Functional Medicine Approaches to Hypothyroidism Management

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Functional Medicine Approaches to Hypothyroidism Management

There are different hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which influence a range of body processes. The hormones affect the function of your body down to each cell. The maintenance of these hormones at the right levels is essential to your health and overall body functioning.

Hypothyroidism is the most prevalent issue associated with the thyroid gland. Underproduction of thyroid hormones characterizes the condition. This, in turn, causes weight gain, constipation, depression, memory loss, constant and unexplained fatigue, hypotension, insomnia, muscle pain, and hair loss.

Hypothyroidism patients in Salt Lake City have different management options for their condition. Functional medicine is the proven method for successful hypothyroidism management. This is because unlike other alternatives, functional medicine addresses your condition’s causative element and uses a systems-oriented approach to manage it.

The following are some of the management approaches for hypothyroidism in functional medicine.

Eliminate the Causative Agent of Hypothyroidism

Different elements will interfere with the optimal functioning of your thyroid gland. The primary ones are diet, stress, and toxins. The most common food linked to thyroid problems is gluten. Unfortunately, most symptoms related to gluten sensitivity are similar to those in hypothyroidism. That said, tests to ascertain that gluten is the cause of your hypothyroidism are essential. Mercury, fluoride, and chloride ions and toxins in herbicides and pesticides have also been linked to hypothyroidism.

Engage in Regular Exercise

An increase in body functions stimulates the secretion of thyroid hormones and increases your body tissues’ sensitivity to the effects of thyroid hormones. The exercise also helps you get rid of the weight gain associated with hypothyroidism. Ideally, the best exercise in hypothyroidism management should be vigorous and make you sweat. The amount of exercise you should engage in should be planned by a fitness specialist based on your health to avoid aggravating other conditions.

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Use Healthy Thyroid Supplements

People assume that taking supplements will magically improve their thyroid gland’s function. The key, though, lies in knowing the ideal supplements for your condition. The best are those that contain vitamins D and A, Iodine, Selenium, Omega 3 fats, and Zinc. If your adrenal glands are affected due to stress, you might need Rhodiola, Siberian ginseng, and ginseng to support them and hasten the healing process.

Eat Thyroid-Boosting Foods

Every step of healing in functional medicine depends on the right nutrition since this will communicate with your genetic makeup. The generation of thyroid hormones depends on Omega-3 fatty acids and Iodine while their conversion to active T3 depends on Selenium. Sea vegetables and seaweed are a good source of Iodine while salmon and sardines have high vitamin D, Omega-3 fats and Iodine levels. Dark leafy greens, mustard, and dandelion will supply a large portion of vitamin A while Brazil nuts, scallops, smelt, and herring supply Selenium.

No single symptom that can show you that you are suffering from hypothyroidism. Before the above treatment approaches, you will undergo various blood tests to diagnose your condition and get a clear picture of the quantity of thyroid hormones in your body. You will also undergo blood tests at different points of your management to assess the efficiency of your treatment.

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