Your TSH may be hiding the truth about your thyroid

Did you know that TSH doesn't tell the whole story about your thyroid dysfunction?  Your thyroid gland produces primarily T4 which is the inactive form of thyroid hormone. The active form that your body uses is T3.
So how do you get T3?
Your body must convert T4 to T3 in body tissues like the liver and gut.  Most low thyroid patients have low conversion rates and thus lower T3 than ideal.
And your TSH can be "normal".
If you gut is off, no drug will fix that.

What is low thyroid dysfunction?

Function and dysfunction.
I get asked about low thyroid dysfunction often. Your thyroid system affects the production of energy in every cell of your body. It affects energy, mental focus, moods and temperature---in Minnesota we have cold weather and if your thyroid is low you get slow metabolism and cold extremities to boot.This is often called hypothyroid.  I published a research paper on Diagnosis of Low Thyroid Dysfunction.  There is a difference between dysfunction and disease.  An example of disease would be thyroid cancer, which is rare. Most people that have thyroid problems actually have dysfunctions, not disease.  T4 (thyroxine) is the main hormone that the thyroid produces. Often patients are "treated" with synthetic thyroid hormone(T4)  replacement therapy such as Synthroid. Yet most that are given synthetic thyroid do not notice much difference.  Why is that?  It is because your thyroid system is a functional system. There are many functional components to your "thyroid".  For example a major problem is that the most active thyroid hormone is T3--not T4.  To get T3, your body system must convert T4 to T3.  T4 is converted to T3 in the liver, small intestine, kidney and other tissues in your body. So T3 is more active.  So why not test for T3?  That's what I do.  If you have a conversion problem ie your body is not converting T4 to T3--then you have a conversion problem.  That is a dysfunction. Correct the dysfunction and you improve. And taking more synthetic T4 will not help. Another major functional  problem is that most low thyroid or hypothyroid patients actually have an autoimmune problem known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  The real problem here isautoimmune--that the immune system is attacking the thyroid. Taking more Synthetic T4 will not correct the autoimmune dysfunction.
So what to do?  Why not get proper testing. For example,  I test for low T3 levels and for autoimmune.  Most clinics will not test for these 2 dysfunctions.  Why?  Because these tests are usually considered "medically unnecessary". That means that nothing can be done if there is no drug or surgery--- so why do the test? However there are natural ways to assist the body to function better.  Reduce the "dysfunctions". When your body functions better then you feel more energetic, joyful, and focused.  Life can be significantly better. There is help for your hypothyroid or low thyroid. Go to my website LifeSpring Wellness Center for more info-- Low Thyroid Dysfunction  Remember, health is based on proper function and physiology.  You can be in control of your own health!

Low Thyroid T3 Conversion Problems

When a patient has been diagnosed with hypoythyroid, she is usually given synthetic T4 hormone such as Synthroid.  In most cases, this does not solve the fatigue and low energy problem.  T4 must be converted to T3 to be effective.  Taking more synthetic T4 usually does not help that. The problem lies in the conversion of T4 to T3.  That process occurs in the liver, small intestine, and kidneys. Also stress has an effect on conversion.  For more info go to LifeSpringWellnessCenter.  Attending a Minnesota thyroid seminar helps your understanding of this process.

Women with Low Thyroid Dr. Phil Gilman DC FMA,located in Bloomington MN, offers hope for women with low thyroid in Minnesota who have spent many years treating symptoms, yet still have their symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, insomnia, foggy thinking, cold hands, loss of hair, depression, digestive complaints. Symptoms of low thyroid often have similar symptoms of many other conditions, and the problem can be easily misdiagnosed. And, quite often, the basic medical tests such as TSH look “normal”, but you still don’t feel well. Traditional medical treatments won’t ultimately help the most common type of thyroid condition, which is Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition. It’s important to find the cause of low thyroid, which usually is your immune system. Our process includes a customized approach to your situation with diet and nutritional supplements. We’ll monitor your progress and revise diet and supplements as needed to you reach your goal for a better quality of life.

Hypothyroid and low energy

Minnesota hypothyroid patients now have the opportunity to get relief from low energy, low mood, and brain fog. As a doctor of chiropractic in Bloomington at LifeSpring Wellness Center, Dr. Phil Gilman DC FASBE FMA has 30 years of helping hypothyroid patients enjoy life more by increasing their energy, mood, and focus. What is important is finding out why one has low thyroid symptoms. Dr.Gilman has noticed that most patients that have been diagnosed as hypothyroid and are on medication do not feel any better. If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroid and are on medication and do not feel any better, then something is being missed. Finding the missing link can make all the difference in the world!

CRP Level and Brain function

Elevated CRP Level Linked to Decline in Executive Function and Frontal Lobe Damage. CRP has been linked to heart disease, and Alzheimers. Inflammation is involved in many other health problems. Hashimoto's thyroid often has inflammation markers such as CRP

A new study shows a link between elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an indicator of low-grade inflammation, and decline in executive function.

