Your thyroid and you.
Your thyroid gland is an essential part of your health and wellbeing. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland which sits at the front of your neck, just in front of your windpipe.
It is responsible for producing the hormones T3 and T4, which determine the overall amount and quality of energy that you have.
When your thyroid gland is working perfectly you will feel energised, your weight will be stable and you’ll have a natural enthusiasm for life.
When you have an issue with your thyroid gland, you will either experience hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism – an under-active thyroid. Unfortunately, both of these scenarios lead to undesirable symptoms, including weight loss, weight gain, emotional imbalance, digestive issues and more.
Did you know?
Your thyroid health is linked to your adrenal health.
Broadly speaking, a client with a thyroid problem will first have an issue with their adrenal glands.
As such, at The Maas Clinic, Laurens Maas tends to address a client’s adrenal health as a priority.
More often than not, adrenal malfunction will contribute to, or indeed be the root cause of, a client’s thyroid problem.
If you are interested in learning more about your adrenal health, you can explore more here.
The good news, it is possible to treat a thyroid issue using Functional and Integrative Medicine and this approach has been used successfully for decades.
Traditional medical doctors tend to treat most cases with standard pharmaceuticals.
Functional and Integrative Medicine will unpick the root cause of a client’s thyroid issue, and will always pursue a natural treatment plan where possible.
Here at The Maas Clinic we often treat clients for thyroid issues and tailor a natural approach specifically to each client’s health needs.
Laurens Maas, our clinic’s founder, is unwavering in his investigation into a client’s health issues.
“Supplementation and lifestyle shifts have all proven to be highly effective in treating thyroid issues naturally, and nutritional adjustments, or a change in diet can have a huge impact on your thyroid health. You have an incredible ability to heal yourself via the nutritional choices you make.”
Indeed one of the key pillars of Integrative Medicine is nutrition. Here at The Maas Clinic our in-house nutritionists who work with every one of our clients.
For instance, did you know that some foods are goitrogenic? Meaning that they inhibit the normal function of your thyroid gland by blocking iodine?
Goitrogenic foods can be used to a client’s advantage if they are suffering with an overactive thyroid, however clients suffering with an under-active thyroid should avoid them.
Fortunately, there are many foods and supplements which can benefit clients suffering with both an over or under-active thyroid. Laurens and our team of nutritionists can advise clients on the appropriate treatment plan for a client’s specific needs.
Still curious about your thyroid, what it does and how The Maas Clinic can help you? Read our introduction to thyroid health here.
Taking Iodine can support your thyroid health
If you are looking for a supplement to help to support your thyroid health, consider Iodine.
Why? Iodine can boost your metabolism, and support your immune system. A great option is Lugol’s iodine 2%, 7% or 12% which can be purchased online. Note the percentage required will depend on each person’s individual needs and should be clarified before use.
Other foods and supplements which can benefit your thyroid:
- Bugle weed and motherwort are highly effective herbs.
- Kelp which contains iodine and also trace minerals.
- Amino acids like L-tyrosine. Tyrosine is the backbone of all thyroid hormones. Again Laurens can advise clients on the appropriate dosage for a client’s specific needs.
- Selenium which is responsible within the liver for converting T4 into the more potent T3.