Did you know that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid impairment and dysfunction.  Up to 60% of people are unaware that their thyroid function is impaired.  That averages out to 1 in 300 people having compromised thyroid function in our country.  That’s a LOT!! Thyroid health is one of those things that can make reaching your goals impossible and it can significantly undermine your health. Unfortunately, may people don’t recognize thyroid issues when they present.

Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in your neck. When this gland isn’t working properly it can present as hyperthyroidism (thyroid function is too fast) or hyperthyroidism (thyroid function is too slow).  It can also present as an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s (function to slow) or Graves (function to fast).  I want to stop and point out that thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune thyroid disease should not be treated the same way.  There are some similarities between the two but autoimmune diseases are a whole other ball of wax to support and navigate.

So, how can it be that 60% of people with thyroid dysfunction and/or disease are unaware of it? The answer lies in the way thyroid health is often assessed. Many practitioners rely on standard lab ranges, which, unfortunately, have little to do with optimal health and function. These lab ranges are essentially the bookends of full-blown disease, meaning they only detect thyroid issues at a severe stage. As a result, you can experience a myriad of symptoms and still be told that your lab results are normal.

This is where my approach in my practice, using optimal lab ranges, comes into play. Optimal ranges allow us to see precisely where the body and its functions stand in relation to optimal health, providing a more comprehensive perspective of thyroid health. Also, when navigating thyroid issues, you cannot go off of labs alone. You need to factor in the person’s symptom load becasue everybody’s body is different. Some people are really sensitve to changes in their body, others not as much.

Thyroid dysfunction and disease can manifest in a wide range of symptoms. The specific symptoms can vary from person to person and may be experienced to varying degrees. What makes matters more difficult to navigate is that a lot of the symptoms I’m about to share overlap with other dysfunction in the body. That’s why it’s best to move forward with thyroid care by considering BOTH proper lab work and the individual’s symptoms. Proper lab work means a complete thyroid panel including testing for antibodies.

Here are some common symptoms associated with Hypothyroidism (when thyroid function is too slow):

Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness that can make it difficult to go about your daily activities.

Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even with a healthy diet and exercise.

Skin and Hair Issues: Coarse, dry hair, dry, rough, pale skin, and hair loss.

Cold Intolerance: An inability to tolerate cold temperatures compared to those around you.

Muscle Discomfort: Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches.

Digestive Problems: Constipation and other digestive issues.

Mood Changes: Depression, irritability, and mood swings.

Cognitive Challenges: Memory loss and brain fog, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly.

Hormonal Imbalances: Abnormal menstrual cycles and decreased libido.

On the other hand, Hyperthyroidism (when thyroid function is too fast) may present different symptoms, such as:

Fatigue or Muscle Weakness: Despite the overactive thyroid, you may still experience fatigue and muscle weakness.

Mood Swings: Nervousness, anxiety, and mood swings.

Heart Issues: Rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.

Skin Problems: Dry skin and difficulty sleeping.

Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss.

Digestive Changes: Increased frequency of bowel movements and light or skipped periods in women.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the thyroid gland is closely linked to the Gold Element, which also includes the lungs, large intestines, and parathyroid. This is not a mere coincidence; these organs are interconnected and influence each other in terms of thyroid health. It’s worth noting that thyroid impairment, dysfunction, or disease can have a significant impact on gut health and digestion, which is why digestive issues and delayed food sensitivities are commonly associated with thyroid problems. Emotionally, thyroid issues can manifest as feelings of grief, extended sadness, the inability to let go of things, and the sense of keeping emotions locked inside.

Furthermore, thyroid dysfunction and disease can present as physical manifestations, including a goiter (a bulge in the neck over the thyroid gland), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), and even thyroid cancer. Unfortunately, thyroid cancer is relatively common and can result from long-term thyroid dysfunction. It’s essential to be vigilant about your thyroid health to address these concerns early.

The good news is that there are various natural approaches to support your thyroid health effectively. One of the most critical factors to consider is stress management. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we deal with it is crucial. When you’re under stress, your body shifts from the parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode to the sympathetic (fight or flight) mode, which can take a toll on your thyroid function.

Let’s take a look at some of the natural ways to promote thyroid health.

1. Stress management is crucial. Stress can harm your thyroid, as I’ve experienced personally after my mom died from pancreatic cancer. The prolonged acute stress of this 2 year season shut my thryroid function down almost completely. Processing and releasing stress through activities like journaling, meditation, and nature walks can help.
2. Rest is essential for thyroid health. In our busy culture, adequate sleep is often overlooked. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. If you are getting less than 7 hours or more than 8 you are driving up inflammation in your body.
3. Exercise is vital, but don’t overdo it. More is not better, better is better. Gentle activities like walks, yoga, and tai chi can benefit your thyroid without pushing it over the edge.
4. Diet plays a significant role. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol, as they can worsen thyroid symptoms. Focus on a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, along with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Include a variety of veggies, and limit raw cruciferous veggies.
5. Opt for organic, whole foods to reduce inflammation in your body. Eliminate processed, packaged foods from your diet. The toxins and chemicals in everyday products can disrupt your endocrine function, affecting thyroid health.
6. Identify and eliminate delayed food sensitivities. This is a big one. Delayed food sensitivites generate a TON of inflammation in the body in addition to damaging your gut’s mucosal lining. High inflammation makes everything worse. You will never get a handle on thyroid health while eating foods your body does not tolerate
7. Fix your gut health. We all know the saying you are what you eat, but really you are what you can absorb. If you are not digesting and absorbing properly your body doesn’t have the building block it needs. Nutrititional deficiences will wreck your thyroid health.
8. Reduce and eliminate endocrine disruptors. I want to mention that endocrine disruptors are all around us. Chemicals in our hygiene products, cleaning supplies, body care products, home furnishings, and cosmetics that literally shut down our endocrine function….AKA thyroid health among other things.

I also want to mention that sometimes natural options aren’t enough. This was the case for me after my mom died. I could have done everything natural perfectly and it would not have been enough. Sometimes medication is needed. I always recommend starting with natural support before turning to medications. Or, if you are on thyroid medication already, to start implementing these natural support methods in addition to the medication. It will often result in lowered inflammation, greater weightloss, and even the lowering of medication.

My challenge to you is to intentionally support your thyroid health.

I’d love to hear from you! 

Which of these strategies are you already implementing? 

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In Health,
Kelly Calkins, BCHN®
A holistic approach to recovering your health.

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