Sluggish Metabolism

When your metabolism slows down you begin to feel a bit sluggish and getting up and moving around is harder than it used to be. Then the fatigue kicks in, weight starts to build up, and you may even get puffiness under the chin, brain fog or maybe some gut issues as well.  These are all signs of a sluggish metabolism and it is coming from your thyroid.

Don’t tell me, let me guess, you’ve had your thyroid checked out and everything is fine, but you don’t feel fine or you're on medication and still don't feel any better.  I hear this ALL the time in clinic. 

This is what Naturopath's call Subclinical hypothyroidism. The blood test results don’t match with how you feel and how you present to me in clinic.

What are some other signs you may notice?

• Complexion not as good as it used to be, maybe some acne developing.
• Hair, teeth and nails looking a bit unhealthy
• Chronic fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of libido
• Irritability
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Loss of energy
• Foggy brain
• Chronic constipation
• Feeling cold
• Thick skin

All of the above are signs of slowing metabolism and one of the more noticeable signs that the metabolism has slowed down is that the body will store fat rather than burn fat.

The thyroid needs certain minerals just to function and our current diets are not providing this.  Most often this is due to stress or Gut issues where the body can't even break down and absorb what you are eating.  I have many patients tell me that I am eating all of the right things but I still feel sluggish. This is because you have a slow metabolism and not getting the nutrients you need for it to speed up.  I can usually tell by looking at your blood test results as well as asking certain questions if this is the case. 

Most often when patients come to see me we need to do a bit of catching up before you can do this by yourself just with food. Catching up with the needed minerals then becomes part of your treatment plan as well as repair work so that your body can do it on its own. If you are already on medication for thyroid and not seeing any changes then you really need to catch up first to feel some benefit.

A healthy functioning thyroid gland is essential to maintaining metabolism and preventing the body from accumulating fat and burning it instead.

Who am I?

I am a Bachelor qualified Naturopath who specialises in improving metabolic processes in the body. Major areas for improvement include gut, thyroid, kidney, skin and liver health. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, & irritable bowel conditions. I help my patients by giving them symptomatic relief while working on repairing the underlying causes of metabolic stress and waste accumulation. Patients experience amazing results which are seen in their blood tests with improved thyroid markers, cholesterol, and liver markers.  As well as lower blood pressure and see relief from improved gastrointestinal symptoms like the ones that mean you need to know where every single toilet is before you leave the house. 

Melissa Callaghan ND, BHSc, BTeach
Clinical Naturopath

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