Understanding Your Thyroid and How It Connects to the Adrenals

The thyroid tends to get a lot of flack.
We often call it out as the blunt of blames and frustrations when it comes to different health struggles...especially weight related, but also hormonal. 

The thyroid may not necessarily be the root cause of your weight or hormonal issues,  of course it could be contributing to them, but people are quick to blame the complex thyroid for their difficulties.. but most of the time, there is more to the story.  

In this post, we hope to offer some understanding around this often misunderstood gland so we can cut it a bit of slack and gain a better grasp on how best to support healthy thyroid function on a daily basis.

It is important to understand how the thyroid connects to the rest of your body and to remember how innately intelligent your body is. Everything that is happening to you hormonally right now, is happening protectively and intelligently in your body's attempt keep homeostasis/balance. We sometimes forget that. 

Today, I want to share a really simple overview of how the thyroid is controlled and some of the things that influence it-- with the goal of connecting a few dots for you-- it's funny, sometimes when you simplify this picture-- the optimal starting place for balancing presents itself.. and it's often way less complex than you thought. 

Let's jump in! 

What controls your thyroid?

In short-- the Hypothalamus.

"Oh snap, Danielle... the Hypothalmus.. you mean that thing that's part of the HPA axis (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal axis) that all you adrenal experts are talking about all the time?"

Yes, babe. That thing that links your nervous system to your endocrine system.
That thing- the Hypothalamus. 

How does that control work?

The hypothalamus acts like a sensor inside the nervous system. 

It sends signals to the pituitary gland (yes, that other part of the HPA axis) letting it know if it should make MORE or LESS of certain hormones, including an important one called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). 

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is a hormone that then tells (or STIMULATES) the thyroid to make more or ease up on the production of different hormones; two important ones are T3 and T4.  These hormones help control how your body stores and uses energy and they are largely made up of the mineral, iodine. 

KEY TAKE AWAY: 
TSH gets its instructions from the hypothalamus and is made in the pituitary gland.  TSH then stimulates the thyroid to make essential thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.  This all happens along the Hypothalamic Pituitary Thyroid Axis (HPT).

Our bodies make much more T4, but T3 is the more potent and active hormone of the two.
When needed, T4 can be converted by the body into the active form, T3 . This occurs in organs like the liver, intestines, kidneys, and lungs.  This is important to be aware of because, for many, this conversion can be impaired if these organs aren't doing their thing as optimally as they could be (...leaky gut sufferers, take note!). 

MAKING SENSE OF YOUR LEVELS: hypo or hyper THyroidism

Okay, so maybe you got your blood work done and are wondering how it's being looked at. 
Blood tests are looking at the levels of thyroid hormones like T3, T4 and TSH, and what these levels are like- relative to one another.

Hypothyroidism

If your TSH is high (which essentially means the brain is telling the thyroid to make lots of thyroid hormones-- T3 and T4), and if your thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are low.. then this appears that the TSH is yelling at the thyroid for more hormones to be made, but the thyroid isn't making enough to keep up with the demand... so it will appear like your thyroid is under-functioning (HYPOthyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism

If your TSH is low compared to the amount of T3 and T4 your thyroid is making, it's the opposite situation-- it's like TSH is saying "no more" but the thyroid isn't listening... making MORE hormones than demanded by the brain,  which then appears that the thyroid is actually over-active (HYPERthyroidism). In this case you'll have HIGH thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) relative to TSH, so it appears the thyroid is making TOO much. 

Make sense?

Okay, there's another important hormone to throw into the mix.. 

Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG). 

TBG is important because it's a carrier protein. It binds with T3 and T4 and brings these hormones to the tissues that need it via the blood. Essentially, it brings the thyroid hormones to where they need to go.

Most of the T3 and T4 made will be bound and carried to the tissues via TBG-- so you can see why the amount of TBG and the ability of T3 and T4 to bind to it would be important for bringing usable hormones to the tissues that need them, right?

Here's the thing:
The production of TBG and the ability for thyroid hormones to bind to TBG can be influenced by other hormones such as estrogen..and dun dun dunn... cortisol. Interruptions from factors like this can confuse the thyroid and can influence how much and how effectively thyroid hormones are carried in the blood to the tissues that require it and this can effect how things appear on our blood test... and of course, how we feel. 

What this means: sex hormone imbalance (like estrogen dominance) or stress hormone imbalance (due to adrenal overwhelm) can throw off the efficiency and effectiveness of how this all works. 

