Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common endocrine issues worldwide, affecting millions of people of all ages and genders. Conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can significantly impact overall health, influencing metabolism, energy levels, mood, and more. While conventional treatments typically include thyroid hormone replacement therapy or antithyroid medications, functional medicine at Cornerstone Chiropractic offers a more personalized approach.

If you have any questions about thyroid disorders, contact our Des Peres MO,  New Florence MO,  or Warrenton MO locations.

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The Basics of Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is crucial for regulating metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and other physiological processes through the release of thyroid hormones. Common thyroid disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive, producing insufficient levels of hormones like T3 and T4. Symptoms often include
  • fatigue
  • weight gain
  • cold intolerance
  • dry skin
  • constipation
  • depression
  • cognitive impairment.
• Hyperthyroidism: In contrast, hyperthyroidism arises from an overactive thyroid gland, leading to an excess of thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include:
  • weight loss
  • rapid heartbeat
  • heat intolerance
  • sweating
  • anxiety
  • tremors
  • insomnia.
• Thyroid Autoimmunity: Conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and hormone production changes.

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Functional Medicine Interventions for Thyroid Health

Functional medicine employs various strategies to support thyroid function, address imbalances, and promote overall well-being:

• Nutritional Support: Emphasizing nutrient-dense foods rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This includes foods high in iodine (seaweed, seafood), selenium (brazil nuts, sunflower seeds), zinc (pumpkin seeds, oysters), vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified dairy), and iron (lean meats, leafy greens).
• Dietary Modifications: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet with whole, unprocessed foods, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber while minimizing refined sugars, processed foods, gluten, and potential allergens.
• Gut Health Optimization: Addressing gut health issues through dietary changes, probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients to support immune function, inflammation control, and nutrient absorption.
• Stress Management: Incorporating techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation methods to support adrenal health, balance cortisol levels, and enhance overall well-being.
• Hormone Balancing: Recommending hormone replacement therapy when necessary, combined with nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and adrenal support to optimize outcomes.
• Detoxification Protocols: Utilizing dietary interventions, targeted supplements (glutathione, N-acetylcysteine), hydration, sweating therapies (sauna, exercise), and liver support to enhance toxin elimination.
• Immune Modulation: For autoimmune thyroid conditions, focusing on dietary interventions, supplementation, stress reduction, and autoimmune protocols to address immune dysfunction and reduce inflammation.

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Monitoring and Follow-Up

Functional medicine practitioners closely monitor patients throughout treatment, assessing thyroid function, symptom improvement, and overall health. Follow-up evaluations include repeat testing of thyroid function, nutrient levels, adrenal function, and inflammatory markers to track progress and adjust treatment plans. Ongoing support, education, and empowerment are provided to help patients manage their thyroid health and promote long-term wellness.

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Functional medicine provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating thyroid issues by identifying and addressing the root causes of dysfunction while restoring overall health and vitality. Integrating dietary and lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, hormone balancing therapies, stress management techniques, and detoxification protocols, functional medicine helps individuals reclaim their thyroid health and optimize their well-being. Whether managing hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune thyroid conditions, functional medicine at Cornerstone Chiropractic in  Des Peres MO,  New Florence MO, and Warrenton MO offers a roadmap for addressing the complexities of thyroid health and promoting long-term wellness.