That means that inflammation is linked to frontal cortex executive function ie decision, focus etc.

Low Thyroid and Autoimmune

Most low thyroid problems are actually autoimmune problems, that is Hashimoto's. The medical treatment for Hashimoto's is synthetic T4. However since Hashimotto's is not really a thyroid problem, but an autoimmune problem that attacks the thyroid, we look to see what triggers or aggrevates the immune system.

Sleeping Well

Sleeping and Health

Six tips for optimal sleep
Running around frantically just before slamming your head onto your pillow is not an effective way to achieve optimal sleep patterns for most people. Getting into a pattern of consistent, optimal sleep takes some time and can be greatly helped by following some basic sleep hygiene tips. Take a look at the list below and consider integrating a few into your routine for the next week to see if you can complete the following optimal-sleep challenge: Fall asleep within five minutes of lying down, sleep through the night without waking, and rise the next morning feeling rested and refreshed.

Find out why you do not sleep well.

1. Shut down your computer and turn off your cell phone and television 30 minutes prior to sleep. Create an environment that is quiet and calm.

2. Remove stimulants (television, stereo, computer, bright lights) from your sleeping area. Keep the bedroom clear from clutter -- remove any unnecessary furniture, piles of clothes, papers and books so things are kept out of sight and the space looks and feels calm and simple.

3. Make sure your sleeping area is as dark and quiet as possible. Consider a fan or other source of white noise to create a consistent environment.

4. Dab a drop of essential oil behind the ears. It should be a scent you've chosen only for sleep time, not something you might associate with your shampoo, dryer sheets, hand lotion, etc. The idea is to associate this scent with the sensation of feeling relaxed and tired.

5. Establish a set sleeping time and try your best to stick to it -- even if your work schedule requires that you work odd hours and even if that means you're sleeping each day from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m.

6. Find out WHY you have difficulty sleeping. For example, if you cannot fall asleep, you may have insulin resistance or hyper adrenals. If you cannot stay asleep you may have low blood sugar or adrenals. Are you waking up tired and with fatigue? Do you feel fatigue and get sleepy after noon lunch? Getting at the underlying cause is the most important factor. Blood sugar, adrenals, and thyroid problems could be causing your problem. We test to find that out for you. No guessing. Sound sleep is critical for health.

Just as we all need air, water and food to survive, we also need sleep to be healthy. By making optimal sleep a priority in your life, you may be amazed at the positive impact you can have on your mental and physical outlook. With a few simple rituals in place, and getting at the underlying cause, you lay the foundation for attaining optimal wellness. At LifeSpring we look for the cause of your fatigue.

Thyroid Function

If you are taking thyroid medication such as synthroid and still have thyroid symptoms it may because you have a different type of thyroid problem. There are many types of thyroid problems. For example your T4 must be converted to T3 in order to have effect. If your ability to convert T4 to T3 is faulty, then taking the synthetic form of T4 may not help you. After years of studying thyroid function and doing research I have found the answer to some of the resistant thyroid problems.
You need to figure out WHY there is poor conversion. Conversion occurs in the liver and gut.
There are functional tests to determine this problem! Yes it is possible to feel better!

Belly fat

Belly fat can be stubborn. Some try to do abdominal exercises to no avail. Others try general exercise. Or diet.



The real key to getting off of that treadmill is to find out the cause of the belly fat. One size does not fit all. Belly fat is related to hormones. There are several hormone patterns. And each one needs a specific approach.



If you have an adrenal body type your diet, exercise will be different then a thyroid thype.



How do you find your hormone body type? By specific testing. Other wise you are guessing.

So thyroid, hypothyroid, adrenal, cortisol, insulin, growth hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all important. And your blood sugar must be under control.



There are fat burning hormones and fat storing hormones. You will not lose weight if you are activating your fat storing hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, and insulin.



Get off the treadmill, get tested, get the right start, then get inbalance, get healthy, lose weight, feel better and look better!

Heart Disease

Presently, according to the American Heart Association, 1.3million coronary angioplasty and 448,000 coronary bypass operations are performed annually at a cost of more than $100 billion. Despite these costs, many studies, including one last month in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveal that angioplasties and stents do not prolong life or even prevent heart attacks in stable patients (ie. 95% of those who receive them6).

Coronary bypass surgery prolongs life in less than 2% to 3% of patients who receive it.

In contrast, the INTERHEART study, published in The Lancet in 2004, followed 30, 000 people and found that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90% of all heart disease.
Think about it. Heart disease accounts for more premature deaths and costs Americans more than any other illness and is almost completely preventable simply by changing diet and lifestyle.

The same lifestyle changes that can prevent or even reverse heart disease can prevent or reverse many other chronic diseases as well.

