The Importance of Thyroid Health

The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body, as it regulates metabolism, which affects nearly every organ in the body. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and makes hormones that affect your breathing, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature. If the thyroid malfunctions and doesn’t make enough hormones, or if it makes too much, problems will occur with all of these bodily functions.

Thyroid disease has become more common, especially among women. Symptoms include trouble managing weight, hair loss, sluggishness & fatigue, anxiety & depression, constipation, and trouble regulating body temperature, all of which can be annoying and disruptive to living your best life.

Thyroid treatment goals at Naturally Sue Wellness address the underlying cause of your thyroid issues to optimize thyroid function to the greatest extent possible.

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Naturally Sue’s Holistic Approach to Thyroid Treatment in NYC

At Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC, we offer Naturopathic treatment for thyroid care in-person and online, nationwide.

Whether in person in NYC or virtually, will determine the root cause of your thyroid condition by evaluating the following areas:

• Full thyroid panel
• Nutrition & lifestyle
• Testing for nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, gut health, and more.
• Mind-body medicine

Understanding Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland makes and releases hormones that control and regulate metabolism (how the body uses energy). When the thyroid is compromised, it can cause the following common thyroid disorders:

• Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland and causes it to become underactive. It can be a chronic and lifelong condition without intervention.
• Hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid condition where the thyroid releases too much thyroid hormone.
• Graves’ Disease – an autoimmune disease that causes an overactive thyroid. It is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and can cause severe health complications if left untreated.

The thyroid affects several organs and body systems, like heart rate, metabolism, and temperature control, and can impact your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s a good idea to get checked for a thyroid condition:

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Changes in heart rate
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Irregular monthly cycles
• Depression or anxiety

Naturopathic Approach to Thyroid Health

The philosophy at Naturally Sue Wellness follows a holistic, patient-centered approach to thyroid care. We identify the root cause of illness and treat the whole person, not just your symptoms.

We recognize and harness the body’s innate ability to heal and will guide you to wellness and total health, educating you on your specific disease and how to manage your health.

Naturopathic treatments for thyroid health, such as dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal supplements, homeopathy, vitamins and minerals, and acupuncture are effective at minimizing symptoms and regulating the thyroid gland for optimal function.

Diagnostic Process

During the initial visit, a patient can expect to be asked several questions as part of a thorough health history about your case:

• Previous diagnosis with a thyroid condition, like hypothyroidism, Hashimostos, or both?
• Details about current or past medications and treatments for thyroid disease.
• Goals for thyroid care (i.e.: to prevent an increase in thyroid medication, symptom management, remission, other)?
• Do you suspect you have a thyroid condition, but have not yet been diagnosed? Have you been told your thyroid levels are normal, but are they normal from a Naturopathic perspective, as we have optimal ranges we go by?
• History and experience with birth control medications, which often can lead to hypothyroid and/or Hashimotos, and discuss the pros and cons of birth control medication when it comes to thyroid health.
• Evaluation of current diet and make recommendations for dietary changes, if necessary (i.e. eliminate processed foods, add nutrient-dense foods).

We will also explore several areas for testing, including:

• Labs to determine if any nutrient deficiencies are contributing to their thyroid condition, such as iron, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D.
• Gut health testing. Poor gut health, like an imbalanced gut microbiome, SIBO, Leaky Gut, certain gut organisms, and other digestive issues can cause thyroid issues.
• Food allergy testing and a check for food intolerances can help with the gut-thyroid connection as well.
• Tests for chronic infections like Lyme disease, as well as environmental toxins, like mold which can also affect the thyroid.
• Tests for viral reactivations like Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and other opportunistic viruses that can affect the thyroid.

We also evaluate a patient’s mind-body health, delving into past childhood trauma, and/or adult trauma, which can have a profound impact on the health of the thyroid. If necessary, we will refer them to trauma therapists, as well as offer mind-body techniques for them to practice at home.  

Based on our evaluation and test results, we will recommend a specific course of action for each stage of a patient’s health including homeopathic, like herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and other therapies to address each patient’s root cause.

Treatment Options

Naturopathic treatment options for thyroid health are holistic and cover various areas of our well-being. Everyone is different in what they will need, which will be determined while working with the doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness. Some of the treatment therapies we use include:  

• Herbal Therapies: Herbs used for thyroid support may include ashwagandha, coleus, guggal, turmeric, and others depending on your case. Lemon balm and Bugleweed have been found particularly useful for hyperthyroidism.
• Nutritional Therapies: Key nutrients for thyroid health include iodine, zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamin D, as well as B vitamins, and Omega 3- fatty acids. Adding probiotics, nutrient-dense foods, and eliminating processed foods and sugar are key to optimizing thyroid health.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Lifestyle adjustments combined with treatment can make life with thyroid disease much more manageable. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and lack of exercise or too much exercise can negatively impact thyroid function.
• Mental Health Support: Addressing mental health, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can greatly influence patient outcomes when it comes to thyroid disease.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Not one patient is alike, therefore one-size treatment does not fit all. We use a tailored approach based on the individual needs of each patient based on their current state of health, lab test results, and health history.

Get in touch with Naturally Sue Wellness to discover what an individualized health plan for your thyroid health could look like.

