A slower metabolism is one of the main symptoms of low thyroid hormone, also known as hypothyroidism. For those who have lost their thyroid gland through surgery or disease process, a slow metabolism becomes a way of life unless means are taken to re-energize the body. Low thyroid metabolism can be experienced as sluggishness, chilliness, indifference, overweight and a wealth of other symptoms. The thyroid gland monitors the inner heat of the body with relationship to the amount of energy required. If too little thyroid hormone is produced or none at all, the energy quotient for an individual becomes compromised. For those without a thyroid who are looking to increase their metabolism, here are some things you can do both medically and naturally.
Step 1
Get blood tests to ascertain the level of your thyroid hormones. If you have no thyroid gland, tests must be made to ascertain the correct amount of thyroid replacement hormone specifically for your case. Each person needs an individual assessment and there is no routine dose that can be prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe thyroid hormone replacement medicines to balance your body's metabolic functions replacing the lost hormones from no thyroid. Periodic testing will be required to keep thyroid hormones stable.
Step 2
Take alternative thyroid hormone replacements. Most doctors will prescribe Synthroid or T4, the most common hormone for lack of thyroid. Certain alternative practitioners agree that providing other thyroid hormones such as T3 found in medicines such as Cytomel or compounded individually for patients helps boost the action of T4.
Some alternative health care practitioners suggest using Armour Thyroid, a natural thyroid replacement made from pig thyroid gland containing all thyroid hormones, and others use thyroid glandular, a natural thyroid supplement found in health food stores. Consult a health care practitioner to help you choose the best medicine for your needs.
Step 3
Use coconut oil for cooking. One of the healthiest and most well balanced oils, this contains both omega 3 and 6 and is considered the most stable of all the oils. Rebecca Prescott of VitaminstoHealth.com mentions on her website that "coconut oil has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. It is a medium chain fatty acid, and is said to 'activate' the metabolism." Coconut also works to increase metabolism for people who have lost their thyroid glands and are on thyroid replacement hormones by interacting with metabolic processes and stimulating metabolism.
Step 4
Take all thyroid hormones on an empty stomach and by themselves. Do not combine with other medications, vitamins and supplements. It is believed that thyroid hormones are more effective when taken on their own and may lose some of their effectiveness when combined with food or supplements.
Step 5
Consume kelp, a sea vegetable high in iodine, which is an important chemical needed to convert thyroid hormones at the cellular level. In their book, "Materia Medica of Western Herbs in the Southern Hemisphere," Fisher and Painter say that kelp's naturally occurring iodine, together with the metabolic precursors of the active hormones of the thyroid gland, is believed to increase basal metabolic rate and help with fat metabolism. Kelp capsules can be found in health food stores. The iodine in kelp interacts with thyroid replacement hormones, assisting in the conversion of T4, an inert substance, into the active chemical T3, which is converted in the cells.
Things You'll Need
- Organic coconut oil
- Wheatgrass or barley green
- Power juicer
- Fresh vegetables
- Whole grains
- Kelp
- Thyroid medicines
References
- Speed Up Your Metabolism
- Health Banquet
- "Materia Medica of Western Herbs in the Southern Hemisphere," Fisher C, Painter G.,1996
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