Category: Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Sasha Fluss, ND at NatureMed Clinic Boulder/Denver Thousands of people search “thyroid” each day on Google. What comes up is a confusing assortment of chat groups, conventional treatments, alternative treatments, a mix of symptoms and in general a lot of information but no real answers. The question is: Why are so many people searching for info on their thyroid health? Aren't they being treated? Cured? Shouldn't they feel better? What is the Thyroid? The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that sits behind the trachea in the lower part of the neck. The thyroid is stimulated to release thyroid hormone; T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) by the pituitary gland through TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). T3 and T4 are essential for the function of every single cell in the body. T4 is the main circulating hormone and it is converted to T3 (active thyroid hormone) in the peripheral tissues. No wonder you don't feel well when your thyroid gland is malfunctioning: These thyroid hormones regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Now lets define some terms: Hypothyroidism: a "low" functioning and sluggish thyroid gland. Less thyroid hormone is being released leading to: Fatigue and sluggishness Weight gain...