The active thyroid hormone your body needs is T3. T3 is converted from the inactive thyroid hormone T4. Many people with Hypothyroidism struggle in that conversion process. Synthroid and the generic Levothyroxine are T4 only medications and are the most highly prescribed drugs for Hypothyroidism. This means many people are left with a host of symptoms that are not relieved with their medication.
A very small amount of T3 is made in the thyroid glad itself. Conversion takes place in the liver, kidneys, gut and muscles with the help of enzyme 5’-Deiodenase.
The Liver is where the majority of T3 is converted from T4. Supporting your liver by eating real foods, properly sourced (Organic, grass fed, pasture raised, etc.), reducing toxins in your skin and body care as well as cleaning supplies makes a huge difference. Minimizing toxins that force the liver into overdrive is one step. Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and inflammation also slow your liver down, making conversion difficult.
The kidneys also work to convert T4 to T3, and like the Liver, Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and inflammation also slow your Kidneys down, making conversion difficult.
Non-optimal cortisol and non-optimal Iron levels will also make conversion difficult. Stress can be a cause of non-optimal cortisol, and that will inhibit the enzyme 5’-Deiodenase from working properly.
Enzyme 5′-Deiodenase is required for the process of conversion of T4 to T3, and some specific minerals are required to activate this enzyme. Zinc and Selenium are the two leading minerals for the activation of 5’-Deiodenase. (There are also genetic reasons ones 5’-Deiodenase enzymes are not functioning properly). Testing Zinc and Selenium to see if they are low is recommended.
Ironically, low T3 levels will often cause heart racing, and often people will be prescribed beta-blockers for this. Beta Blockers inhibit the enzyme 5’-Deiodenase from working properly.
Conversion also takes place in your gut. Any imbalance of gut bacteria (Dysbiosis), Leaky Gut, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease will inhibit your ability to convert T4 to T3.
How do you know if you are not converting? Testing Reverse T3 can be very helpful. If it is 2 or more above the bottom of the range, there is a good chance you are not converting enough T3. I n the meantime, you do have options with your thyroid medication. Cytomel and generic Liothyronine are T3 only medications that can be gradually raised to optimal at about 5 mcg per week, this is done with a lowered T4 dose of medication (40 mcg or less).
It is not just one thing to help you convert better; it is a systemic approach that takes time.
Blueberry Buckle, made with honey instead of sugar, remember, sugar depletes minerals. Honey contains minerals to process the sugars in it, so it does not deplete you of your minerals. The topping does use sugar, I use organic non refined coconut sugar, as it is a lower glycemic index, but the topping can be skipped altogether if you wish.
Blueberry Buckle
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min.
Bake Time: 40-45 min.
YIELD: 9 servings.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour (I use Pamela’s Gluten Free Baking Mix)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk (I used Walnut Milk)
2 cups fresh blueberries (I have also done a combo of strawberries and blueberries, or peaches. I have also done this with 2 cups of fruit, delicious every way!)
Topping:
2/3 cup organic non-refined coconut sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (I use Pamela’s Gluten Free Baking Mix)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, cream butter and honey until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Fold in blueberries. Pour into greased 9-in. square baking pan.
2. For topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over blueberry mixture.
3. Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serve with fresh whipped cream. (I used coconut cream whipped cream)
Your Hypothalamus sends TRH to your Pituitary gland to tell it to make TSH,
TSH is sent from your Pituitary gland to your Thyroid, to tell it to make thyroid hormones.
You need to have enough Selenium & 5′ Deiodinase enzyme to convert T4 to the active hormone T3.
Testing only TSH DOES’NT tell you how much of what thyroid hormones were made.
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