Do You Know Your Numbers?

• By Beth Meirav
• My Blog

Last week I wrote about keeping your heart healthy. This week we are going to focus on another very important body part...your thyroid. This tiny but mighty gland has a BIG impact on how we feel each day.

The thyroid influences the regulation of heart, muscle, and digestive activities, supports brain development, and aids in maintaining healthy bones. It's a part of your endocrine system and controls many of your body's important functions by producing and releasing certain hormones. Wow the thyroid does a lot! One of the first things I ask a new client, that expresses to me their challenges with weight loss, is have they had their thyroid checked.

Why Bother with Body Numbers?

Think of your body's numbers like the dashboard of your car. They tell you everything from when you need a tune-up (blood pressure and cholesterol levels) to when it's time to slow down (blood sugar and BMI). Keeping an eye on these gives us the inside scoop on our health, guiding us to make choices that keep our engines running smoothly.

Thyroid 101: Your Body's Mood Ring

I like to think of the thyroid like your body's mood ring. It sits there in your neck, deciding if you're going to conquer the world today or need a little extra push to get out of bed. When it's out of whack, you feel it - maybe you're gaining weight, feeling out of sorts, or your energy's just zapped.

Spotting the Signs: Hypo vs. Hyper

• Feeling more like a sloth than a tiger? That could be hypothyroidism making you want to nap all day and hug the heater.
• On the flip side, if you're all revved up with nowhere to go, feeling anxious or just too hot, hyperthyroidism might be crashing your party.

Keeping Tabs on Your Thyroid

So, how do we keep this thyroid party balanced? With a little know-how and some key numbers:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): The first stop on our thyroid check-up. It's the big indicator of whether your thyroid is chilling or going full speed ahead.
• Free T4 and Free T3: These are the hormones your thyroid pumps out to keep your body humming. We keep an eye on these to really understand what's going on under the hood.

Lifestyle Tweaks for Thyroid Harmony

While some thyroid stuff might need a doctor's touch with meds, there's a lot we can do with lifestyle to keep the engine running smoothly:

• Eat Smart: Load up on fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. And hey, your thyroid loves nutrients like iodine (seaweed, Greek yogurt), selenium (Brazil nuts), and zinc (pomegranates, eggs) - so let's make sure they're on your plate!
• Stress Less: Your thyroid's not a fan of stress. Find your zen with meditation, yoga, or whatever makes you feel like you're on a cloud. I find reading helps me relax and de-stress.
• Move More: Exercise isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling good and keeping your thyroid happy. I love to dance! Getting your groove on is a fun way to burn some calories.

Let's Chat!

Next time we meet, let's dive into your numbers and chat about how we can support your thyroid together. It's all about you and making sure your wellness journey is as unique and fabulous as you are. Stay healthy, stay happy, and remember, we're in this together, exploring the wonderful world of health and making it fun.