Health Made Easy

Protein is an important part of every diet, and it is essential for cells formation and repair. It is a major component of the muscle, bone, skin, organs, nails, and hair.

What is protein?

Protein is a macronutrient that is made up of long chains of amino acids. It is one of the three macronutrients the body requires in larger amounts. The other two include carbohydrates and fat.

Basically, there are 20 amino acids that the body uses in making protein. These proteins include arginine, alanine, asparagine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, methionine, proline, phenylalanine, lysine, serine, tryptophan, valine, tyrosine, and threonine.

The specific order of these amino acids is a determinant of the structure and function of each protein.

An adequate amount of protein is needed for keeping the bones, muscles, and tissues healthy. This macronutrient plays a function in many bodily processes, including:

• Fluid balance
• Blood clotting
• Hormones
• Immune system responses
• Enzyme Activity
• Vision

What are the good sources of protein?

Both plant and animal foods can be great sources of protein. The following are some excellent examples:

• Lean meats and poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Legumes, which include peas and beans
• Seeds

Some other sources of protein include dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Vegetables and whole grains also contain some protein content.

How much protein should we be eating?

You need to get an adequate amount of protein every day to maintain optimal health. Not getting enough would definitely affect your body composition, and overall health.

The dietary reference intake (DRI) is 0.8 grams of protein per kg (0.36 grams per pound). This means you an average sedentary man should have 56 grams of proteins per day and the average sedentary woman should have 46 grams.

So if you want to determine your daily protein intake, you can simply multiply your weight in kg or pounds by 0.36. These numbers are basically for sustaining life, but not to have a thriving functioning body. If you are active you will need much more. You should take into account these factors: your ideal weight and your activity level and make your calculations from there.

Protein deficiency can cause malnutrition and if you have a very low protein intake, you may suffer the following:

• Edema or swelling
• Weak muscle tone
• Skin lesions
• Thin, brittle hair
• Hormone imbalance
• Loss of muscle mass in adults
• Growth deficits in children

Looking at these effects of poor protein intake, here are some tips for getting enough protein in your diet

• Include one good protein source with each meal and snack
• Add peas and beans to soups, salads, or side dishes.
• Replace a carbohydrate source with a source of protein, such as swapping a toast for an egg in the morning
• Check labels before adding protein bars to your diet, as they can be high in sugar
• Choose nutrient-rich foods in place of processed foods

In summary, protein is an important part of your diet, and you should add good sources of this macronutrient to your diet to meet your daily protein needs. You can visit Dr. Jason at our chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about including healthful, high protein food in your diet.

Supplements Every Man Should Be Taking – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Most men in our today's fast-paced environment are constantly overworking themselves and sleeping less. More so, a large percentage of men keep poor nutrition habits on top of poor stress management. So why would supplements not be a necessity?

Supplements make a huge difference as they supply the body with the needed vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy living and prevent health issues.

Nutrient deficiencies are commonly implicated in low testosterone levels and prostate issues. But with the right supplements, these conditions are avoidable.

Here is a list of supplements every man should be taking:

Zinc

As a man, your testosterone level tends to drop with age, stress, and obesity. And low testosterone has been linked to osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, obesity, and even death.

That's more reason why you should add enough zinc to your diet. This supplement helps to boost testosterone levels in the blood.

More so, studies show that men are more likely to have erectile dysfunction if they have a zinc deficiency.

Zinc is also essential for immune function, as well as DNA and protein production.

Vitamin B-complex

Your body needs a continuous supply of B-vitamins because it cannot store them. These vitamins are important for a man's heart health.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is needed to boost your good HDL cholesterol and keep your bad LDL cholesterol at low levels.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is essential for red blood cell formation. Besides, it supports the production of sex and stress hormones.

Basically, all the B vitamins bring a plethora of benefits and taking them covers all bases.

Omega-3

Fish oils are good supplements for heart and prostate health. This oil helps to protect the heart, eyes, brain, and blood vessels.