Medicare and insurance companies currently pay billions of dollars every year for surgical procedures such as angioplasties and bypass surgeries. These are high-risk, invasive, expensive procedures fraught with complications, and they are largely ineffective.

Diet, supplements, stress reduction, brain based therapy, chiropractic adjustments help restore balance. Checking thyroid, liver function, testing for gluten, and other factors are a good place to start.

Brain health

Our brain needs fuel and activation to be healthy and functional. Fuel includes food and oxygen.
Activation means movement, especially the upper spine. Functional neurology using BBT (brain based therapy).
Many conditions today, such as dizziness, and thyroid are affected by fuel and activation of the brain.

The High Cost of Raising an Autistic Child

Research has shown that the extra cost to a family with an autistic child is staggering.
$32 MILLION is the cost of taking care of an autistic person over her or his lifetime.
That can easily be $100,000/year.

Direct costs including health care is $29,000 plus a year.
Direct non-medical costs such as special education, camps, child care is $38,000 plus.

Indirect costs are more.

Loss productivity from the difference between someone with autism and someone without it and from the loss from parents work due to reduced hours, or not working altogether range from $39,000 to over $100,000.

Autism is a devastating disorder for the family in both emotional stress and cost. Society must also handle the cost.

Autism can often be improved. Imagine what that does for the individual, the family, and for society.

Dr. Gilman gives talks on autism. He explains how brain hemisphericity is a major factor in autism. This brain imbalance can be improved through Brain Based Therapy. That is exciting news for those with autism. The severity can be lessened! Everyone benefits.

Thyroid conditions

Tired? Can't lose weight? Hair falling out? Synthroid doesn't help?
New research shows that many with a thyroid problem do not respond well to thyroid medication.
I have a special interest in thyroid conditions.

I have researched the subject for many years. In fact I was an author of a research paper on hypothyroid and muscle testing published in JMPT. If you would like a copy of it please contact me.

We test for thyroid problems, and often can help thyroid problems by addressing the underlying cause of the thyroid problem. We are located in Eagan, a suburb of St. Paul.

We approach thyroid problems metabolically and with brain based therapy

Immune and autoimmune Problems

Many health conditions are due to hyper, hypo or imbalanced immune responses. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, restless leg syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and cholesterol (inflammation), arthritis, digestive issues, dizziness and vertigo,hypothyroid, cancer, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac, and lupus to name a few.

Immune responses affect the nervous system.



Our approach is to test for functional neurological imbalances and to check for metabolic/immune problems.



Often conditions that do not respond to drugs for symptom can be helped by using brain based therapy and metabolic care.



We are located in at LifeSpring Chiropractic in Eagan in the south metro of St. Paul next to Apple Valley and Burnsville.



Look for Dr. Gilman's talks in school district's 196 (Rosemount/Eagan/Apple Valley)
and 191 (Burnsville) for adult education.
Topics include 300% More Energy and Eat like an Elephant and look like a Gazelle

Dizziness and balance

Dizzines often is related to the inner ear. However, many times it can have other causes. For example the Cerebellum may cause dizziness and balance problems. Brain Based Therapy helps in identifying other causes. Thyroid, MS, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraine, and other factors need to be taken into consideration. Give us a calll in Eagan at 651-681-8199. we are close to St. Paul, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, and Farmington. LifeSpring Chiropractic

Brain Based Therapy (Neuro metabolic therapy)

Neuro relates to Brain Based testing. This involves testing the cerebellum and cortex for imbalances. Metabolic testing involves lab tests and questionnaires to determine nutritional status, immune function, hormonal function like adrenal and thyroid. Without addressing both neurological and metabolic aspects it is difficult to help chronic problems.

Many chronic conditions such as MS, Restless leg syndrome, thyroid conditions, vertigo and balance problems, fibromyalgia and insomnia can be helped by identifying the functional problems.

I am Dr. Phil Gilman DC . Our office is Lifespring Chiropractic

We are located in Eagan, MN, close to the Burnsville and Apple Valley borders at 35E and Cliff.

Brain Based Therapy

Brain Based Therapy is an exciting advancement in health care. Our focus is now on those whom medicine and ordinary chiropractic have failed.

Dr. Gilman's Bio

Dr. Philip Gilman is committed to helping families in the community experience, improved health and vitality. He speaks regularly to local schools, businesses and organizations on health, wellness and safety topics. He enjoys educating others on how to manage stress better, how to prevent injury in the workplace and at home and how to maintain peak performance in all facets of life. His mission is to empower as many people as possible to experience their optimal health potential through genuine care and education.

Dr. Gilman received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic here in Minnesota in 1983. He has extensive training in all chiropractic techniques and specializes in wellness and family care. In practice for over 20 years, Dr. Gilman is currently the owner of LifeSpring Chiropractic in Eagan, MN.

Question of the Week

If drugs and surgery were all free and unlimited would we as a nation be healthier?