CONNECTING THE DOTS- WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

To summarize, here are some common reasons why your levels might not be not be showing up properly on your blood tests or why you are showing signs and symptoms of thyroid imbalance. 

Nutritional Deficiency: Sometimes our bodies lack the building blocks to make hormones like T3 and T4 effectively.  Iodine and selenium are key minerals used by the thyroid to make them.  

Conversion Issues: Sometimes it's issues with the conversion like I mentioned above.
When T4 can't be converted to the active form T3, it leads to demands for more hormones from the body. This keeps the thyroid working hard to make more thyroid hormones to keep up wiht the demands, but due to an imbalance in usable hormones due to conversion issues you can see how things can start to get messy. 

Binding Issues: Other times, it's that thyroid hormones can't BIND to the TBG carrier protein because of sex or stress hormone imbalance and/or influences from diet or our environment -- factors such as excess fluoride or bromine consumption, heavy metal toxicity, adrenal stress, high estrogen, certain medications, and high stress hormones. 

"High stress hormones", she says... hmm. 
I see where this is going... 

THE IMPACT OF THE ADRENALS ON THE THYROID

In many cases... or dare I say, MOST cases, the communication occurring along the Hypothalamic Pituitary Thyroid Axis (HPT).. is being disturbed by the messages being delivered along the SOS Hypothalamic Pituitary ADRENAL (HPA) axis.

Which one do you think will take precedence-- the survival response or the metabolic response? 

.... Right.

Saving your life and surviving is always a priority.. so the HYPOTHALAMIC PITUITARY ADRENAL axis communication takes the reigns in this situation. 

The adrenals come into play when there is stress present that the body needs to deal with, whether that stress be physical stress, inflammation, work stress, emotional stress, life-threatening stress, lack of sleep stress, etc. 

The adrenals are also told what to do based on what that bossy pituitary gland is telling them to do. 

How the Thyroid is Affected

Oh wait, double edge sword here---
When stress hormones like cortisol are elevated and our body is in a perceived state of stress, metabolism regulation from the thyroid is no longer a priority to the body--  in this case the pituitary gland will tell the thyroid to ease up on making more thyroid hormones (it's got bigger fish to fry right now), add this to underlying issues with conversion or thyroid hormone binding issues and you can see how this can be a bit of a cascading disaster. 

The bottom line is that your adrenals come into play with this whole thyroid cascade.
Regardless of what type of thyroid issues you are experiencing, the adrenals are worth addressing, paying attention to and giving some TLC to. Sometimes when you do this, everything else has a funny way of working itself back into balance. 

Are you wondering how to support your thyroid by calming down your adrenal response and regulating this hormonal cascade once and for all? Self care and balanced, clean nutrition are vital.

Click the button below to get our free Recovery Starter Kit to set you up with all you need to know to get this Thyroid/Adrenal loving balance party started! 

Cheers! Upgraded Adrenal Cocktails

Hey sweet readers,

Many of you may be familiar with the classic "Adrenal Cocktail".
It's a concoction drank by many Adrenal Fatigue (AF) sufferers at the recommended dose of 1-3 times daily.  Some swear by it,  while others find the sugar content of the juice to be too much. 

The classic adrenal cocktail is composed of: 

• 4oz of orange juice (for vitamin C)

• 1/4 tsp of Cream of Tartar (for potassium)

• 1/4 tsp sea salt (for sodium and other minerals)

It is recommended to drink it a few times a day on an empty stomach.

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WITH THE CLASSIC ADRENAL COCKTAIL?

As a nutritionist specializing in adrenal and hormone-loving nutrition, I'm a big fan of NUTRIENT DENSITY.  Depleted people (ie. people with adrenal burnout) need smart nutrition to help build their bodies back up. 

These recipes below are a twist on this original, they focus on abundant nutrition with a focus on minerals to help spark energy and strengthen the adrenals.

Check out the recipes here:  

#1. THE ARC CLASSIC ADRENAL COCKTAIL

COMBINE THE FOLLOWING:

• 1 cup 100% pure coconut water

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• juice from 1/2 a lemon

• 5 grams of L-glutamine powder (optional)

• a small splash of aloe vera gel (optional)

Okay, so we know this recipe has a few extra ingredients than the original, but often hands we can easily find the main ingredients in our cupboard with the l-glutamine and aloe addition being a beautifully soothing and restorative boost for the gut.

The addition of aloe vera helps quench inflammation and brings more minerals to the drink minerals like selenium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.  