If you keep a stressful lifestyle, your brain and heart are at risk of breakdown. That's why you need fish oil because it contains nutrients that help to keep your brain and heart in good form. Besides, fish oil is anti-inflammatory.

More so, studies have shown that men with cancer who eat low-fat foods combined with fish oil supplements record a reduced growth rate of cancer cells.

Omega-3 is known for its anti-inflammatory effect. It supports joint, cardiovascular, and brain health.

Taking omega-3 supplements is also important for healthy hormone production. It can also help to lower your blood sugar levels, hence, boosting the stability of hormones and the management of stress.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for every man's health. This vitamin helps to boost the immune system and ward off infections. More so, it helps boost your testosterone levels.

When you add vitamin D supplements to your diet, you also get to enjoy better cardiovascular health and bone growth.

Magnesium

Magnesium is also called the "master mineral," as it is essential for many body functions. It is needed for protein synthesis, blood glucose control, hormonal health, and nerve function.

If you are deficient in magnesium, you tend to experience constant tiredness, decreased libido, and poor sleep quality.

Magnesium helps to increase testosterone levels and boosts fertility.

Hence, add magnesium supplements to your diet, and choose options that contain Magnesium Malate, Citrate, and Glycinate. Taking up to two grams of this supplement daily will boost your testosterone levels, reduce muscle cramps, improve sleep quality, and speed up your exercise recovery

There are more supplements you can add to your diet. Consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about these supplements and how to improve your overall health.

Erectile Dysfunction: Common Causes and natural solutions – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the common health conditions recorded among men. In fact, According to the Urology Care Foundation, it is estimated that 30 million Americans experience ED. Many patients in our Chiropractic Office at Elizabeth City, NC have reported how erectile dysfunction has affected their sex drive, and how it resulted in depression and low self-esteem.

So it is important that we discuss this problem, which is common in men.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is simply the inability to get or maintain a firm enough erection to have sexual intercourse. This condition is sometimes referred to as "impotence."

Many men experience ED during times of stress, but when it becomes frequent, it is a clear sign of health problems that need medical attention.

An erection is normally achieved when there is an increased blood flow into your penis. And this happens when a man is sexually excited. The muscles in your penis relax and blood flows into your penile arteries, resulting in the filling of two chambers inside the penis. This makes the penis grow hard.

What are the causes of Erectile Dysfunction?

There are many possible causes of ED, including physical and emotional conditions. However, the common causes of ED include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• High cholesterol
• Low testosterone levels
• Increased age
• Sleep disorders
• Certain prescription medication

Prescription Medications that Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Numerous prescription medications have been implicated in erectile dysfunction. That's why it is important to always consult your doctor before changing or stopping your medications.

Some medications that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart medications such as digoxin
• Drugs that work on the central nervous system, including amphetamines and sleeping pills
• Drugs to control high blood pressure
• Anxiety treatments
• Some diuretics
• Prostate treatment drugs
• Opioid painkillers
• Antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Some cancer drugs
• The peptic ulcer medication cimetidine
• Hormone drugs

Natural Solutions for Erectile dysfunction

There are many treatment options available for ED such as drugs, surgical treatments, and more. But the natural solutions are advisable to avoid unpleasant side effects.

Here are some natural solutions that have been used to treat erectile dysfunction:

Exercises

Certain exercises have been shown to help with erectile dysfunction. You can try the following:

• Kegel exercises: These exercises involve simple movements that help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Start by stopping your pee midstream to identify your pelvic floor muscles. Contract these muscles for at least 3 seconds, and then release them. You can do this exercise three times a day, and 10 to 20 times in a row.
• Aerobic exercise: You can try moderate to vigorous exercises like swimming and running. These exercises increase your blood flow and improve your overall health
• Yoga: This helps to relax your mind and ease every form of stress and anxiety.

Eating a healthy diet

You can prevent or treat erectile dysfunction by eating a healthy diet. This helps to maintain your blood vessels and increase your blood flow.

• Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Limit your consumption of processed sugars, full-fat dairy, and red meats
• Limit or quit alcohol consumption

Natural herbs

You can improve erectile dysfunction by using certain herbs, including:

• Asparagus racemosus
• Ginseng, such as Korean ginseng
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Yohimbe
• Horny goat weed

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional treatment measure that involves inserting needed at specific parts of the skin. This method works for erectile dysfunction through nerve stimulation, and it has an effect on the release of neurotransmitters.

Prostatic massage

A prostatic massage is an effective form of massage used for ED. During this method, the practitioner massages the tissue in and around the groin to promote the flow of blood to your penis.

You may need to undergo this massage several times a week, but it all depends on your symptoms.

In conclusion, erectile dysfunction is one of the most common health conditions in men. It is sometimes called impotence and its risk increases with age. There are several factors that can cause ED, including prescription medications. This condition can lead to depression, lower, sex drive, low self-esteem, and stress.

Several treatment measures are available for ED, including medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.

We however recommend the natural solutions listed above. However, you should consult your doctor before using any of those methods.

Loss of Strength with age and what to do about it – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Your muscles tend to grow larger and stronger from the baby stage to around the time you turn 30. But in your 30S, your muscles start to lose mass and function, and this condition is called sarcopenia with aging.

You tend to lose more muscle mass and strength if you're physically inactive. Research says you can lose as much as 3-5% of your muscle mass if you lead a sedentary life after age 30. However, even if you're active, you'll still lose some muscle mass, but a bit slower than when you're inactive.

There's no specific level of muscle mass that you need to have to diagnose sarcopenia. You tend to have reduced strength and mobility, hence, any loss of muscle mass is significant.

You tend to experience sarcopenia faster around age 75. However, the fast rate may start as late as age 80. Muscle loss is a factor in frailty and a high tendency of falls in older adults.

What are the symptoms and causes of sarcopenia?

As you lose muscle mass and strength with age, you tend to start seeing some symptoms, such as loss of stamina and weakness. These symptoms often limit how much physical activity you can do, and this further shrinks your muscle mass.

Sarcopenia is normally seen in people who are inactive, but sometimes, people who are active experience loss of muscle mass. When active people have sarcopenia, it often suggests that other factors are contributing to it. Including:

• A decrease in the ability to convert protein into energy
• A drop in the activities of nerve cells, responsible for passing signals from the brain to the muscles to initiate movement
• Not getting enough protein or calories each day to sustain muscle mass
• Lower concentration of hormones, including testosterone, growth hormones, and insulin-like growth factors.

What can you do about sarcopenia?

Some natural ways you can treat sarcopenia include:

Exercise

The major way to handle sarcopenia is to exercise. You need to engage in more strength and resistance training. As you use different weights, and resistance bands, you'll be able to build muscle strength and endurance.

More so, resistance training helps improve your body's ability to convert protein to energy in less than two weeks.

However, keep in mind that the intensity, proper number, and frequencies of resistance exercise are important for getting maximum benefit with the lowest risk of injury.

That's why you need to work with an experienced physical therapist or trainer to get the best exercise plan that would work for you.

Get enough protein and calories in your diet

Protein and calories are essential to sustain muscle mass and energy. As you grow older, you should eat more protein-rich foods and add enough calories to your diet. This way, your body gets enough nutrients to build new muscle mass and strength.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about natural measures to treat sarcopenia and improve your muscle mass and strength even as you age.

Low Testosterone: what it means for men's health and how to naturally bring it up – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Testosterone is the male sex hormone (though females have small amounts). This hormone is made in the testicles and is essential for normal male sexual developments.

From the puberty stage, testosterone helps the boy child to develop features like facial and pubic hair, muscle strength, and a deeper voice. This hormone also helps in the production of sperm cells.

However, some men suffer low testosterone levels and this is called Low Testosterone (Low-T) or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD). The American Urology Association (AUA) identifies Low Testosterone as less than 300 ng/dL.

What are the causes of low testosterone?

