I think my thyroid is messed up.

Hakaru Hashimoto (橋本 策, Hashimoto Hakaru, May 5, 1881 – January 9, 1934) was a Japanese doctor and medical scientist of the Meiji and Taishō periods. He is best known for publishing the first description of the disease that was later named Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Why is the thyroid gland important?

The thyroid gland was discovered in 1475 by Wang Hei. Treatment of enlarged thyroid, or goiters, dates back to 1600 B.C. This little “butterfly” shaped gland, sits in front of our neck, and plays an important role in our body. Do you enjoy breathing? Your heart beating? Having strength in your muscles and maintaining your weight? Thank your thyroid gland.

When your thyroid gland does not make enough hormone, it is called Hypothyroidism. Beyond that, a common autoimmune Hypothyroidism that is rarely checked for, is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which causes its own set of problems. Hypothyroidism is checked with a simple blood test which includes a TSH and T4. Usually your TSH will be elevated and your T4 will be low. With Hashimoto’s your TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) will be elevated, with or without an abnormal TSH. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies surround the gland itself causing inflammation so severe that the thyroid gland struggles to work effectively. If you have Hashimoto’s the gluten is not your friend. Gluten causes an increase in inflammation and makes the problem worse. Soy is not your friend for any thyroid problems as it interferes with your thyroid function as well. Common signs and symptoms of Hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Puffy or pale face

• Feeling cold

• Depression

• Slowed heart rate

• Joint and muscle pain

• Constipation

• Dry and thinning hair

• Heavy or irregular menses

• Panic disorder

• Problems getting and maintaining pregnancy

• Brain fog

Most medical providers undertreat Hypothyroidism and do not even check for Hashimoto’s not believing in its validity. Even if you don’t have Hashimoto’s your thyroid may be running slow and in need of treatment. Are you currently being treated for Hypothyroidism and still struggling? Your T3 may be running low and in need of help. T3 is the “action” part of your thyroid and it reduces inflammation, improves cognitive function (your brain!), helps to prevent bone loss and helps with weight loss. It will even help prevent hair loss/thinning.

Getting your blood work checked is essential. So is eating correctly. If your diet is poor then treating your thyroid will NOT be as effective as we would like. We can help you with all of this and more. Just reach out to us at acamp@completeintegrative.com.