interview - she joins me for this lively podcast discussion on thyroid dysfunction - how to recognize it, run correct labs, look for contributing factors such as adrenal and gluten problems, and much more. (Click below to listen or go to iTunes). Her book, blog and Facebook groups offer patient-to-patient problem solving and solutions from around the world. Have YOU been ... Keep Reading >
Do-It-Yourself Thyroid Tests
Your doctor may not be running the correct thyroid tests for you, or may be missing a few. Here's information on finding a do it yourself thyroid test. This article has a list of bloodwork to ask for, in addition to what's below. My Primal Diet - Modern Health podcast guest Janie Bowthorpe of "Stop the Thyroid Madness" will talk about this. To hear the show, subscribe to my iTunes link here, or check my website's Podcast page to ... Keep Reading >
Breaking the Weight Loss Plateau: PODCAST
The "Grass Fed Girl" (Caitlin Weeks) joins me to get personal about losing weight, breaking through the weight loss plateau, and learning HOW to keep fit and healthy. We talk about keeping a food journal, what amounts of carbs are OK to eat, and the importance of reducing your biggest stressors. Caitlin coaches clients on nutrition, fitness, and thyroid issues, based on her own experiences with Hashimoto's thyroid. Find her at ... Keep Reading >
Has Your Thyroid Been Mistreated?
Is hypothyroidism the most incorrectly diagnosed and treated health concern in America? Are there natural thyroid solutions to an under-performing thyroid? Millions live with cold body temperatures, sluggish bowels, falling hair, infertility and stubborn weight gain, but have been told their thyroid is "fine". Or, they are told to take ever-increasing doses of thyroid medication (without seeing lasting results). In a ... Keep Reading >
Hypothyroid? – Diagnosis and Treatment Options You Need To Know: PODCAST
Mary Vance talks with me here about hypothyroidism and thyroid testing. Weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, constipation and infertility can all be signs of low thyroid function. Yet millions go undiagnosed, or struggle with inadequate treatments that don’t address the cause. As a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Mary Vance offers fresh insights in this Paleo Podcast into getting the correct diagnosis and working through treatment options. I've ... Keep Reading >