Some persons are born with conditions that cause Low-T such as Noonan syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. However, some conditions can lead to Low-T in some men. These conditions include:

• Chemotherapy or radiation
• Damage to testicles by accident
• Infection
• Pituitary gland disease leading to hormone deficiency
• Autoimmune disease
• Removal of testicles because of cancer

Also, if your testicles keep producing less testosterone than normal, it leads to low blood levels of testosterone. That's why many men who develop Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome have low testosterone levels linked to:

• Aging
• Metabolic syndrome (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, belly fat, and unhealthy cholesterol levels).
• Obesity
• Use of medications such as narcotic pain medications and antidepressants

How common is low testosterone in men

Studies show that about 2 in every 100 men may have Low-T. Also, as many as 50% of men over 80 years of age may have Low-T.

However, it is quite challenging to know how many men among us have low testosterone. Researchers often use different cut-off points, so you're likely to hear different numbers being stated.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Low-T can lead to a group of symptoms or conditions, including:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Reduced lean muscle mass

Natural ways to boost your testosterone level

There's no magical remedy for Low-T, but some natural ways to boost your testosterone levels include:

Lose that excess weight

You're likely to have Low-T if you're overweight and diabetic. However, men who lose excess weight and maintain a normal weight have a lower risk of developing low testosterone.

In fact, studies have shown that losing some weight helps to boost your testosterone level. You don't have to go on a crash diet to achieve this, instead, you only need to eat a sensible diet and exercise regularly.

Get adequate sleep

Lack of sleep has been shown by research to reduce testosterone levels in men. You are likely to have low testosterone levels after one week of reduced sleep.

Normally, during sleep-restricted days, testosterone levels drop between 2 pm and 10 pm. More so, you tend to have a decreased sense of wellbeing as your testosterone levels go down.

That said, getting adequate sleep has been shown to boost testosterone levels. Generally, most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep to maintain a healthy life.

Add enough zinc to your diet

Zinc plays an important role in regulating blood testosterone levels, but most men with low testosterone often have zinc deficiencies.

Hence, a natural way to boost your testosterone level is to eat foods rich in zinc. Some good examples of zinc-rich foods include red meat, lobster, crab, whole grains, beans, and nuts.

Every adult male should aim to take 11 mg of zinc every day.

Exercising

Engaging in exercises like resistance training has been shown to boost testosterone levels. More so, it improves your mood and stimulates your brain chemicals that boost happiness.

You also get to have more energy and endurance when you exercise. Besides, you also sleep better.

Reduce your sugar intake

The human body is complex and needs a variety of minerals and vitamins to maintain health. Apart from increasing your zinc intake, you also need to decrease your sugar consumption.

Studies have shown that high sugar level decreases testosterone levels to as much as 25 percent in the bloodstream.

In conclusion, low testosterone, otherwise called Low-T often contributes to erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, fragile bones, and other health issues. Having Low-T may also indicate an underlying medical condition. So if you notice any of the symptoms above, try to see your doctor for a proper check.

However, you can boost your testosterone level naturally using the measures highlighted above. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about natural ways to deal with Low-T and maintain a healthy living.

Amber Romaniuk is an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert who helps professional women achieve optimal health through mindful eating, self-care and overcoming self-sabotage with food.

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Amber overcame her own emotional eating after gaining and losing more than 1,000 pounds, spending over $50,000 on binge foods and spending 5 years balancing her hormones and digestion.

Now she helps others achieve Body Freedom™ so they have the confidence and health to create amazing lives.

Amber Discusses in our Interview:

Emotional eating

Binge eating

How emotional and binge eating develop

The signs/symptoms of emotional and binge eating

What someone needs to do to begin to overcome it

This episode is packed with simple and easy tips

Contact Amber:

Private Coaching

Consultation

Take the Emotional Eating Quiz

Amber Approved Podcast

Adrenal health: high and low cortisol - symptoms and problems associated – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Adrenal glands are one of the vital structures that contributes to overall health. This triangular-shaped gland is located on top of each kidney and it consists of two parts – the outer region (adrenal cortex) and inner region (adrenal medulla).

