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    Ep 54: Thyroid, Blood Sugar, and Metabolic Syndrome

    enJune 18, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Thyroid dysfunction affects 50 million AmericansThyroid dysfunction is common and can impact blood sugar and metabolic health, but many cases go undiagnosed due to limited testing

      Thyroid dysfunction is more prevalent than previously thought, with an estimated 50 million Americans experiencing some form of clinical or subclinical thyroid disorder. This condition can significantly impact blood sugar levels and metabolic syndrome. Despite this, conventional medical testing often only checks two hormones, TSH and free T4, leaving many cases undiagnosed. It's essential to consider the whole thyroid puzzle for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Instacart, on the other hand, offers a convenient solution for grocery shopping without missing out on favorite activities, like watching the game. Ashley's anniversary sale provides savings on mattresses, with select purchases including a free adjustable base and financing options for top brands.

    • Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance affect millions in the USUnchecked metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction, increasing healthcare costs and health complications.

      Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are common health issues affecting a large portion of the American population, with approximately 50 million Americans diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and up to 105 million with insulin resistance. These conditions are linked, and if left unchecked, they can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease and diabetes, which are two leading causes of death in developed nations. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance also increase the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction. The healthcare costs associated with managing these conditions are a significant concern, and it's crucial to address the root causes to prevent further health complications and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

    • Understanding cholesterol and its interconnectionsIgnoring cholesterol issues or relying solely on doctor's advice can lead to missed opportunities for better solutions. Explore alternative methods and physiological reasons behind obesity, cholesterol, and thyroid disorders.

      If you're dealing with cholesterol issues, it's crucial to pay attention and seek out information and options beyond what your doctor may provide. Many people feel they have complete control over their health, but in reality, doctors often only suggest one solution and may not discuss alternative methods. Even those who believe they're eating healthy may be missing key information. Ignoring the problem or giving up due to frustration can be detrimental. Obesity, cholesterol, and thyroid disorders are interconnected, and understanding the physiological reasons behind these issues can lead to better solutions. Don't let shame or a lack of information keep you from regaining control of your health.

    • Thyroid function and blood sugar levels are interconnectedMaintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial for healthy thyroid function, and vice versa. High blood sugar can negatively impact thyroid health and lead to metabolic syndrome.

      There is a strong connection between thyroid function and blood sugar levels. A healthy thyroid function depends on maintaining normal blood sugar levels, and conversely, normal blood sugar levels depend on healthy thyroid function. This relationship forms a two-way street, leading to a circular pattern of issues when one affects the other. High blood sugar can impact thyroid health by contributing to metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, caused by consuming excessive carbohydrates. Understanding this connection can help individuals make informed choices about their diet and overall health.

    • Vegetarians and Vegans: Be Careful with Carbs to Avoid Metabolic Syndrome and Thyroid IssuesVegetarians and vegans should focus on adequate protein intake and avoid relying too heavily on carbs to maintain healthy insulin levels and reduce risk of metabolic syndrome and thyroid issues.

      Vegetarians and vegans, who avoid meat, can still develop metabolic syndrome if they're not careful with their carbohydrate intake. When the body constantly produces insulin to process carbohydrates, the cells can become resistant, leading to higher insulin levels. This insulin resistance can damage the thyroid gland, contributing to hypothyroidism. Therefore, it's crucial for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they're getting adequate protein and not relying too heavily on carbohydrates. This will help maintain healthy insulin levels and reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and thyroid issues.

    • Blood sugar impacts thyroid functionMaintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for optimal thyroid health as both low and high levels can negatively impact thyroid function.

      Both high and low blood sugar levels can impact thyroid function. When blood sugar drops, the body responds by releasing cortisol, a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Cortisol is also a sympathetic nervous system hormone involved in the fight or flight response, leading to increased heart rate, lung action, and blood flow to skeletal muscles. However, prolonged activation of this response can negatively impact thyroid function. Conversely, high blood sugar levels can also weaken thyroid function by affecting insulin levels and overall metabolism. Therefore, maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for optimal thyroid health.

    • Cortisol's Impact on Thyroid Function and Blood SugarChronic stress increases cortisol production, negatively impacting thyroid hormone production and leading to dysglycemia, gut issues, depression, heart disease, and more. Addressing both blood sugar handling and thyroid function is crucial for optimal health.

      Cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, can have significant effects on thyroid function. Chronic stress, which leads to increased cortisol production, can negatively impact the pituitary gland and, in turn, thyroid hormone production. This can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues, including dysglycemia (blood sugar dysregulation), gut problems, depression, heart disease, and more. Both high and low blood sugar levels can contribute to thyroid dysfunction. It's essential to address both blood sugar handling and thyroid function for optimal health. Low thyroid function can also cause dysglycemia and metabolic syndrome, affecting insulin production, insulin response, and glucose absorption. Therefore, addressing thyroid function is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

    • Thyroid and blood sugar connectionAddressing both thyroid and blood sugar issues together is crucial for overall health. Determine your blood sugar levels through testing and maintain them in a healthy range to support thyroid function.