Case Studies/Testimonials

A 69-year-old female presented to our practice with insomnia. One of the things we rule out is a thyroid condition, especially one like hyperthyroidism since that can cause a hypermetabolism and feelings of raciness and metabolism. Interestingly enough, she actually had Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism which can also affect one’s sleep. She has significantly high levels of mold and heavy metals in her blood work, as well as reactivated EBV which can contribute to these thyroid conditions.

It is important to consider the WHY behind the thyroid condition and how it may have developed and how the person is presenting. Another patient with hypothyroidism may not have insomnia and have severe fatigue, which this patient did not. This is where Naturopathic medicine shines because we look at the whole person and do not just put someone in a box as to what they are commonly supposed to feel.

Everyone is so truly individual that they can present with different symptoms, but have the same underlying thyroid condition. We began to work on her systemic health, lifestyle, diet and address heavy metals, reactivated viruses, and mold and her sleep began to improve.

Why Choose Naturally Sue?

• Licensed Naturopathic Doctors

   

• Dr. Sue is a licensed ND in CT and CA and is a certified health coach.
• Dr. Sparks is licensed as an ND in CT and also has a master’s in Chinese medicine and is an acupuncturist.
• Dr. Sue provides in-person visits in a comfortable NYC setting a few times a year and then virtual consultations throughout the rest of the year.
• Our doctors have gone through their own health struggles and truly understand and have compassion for their patients.

Book a free consultation with our doctors to see if they are the right fit to help you with your unique thyroid concerns!

FAQs: Common questions about naturopathic thyroid treatment

What food should thyroid patients avoid?

Depending on your thyroid disease and what is the underlying cause, your naturopath may recommend avoiding certain foods. All patients with thyroid disease, no matter the type should avoid inflammatory foods, like processed goods, sugar, and alcohol.

As a general rule, patients with hypothyroidism should avoid gluten and dairy. Patients with hyperthyroidism should avoid iodine-rich foods.

Check out these articles for additional info: 

• Foods to Avoid Hypothyroidism 
  
• 12 Natural Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

How can I get my thyroid levels back to normal naturally?

There are many things you can do to help stabilize your thyroid hormones naturally, such as:

• Eat a balanced and nutrient-dense diet that includes protein, fiber, and greens.
• Maintain the correct nutrients for your thyroid condition, such as selenium, iron, iodine, or vitamin D. A Naturopathic doctor will test for nutrient deficiencies to see where you fall short.
• Ensure your gut health is in check. If not, work with your naturopath to restore and rebalance your gut microbiome.
• Eliminate sugar, alcohol, and processed foods to prevent further disruptions to your hormone balance.
• Exercise regularly and consistently.
• Implement stress management techniques to keep the thyroid performing at its best, as stress hormones can upset an already compromised metabolism.
• Get adequate restorative sleep to recuperate from any daily stressors.

Not everyone’s thyroid disease is the same. Figuring out the underlying cause of your thyroid disease will be the best way to know what natural steps would best serve you.

What is a thyroid flush?

Thyroid flush is a symptom of hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, it can cause an increase in blood flow that leads to what is known as “flushing”. It feels like a hot flash– a redness, hot, tingly feeling in the face, neck, ears, upper chest, and/or palms of the hands.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid flush, talk with your naturopath to uncover what’s going on and to get natural and holistic therapies to help calm and reduce this symptom.

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine blends modern, scientific medicine with traditional and natural forms of medicine to treat disease. Naturopathic care is patient-centered and identifies the root cause of a patient’s symptoms.

Naturopathic doctors believe in the innate ability of the body to heal itself under the right circumstances and care and put an emphasis on body, mind, and spirit.

We collaborate with patients and teach them how to take charge of their own health and create individualized treatment plans that address diet, lifestyle, and mental wellness to achieve optimal well-being.

How does naturopathic treatment differ from conventional treatment?

Naturopathic and conventional medicine differ in philosophical approach and the therapies used in treatment. Naturopathic Doctors, known as NDs, take a patient-centered approach to care, and treat the underlying cause of disease rather than just symptoms.

NDs address the physical, environmental, lifestyle, mental, and emotional aspects of health. This allows us to utilize a variety of therapies, including nutrition & lifestyle, herbal remedies, or acupuncture. We stay up-to-date on the latest scientific research to incorporate evidence-based treatments with our patients.

Conventional medicine aims to address and treat the symptoms of the disease without investigating the root of the issue. Conventional doctors will often resort to using pharmaceutical therapies or invasive surgeries to address the symptoms.

Is naturopathic treatment safe?

Naturopathic treatments are safe, effective, and non-invasive. In fact, the risk from natural therapies is typically much lower than conventional treatments.

How long does it take to see results?

The amount of time it takes to see results from naturopathic treatments will vary depending on the person, their health issue, and the severity of their health issues. If a treatment plan is working, patients will see positive change within a few days to a few weeks of beginning treatment.

What should I expect during the first visit?

During your first appointment at Naturally Sue, we take the time to assess your symptoms carefully and fully in order to address the root problem instead of just suppressing your symptoms. We will discuss your past medical history, your current symptoms, and your goals for treatment.

We will also perform physical exams and provide patient education.

Depending on your condition, we may do additional diagnostic testing and discuss treatment options. As Naturopathic physicians, we focus on evidence-based treatments with our patients and stay up-to-date on the latest scientific research to incorporate into treatment plans.

Start your healing journey with us…