The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (i.e., cortisol), which is a hormone that has important effects on the heart, metabolism, blood pressure, immunity, bone, and nervous system.

Cortisol levels vary in the blood throughout the day, but generally high when you wake up in the morning and fall throughout the day. However, if you work at night, the reverse is the case. So cortisol production is linked to your daily activity pattern.

Both cortisol deficiency and its overproduction have a significant effect on the body, which we are going to talk about in this article.

Low cortisol levels

Cortisol controls how much sugar and fat your body stores, and how much is released for fuel. Also, cortisol is regarded as your body's main stress hormone.

Your adrenal glands release a burst of cortisol when you're stressed, and this is intended to help you cope. Your blood sugar level is also increased for a boost of energy.

Low cortisol levels are a form of adrenal insufficiency- meaning the adrenal glands are not producing enough cortisol. This adrenal insufficiency can be broken down into three categories, including:

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)

This is usually caused by immune system malfunctions that launch an attack on the adrenal glands, impairing their cortisol-producing ability. This leads to low cortisol levels.

This primary adrenal insufficiency can also be caused by cancerous cells, genetic disorders, surgical removal of adrenal glands, or certain antifungal medications.

Some common symptoms associated with primary adrenal insufficiency include:

• Weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Depression
• Darkening of the skin
• Nausea

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

This happens when the pituitary gland produces a lower amount of ACTH (the hormone that triggers the adrenal gland to produce cortisol). This leads to low cortisol levels.

Some common symptoms include hyperpigmentation, blood pressure issues, dehydration, and low blood sugar.

Tertiary adrenal insufficiency

This adrenal insufficiency shows up when the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is inhibited. This suppresses ACTH levels and leads to low cortisol levels.

This condition can occur after you stop using corticosteroids to treat chronic conditions. That's why you need to consult your doctor if you are taking corticosteroids and need to make changes to the treatment schedule.

High cortisol levels

Too much cortisol in the body can cause what is called "Cushing's disease". Many factors, including stress, pituitary tumors, and medication like steroids can contribute to the development of this disease.

Common symptoms associated with high cortisol levels include:

• High blood pressure
• A round, flushed face
• Changes in skin, including purple stretch marks and bruises
• Increased urination
• Weakened muscles
• Osteoporosis
• Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability.

If you notice any of the symptoms associated with low cortisol levels and high cortisol levels, it is important to see your doctor (endocrinologist) for a blood test.

You can also consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office to learn about natural ways to support your adrenal health and the production of cortisol in your body.

Menopause: what it is, what is happening physiologically? - Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

As a woman, you get to a stage when your menstruation ceases. Yes, that's a new phase of life called MENOPAUSE. It doesn't mean you have a health problem, it is just a natural biological process.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a stage that signifies the end of a woman's menstrual cycle. This transition stage typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is characterized by some changes that progress until the final menses and end of your reproductive years.

However, menopause can occur earlier in life due to your genes, some immune disorders, and medical treatments, such as the removal of ovaries. Also, early menopause is often seen among smokers and women with chronic diseases.

Women tend to experience many physical symptoms around the time of menopause, and these symptoms include:

• Night sweats and sleep disturbances
• Hot flashes
• Reduced sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Lower fertility
• Irregular menstruation
• Trouble focusing and learning
• Emotional changes

Menopause can also lead to anxiety and changes in mood. You may start experiencing these symptoms before your menstruation ends, and they can last for years.

However, note that each person experiences menopause differently. Some women have full, active lives throughout this period of transition. But some others may feel worse during this period.

A simple way to feel better and boost your overall health during this stage is to maintain a healthful diet and get regular exercise.

What is happening physiologically during menopause?

Menopause is characterized by a reduced production of circulating estrogen. This is as a result of reduced sensitivity of the ovaries to circulating gonadotropins (FHS and LH) caused by a decrease in the available binding sites.

