Monday, April 13, 2015

What's Eating You? Thyroid Edition

Hormones, Hormones, Hormones.  My favorite visual moment about hormones is from an old television show, The State.  About 4-6 people are dressed in pink and blue morphsuites...as the hormones rage, the "hormones" start dancing quickly.  It's quite comical.  If you are not familiar with it, Netflix carries the show.  But other than the normal sexual hormones, your other hormones can have quite a negative impact on your weight loss goals.

Between babies 1 & 2 I tried losing weight...Atkins was the best one, but I got tired of counting carbs and fiber...plus have you ever had to eat the diabetic candy with maltitol (stool softener...basically) as a sweetener during a hurricane with no running toilet water...another story for another day.


Having exposed my thyroid to a decade of radiology exposure due to work (and never having heard of a thyroid shield), I decided to drop $600 at the local clinic for a full hormone panel to be run to see what was causing me from dropping the weight.

What is the Thyroid?


The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that I like to call The Metabloizer.  The thyroid is responsible for controlling the speed of your metabolism...which helps the body use energy.  When this gland is out of whack, your whole system can be thrown for a loop.

One of the symptoms of a whacky thyroid is weight gain or loss.  Now, when I was about 10 years younger, I gained some weight...I was throwing back pizza, burgers, and coffee left and right...I obviously could not blame my thyroid on that one lol.  The most common thyroid disorder that contributes to weight gain is hypothyroidism (the release of low levels of thyroid hormones). 

Hypothyroidism can cause a slower heart rate, increased blood pressure, the sensation of a pounding heart, and other heart palpitations (www.webmd.com).  A few other symptoms include being tired, sluggish, and depressed.  Hypothyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, irritability, hair loss, affect body temperature regulation,  dry skin, numbness in hands, constipation, and abnormal menstrual cycles.

Women of menopause age should not confuse menopause and thyroid disorder.  A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis.

Untreated hypothyroidism "can raise cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack" (www.webmd.com).  Loss of consciousness and an extreme drop in body temperature have been reported in some severe cases of hypothyroidism. 

Obviously it is clear that a small gland can impact so much of your body...physically and mentally.  I wish I would have known about Metabolic Research Center and their MyLab options 4 years ago.  Yes, I spent $600 for a full hormone panel...MRC offers their hormone panels for $199.  Currently the lab contract is with Quest Labs and MRC utilizes Nationally Certified physicians for interpretation as needed if you choose not to send your lab results to your doctor.  As a MRC client, you are automatically enrolled in MyLabs. 

Metabolic Research Center also has several supplements to help aid in the health of your thyroid. 
One of the most popular is the Iodine supplements.

According to www.emetabolic.com:


Super Iodine Plus (60 Count) 

MADE IN USA
Super Iodine Plus (60 Count)Iodine is a trace mineral that is quintessential for many biological processes including production of thyroid hormones, healthy thyroid function and metabolism.
Iodine's primary role is to keep the thyroid gland healthy by maintaining a sufficient supply of thyroxine; a crucial hormone that is needed throughout the body.
Thyroxine (which is one of the thyroid hormones), controls proper biochemical metabolism which greatly influences weight loss, energy production and body temperature. Healthy thyroid function supports the adrenal glands, reproduction, nerve and muscle function, cellular oxygen use, the health of hair, skin and bones as well as the breakdown of fats and proteins.


It’s a popular misconception that, as long as your salt is of the ‘iodized’ variety, all your worries about adequate iodine intake are over.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The amount of iodine in today’s iodized salt is incredibly tiny, designed to be just enough o prevent the actual disease state of goiter (a once-prevalent problem in many areas of the U.S.). however, such an amount in no way begins to take advantage of the huge benefits that can come from higher iodine doses.
Iodine is the primary component of the thyroid hormones, which are the top metabolic regulators of the entire body (not just the thyroid).  This includes all the body’s  glandular systems, but even affects such diverse areas as the skin, the hair, and even breast tissue. Plus, when the body is permitted to luxuriating a constant supply of iodine, the entire body can enjoy a higher  metabolic rate, a vital concept not only for weight loss, but also for energy levels, mood, sleep, and even the immune system.
However, a higher intake of iodine may not be the entire answer if it isn’t adequately transported to the cells that desperately need it.  Our Super Iodine Plus also includes both selenium, and riboflavin (vitamin B-2), which are important co-factors in proper utilizations of this vital nutrient.


Benefits include:
  • Weight loss
  • Increase metabolism
  • Healthy thyroid gland
  • Energy
  • Normal body temperature
  • Nerve function
  • Healthy muscle function
  • Breakdown of fats
  • Healthy hair
  • Normal sleep patterns Healthy Skin
  • Heavy metal detoxification
  • Improves mood
  • Supports mental development
  • Supports endocrine system


If you would like more information on the Super Iodine tablets contact me!
Follow me on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/CoachAmandaMRC
Follow me on Pinterest!  https://www.pinterest.com/zeta601/new-you-health-lifestyle-weight-loss/


References:
http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics

I am an independent contractor for Metabolic Direct and Metabolic Research Center.  This information is not intended to treat or heal any diseases and are listed as supplements only.  Customers and / or potential clients are encouraged to complete a health screen information sheet with a MRC Direct Coach prior to purchasing the product and to consult with their physician prior to starting any new supplements or weight loss programs.

No comments:

Post a Comment