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Thyroid hormone production is determined by our nutrient levels and digestive health. If you are deficient in vital nutrients which are needed to make these hormones the body will struggle and low thyroid function will likely follow.
Thyroid function relies on the presence of iodine to make thyroid hormone. Iodine (in the form of iodide) is drawn from the blood into thyroid cells where it is changed into a reactive form of iodine by an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is dependent on selenium and iron (more on that in later posts). The reactive iodine then requires thyroglobulin (dependent on the amino acid tyrosine) to start the process of hormone production.
Both deficiency and excess iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction.
If you know or suspect low thyroid function firstly establish whether this is being caused by thyroid antibodies (TPO Antibodies or TG Antibodies) by having a full thyroid panel completed. This should include not only TSH and free T4 but also free T3, TPO and TG antibodies. Reverse T3 can also be helpful but will cost more. If you do have thyroid antibodies be cautious with iodine-rich foods and iodine supplementation. Have your iodine levels tested. Excess iodine can increase your chances of an autoimmune attack if selenium deficiency is also present.
Always check you are not doubling up on your dosage of iodine within your food and supplements. You are aiming for approximately 150mcg of iodine per day while ensuring that selenium is sufficient.
Iodine sources:
Seaweed such as dulse, nori, wakame and kelp.
Wild white fish, such as haddock and cod.
Chlorella and spirulina.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #underactivethyroid #hashimotos #graves #hyperthyroidism #overactivethyroid #foodismedicine #iodine #thyroidhealth #thyroidfoods #empower #nourish #transform #nutritiousroots #health #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapist #endocrinesystem #hormones #energy #metabolism
Thyroid hormone production is determined by our nutrient levels and digestive health. If you are deficient in vital nutrients which are needed to make these hormones the body will struggle and low thyroid function will likely follow.
Thyroid function relies on the presence of iodine to make thyroid hormone. Iodine (in the form of iodide) is drawn from the blood into thyroid cells where it is changed into a reactive form of iodine by an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is dependent on selenium and iron (more on that in later posts). The reactive iodine then requires thyroglobulin (dependent on the amino acid tyrosine) to start the process of hormone production.
Both deficiency and excess iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction.
If you know or suspect low thyroid function firstly establish whether this is being caused by thyroid antibodies (TPO Antibodies or TG Antibodies) by having a full thyroid panel completed. This should include not only TSH and free T4 but also free T3, TPO and TG antibodies. Reverse T3 can also be helpful but will cost more. If you do have thyroid antibodies be cautious with iodine-rich foods and iodine supplementation. Have your iodine levels tested. Excess iodine can increase your chances of an autoimmune attack if selenium deficiency is also present.
Always check you are not doubling up on your dosage of iodine within your food and supplements. You are aiming for approximately 150mcg of iodine per day while ensuring that selenium is sufficient.
Iodine sources:
Seaweed such as dulse, nori, wakame and kelp.
Wild white fish, such as haddock and cod.
Chlorella and spirulina.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #underactivethyroid #hashimotos #graves #hyperthyroidism #overactivethyroid #foodismedicine #iodine #thyroidhealth #thyroidfoods #empower #nourish #transform #nutritiousroots #health #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapist #endocrinesystem #hormones #energy #metabolism
E N E R G Y Love this quote as it’s so very important to surround yourself with people who are supportive, communicate well and are kind and considerate. As many of us spend most of our time at work this is an area that we need to be conscious of.
In the field of nutrition I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who are aware of their impact on others and the importance of self-care by the very nature of the job we do. Before working in nutrition, however, I worked in various roles in different sectors where this awareness is lacking. Especially as a young adult, when you’re still vulnerable, finding yourself and creating healthy boundaries, these negative experiences, while they can be valuable learning curves, can also be quite damaging if it goes on for too long. Bad energy and toxic environments can leave us depleted and exhausted. One experience at a company springs to mind where abusive language was commonplace and I observed a culture where this behaviour had become normalised.
In my current role I am incredibly lucky to work with my amazing colleagues in nutrition and wellbeing who value human relationships, want to do good in the world and make a difference. The love and support that emanates from them means that we enjoy working together and lift each other up. Their energy is contagious x #energy #people #workcolleagues #work #environment #happiness #considerate #communication #health #kind #considerate #impact #empower #nourish #transform #peace #energyiscontagious #love #quote #instaquote
In the field of nutrition I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who are aware of their impact on others and the importance of self-care by the very nature of the job we do. Before working in nutrition, however, I worked in various roles in different sectors where this awareness is lacking. Especially as a young adult, when you’re still vulnerable, finding yourself and creating healthy boundaries, these negative experiences, while they can be valuable learning curves, can also be quite damaging if it goes on for too long. Bad energy and toxic environments can leave us depleted and exhausted. One experience at a company springs to mind where abusive language was commonplace and I observed a culture where this behaviour had become normalised.
In my current role I am incredibly lucky to work with my amazing colleagues in nutrition and wellbeing who value human relationships, want to do good in the world and make a difference. The love and support that emanates from them means that we enjoy working together and lift each other up. Their energy is contagious x #energy #people #workcolleagues #work #environment #happiness #considerate #communication #health #kind #considerate #impact #empower #nourish #transform #peace #energyiscontagious #love #quote #instaquote
C O N S C I O U S E A T I N G #quote #gabrielcousens #consciouseating #foodismedicine #ecology #planet #sustainable #mind #body #spirit #love #empower #nourish #transform #nutritionaltherapy #nutrition #nutritionist #nutritionaltherapist #nutritiousroots
B R E A S T F E E D I N G Celebrating liquid gold: World Breastfeeding Week 1st - 7th August 2018 is about protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. My sister, pictured here, breastfed her two girls for two years and is now feeding her third. It’s amazing to watch her strength and determination especially when she has a bad day and is exhausted. It takes the incredible support of her husband Luke to enable her to continue breastfeeding. I know she is so grateful to be able to breastfeed as there are some amazing mothers who cannot. Breastfeeding helps to protect against cancer, obesity, diabetes, infections while strengthening the immune system, supporting brain development and providing the perfect nutrition for your baby. And yet, the U.K. has some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world with 55% feeding past 6 weeks and only 34% of babies receiving breastmilk past 6 months. There seems to be a lack of culture of long term feeding. Is it our culture? Is formula thought of as just as good? Do we need more support from our employers to be able to breastfeed for longer? What do you think? Comment below👇 💛🤱 #breastfeeding #worldbreastfeedingweek #foodismedicine #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapist #nutrition #beststart #babies #children #health #support #diabetes #obesity #empower #nourish #transform #love #bond
Nutritional Therapy with Karen Alexander
Based in Farnham, Surrey, I practice nutritional therapy to support your journey towards better health, vitality and performance. I am passionate about educating and empowering people to make the changes needed for true health. I have a MSc with distinction in Personalised Nutrition and a special interest in