Thyroid Unexplained Weight Gain
The old saying 'you are what you eat' may not necessarily be true for some people. Unexplained weight gain, together with various other symptoms might be due to Low Thyroid activity (Hypothyroidism), which affects over 40% of the population, particularly women in the middle years.
As the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, an under-active thyroid results in slow metabolism with outward symptoms such as:
Weight gain
Dry skin
Dry hair
Dry eyes and loss of outer third of eyebrows
Brittle nails
Hair loss
If you are conscious that your appearance is not as it should be, you may be suffering with low thyroid activity.
Other symptoms - and as many as 64 - have been associated with Hypothyroidism - include the following:
Depression
Fatigue
Mood swings
Insomnia
Poor memory & concentration
Low blood pressure
High cholesterol
Muscle cramps
Stiff Joints
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Each individual may have a number of these symptoms which will vary with the severity of the thyroid hormone deficiency and, if left untreated, can develop into something more serious.
Hypothyroidism can often be difficult to diagnose as the condition develops insidiously over time and the symptoms are often attributed to the aging process. As it advances there may be puffiness around the eyes and slowing of the heart rate.
It can also be the result of an auto-immune problem, whereby the body's own antibodies attack the thyroid gland or it may be caused by a problem in another related gland, the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland can be affected by cortisol, a hormone which is produced when the body is under stress, this may explain why women are particularly prone to this condition - full time employment, children to care for and perhaps even elderly parents - add to the daily stresses of modern life. The Pill and iodine deficiency can also make a contribution
Other causes include:
Trauma/after an accident (often compounded by whiplash and misalignment of the lower cervical vertebrae).
Illness - glandular fever, ME, viruses
Exhausted adrenal - from work stress, pregnancy etc.,
Dental amalgam fillings
Chemicals - household sprays, toothpastes etc., and fluoride. Fluoride can cause reduced thyroxin uptake (known since 1850!)
How can Hypothyroidism be detected?
The conventional method is a blood test where the hormone levels of T4 is measured preferably also T3, T4 and TSH. However this method can be inaccurate as many people are sub-clinical ( symptoms have not yet reached the stage for identification).
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 cases presenting typical hypothyroid symptoms showed normal thyroid levels in blood tests.
Conventional treatment is with thyroxin supplementations. Thyroxin is normally given and increased gradually after several weeks. A maintenance dose can be 150mcg to 200mcg. Thyroid function often declines after 18 months or so as the patient's own production declines. Trials have shown that long term usage can cause as much as 13% bone density loss, the thyroid becomes dependent upon it and it does not correct the problem.
Natural Practices uses a revolutionary system from the U.S. to check for Hypothyroidism. Using Energetic Medicine, the 'Health Detective' Screening system checks for many hormonal imbalances not only in the thyroid but the adrenal, pancreas, pituitary etc., and associated hormones.
The Screening illustrates how the endocrine system is functioning, details of which are assessed and any problems pinpointed. The whole process takes about an hour, is non-invasive and results are given immediately. The System can then suggest specific rebalancing remedies for each individual case. It is very common to find exhausted adrenal glands with hypothyroidism and it is essential that these are corrected. We often take the opportunity to check for food sensitivities in order that we can eliminate those that are acting more as a poison to the body.
Often a congested liver is the main reason why some hormones can no longer be converted and we use natural methods to detox and optimise the function of the liver. People with a balanced endocrine / hormonal system often have more energy, clearer skin and improved bowel movements.
If Hypothyroidism is detected, we recommend an effective herbal compound specifically for poor thyroid function taken together with nutritional and homeopathic supplements. The combination of products will normally dramatically eliminate symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, excess weight and skin problems. Further check-ups may be necessary to track the endocrine system's progress.
We also encourage the intake of raw foods, good oils and proteins and the reduction of carbohydrates and sugars together with gentle exercise.
Ring us to discuss in more detail.
We have a number of specific products available on our On-line Shop 'Weight Control' or 'Hormonal Health, Thyroid'. If you are unsure which product would be most beneficial for you, please contact us and we will be pleased to advise.
