When They Only Test TSH...

Labs to test for thyroid function👉👉

This post is for anyone who goes to their annual checkups, gets routine lab tests, and has been told their thyroid is normal…but still has unexplained health issues.

You know something’s not right.

This is not to say that thyroid is the cause in your case (only the tests can say that), but it is to say that routine screenings often only test for TSH and miss thyroid problems.

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which is the hormone released from the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone (T4). It is only one of several markers of thyroid function.

Other thyroid tests include:

▪️ T4 and free T4

▪️ T3 and free T3 (active hormone)

▪️ Reverse T3 (inactive hormone)

▪️ Antibodies (TPO, Tg, or TRA)

The thyroid gland regulates metabolic rate, gut motility, body temperature, hair, nails, and more.

If you have questions about your thyroid function and want a holistic approach to healing your hormones

🌱Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

#thyroidtesting #thyroidtests #thyroidtest #thyroidhealing

Could It Be Your Thyroid?

Warning Signs of Thyroid Imbalance ⬇️

But first some basics:

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that regulates metabolism (how your body uses energy) but also influences….

▪️ Metabolic rate

▪️ Heart rate

▪️ Blood pressure

▪️ Body temperature

▪️ Gut motility

▪️ Mental function

▪️ Mood

▪️ Menstruation

▪️ Fertility

Signs of an *overactive* thyroid include feeling anxious or irritable, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, shaking hands, clammy skin, sensitivity to heat, unexplained weight loss (or gain), or irregular periods.

Signs of an *underactive* thyroid include feeling tired all the time, mood swings, brain fog, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, or heavy periods.

The only way to know how your thyroid is functioning is to TEST.

Still, thyroid imbalances are sometimes missed by routine screenings, and even when labs are brought into the normal range, I often see patients who still do not feel well.

Watch for my upcoming post all about how functional medicine can help you understand, address, and optimize thyroid function 🙌

Like ❤️ if you found this helpful.

Why To Care About Blood Sugar...

Why should you care about your blood sugar?

Because healthy blood sugar regulation can translate into…

✅ Sustained Energy

✅ Mental Clarity

✅ Fewer Cravings

✅ Better Sleep

✅ Stress Resilience

✅ Clear Skin

✅ Stable Mood

And those are just the effects you’ll notice.

Because over time, healthy blood sugar regulation supports your hormones, brain, heart, and healthy aging 🙌

If you have any questions about blood sugar or want personalized support...

🥾 Take the first step through the link in our bio!

Food Pairing vs. Glycemic Index

💥 How to use food pairing for blood sugar balance ⬇️⬇️

Food pairing is a way to combine 2 or more foods in a single meal or snack to support a healthy blood sugar response—rather than a quick sugar spike.

If you’ve heard of the glycemic index, the idea is similar but more practical.

Whereas the glycemic index gives an idea of how much a specific food will raise blood glucose levels, some perfectly healthy foods (like grapes and pineapple) have a high glycemic index.

With food pairing, it’s possible to still eat foods with a high glycemic index as long as they are paired with foods that slow their digestion and absorption.

Cool?

Studies show that the blood sugar response to carbohydrate-rich foods can be lowered by combining them with…

⭐ Protein, fat, fiber, or vinegar ⭐

Like this:

🍇 Grapes & Cheese

🥕 Carrots & Hummus

🍏 Apples & Almond Butter

🍅 Tomatoes & Olive Oil & Vinegar

Just remember: when it comes to blood sugar regulation, each person is unique. It’s always best to test and to work with a practitioner on a diet and plan that is specific to you!

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

Reference

Murillo S, Mallol A, Adot A, et al. Culinary strategies to manage glycemic response in people with type 2 diabetes: A narrative review. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1025993. [link]

Tired of Talking About Food? Try These Things.

For anyone wanting better blood sugar regulation ➡️

While foods have a big effect on blood sugar, so do other lifestyle choices! Here are 5 non-food-related ways to support healthy blood sugar balance:

✅ Daily Movement 🤸‍♀️

✅ Walks After Meals 🚶‍♀️

✅ 7+ Hours of Sleep 😴

✅ Plenty of Water 💧

✅ Stress Management 🧘‍♀️

Nothing happens in isolation.

That’s why we always take a whole-body, whole-person, and whole-life approach to healing.

📲Tag a friend in the comments who might want to hear this!