Known as an underactive thyroid, it is often the reason why people experience the onset of joint pain, weight gain, heart disease, and more.

An underactive thyroid gland is not uncommon these days. It was at one time seen more among women over 60 with a history of diabetes or celiac disease, as well as in moms experiencing hormonal changes, having delivered a newborn within 6 months. 

However, in more recent times, due to lifestyles that are exposing people to highly processed foods, environmental toxins, increased medications, and elevated stress levels, chronic inflammation is more of an issue than it’s ever been. Hence, we are seeing a broader range in age for this hormonal imbalance, and it’s not relegated to women alone. Men are also experiencing many of the same symptoms. Included in these numbers are children from even the moment they are born. 

While there are certain types of autoimmune diseases that cause an underactive thyroid, it is important to understand that while the thyroid governs the metabolism, it is the liver (as part of the digestive system) which governs the thyroid and its function. It is thus safe to say that chronic and systemic inflammation has been present for awhile. It’s not something that comes on fast and strong but as it creeps up, you will begin to see the signs. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the importance of liver health and what leads to thyroid trouble.

Some symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Constipation  
• Dry skin
• Stiff joints
• Swollen joints
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle ache
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Heavy periods
• Irregular periods
• Cholesterol issues
• Sensitivity to cold
• Puffy face
• Trouble breathing

When these symptoms are allowed to persist, it will negatively affect your metabolic rate, heart rate, temperature management, and even fertility. 

These are often signs that are shrugged off as being typical and synonymous with ageing. However, you have effect over all inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune issues, once you understand what causes them. It doesn’t always need to include medications.

Cancer treatments, radiation of the entire body, especially head, neck and chest/abdomen, certain medications, and other environmental toxins can cause the type of chronic internal inflammation that can also be responsible for autoimmune disease. So, suffice it to say, a more holistic approach would be welcome here.

There are also situations where the weight loss that is desired further exasperates thyroid function and hormonal balance by following a weight loss regimen that has the body undernourished and overworked. Calorie restrictive diets combined with vigorous exercise result in mixed signals being sent. This push and pull makes it difficult to access fat stores. This has the body feeding on muscle and even bone, having the effect of diminished immunity strength and metabolic rate, while further increasing inflammation.

This creates a vicious cycle that puts you in a downward spiral until it is caught, managed, rejuvenated, and sustained. As the proper steps are taken, each of the above listed effects are addressed. Only then can you fully appreciate that ageing does not need to go down the path of disease.