Podcast Summary
Considering Thyroid Support for Women Over 40: Women over 40 should consider thyroid support due to potential conversion issues affecting T4 to T3, which may lead to thyroid dysfunction. Standard treatments like Synthroid may not be effective if conversion is impaired.
All women over the age of 40 should consider medical thyroid support due to the importance of the thyroid gland and potential conversion issues that can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland produces T4, which needs to be converted into the active hormone T3 in the body. Conversion can occur in the liver, gut, and muscle, but issues in these areas can impede the conversion process. The standard treatment for hypothyroidism, a common condition, is Synthroid (Levothyroxine), which is a T4-only medication. However, if the body doesn't effectively convert T4 to T3, individuals may not receive the full benefits of the medication. The thyroid health standards of care are outdated, and symptoms of low thyroid, such as depression, are often overlooked.
Consider thyroid assessment for depression: Depression caused by low thyroid function might not improve with traditional antidepressants or lifestyle changes. Thyroid assessment is crucial for addressing subtle but significant symptoms like brain fog, swelling, tongue enlargement, eye changes, and joint pain.
Depression caused by low thyroid function may not respond to traditional antidepressants or lifestyle changes alone. The speaker, who lived with depression for years, emphasizes the importance of considering a full thyroid assessment if depression seems untreatable despite doing all the right things. Thyroid issues can cause brain fog, which makes thinking and articulating difficult, as well as swelling (mixed edema), tongue enlargement, and eye changes. The speaker also suggests that low thyroid function may contribute to joint pain due to the surrounding of joints with proteinaceous swelling. These symptoms can be subtle but significant, and addressing thyroid function may be crucial for overall well-being.
COVID-19 exacerbating pre-existing health conditions: COVID-19 can worsen pre-existing health issues, leading to symptoms like hair loss, constipation, and weight gain. Functional medicine and naturopathy can help address these symptoms by focusing on overall metabolic health.
COVID-19 can push individuals over the edge of existing health conditions, leading to various symptoms such as hair loss, constipation, and weight gain. The speaker believes that these symptoms are not necessarily new conditions caused by long COVID, but rather a worsening of pre-existing issues due to the body's response to the virus. For example, thickened synovial fluid in the joints can cause significant pain and swelling, and hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss and weight gain. The speaker emphasizes that functional medicine doctors and naturopaths have been successful in treating these symptoms, and encourages individuals to consider their overall metabolic health as a root cause. Additionally, the speaker shares their personal experience of experiencing hair loss as an early indicator of thyroid issues.
Impact of Thyroid Issues on Health and Metabolism: Thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's disease, can lead to weight gain, coarse skin, acne, and other symptoms, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment for improved health.
Thyroid issues can significantly impact metabolism and overall health, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, coarse skin, and acne. These issues can be a result of an autoimmune disorder, which can cause the thyroid to swing between hyper and hypothyroid states. This condition, known as Hashimoto's disease, affects a large percentage of the population, particularly women, and can result in a variety of symptoms beyond just hypothyroidism. It's important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to get properly diagnosed and treated to manage their condition and improve their overall health.
Living with an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's: Managing stress, eating well, exercising, avoiding triggers, and taking responsibility for lifestyle choices can help put autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's into remission.
Having positive thyroid antibodies indicates an autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto's or Graves', which cannot be cured but can be managed through lifestyle changes. Autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's, are often triggered by stress, weather, viruses, or lifestyle factors. While there is no cure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help put the condition into remission. This includes managing stress, eating well, exercising appropriately, and avoiding triggers. Hashimoto's should not be used as an excuse for not achieving goals, as individuals have control over how their autoimmune disease manifests. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and surrounding oneself with negative influences, can contribute to the development and worsening of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, taking responsibility for one's lifestyle is crucial in managing autoimmune conditions.
Subclinical hypothyroidism: A silent threat to health: Subclinical hypothyroidism increases heart attack risk in women by 250%, causes various health issues, and cannot be cured. Proper dosing and compliance with thyroid medication are crucial for managing symptoms effectively.
Subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by normal T4 and T3 levels but mildly elevated TSH, is not something to be ignored despite what doctors may say. This condition increases the risk of heart attack in women by 250% and can lead to various health issues such as musculoskeletal pain, migraines, and even dementia in elderly individuals. Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to cure autoimmune thyroid diseases or get off thyroid medication once prescribed. Thyroid hormones are crucial for maintaining overall health, and discontinuing them can result in a miserable existence with various symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to work with healthcare professionals to ensure proper dosing and compliance with thyroid medication to manage symptoms effectively.
Optimal thyroid hormone levels for overall health: Aim for a TSH level of 1 for optimal health, but interpretation requires clinical symptoms and expertise. Find a knowledgeable healthcare professional to help navigate thyroid health.