      Blood sugar and thyroid function are intricately connected. When your body isn't sensitive to glucose due to hypothyroidism, you may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia despite normal blood sugar levels. This triggers the adrenals to release cortisol to increase glucose availability, leading to chronic stress and decreased thyroid function. Conversely, thyroid function can also impact blood sugar levels. Addressing both issues together is crucial for overall health, but conventional medicine often focuses on one problem at a time. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which is essential for thyroid function, you need to determine if you have high or low blood sugar through testing. Reactive hypoglycemia, where the body secretes too much insulin after carbohydrate-rich meals, can cause low blood sugar. Monitoring fasting glucose and post-meal blood sugar levels is necessary to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.

    • Understanding Blood Sugar's Impact on Thyroid HealthCheck your fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels regularly for optimal thyroid health. Aim for a fasting level between 75-95 mg/dL and a post-meal rise of no more than 30 points. Consider dietary changes to regulate blood sugar, such as reducing carbs and increasing protein and fat.

      Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for thyroid health and vice versa. To achieve this, you should know your fasting and post-meal blood sugar numbers. A normal fasting blood sugar range is between 75 and 95, with an ideal target of 85. After eating, your blood sugar should not rise more than 30 points. If it does, you may have dysglycemia, which requires further investigation. You can test your blood sugar at home using a meter, strips, and monitor, which can be purchased at most pharmacies. To help regulate your blood sugar, consider reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and fat consumption. Fruits, despite being healthy, can negatively impact insulin levels for those with diabetes.

    • Monitoring blood sugar levels can indicate potential thyroid issuesRegularly checking blood sugar levels can help identify potential thyroid problems and prevent health complications

      Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial in understanding potential thyroid issues. If an individual experiences blood sugar handling problems, it could indicate a thyroid problem. Regularly checking blood sugar levels through fasting and postprandial tests can help identify these issues and prevent them from worsening. It's essential to be diligent and responsible for one's health, even if it involves the occasional finger prick. Delaying testing and addressing these issues can lead to significant health complications. It's always best to address potential health concerns early on, even if they seem minor. Regular check-ups and testing can lead to improved overall health and potential normalization of thyroid function.

    • Take charge of your healthIdentifying what's important and seeking help can lead to significant improvements in managing thyroid, blood sugar, and metabolic syndrome, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.

      Taking responsibility for your health, particularly in managing thyroid, blood sugar, and metabolic syndrome, can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. It's a complex web of issues that are interconnected, and while others can offer guidance and support, ultimately, it's up to you to make the necessary steps towards better health. If you need resources or guidance, reach out to professionals or organizations like The Institute of Natural Health. Remember, when you identify what's truly important to you, it becomes easier to make time for it in your schedule. Additionally, consider utilizing online therapy services like BetterHelp to help prioritize your happiness and well-being.

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    To find the numbered bibliography with all the papers covered in this episode, click here, or use the link below:

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    To access the folder with ALL our bibliographies, follow this link (it will be updated as we publish episodes and process bibliographies), or use the link below:

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    Follow-up on social media for more updates!

    Twitter: @AMiNDR_podcast

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    Facebook:  AMiNDR  

    Youtube: AMiNDR Podcast

    LinkedIn: AMiNDR Podcast

    Email: amindrpodcast@gmail.com  

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    Please help us spread the word about AMiNDR to your friends, colleagues, and networks! And if you could leave us a rating and/or review on your streaming app of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to the podcast), that would be greatly appreciated! It helps us a lot and we thank you in advance for leaving a review! Don’t forget to subscribe to hear about new episodes as they come out too. 

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    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH7chrAdtCUZuGia16FR4w   

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    If you are interested in joining the team, send us your CV by email. We are specifically looking for help with sorting abstracts by topic, abstract summaries and hosting, audio editing, creating bibliographies, and outreach/marketing. However, if you are interested in helping in other ways, don't hesitate to apply anyways.  

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    Follow-up on social media for more updates!

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    Instagram: @AMiNDR.podcast

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    Email: amindrpodcast@gmail.com  

    -------------------------------------------------------------- 

    Please help us by spreading the word about AMiNDR to your friends, colleagues, and networks! Another way you can help us reach more listeners who would benefit from the show is by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps us a lot and we thank you in advance for leaving a review! 

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    Our music is from "Journey of a Neurotransmitter" by musician and fellow neuroscientist Anusha Kamesh; you can find the original piece and her other music on soundcloud under Anusha Kamesh or on her YouTube channel, AKMusic.   

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH7chrAdtCUZuGia16FR4w   

    -------------------------------------------------------------- 

    If you are interested in joining the team, send us your CV by email. We are specifically looking for help with sorting abstracts by topic, abstract summaries and hosting, audio editing, creating bibliographies, and outreach/marketing. However, if you are interested in helping in other ways, don't hesitate to apply anyways.  

    --------------------------------------------------------------

    *About AMiNDR: *  

    Learn more about this project and the team behind it by listening to our first episode: "Welcome to AMiNDR!" 

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