Metabolic problems

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease

Which respectively means too low and too high metabolism
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As with most other things in life, metabolism is also about balance. It is therefore neither advisable to have a metabolism that is too high nor too low. The body should ideally be able to regulate this itself according to the demands placed on it. For example, metabolism should be upregulated when we need to digest.

At each end of the spectrum we have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (low metabolism) and Graves’ Disease (high metabolism).

Source: Stofskifteforeningen.dk

TSH and metabolism

​TSH can increase if there is too little thyroid hormone in the body and TSH can decrease if there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. In addition, the amount of iodine can have an impact on TSH levels.

In addition, there may be a correlation between decreasing TSH values and PCBs, phthalates, PBDEs, dioxins (BMC).

​Values for TSH will look like the following:

• Normal values: 0.5-5 IU/L
• Ideal values without medication: 0.5-2 IU/L

There is a correlation between TSH values and thyroid problems when the TSH value is from 2.1-5. They should therefore be followed more closely.

The precursor for us to form metabolic hormones is thyroglobulin. This is mainly dependent on the amino acid L-tyrosine. After thyroglobulin is released from the thyroid gland, it must combine with iodine in order for us to form metabolic hormones that the body can use.

What functions does metabolism have?

​Metabolism has a major impact on the entire body, as it is, as described above, the turnover of molecules. Therefore, it is much more than just that a low metabolism causes weight gain. This is also why symptoms of metabolic problems can be many and very variable.

Symptoms of low metabolism

Below are examples of what CAN be experienced as different symptoms of low metabolism:

• ​Low heart rate
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Swollen face
• Digestive problems (constipation)
• Infertility
• Muscle pain
• Feeling cold
• Depression
• Overweight​

Symptoms of high metabolism

Below are examples of what CAN be experienced as different symptoms of high metabolism.

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating a lot
• Weight loss
• Infertility
• Irritable
• Hair loss
• Digestive problems

What tests should be done for metabolic problems?

When examining metabolism, tests should be performed for at least:

• TSH
• Total and free T4
• Total and free T3
• TPO-AB antibodies

Causes of low metabolism

​The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that destroys the thyroid gland’s hormone production, previous thyroid surgery, diseases of the pituitary gland, medications such as lithium and amiodarone, excessive doses of medications, excessive doses of iodine (dietary supplements), and previous radiation therapy to the neck and head.

The parameters below may be involved in the causal relationship to the development of hypometabolism and are therefore interesting to investigate:

• Thyroglobulin
• Thyroglobulin antibodies
• Selenium and iodine (measured by urine test)
• Reverse T3
• PCBs, phthalates, PBDEs, dioxins
• Heavy metals
• Possibly genetic DIO2 etc.

In addition, consideration may be given to investigating hypometabolism:

• Adrenal function (stress hormones DHEA, DHEA-S)
• Iron (hemoglobin, blood percentage, ferritin), zinc, vitamin A, magnesium, L-tyrosine, vitamin E
• Sex hormones (male and female)
• Methylation
• Food intolerances IgG
• Digestive system

Diet and metabolism

​Diet can also have a big influence on how your metabolism works. In addition to supplying some of the above vitamins, minerals, etc., iodine, selenium, tyrosine are especially important for the formation of metabolic hormones in the first place.
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Look at the basics first, why healthy carbohydrate sources (vegetables, whole grains, etc.), fats and proteins are the place to start. In order to provide more advice in this area, it is necessary to assess the individual client so that the diet can be better targeted.

Causes of high metabolism

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Excessive metabolism is mainly caused by 2 diseases: Graves’ disease, which causes the thyroid gland to become overactive, and goiter, where there is growth of the thyroid gland, where it produces metabolic hormones in an uncontrolled manner.

Here you can get medication that reduces production, or reactive iodine that shrinks the thyroid gland, and in some cases, parts of the thyroid gland are removed by surgery.

​Again, there are many parameters that can affect the body’s need to produce more metabolic hormone. Here, again, the entire lifestyle must be looked at to see if there are any underlying causes.​

Exercise and high metabolism

​​Exercise increases your metabolism, which is a consequence of the body’s need to metabolize molecules during activity. This is a necessary part of your physiology. Exercise is good and necessary, but too much of a good thing can also be harmful.

​Exercise is therefore beneficial for your metabolism, but only if you remember the necessary recovery. In addition, you need to be aware that you are getting the right amount of nutrients and calories in relation to how hard you are training.

Training breaks down the body (catabolism) and rebuilding into something stronger requires that the right conditions are present.

Here it may be relevant to assess diet, smoking, alcohol, exercise, sleep and stress.

Low metabolism and weight gain

​​Since metabolism helps regulate our metabolism, this of course has an impact on how well the body burns fat. Therefore, metabolism can have a decisive impact on weight loss and weight gain.

​However, there are many factors that can affect how easily we lose those extra pounds. Calories in and out are always a place to start and then look at the quality of the diet. There can also be psychosocial factors, genetics, gut flora composition and much more that influence how good we are at maintaining our ideal weight.
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It is therefore NOT unambiguous and individual considerations should be taken into account to achieve the desired results.

How is metabolism treated?

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​Metabolism can be treated medically and various medications are available. This can be an important part of the treatment for some.

In addition, it may be relevant to look at why the metabolic problem has arisen. What is the basis for this “error” regulation?

Here it may be relevant to first look at the basic factors such as; Diet, Smoking, Alcohol, Exercise, Sleep and Stress. Whether this is important in the individual case should be assessed during a possible consultation.

Furthermore, the connection between the digestive system and the immune system can be considered, as well as how it can affect the individual’s metabolism.

It is rarely possible to measure all values in the established system, which is due to various reasons. However, these can be measured in our clinics, which collaborate with laboratories abroad, where this is possible. These are samples that are taken at home and sent. Only a few of our practitioners offer this.