Maintaining optimal thyroid hormone levels is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. A TSH level of 1 is a good target, as indicated by the speaker's successful experience in treating patients with musculoskeletal pain. However, interpreting thyroid lab results requires clinical symptoms and expertise, making self-diagnosis and treatment potentially risky. The normal range for TSH has shifted in recent years, and some practitioners may still consider a TSH up to 5 as normal. It's essential to find a knowledgeable healthcare professional to help navigate thyroid health, as under or over-treatment can lead to various health issues.
Lack of Thyroid Hormone Knowledge in Standard Medical Education and Insurance Limitations: Find a practitioner who prioritizes symptoms over lab results and is willing to work with you to manage thyroid conditions, even if lab tests are normal.
The standard medical education system does not provide adequate knowledge on hormones, including thyroid hormones, and functional medicine practitioners may also lack this expertise. Moreover, most doctors rely on insurance for payment, which often limits their ability to provide optimal care. It is essential to understand that anyone worth their salt in the field of healthcare is unlikely to accept insurance due to the low reimbursement rates. Therefore, it is crucial to look for practitioners who prioritize symptoms over lab results and are willing to work with you to manage your condition. Additionally, autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disorders, are common and may not always show up on lab tests. If you suspect you have a thyroid issue but your lab results are normal, keep looking for a practitioner who will listen to your symptoms and work with you to find a solution. Lastly, it is important to remember that healing is a continuous process, and there is no end to it. Instead, focus on optimizing your health and working with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms effectively.
Managing Hashimoto's thyroid conditions is complex: Despite lab results, determining appropriate thyroid hormone replacement requires symptom abatement, and responses vary to various forms. Working closely with healthcare professionals is crucial for managing Hashimoto's thyroid conditions.
Treating Hashimoto's thyroid conditions is complex and challenging due to the autoimmune nature of the disease. Doctors, including naturopathic physicians, face limitations when trying to help patients because lab results may not always indicate the need for intervention. Symptom abatement is a crucial factor in determining appropriate dosages, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement. Patients may respond differently to various forms of thyroid hormones, such as Synthroid, T3 only, compounded versions, or desiccated thyroid like Armour Throid or Nature Throid. This guessing game can be exhausting for both doctors and patients. Additionally, herbs alone may not be sufficient to address Hashimoto's thyroid conditions. Glandulars, which contain thyroid tissue from animals, can be beneficial for some patients. Ultimately, it's essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to find the best approach for managing Hashimoto's thyroid conditions, as every individual's experience is unique.
Thyroid health is vital for women over 40: Support thyroid function with herbs, prescription hormones, diet, and rest. Thyroid and adrenal health are interconnected.
Thyroid health is crucial for overall vitality, especially for women over 40. While herbs can be helpful, they may not be enough on their own, and prescription thyroid hormones like desiccated thyroid can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and reducing health risks. However, these prescriptions can be expensive and may require finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Additionally, avoiding gluten and allowing your thyroid to rest between meals can support thyroid function. Thyroid and adrenal health are interconnected, and supporting both systems is essential for optimal well-being. It's important to note that once started, both thyroid hormones and adrenal support may be ongoing treatments.
Maintaining metabolic health crucial for managing thyroid issues: Eat low-carb, avoid ultra-processed foods, limit sugar and fruit, prioritize protein, do strength training and walking, manage stress through mindfulness practices for better thyroid function and declining antibodies
Maintaining good metabolic health is crucial for managing thyroid issues. This involves eating a diet low in carbohydrates, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and limiting sugar and fruit. High protein intake is also recommended. Strength training and walking are effective exercises for those with thyroid problems. Stress management through mindfulness practices is also essential. The speaker, Dr. Tina, emphasizes the importance of keeping metabolic health in check, as it can lead to improved thyroid function and a decline in antibodies. She also suggests checking out her Metabolic Revamp Toolkit and her interview with Dr. Carolyn Stone on the Doctor Tina Show for more information.
Exploring the impacts of common ingredients: Digest This podcast delves into the benefits and risks of various ingredients in food, skin care, and cleaning products, making complex topics accessible to listeners.
That Bethany's podcast, Digest This, provides valuable information on various ingredients and their impacts on our daily lives. Each episode includes a weekly segment called "Bite of Knowledge," where Bethany explores the benefits or dangers of common ingredients used in food, skin care, and household cleaning products. She covers a wide range of ingredients, from well-known ones like Botox and olive oil to less familiar ones found on cereal box labels. The podcast's in-depth exploration and accessible presentation earned it the number 2 spot on Apple Podcast's Nutrition Charts. Listen to Digest This on your favorite podcast app for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, produced by Drake Peterson and Resonant Media.
