Health Articles

Thyroid Got You Down?

 The thyroid gland is an important hormonal powerhouse. Thyroid hormones are needed for energy production and metabolism. Every cell in our body requires thyroid hormones which means that an under functioning thyroid can affect almost any body system and result in a long list of symptoms!

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may include:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Constipation

• Mood disorders (depression and anxiety)

• Muscle aches/weakness

• Brain fog, poor memory

• Changes in hair and/or skin

• Hormonal imbalances (PCOS, menstrual issues, fertility)

• Elevated cholesterol

• Chronic pain

Thyroid Testing:

• TSH is the hormone released from the brain, which stimulates the thyroid to produce T4. The normal range for TSH is quite broad while the optimal range is much narrower. Because of this broad range many people with hypothyroidism are untreated.

• T4 is the hormone the thyroid is responsible for making.

• T3 is the active form of T4, which regulates metabolism and body temperature.

• Anti-TPO is high in 90% of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis cases in which the immune system attacks thyroid tissue.

 Naturopathic Doctors aim to determine the root cause of your thyroid dysfunction, which may include:

• Chronic stress and/or adrenal fatigue

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Chronic digestive issues

• Autoimmune conditions

• And more...

Some Naturopathic Doctors, like myself, are able to prescribe desiccated thyroid extract, which is another treatment option for some people. It is composed of both T3 and T4 and some people respond better to this combination rather than standard pharmaceutical thyroid medications, which contain T4 alone.

Take control of your thyroid health today and start feeling better!

Yours in health,

Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND

Is it All in Your Gut?

Leaky gut syndrome has been connected to many conditions and symptoms that are seemly unrelated to the digestive system. Our gut is the gateway to health and is home to the majority of our immune system. It is affected by many factors such as food sensitivities, stress, poor diet, antibiotic exposure, the presence of bad microbes, and sleep deprivation.

One of the basic functions of the cells lining the intestinal wall is regulating intestinal permeability to control nutrient absorption. Leaky gut results when intestinal tight junctions malfunction and allow things like toxins, microbes and undigested food particles to be absorbed into the bloodstream. When this “leaking” occurs, inflammation can occur throughout your body as your immune system marks these as foreign invaders and attacks them.

Signs of a Leaky Gut

• Allergies

• Autoimmune disease (ex: rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)

• Digestive issues (ex: gas, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS))

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Food sensitivities

• Headaches

• Hormonal imbalances (ex: PMS or PCOS)

• Joint pain

• Skin conditions (ex: eczema, acne, or rosacea)

Good news, you can heal a leaky gut! Identifying the causes of gut inflammation and removing them is the first step. Naturopathic Doctors aim to find the root cause using a thorough medical intake, physical exams, and laboratory testing. Diet and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, and nutrients can be used to heal the gut.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND