The thyroid and your metabolism

Thyroid strength is important, since the main purpose of this gland’s hormone is to run the body’s metabolism. Recovery of a weakened thyroid can be hard to address directly. You may be surprised to know that nine times out of ten your thyroid isn’t the primary problem. Many people using natural therapies to heal this issue are not having the success they desire. To work on the thyroid alone with supplements and or medicine does not treat the root cause of the hypothyroidism.

Are these thyroid symptoms or something more?

I’ve found that the thyroid is overworked when other areas of strength in the body are depleted. The symptoms are subtle and often hard to diagnose. Hypothyroidism is a common issue among adults these days.  This serious condition can cause severe consequences if it is not treated.

 

To heal hypothyroidism, I look to the blood, bones, and immune system to see if they are all working optimally. Often there is a weakness in one of these areas causing an energy drain. When this happens, the thyroid is overworked to compensate.  The patient may not feel any difference in their overall energy or what they are able to accomplish, but the energy is coming from an overactive thyroid gland. They may be completely unaware they have an overactive situation. Often, the symptoms are masked by compensating for weakness in other areas. However, once thyroid strength is depleted as well, a patient can go from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism.  Either condition is draining to the body and needs medicines to balance.

Balance is essential

We live in a society that values output and achievement versus feeling at peace within ourselves. In some cases, people with hyperthyroidism, who don’t slow down or even know they have the condition, can push themselves over the edge. When they overdo it, a thyroid storm can occur, and this is a life threatening event.

For example, a woman I know had just given birth and was still doing all the work at home and maintaining other responsibilities outside of the home. She kept going, not knowing there could be a consequence.  She ended up in the hospital and on thyroid medicines right away. Two groups of people prone to pushing themselves too far are the perfectionists and overachievers.

Another issue with overdoing it for prolonged periods is that it is possible to push the thyroid gland until it simply stops functioning as it once did. Once it is damaged by overuse, the thyroid may not heal very quickly, and sometimes it will not recover entirely. These people could then suffer from chronic metabolism and weight issues.

Chakra energy and symptoms

The thyroid is the main energy input for the throat chakra.  When the thyroid output is low, you may experience symptoms like raspy voice, frequent sore throat or a feeling that you’d like covering over the throat area (like a scarf or turtle neck sweater).  When wrinkles suddenly appear around the throat, you can see this as a visible sign to relax, de-stress, and recoup your overall energy.   After a few days, the wrinkles may likely go away.

What can I do to help my thyroid recover?

Here are some simple strategies to incorporate into your daily life.

• Take care of your overall energy with adequate sleep and nutrition:  8 hours of sleep per night and 3 meals per day containing protein and vegetables.
• Be active, but do not overdo your activity beyond what is reasonable for you:  I know many people try marathon running and feel okay that day, but then are sick for a few weeks afterwards.  That is a sign that you have overdone it.
• Deal with stress as it comes up.  Find a friend or someone to talk through what you are going through emotionally.
• Do something for yourself every day.  Go for a walk, read a book, do puzzles, meet someone and socialize.  Consciously make a list of what nurtures you and incorporate something from that list into every day.

When you invest awareness, balance and nurturing into your life, the thyroid is more likely to stay in balance. If you have health concerns that do not go away, find a good practitioner to work with to resolve these. If you’d like to consult with me on this or any other issue, please contact me and fill out the online health history form. I would be happy to work with you on restoring your thyroid strength and getting you on the road to recovery.