Hypothyroidism is a common condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating your clients metabolism. When metabolism slows down due to chronic low calorie dieting and high cortisol it can lead many to developing either sub optimal thyroid function or worse clinical hypothyroidism. This dis-ease in the body can make it more difficult to lose weight, and the problem is many will turn back to low calorie dieting to try to shed pounds but the reality is, this only makes the situation worse!
We see this very often with physique competitors and in the exercise class of bodybuilding competitions. And the biggest problem is …
Coaches who continuously beat down the natural female hormone levels of their clients, on their quest for the trophy or in an effort to lose the next 10 lbs. I really want to take some time and dive into this topic in depth … let’s go!
Low calorie dieting is very problematic for people with hypothyroidism, and continuously making the same mistake by restricting calories can actually cause the body to slow down even further, making weight loss even more difficult. Additionally, a low calorie diet over time will not provide enough nutrients to support thyroid function, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms.
It’s important for people with hypothyroidism to seek a knowledgeable professional that understands the concepts we discuss in the Advanced Coaching Systems 12 Week Hormone and Metabolism Course. This course will teach you how to better help people who suffer with an under-active metabolism, and have only been told to eat less and do more or, “your not in a deficit” 🤦🏽♂️
By learning the methods of periodization, you can support the metabolism and hormones that will allow it to produce the most horsepower and leading your clients towards recovery and feeling good again. Once they get through their recovery phase, they can then make the improvements in body composition that they want and … you both WIN 🙌🏻
What Labs Should You Have Checked On A Thyroid Panel?
“Hey Coach, my doctor only checked my TSH when I asked and paid for a full thyroid panel” … WTF ?
Once you dive into the functional nutrition space you will come to find out that traditional western medical practices, and functional medicine practices are vastly different.
Coaches, I have tremendous understanding when it comes to the frustrations that this can bring up. Myself, along with my entire team of coaches have been in your shoes …
Pissed off that we can’t get what we need to better serve our clients, mad that clients have to waste time and money, mad that we knew we could help them but … couldn’t get the data we needed, etc. 🤬
But with the emergence of self-advocacy in the health and wellness space, most people, especially in the US, can get all the blood work they need for just a few hundreds dollars. Or better yet … have this all covered by their insurance!
When diving deeper into thyroid health, you need to have all the pieces to the puzzle so you can see the whole picture. What I’m sharing here are the labs you need, as well as the necessary information, to understand what each hormone is responsible for …
A full thyroid panel in functional medicine typically includes the following tests …
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Elevated TSH levels may indicate hypothyroidism, while low TSH levels may indicate hyperthyroidism.
- Free T3 (triiodothyronine) – Free T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone, which helps regulate metabolism, body temperature, and energy levels. Low Free T3 levels may indicate hypothyroidism.
- Free T4 (thyroxine) – Free T4 is the precursor to T3 and is converted into T3 as needed. Low Free T4 levels may indicate hypothyroidism.
- Reverse T3 (rT3) – Reverse T3 is a less active form of T3 that can block the effects of T3 in the body. Elevated rT3 levels may indicate a problem with the conversion of T4 to T3, which can lead to hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid Antibodies – The presence of thyroid antibodies, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies or anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
- Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) – TSI is an antibody that is often present in people with Graves’ disease, which can cause hyperthyroidism.
A functional medicine approach to thyroid testing aims to identify imbalances in thyroid function early, before they progress to full-blown thyroid disease. Functional medicine practitioners may also consider other factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, adrenal function, and gut health, which can impact thyroid function.
At ACS we believe that most thyroid problems can be fixed with holistic methods that keep you off medications and help get you back in control of your health!
What Are Hypothyroidism Solutions To Improve Thyroid and Metabolism?
Now, you know we talk a lot about hypothyroidism … because we see it in our own coaching all the time. And I’m sure by now you know how it happens, however, what can you actually do to help improve this condition as a coach?
Well … A LOT actually!
Most of the people contacting you have tried everything … keto, paleo, vegan, fasting, liver king’s bull balls, and have rushed the “calorie deficit” for so long, that they have become quite adapted and they aren’t even hungry anymore. This leads to them having a slower metabolism, increased fatigue and weight gain, along with many other symptoms. While medication is often recommended by traditional western medical practitioners to manage hypothyroidism, there are several holistic methods that can be used to support thyroid function and improve overall health.
Here are just a few examples …
✅ For the love of god, stop eating a low calorie diet: A balanced (higher calorie) diet is important for thyroid health. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, can provide the nutrients needed to support thyroid function. Since glucose is responsible for signaling thyroid hormones, we recommend no less than 150g per day at the bare minimum
✅ Supplements: Certain supplements may help support thyroid health, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, which are essential for thyroid hormone production.
✅ Calm down; stress management: Stress can impact thyroid function, so finding ways to manage stress can be helpful. Some options include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques.
✅ Exercise: Exercise is beneficial for overall health and can also support thyroid function. Low to moderate-intensity exercise may be particularly helpful for people with hypothyroidism.
✅ Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can support thyroid function. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.
✅ Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body. Some people find that acupuncture can help improve thyroid function and reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism.
It’s important to note that while these holistic methods can be helpful for supporting thyroid health, in some cases you may need to remain in contact with a licensed physician in order to work cohesively, and to do what is best for the client. Many of our clients truly want a non-medical way of improving their metabolism, and most of the time we can achieve this successfully by doing for them what no one else has ever done …
Actually recover them by supporting the systems of the body! How can you do this for your clients as well? Well …
Get Support: Check out our website The Educated Dieter for our free guide, The Guide to Dieting Smarter, or inquire about our coaching services where we have helped many women improve their health and metabolism for long term fat loss and gaining lean muscle mass! Book your call and we will speak with you soon.
If you want to learn more about hypothyroidism, I’ve created a short 5-part video series that you can watch here. Just follow these links …
>>> Thyroid Health: Part 1
>>> Thyroid Health: Part 2
>>> Thyroid Health: Part 3
>>> Thyroid Health: Part 4
>>> Thyroid Health: Part 5
God Bless and thank you for reading,
Coach William and the entire Educated Dieter Family
To keep up with The Educated Dieter Family and learn more about our elite coaching services, you can find us here …
