Iodine is a trace mineral which is required only in small doses. We may not need a lot of it, but it’s still incredibly important to the thyroid gland to aid in producing thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency is strongly correlated to thyroid diseases, including goiter, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules. A nodule is an abnormal cluster of cells on the thyroid gland; they can be completely benign, but a small percentage of the time they are linked to cancer. They can also be a sign of hypothyroidism when other symptoms are present, such as fatigue, weight gain, dry coarse […]
Natural ingredients for enhancing thermogenesis
In the previous blog “Not all fats are equal”, we discussed “thermogenesis”, a process the body uses to burn fuel for generating heat. We reviewed a lengthy published study that discussed the difference between brown fat (BAT) and white fat, and how brown fat is better at thermogenesis. As a result, people with higher brown fat levels have an easier time with moderating their weight.
The article also reviewed natural ingredients which support thermogenesis in brown fat. In the last blog, we discussed capsaicin, one of the best-researched supplements is associated with increased BAT activity and decreased fat mass. In […]
Not all fats are equal
Obesity and diabetes are reaching epidemic proportion in the US. Researchers are looking for answers to these closely associated problems, knowing that a single magic bullet is unlikely. Weight management and blood sugar control are complex issues that need to be tackled from many angles, including exercise, thyroid hormone optimization, daily food choices, stress management, detoxification and even psychological factors which individuals may struggle with.
Metabolism plays a major role in weight management. Metabolism is the rate at which your body uses energy- in other words- how fast your “motor” runs.
Hypothyroidism is a well-known cause of […]
Can cashews help control cholesterol?
Many Americans struggle with high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for atherosclerosis, stroke or heart attack. Sometimes high cholesterol is due to eating the wrong foods, and sometimes it’s genetic, also known as “familial hypercholesterolemia”. Only 1/500 people have the familial form, so most often diet is to blame. Fortunately, an abundance of research shows that lifestyle and dietary adjustments can effectively control cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with moderate, regular exercise.
If you’re interested in making lifestyle changes that will help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease, I always suggest starting with the basics. […]
The ancient herb that aids older brains
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic herb with a centuries-long tradition of use in India. It’s known for its restorative benefits to the immune system, thyroid and adrenal glands. This ancient herb is likewise beneficial for many modern-day problems, including stress, fatigue, and poor concentration. It’s a calming agent which also improves thinking and memory. Over 200 studies have confirmed its benefits, including counteracting the damaging effects of stress on the brain and cognitive function.
Ashwagandha is categorized as an adaptogenic herb because it gently supports many body functions and offers balance, rather than having one specific action. […]
How Hypothyroidism Affects Pregnancy
Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and affect nearly every organ in the body. When the body produces too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) it causes many functions is the body to speed up too much. When the body produces too little thyroid hormone it causes many of our body functions to slow down (hypothyroidism).
It’s well-known in the medical community that the thyroid plays a critical role in the development of a healthy baby as well as maintaining the health of the mother. Women with hypothyroidism can have a healthy pregnancy by being aware of how their pregnancy affects […]
There May Be An Environmental Link To Obesity: Part 2
Common Obesogens and Their Pathways
As discussed in part one, obesogens are environmental pollutants that may alter the body’s metabolism and predispose some individuals to weight gain. They are very widespread and research has confirmed that our exposure is quite common – and particularly damaging during fetal and infant development.
High-Profile Obesogens
There is a growing body of evidence that provides a link between our exposure to specific environment chemicals from dietary, pharmaceutical, and industrial compounds and how they alter metabolic processes and predispose some people to gain weight.
At the top of the list is a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Commercially […]
There May Be An Environmental Link To Obesity- Part One
Obesogens Are Environmental Pollutants That May Alter the Body’s Metabolism And Predispose Some Individuals To Weight Gain.
Obesity rates in America have risen dramatically in the past 40 to 50 years. Today, over 35% of adults and 17% of children age 2 to 19 in the United States are obese with a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 30. But, obesity isn’t just a problem plaguing Americans as obesity rates have also risen worldwide. Regardless of where they live, even those at the lower end of the BMI are gaining weight, suggesting that there may be more to weight […]
Does Sleep Change Diet?
One of the most common problems experienced by people with hypothyroidism and Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome is weight gain. And, to make matters worse, poor thyroid function makes it very difficult for a person to lose weight. This double whammy can create a very frustrating situation for anyone suffering from this condition. Thankfully, with proper treatment, this issue can be resolved, but the path getting there may be slow and uncertain.
Many of my patients have voiced their frustration with this issue which is why I have spent a great deal of time researching the subject of weight loss and […]
Nutrition Tips for Diabetes
When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, as in hypothyroidism and Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, there can be a domino effect which has the potential to negatively impact many other systems in the body. One of these dominos is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additional risk factors associated with being diabetic include the development of cardiovascular disease (such as hypertension, heart attack and stroke), vision problems, and kidney disease.
Left untreated, diabetic complications from low thyroid function can be serious and even life-threatening. A number of studies have focused on finding the root cause of this very preventable […]