The amino acid L-glutamine will love up your gut, helping to repair the loose junctions in the intestine that contribute to leaky gut. It's also a protein source, helping to contribute to blood sugar balance, reduce cravings and limit muscle wasting ( a common problem for AF sufferers). 

---

#2: A SIMPLE CUP OF ORGANIC NETTLE TEA

Nettle is a simple, nutritive tea rich in minerals and nice for helping to gently cleanse the body, build up healthy blood and calm us.

This option is not ideal for those with low blood pressure, on medications, nursing, or pregnant. Please consult with your doctor before starting any herbal regimen.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT

• tea sieve or french press

• organic nettle leaves

• splash of apple cider vinegar

Pour boiling water over your nettle leaves, a ratio of 1 tsp of dried or fresh leaves per cup is good! Let steep for at least 5 minutes up to overnight.

** When making nettle tea, I recommend steeping overnight and making large batches at a time for easy sipping over the next few days.  ( I use a french press, but you could use a large jar instead) Add a splash of apple cider vinegar when steeping to help pull the minerals from the tea leaves to the tea itself. The leaves are so nutritious you can steep them twice** 

A FEW TID BITS ABOUT NETTLE:

• Gram for gram, stinging nettle has over 4x more vitamin C than oranges.

• Nettle is also rich in non-heme iron, so if you are of of the AF sufferers with low iron, this is a great option for you to consume regularly to help bring your levels up in a very gentle way. 

---

A LIL' DISCLAIMER: Mineral balance and fluid dysregulation can be a challenge for AF sufferers.

When it comes to water retention and edema, I want you to remember that water follows salt.
If you are prone to water retention issues then it's likely your sodium levels are on the high side. Reducing salt in the diet can help reduce this.   

Nettle is a natural diuretic (a diuretic increases the amount of fluid excreted from the body), which means that this nettle-based cocktail can help offer supportive relief from edema and potentially reduce blood pressure. HOWEVER, on the opposite side of the spectrum, incorporating sea salt into the diet can help maintain fluid regulation IF you find that you urinate frequently and are having trouble with electrolyte balance and hydration. This is because frequent urination can be a source of electrolyte and mineral loss for many AF sufferers.  

Despite how nourishing nettle is for the body and for the adrenals, there is such thing as too much of a good thing. This is especially so if you are already finding your urine output is high.

For best results, if using nettle, sip on this option more occasionally as a supportive tea to have in your arsenal of others.

As always, please check with your doctor before incorporating new herbs into your routine, especially if you are on medications. If you're hesitant about using nettle, make one of the other options provided in this post.

---

#3. SOOTHING GOLDEN latTE

COMBINE THE FOLLOWING:

• 2 cups warm or hot water

• 1/4 tsp ginger powder

• juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• a pinch of ground black pepper

• 1 tsp acerola cherry powder, camu camu powder or 1000g of vitamin c powder (optional)

• 1 tbsp collagen protein powder

• 1/2 tsp of coconut or MCT oil

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

For best consistency, I recommend blending this or using an electric hand-whisk.

This one is so nice and warming, perfect if you're feeling a little chilly or if you feel like your immune system needs some attention. 

This tonic is beautifully balanced and I have to say, it's pretty darn easy on the eyes.. (and the mouth too-- it's so yummy)! 

It packs a powerful anti-inflammatory punch with the addition of turmeric, cinnamon and ginger.  The addition of black pepper and coconut (or MCT oil) helps increase the effectiveness of the turmeric and cinnamon. This is because they are fat-soluble herbs and work best when combined with a bit of fat. The black pepper increases the efficacy of the turmeric by 2000%, ya.. significant, right?

The collagen provides a nice source of protein to keep your blood sugar balanced and cravings at bay, while also providing more TLC to your intestinal health. 

Try drinking ONE OF these first thing in the morning in place of coffee and let us know what happens by posting below. 

CHEERS! 

 

Treat Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms Naturally - 5 Kitchen Remedies

What if I told you, you don’t have to buy expensive supplements or go on crazy elimination diets in order to heal your gut, detox your body or improve your digestion. Would you want to know more? It took me years and thousands of dollars before I realized that some of the most powerful and inexpensive remedies to treat adrenal fatigue symptoms were right under my nose. I am going to share with you 5 kitchen remedies to treat adrenal fatigue symptoms and my favorite ways to easily incorporate these into your diet.

#1 Turmeric

This vibrant colored and highly aromatic spice used often in Asian cooking belongs to the ginger family.

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which gives turmeric many of its healing and cleansing properties.

To start, turmeric is a potent antioxidant packed with vitamins A, C, and E.

