The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front side of your neck. Despite its size, the thyroid plays an important role in the human body. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that aid in protein production and metabolism. A functioning thyroid keeps your energy levels high during the day.

Unfortunately, up to 10% of American adults struggle with hypothyroidism, a dysfunction of the thyroid where the gland produces too few hormones. The autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has been distinguished as the most common type of hypothyroidism. Statistically, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism affects about 1% to 2% of the US population.  

Studies note that while hypothyroidism may not present distinct identifying symptoms in its early stages, various symptoms may start developing as the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Significant symptoms of advanced hypothyroidism include: 

• muscle cramps
• unexplained fatigue
• hair loss
• weight gain
• memory loss. 

However, these symptoms can be caused by many diseases. Your doctor may not diagnose you with hypothyroidism until your symptoms get worse and testing connects the symptoms to your thyroid. You may apply thyroid function tests to detect the working mechanism of your thyroid in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, too many doctors diagnose hypothyroidism too late.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive approach to your thyroid disease or thyroid gland issues, reach out to us at True Life Medicine today. Our approach is to implement a more holistic solution when it comes to your autoimmune thyroid disease.

Functional Medicine Approach to Hypothyroidism 

You will be pleased to know that hypothyroidism can be treated right here in Colorado Springs by adopting the functional medicine approach with experts like True Life Medicine. There’s rarely any need for out-of-state hospital visits or invasive surgeries.

At its core, functional medicine approaches seek to treat diseases by identifying the root cause of the problem and treating it with dietary and lifestyle changes. The practitioners at True Life Medicine believe that the body works best as a cohesive unit. For example, we help treat individuals with hypothyroidism by supporting auxiliary body parts like the metabolism and cardiac system. This helps people like you live healthy, productive, and joyful lives in Colorado Springs.

Here’s the process that your functional medicine doctor in Colorado Springs will adopt when dealing with hypothyroidism:  

• Identify the underlying issues 

Your doctor will search for possible infections, intestinal permeability, nutritional deficiencies, and contributing factors. Your functional medicine doctor will also identify signs of toxic exposures, autoimmune indicators, and any underlying structural abnormalities in the body.

• Reduce active disease agents 

Depending on your initial tests, your True Life Medicine practitioner will work to reduce inflammation, toxins, immune dysfunctions, and any forms of infections.

• Optimize detoxification 

We will recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your hydration levels through lymphatic drainage, proper urination, biotransformation in the liver, adequate sleep, and improved bowel movements.

• Hormone replacement 

Some patients will benefit from hormone replacement therapy, which will return the body to it’s normal level of functioning

• Create a personalized treatment plan 

The aim of functional medicine in Colorado Springs is to foster long-term health. Our doctors will ensure that each patient is empowered with information that will help them navigate their health journey differently. 

An Overview of the Major Functional Medicine Processes in Colorado Springs

Here’s an overview of the major functional medicine processes your doctor in Colorado Springs will adopt when dealing with hypothyroidism.

Gut Repairs 

Your functional medicine doctor in Colorado Springs will encourage you to support your gut by taking lots of nutrient-dense and fiber-rich meals. In addition, eating a lot of probiotic-rich foods and taking probiotic supplements will help support your gut. 

Dietary Clean Up 

In this case, your functional medicine doctor in Colorado Springs will encourage you to refrain from using refined sugars, oils, gluten, processed foods, conventional dairy, and other sets of sensitive foods. Instead, you will be encouraged to replace your diet with many anti-inflammatory meals like fruits, vegetables, clean proteins, and healthy fats. 

Reducing Toxicity 

Modern life will expose you to many unseen toxins that may create diseases and inflammation in your body. Your functional medicine doctor in Colorado Springs will encourage you to make effective use of natural and organic products, avoid smoking and minimize the use of plastics as ways of reducing exposure to toxins. 

Engage in Regular Physical Exercise 

Physical exercises will help you support your immune system and your well-being. Your functional medicine doctor in Colorado Springs will encourage you to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes daily. In addition, simple activities like taking a walk at lunchtime, getting up to stretch, and engaging in outdoor play will help you keep fit. 

Stress Management 

Managing your stress levels will help you maintain a healthy immune system. Your functional medicine doctor will teach you the skills that will help you react to any stressful conditions more effectively. Activities like yoga, relaxing, breath work, nature walks, and meditation will also come in handy. 

Contact True Life Medicine Today for Your Thyroid Health

At True Life Medicine, we know that everyone’s path to wholeness is different. We hope to encourage people on their journey. Our functional medicine practice focuses on getting to the root cause of your health issues by working with your body to reach wholeness.

Our healthcare professional experts continue to look at scientific evidence to implement the right regimen of functional medicine. This may include a healthy diet, a mixture of healthy antioxidants, increased vitamin D intake, general natural treatment options, and a genuine understanding of your lifestyle to improve your condition.

If you are looking for natural treatments over conventional treatment that range from selenium supplementation to antioxidant supplementation and more, reach out to our healthcare professionals at True Life Medicine today.