Dr. Chris Heimlich DC, DACNB, Scottsdale Phoenix Metro Area Doctor Shares how the digestive system and hypothyroidism are connected
Did you know 20% of the healthy thyroid activity depends on the gut flora in the intestines? Does your doctor?
Poor digestion function depletes the body of nutrients that support thyroid health, especially zinc, selenium, tyrosine, and vitamins A and D. It is also believed that poor gut function can lead to autoimmune conditions.
Don’t go run down to the mall or health food store and buy the supplements I just talked about. That is not the answer.
Hippocrates said that all disease begins in the gut. Billions of dollars are spent every year in the U.S. on over the counter meds for gastrointestinal problems. That doesn’t include the prescription medications.
Hypothyroidism has been shown to change the acid concentration in the stomach. It has also been shown to alter gallbladder function. It goes without saying, these are two very important parts of the digestive system.
How do you know if you have a problem with the GI system?
If you are on any medications for your stomach acid, reflux, bowels….. then you have a problem with the GI system.
Here are a few symptoms that show you are having issues:
- Greasy or high fat foods cause distress
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Lower bowel gas and bloating
- Increased thirst and appetite
- Excessive passage of gas
- Nausea and or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Temporary relief from antacids, food, milk, carbonated beverages
- Heartburn when leaning forward or lying down
- Excessive belching
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hard dry or small stool
- Coated tongue
- More than 3 bowel movements a day
- Use of laxatives frequently
- Lower abdominal pain relief by passing stool or gas
- Offensive breath
- Difficult bowel movements
I know some of you are probably thinking that everyone knows that those mean you have a problem. But we see a lot of patients that just think that’s the norm. They have had problems so long, they just think it’s the way it is. Or they have been told to just take this or that to help try to control it.
Doesn’t it make more sense to try to fix the gut and get it to function the way it was intended to instead of cover up the symptoms?
Find a doctor that understands that not only is your thyroid gland a suspect in hypothyroid symptoms, but also your digestive system. (As well as a bunch of other things I have talked about in different posts and videos)
I see people every day that have medical histories that scream that they have a thyroid problem, yet they continue to suffer because no one ever looked at the whole picture.
If you haven’t received a copy of our Thyroid Recovery Report simply fill out the form to your right.