Vitamin C is key for adrenal fatigue sufferers because the more cortisol you make the more vitamin C is used. During the stress response the body burns up many times the daily requirement of vitamin C. So as stressful events increase, the need for vitamin C also increases.

Another reason turmeric is a great remedy for adrenal fatigue is because of its anti-inflammatory effects.

As you probably already noticed, inflammation is common with adrenal fatigue and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is the result of an overactive immune system. Particularly with chronic autoimmune disease, the amount of inflammation present is determined by the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, so when the adrenals are weak your body is more prone to inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory potency of turmeric has been compared favorably to anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs…minus all the side effects.

Ways to Consume Turmeric:

1. Add small amounts (a teaspoon) to your daily smoothies

2. Make a yummy dish, once or twice a week that uses turmeric. My favorite is a red lentil curry dish like this one

#2 Clove

Clove has been used for thousands of   years in India and China as not only a spice and condiment, but as medicine.

Like Turmeric, clove is a powerful antioxidant. It is also anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and a natural pain-reliever.

Inflammation and digestion are common issues for most adrenal fatigue sufferers and clove comes to the rescue as it’s capable of addressing both.

For example, clove relaxes the smooth lining of the GI tract and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. As a result, clove helps alleviate vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal gas, irritability and stomachaches.

Clove is also a good source of manganese, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Ways to Consume Clove:

I prefer to consume clove by incorporating it into my food and drink. It’s not something I want in my smoothies, but that’s just me. Here are a couple great recipes to try. If you like chai tea you can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy a cup each morning.

1. Chili Recipe

2. Homemade Chai Tea

#3 Garlic

Garlic is a plant in the same family as the onion. The compound allicin is responsible for garlic’s many health benefits.

Garlic is a potent natural antibiotic and boosts the function of the immune system. Garlic is high in vitamins and minerals, many of which are on the recommended list of vitamins important for those suffering from adrenal fatigue. To name a few: manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium and fiber. Garlic also has decent amounts of copper, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1.

High doses of the allicin compounds have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity.

For example, a 4-week study of employees of a car battery plant who had excessive exposure to lead, found that garlic reduced lead levels in the blood by 19%.

Toxicity is an issue for adrenal fatigue sufferers because the body has a hard time cleansing and detoxing when digestion is slow, the lymphatic system is sluggish, inflammation is high and blood flow is compromised.

Ways to Consume Garlic:

1. Chopped up fine and sprinkled on toast with butter or olive oil

2. Chopped up fine in fresh, homemade guacamole or salsa

3. Add chopped up garlic to almost any savory food recipe, soup, pasta sauce, curry, chili, roasted vegetables or stew

4. If I’m suffering from a severe cold, I’m not afraid to throw a whole clove in my mouth, chew it up and swallow

#4 Ginger

Traditional Chinese medicine has relied on ginger for more than 2,000 years. Ginger is a pungent spice known historically for increasing blood flow and for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially known for its effectiveness in eliminating intestinal gas and for treating chronic ingestion, common issues for adrenal fatigue sufferers.

Ginger also has the ability to reduce muscle pain and soreness and menstrual cramps.

It is also known to help fight the flu and common cold. Adrenal fatigue sufferers typically have a compromised immune system. Having a cheap and easy remedy like ginger for these seasonal bugs, is key.

Ways to Consume Ginger:

1. Chai Tea (already mentioned)

2. Make a Wintery Tonic by adding a chunk of ginger to boiling water, add honey and fresh lemon

3. Red Lentil Curry (already mentioned)

4. Try other recipes with fresh ginger like yummy soups or stir-frys

#5 Thyme

For many of us who suffer from adrenal fatigue, getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals for healing and optimal health can be challenging. Luckily, thyme is packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

If you feel a cold coming on and your immune system needs a boost, thyme is a perfect supplement.

Thyme is also a good source of copper, fiber, iron and manganese.

Way to Consume Thyme:

1. Homemade Pasta Sauce

2. Make your own Thyme Tea recipe here

I just shared with you the top 5 adrenal fatigue remedies already in your kitchen and my favorite ways to incorporate them into your diet.

 Now, I would love to hear from you. Share a comment below. Have you tried these magical herbs or spices as healing remedies? If so, what was your experience? And what are your favorite ways to incorporate these herbs and spices into your diet? Your comments could help someone else on their healing journey.

All my best,
Angela

Image Copyright a href='httpswww.123rf.comprofile_vell'vell  123RF Stock Photoa