IS THIS THE REAL REASON YOUR METABOLISM IS SLUGGISH… AND YOUR ENERGY LEVELS ARE LOW?

The real reason you’re not seeing results – part two… If you missed part one, be sure to go back and give it a read (click here) as this builds on what we’ve already discussed!

One of the biggest frustrations I hear from women is how their male counterparts lose weight so much easier than they do. And whilst I wish I could say it wasn’t true, in many ways it is because women are created so differently to men

This is not a bad thing, it’s just an issue because for the longest time, women have been treated like small men in the health and fitness industry. When in reality 95% of all the studies done and published in the scientific literature are all based on men. Then we take it and run with it thinking this next trend is going to be the answer.

Repeat after me: WOMEN ARE NOT SMALL MEN (right @drstaceysims)

As females, your metabolism is governed by your hormones. The primary hormones women typically think are the problem are estrogen + progesterone. THESE ARE NOT THE ANSWER

Think of your hormones as a funnel, what happens at the top, affects the ones at the bottom. Therefore, we started with cortisol and insulin. However, it doesn’t stop there. The incidence of hypothyroidism and thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s are consistently on the rise, which is why we need to take a closer look at what’s going on with the thyroid hormones.

You may know that your thyroid is the butterfly shaped endocrine gland in your neck/throat that has something to do with your energy. But are you aware of the impact it has on your metabolism and other hormones? Let’s dive in.

Think of your thyroid as the thermostat for your metabolism. It controls how efficiently your body burns energy.

The main thyroid hormones—T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)—work together in this process.

BREAKING DOWN YOUR THYROID HORMONES

Let’s start with the most commonly known one, the one you’ve most likely had tested if you’ve done a blood panel recently.

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone):
This is produced by the pituitary gland, TSH signals the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. High TSH levels often indicate that the body is trying to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones because they are low.

T4 (Thyroxine):
This is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland. T4 serves as a reservoir for energy, but it needs to be converted into T3 to be active.

Low levels of T4 can lead to a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and even depression.

T3 (Triiodothyronine):
T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone, responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels. It impacts nearly every cell in the body.

Low T3 can lead to symptoms like low energy, weight gain, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating.

When thyroid function is compromised, a condition known as hypothyroidism, you may experience:

– Fatigue
– Weight gain
– Sensitivity to cold
– Dry skin and hair
– Constipation
– Brain fog

These symptoms arise because low thyroid hormone levels slow down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight and maintain energy.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES?

Actionable items to support a balanced thyroid + optimal metabolism:

Nutrients:
– Ensure you’re consuming adequate iodine (found in fish, dairy, and kelp salt), selenium (found in Brazil nuts and seafood), and zinc (found in oysters, meats and eggs). These nutrients are vital for the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.

Nurture your nervous system
– Chronic stress can impair thyroid function by increasing cortisol, which interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3.

– Incorporate nervous system supporting activities like yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises to keep your hormones balanced.

Nourish your gut:
– 20% of T4 is converted to T3 in the gut. A disrupted gut microbiome can interfere with this process.

– Add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir and a high-quality probiotic to support digestion and thyroid hormone conversion along with plenty of water to promote digestion and nutrient absorption, which are essential for thyroid function.

Focus on these 3 N’s: nutrients, nurturing your nervous system, and nourishing your gut health to support your thyroid and metabolism.

When your thyroid is functioning optimally, your metabolism will rev up, making weight loss and energy gain feel achievable and sustainable.