From the beginning, Living Alchemy has set out to enhance the lives of people by improving their health. Our goal is not only to alleviate symptoms, but to provide natural solutions to these unsolved long-term problems through the creation of fermented organic whole food supplements.
That's why we're excited to share Jordan's story - a gut health and hormone nutritionist who recently shared her experience with hyperthyroidism. In this post, we summarize her key points and provide our own insights on this important topic.
The Basics of the Thyroid: Understanding the Function of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the front of your neck. It secretes three hormones - thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin - which play a vital role in regulating your weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth, and metabolism, which are a crucial component of your body's endocrine system. While the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is not made in the thyroid but instead in the brain’s pituitary gland, it signals the body to produce more or less of the thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism - Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from the overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body. It can occur due to a variety of reasons such as an autoimmune disorder, genetic predisposition, or due to certain medications. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include rapid weight loss, anxiety, tremors, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, and restlessness. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and in extreme cases, a life-threatening condition known as thyroid storm.
Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, and it is an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of Graves' disease may include shaky hands, weight loss, trouble sleeping, and fast heart rate. It can be diagnosed through a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
If you suspect you have hyperthyroidism, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include loose bowel movements, anxiousness, sweating, and heart failure if left unsupported. Jordan's personal experience with hyperthyroidism highlighted the importance of testing for H. pylori, a bad bacteria linked to thyroid disease and the importance of managing stress levels.
The Role of Supplements in Managing Hyperthyroidism
Working with a practitioner, like Jordan, can provide people in similar situations with a regimented supplementation to help cope with hormonal issues.
Here would be a protocol that we might recommend:
- Vitamin D important for overall well being from bones to brain health
- A plant-based prebiotics + probitics + postbiotics for a strong gut lining and a balanced immune response
- Mineral support like selenium and magnesium, like our Zinc Alive and Women's Iron Alive for immunity and energy
- Our Ferment Active Turmeric with all activated cucurmoids to fight inflammation
- Algae oil may help with inflammation throughout the body including improves cognition
- Your Flora Immune with whole food source of vitamin C
- Warrior for increasing energy and supporting stress levels
- Holy Basil for calming the nervous and promoting relaxation, take tea and/or capsules at bedtime
Plant-based supplements to avoid:
Some seaweeds like bladderwrack, dulse and kelp may have high iodine content and could cause excess thyroid hormones.
Another popular supplement that we would suggest avoiding is ashwagandha as it may cause excess thyroid hormones. Instead, we would recommend Holy Basil as a great adaptogen alternative
Finally, bugleweed lowers thyroid hormones. We don’t recommend taking it if you have hypothyroidism or you’re on medication to lower T4/T3.
Conclusion:
We appreciate Jordan's personal experience and insights on this important topic. If you suspect you may have hyperthyroidism, or any other condition, we encourage you to seek medical attention and work with a practitioner, like Jordan, to develop a personalized treatment plan.