The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in your neck, located just above your collarbone, responsible for producing and releasing various hormonal markers. The thyroid gland manufactures and controls hormones that regulate various functions within your body, from your metabolism and heart rate to digestion, energy production and how fast you burn calories to nervous system maintenance. Issues with the thyroid may cause it to make either too much or too little hormones, which can lead to unwanted symptoms in the body, including changes in mood, energy and weight, along with digestive function. 

Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid typically makes hormones that keep your body functioning normally, but issues can occur if your thyroid doesn't produce the right amount of certain crucial hormones. Several different issues can arise if your thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). 

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of its hormone. Excessive thyroid hormone production can lead to symptoms such as:

• restlessness

• nervousness

• racing heart

• irritability

• increased sweating

• shaking

• anxiety

• trouble sleeping

• thinning of the skin

• brittle hair and nails

• muscle weakness

• weight loss

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is underactive, and it can’t produce enough of its hormones. Too little thyroid hormone production leads to symptoms such as:

• fatigue

• dry skin

• increased sensitivity to cold

• memory problems

• constipation

• depression

• thinning of the skin

• brittle hair and nails

• weight gain

• weakness

• slow heart rate

Thyroid function is best analyzed through a comprehensive blood panel. Though you may not be able to prevent thyroid issues from developing, as there is often a genetic component, you can prevent or slow progressions or complications by identifying the patterns right away and following a specific wellness plan to address your condition. 

Addressing Thyroid Issues Naturopathically 

Conventional medical treatments for hypothyroid issues may include prescribing hormone supplementation as a pharmaceutical or as a compounded (individualized) product, but taking thyroid hormone does not fully address the underlying cause of dysfunction for all patients. As a naturopath for thyroid issues, Dr. Lana treats hypothyroidism from the root of the problem by addressing lifestyle and environmental factors that may be contributing to incorrect production levels and eliminating autoimmune triggers that may be causing overproduction. Dr. Lana’s individualized naturopathic thyroid therapy can include a combination of diet changes, nutritional supplementation, and botanical medicine.

Many nutritional factors play an active role in thyroid function, and the right diet is important to help prevent and manage conditions accompanying thyroid disease. As microbiome balance is paramount to hormonal balance, Dr. Lana can help address microbiome dysfunction with nutritional therapies such as probiotics and cultured foods and diets low in sugar, starch, and carbohydrates to help decrease inflammation and balance immunity. 

There are several herbs that have been shown to benefit thyroid function. For example, ashwagandha and guggul have both been shown to improve and regulate thyroid function for hypothyroid patients. There are also specific nutrients and minerals that also feed the thyroid gland and help to maintain its optimal functioning.