By naturopath Margaret Jasinska

The thyroid gland controls the rate at which the energy factories (mitochondria) inside the cells in your body make energy. Thus, it is not surprising that a very common cause of fatigue is a sluggish thyroid gland.

If your thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone this is called hypothyroidism.

The most common symptoms of low thyroid function are –

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Fluid retention
• Brain fog
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Scalp hair loss

Thyroid Function Blood Tests

Here is a guide to interpreting a thyroid hormone blood test:

The word euthyroid means that thyroid hormone levels are normal.

Reverse T3 is a biologically inactive thyroid hormone and blocks the correct T3 from working. Higher levels of reverse T3 decrease the effect of thyroid hormone.

Look after your thyroid gland

In your body thyroid hormone is made from tyrosine, iodine and selenium. Many people with a sluggish thyroid gland have suboptimal levels of the essential nutrients needed for hormone production and to maintain the health of the thyroid gland.

The majority of thyroid conditions are caused by an autoimmune disease, and research has indicated that gluten intolerance can be a trigger for autoimmunity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, oats, rye and barley. You can see if you have an intolerance to gluten through a simple blood test. Another option is to eliminate gluten and grains from your diet for 6 weeks and then reintroduce them into your diet and monitor your symptoms. Many thyroid patients benefit from following a diet free of gluten.

The thyroid gland needs adequate amounts of tyrosine to manufacture thyroid hormones. We also need sufficient protein every day as the liver needs the amino acids in protein to carry out phase two detoxification reactions. Tyrosine is found in protein rich foods like red meat and poultry, as well as almonds, avocados, bananas and pumpkin seeds.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna), raw nuts and seeds, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil and nut oils. These fats can reduce inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disease and improve cell membrane health which allows thyroid hormones to function more efficiently. You also need the right fats in your diet to keep your immune system strong and to heal and repair liver cells.

When you are stressed your body pumps out large amounts of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones release inflammatory proteins and antibodies that can suppress immune function and damage the adrenal/thyroid glands. This is why individuals with thyroid problems can experience hormonal changes such as decreased libido, fertility problems and mood swings. It’s essential to find healthy ways to deal with stress.

Activation of thyroid hormone mostly occurs in the liver. This is where T4 is converted into its active form T3. If you have poor liver health, a simple TSH blood test may be normal, but your T3 level could be too low. Most doctors do not test T3. You could have an under active thyroid and not know it.

If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, ask your doctor for a blood test and check out the book Your Thyroid Problems Solved for holistic solutions to heal your thyroid.

Thyroid Health capsules contain nutrients to support healthy thyroid gland function. Selenium assists thyroid hormone production and helps to reduce inflammation.