Vitality is a funny term. What is it? Do you have? Can you get it back if you’ve lost it?
When our thyroid is at all sluggish, we simply don’t feel ourselves. Yup, even if your standard test results say it is fine.
Lets look at the difference in testing and what that means to YOU, plus tips to BOOST vitality today!
What is VITALITY
Vitality is a state of strength, resilience, energy and natural enthusiasm.
There is an energetic quality about it, and all our systems need to be working efficiently to be in a state of vitality.
Naturopathy has a goal of increasing ones vitality – no matter what stage of life.
Here are some tips to get yours back!
Vitality Check-List – How do you score?
- dryer skin and more wrinkles
- thinning hair
- brain fog
- weight gain
- reduced stamina and motivation to do anything
- low libido or impotence
- fatigue
- tired looking eyes – no sparkle or dark circles
- sallow complexion
- poor posture
Did you tick a few of these? If your vitality is good, then none will apply. So if you relate to these symptoms, book a consult so we can help you live your best, healthiest life!
Thyroid malfunction
The thyroid keeps your metabolism in check. You don’t want it either too fast, or too slow. The thyroid hormones (t4 & t3) are made in the thyroid gland from iodine and tyrosine, an amino acid.
One of the main actions of your thyroid hormones is to produce an increase in basal metabolic rate and an increase in the oxygen intake and heat production of cells (this is why your practitioner might ask you to record your temperature first thing in the morning!) If the thyroid is low, you will feel the cold easier. You might find that your feet and hands are like ice, and that you are wearing more layers than those around you.
Every single cell in your body depends on the thyroid to manage its metabolism, which is why thyroid imbalances can contribute to such a wide variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms that suggest your metabolism may need a tune up include;
- Issues with appetite (excessive hunger, or no hunger at all).
- Fatigue.
- Irritability or mood swings.
- Anxiety or nervousness.
- Intolerance to cold.
- Weight gain or weight loss.
- Headache.
- Shortness of breath
- Shakiness.
- Dizziness.
- Sweating.
- Insomnia.
- Poor circulation.
These symptoms are a sign of thyroid imbalance, and these directly impact your experience of life.
Digestion
The very first system that we need to have functioning optimally is our digestive system. If digestion is weak, too fast or too slow, then our vitality starts to dwindle.
Signs of digestive weakness or imbalance include:
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Pain in the belly
- Reflux or heartburn
- Bloating
- Food sensitivities
★ To improve digestion follow the Bitter Principle.
Simply eat a bitter taste 5 or so minutes before your meal. Bitter food examples are; green tea, 90% cocoa chocolate, rocket, bitter melon, or dandelion greens.
Bitter taste receptors are all through your digestive tract, and they send a signal to your brain that it is time to prepare the system for food. The liver responds by secreting digestive enzymes, and salivation in the mouth may increase as well.
Endocrine
Hormones have a direct interaction with our mood, energy, stress response and motivation. If hormones are out of balance, or glands are under or over functioning, our system starts to show us some more serious signs.
- Menstrual irregularities
- Fatigue, sluggishness, drops in energy
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Sleep irregularities
- Brain fog, forgetfulness, trouble learning
- Dry hair, brittle nails, hair loss
- Skin issues – psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis
★ Help your hormones!
Sleep between 10:00pm and 12:00 is vital for happy, balanced hormones. Set a regular pattern, and aim to get sound deep sleep all night.
Of course, if you are having issues with sleep, we can help with a functional health approach.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters affect our mood and state of mind, pain signalling and supporting functions of many other glands, muscles and systems of the body. Imbalances here lead to;
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular issues
★ A Nifty Nervous System
Nutrients that keep neurotransmitters humming get depleted under stress fast. Adopt 15-60 minutes of Mindfulness or Meditation a day to reset your nervous system and improve neurotransmitter function.
Also, Laughing Yoga has proven to boost dopamine and endorphins – so laugh as regularly as you can!
If vitality is LOW weight loss is SLOW
When we lose weight, exercise more and live a healthy life, we naturally feel great!
However, if you have been doing all the right things and still not losing weight – or you still feel like a wrung out cloth – you may have a deeper system imbalance that needs to be addressed.
We can help!
Good health is our natural state when we are in balance. But sometimes life takes us off that path, and we get run down, over burdened, burnt out and sick.
Natural medicine can help bring back that vitality by discovering and addressing the root cause behind the symptoms. And we work with your doctor and any pharmaceutical medications safely, to help you feel your best.
Feel free to book a call in with one of my specially trained naturopath practitioners to find out more. Click here