Sluggish Thyroid? Your Basal Temperature Will Tell You What’s Really Going On
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The small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck is called the thyroid. The thyroid is responsible for many functions within the body, and it plays an important part of your overall well-being. As an endocrine gland, it acts as a regulator by supplying hormones to the body and controlling certain functions. This tiny gland is responsible for your bodies temperature, metabolism, and making sure the body has overall vitality.
It is commonplace to find a thyroid that is producing too much or not enough of the necessary hormones. Blood tests are viewed as the only way to abnormal TSH levels. However, thanks to new evidence discovered by Dr. Broda O. Barnes, you can test your thyroid with the comforts of home using a thermometer. Your basal temperature may tell the same story as those expensive blood test, and in some cases, it can give a better indication of what’s going on. Forget the T3 and T4 blood tests, taking your temperature is all you need to do.
The Functions of the Thyroid
There is a great deal of focus put on the thyroid gland, yet many don’t know exactly what it does. When you eat food, the thyroid gland pulls the iodine from the food and turns it into hormones the body needs to function. This is why in some regions where the iodine supply is lacking and not used as a supplement, there is a large number of people who present with thyroid issues. The hormones this gland secretes are T3 and T4, which is responsible for controlling the metabolism. In addition, the thyroid also makes calcitonin that regulates the calcium levels in the bones and blood. The thyroid is also responsible for ensuring that you have sufficient energy to make it through the day. If you are feeling fatigued and completely exhausted, even though you have had sufficient sleep; it’s a sign your thyroid is not working properly.
Growth and development are also one of the thyroid’s chief responsibilities. Children who don’t get enough hormones while growing have issues like a lower IQ, as well as brain abnormalities. A normal thyroid is not visible and is also not palpable; however, when the gland is not functioning as it should, it will become enlarged and able to be felt through the skin. It is estimated that 12 percent of the general population will experience problems with their thyroid during their lifetime.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to sustain the body, it is a condition called Hypothyroidism. Surprisingly, an infant can be born with a thyroid deficiency, but more commonly it is developed later in life. Autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s, are a big component of a thyroid that is not working properly. Also, a lack of iodine in the diet, as well as medications and radiation, can cause this gland to be sluggish. When the thyroid is not making enough hormones, it can affect many aspects of the body.
RELATED ARTICLE: See How You Can Treat Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease Naturally
It is estimated that more than 50 million American suffer from low thyroid hormones. Those who have a deficiency of these hormones will experience some or all of these symptoms:
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•Mysterious Weight Gain
•Constipation
•Depression and Anxiety
•Fatigue or General Malaise
•Pale Skin That is Dry in Nature
•Baldness or Hair Thinning
•Sensitivity to Cold and Warm Temperatures
The Thyroid Armpit Test
A basal thermometer is needed to test your thyroid function through temperature. These thermometers are very sensitive to the slightest changes in temperature, and they measure more accurately than a traditional thermometer. To get an accurate reading, keep the basal thermometer by the bed, and check your temperature each morning upon waking. Allow it to work for about 10 minutes. When the body’s temperature reads below 97.4 degrees on two consecutive readings, there is something going on with the thyroid.
Additionally, it is important to take an oral temperature reading during the hours of 11 – 7 pm on two various days. If the body’s temperature is below 98.1 degrees, the person has an issue with hypothyroidism. The basal temperature reading tests should not be done on women who are ovulating or around their cycle times, as it will give inaccurate results. Though this test is a good indication that something is amiss, it cannot serve as a replacement for a proper medical evaluation.
Treating The Thyroid Naturally
For those who don’t want to consider synthetic hormones to treat their thyroid issues, there are numerous natural ways to treat this problem. First, iodine supplements are considered a great alternative to help boost production of the body’s hormone. Changing your diet can change your life. People with thyroid troubles often go on a gluten free eating plan and ingest higher levels of protein; this has proven to be very beneficial. Adrenal fatigue can also be a component of a sluggish thyroid. Thyroid and adrenals go hand in hand. The thyroid is also known to have a stress response, so using meditation and other methods to reduce stress is advisable.
Heal Your Thyroid Take Back Your Life
If your T3 and T4 numbers are not within high or low ranges, you may still experience symptoms and the doctors won’t want to treat you. Studies show that on the high or lower end of acceptable ranges, people can still experience problems. However, by using the method to monitor your basal temperatures, you can take control of your health and help heal your thyroid. Changing a few things in your life can make a huge impact on your thyroid function, and you don’t need synthetic hormones to do it.
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