The thyroid gland is the main gland for metabolism in the body.
Thyroid Disorders Chiropractic Treatment
Low thyroid levels lead to poor digestion, low digestive enzymes and therefore constipation. It can impact neurotransmitters in the brain causing low dopamine levels leading to loss of motivation and depression. Low thyroid function can lead to high cholesterol, triglycerides and gallstones. Progesterone receptor sites can be affected also, therefore causing hormonal symptoms for women.
The important thing is to be tested thoroughly by having a full panel. A full panel should consist of TSH, total T4, free T4, total T3, free T3, T3 uptake and thyroid antibodies (TPO and anti-thyroglobulin). Having a practitioner who fully understands thyroid physiology and uses functional/optimal reference ranges is important.
Lack of ideal thyroid hormones leads to decline in cellular function of all bodily systems. Balancing the body is the main goal of any functional medicine practitioner, not just the removal of symptoms.
If you have any of these symptoms it is probable that you have thyroid dysfunction.
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Muscle cramps and aches
- Memory loss
- Dry skin and hair
- Can’t lose weight
- Depression/ irritability
- Constipation
- Loss of motivation
How Our Chiropractor Can Help with Thyroid Disorders
The autoimmune component must be addressed. Once TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are positive in testing, this autoimmunity is present and can’t be turned off, but can be controlled, suppressed, and slowed. This is great news.
An autoimmune condition occurs when one branch of the immune system overrides the other. There is TH1 or TH2 dominance. A dominant TH1 response means that the natural killer cells are over reactive while a TH2 dominance indicates that the beta humeral cells and antibodies are more dominant. These two systems in Hashimoto’s disease are out of balance. When treating autoimmune conditions, it is important to determine which type of dominance exists in the patient. In order to suppress the overactive TH2 system, we would push up the TH1 side therefore creating a seesaw affect and lowering the TH2 dominance. And visa versa for the opposite dominance. Nutritional factors come into play when balancing these patients. For example we know by taking echinacea and golden seal we would push up the TH1 system therefore lower TH2. So if I were TH2 I would benefit from these herbs. If I were TH1 dominant, I would benefit from taking green tea and grape seed extract as this supports TH2 it pushes down the TH2 dominance. This is an effective means to balance to immune system slowing the attack on the thyroid gland.
Please contact our office to set up a time to talk with Dr. Orlasky so you can ask questions, and she can learn more about your health goals and your expectations.