Your thyroid and adrenal glands are in many ways the powerhouses of your body, helping to govern metabolism, sleep, appetite, body temperature, and many other essential functions. When either of these glands are not able to produce enough of the needed hormones, hypothyroidism and/or adrenal insufficiency can result. Today we are going to look at what causes these conditions and what you can do if you have been diagnosed with a thyroid or adrenal issue. Most adrenal and thyroid issues are manageable with supplements, dietary changes, or hormone replacement medication.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism & adrenal insufficiency?
Hypothyroidism is the more common condition, and it results when the thyroid gland (located at the base of the neck) does not produce enough thyroxine and triiodothyronine - for short, T4 and T3. This causes the body to struggle with regulating energy use and body temperature. The adrenal glands, positioned above the kidneys, are involved in the production of a variety of hormones, including cortisol, sex hormones, epinephrine, and aldosterone. Cortisol is best known for being the “stress” hormone, but it actually plays several important roles in the body like controlling inflammation, managing blood sugar and blood pressure, and regulating metabolism. When the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, adrenal insufficiency results.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism/adrenal insufficiency?
Some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism and/or adrenal insufficiency are weight fluctuations, mood swings, feeling persistently tired, changes in the menstrual cycle, low appetite, skin/hair changes, and general stomach issues. Low blood pressure, low blood sugar, dizziness, or sodium cravings can also result. Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency can be a bit tricky to diagnose because they share symptoms with a variety of other health conditions.
How can you keep your thyroid and adrenal glands healthy?
Two of the most important supplements for healthy thyroid/adrenal function are selenium and Vitamin B12. Selenium is essential to healthy thyroid function, helping it to maintain a steady flow of hormones to the body. You can incorporate more selenium into your diet by eating foods like turkey, tuna, beef, and nuts and you can always add a selenium supplement to your routine for an extra boost. Vitamin B12 helps keep many illnesses at bay. Hypothyroidism can use up your body’s supply of Vitamin B faster, so taking a B12 supplement can help replace the loss and get you back on track. You can also get more B12 in your diet by eating foods like eggs, milk, asparagus, a variety of beans/peas, or sesame seeds.
Another side effect of hypothyroidism is a buildup of potentially harmful bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal issues. Eating more probiotics can help your body balance out the healthy bacteria in the small intestine. Limiting gluten and sugar can also help your body regulate thyroid and adrenal function.
If you think you have developed a thyroid or adrenal issue, or you've already been diagnosed with one and are looking for another option, schedule a consultation with us today. Mainstream medicine often recommends HRT (hormone replacement medications) to correct thyroid and adrenal issues. While these medications are often effective at treating the symptoms, they do not deal with the root cause of the issue and may have undesirable side effects. When successful, a natural approach to thyroid and adrenal health is much gentler on your body, has few or no side effects, and can be a better fit for you and your lifestyle overall.
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