Millions of Americans suffer from the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction without ever knowing it.

In fact, it is estimated that more than 30 million women and 15 million men have an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Our endocrine system is made up of the glands that produce the hormones that circulate in our bodies that are responsible for growth, repair, metabolism, energy and reproduction.

The thyroid is one of these glands that when underactive can affect our health systemically in a negative way.

What are some of the less conspicuous symptoms of a low thyroid?

  • Feeling blue or unmotivated.
  • Constipation.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Overweight and having trouble shedding pounds.
  • Low body temperature, joint aches, edema, light sensitivity.

How can you find out if you have hypothyroidism? Ask your Doctor to run the following blood tests:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Reverse T3
  • The thyroid antibodies TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody) and ATA (Anti Thyroglobulin Antibody) to rule out Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
  • Celiac comprehensive panel to rule out concomitant celiac disease

How can my diet help me get started in repairing my underactive thyroid?

  • Completely remove gluten from your diet.
  • Eat foods with thyroid friendly vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, iron, selenium and zinc.
  • Avoid foods that inhibit thyroid health such as raw cruciferous vegetables, soy, sugar and caffeine.

You may require medication to supplement your underactive thyroid in the form of T4 (levothyroxine), T3 (cytomel) or a combination of T3 and T4 (Armour thyroid).

The bottom line is ask your Doctor to routinely screen you for your thyroid function to prevent you from suffering from this very easily diagnosed and treatable problem of hypothyroidism.