The level of FSH and LH increases during menopause due to the low level of estrogen, and this removes negative feedback on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

The endometrium lining breaks down when ovulation does not occur, and this is termed "estrogen breakthrough bleeding." You experience this in the perimenopausal stage and it can happen as frequently as every 2 weeks.

However, bleeding gradually ceases as levels of estrogen decrease.

Generally, menopause has three stages:

Perimenopause: This stage begins many years before menopause when your ovaries produce less estrogen. This period includes the 12 months that follow your last period. It can last until your ovaries stop releasing eggs.

Menopause: This is the stage when your last period is over a year. Your ovaries have stopped producing estrogen and releasing eggs.

Postmenopause: This a period after menopause. The symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, usually ease. But as you grow older, you become more prone to health risks related to the loss of estrogen

Menopause diagnosis and treatment

You might suspect you're going into menopause when you keep track of your periods and chart them as they become irregular. This helps your doctor determine if you're menopausal. There are other blood tests your doctor may also carry out to diagnose menopause.

Note that menopause is a natural process every woman must go through, and most symptoms often go away with time.

But when problems arise during menopause, there are some medical treatments available, including hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), topical hormone therapy, medication for osteoporosis, and others.

However, lifestyle changes are often recommended as an effective way to deal with menopause symptoms:

• If you have hot flashes, you can sleep near a fan, drink cold water, or dress in layers.
• If you experience vaginal dryness, you can use over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers
• If you have sleep problems, you can try exercising more often.
• Avoid smoking
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Stay mentally and socially active to prevent memory problems
• Eat a variety of healthy foods to maintain a healthy weight

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about other natural methods you can follow to deal with menopause symptoms

Thyroid issues: testing (like TSH, T4, T3, free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3) – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

In this month of MAY, being Women’s Health Month, we are going to discuss one of the common conditions affecting women - thyroid issues. These health conditions can come in form of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s disease.

We are also going to discuss blood tests for thyroid function – like TSH, total T4, free T4, Free T3, rT3, and others. These tests are parts of important for diagnosing and treating these thyroid issues.

Usually, a combination of tests is needed to establish the full nature of your thyroid health, but sometimes, a single test is enough to draw some conclusion. The values of the thyroid tests help doctors determine the kind of thyroid issue a person is having.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is located at the front of your neck. The job of this gland is to make thyroid hormones, which help the body use energy and keep the heart, brain, muscles, and other organs working optimally.

The thyroid hormone is secreted into the bloodstream and transported to every tissue in the body. The majority of this hormone is thyroxine, also called T4 (containing four iodine atoms).

This T4 is often converted to triiodothyronine (T3), through the removal of a single iodine atom. This effect takes place mostly in the liver and in some tissues where the T3 acts, including the brain.

Another gland called the pituitary gland secretes the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which controls the amount of T4 produced by the thyroid gland. The amount of TSH produced is dependent on the amount of T4 the pituitary sees.

More TSH is often produced if the pituitary sees very little T4. But once the T4 goes above a certain level, the production of TSH is automatically shut off.

You can liken the work of the thyroid and pituitary gland to the action of a heater and thermostat. When the heater is cold, the thermostat reads and turns on the heater, and when the heat rises to a particular level, the thermostat senses this and turns off the heater.

Having a sufficient amount of the T4 AND T3 hormones is important to maintain the work of the thyroid gland in the body.

An imbalance of the thyroid hormones can lead to various health issues, hence various testing methods are used to determine the level of these hormones in the body

Testing methods

Blood tests are usually taken to measure the amount of thyroid hormone in the body. Some of the tests commonly used to evaluate thyroid function include:

TSH tests

This is the first test to check thyroid function. It is conducted to measure the TSH level in a blood sample. A high TSH level indicates that the thyroid gland is not secreting enough hormone (primary hypothyroidism).

A low TSH level usually arises from an abnormality in the pituitary gland, which disrupts the ability to stimulate the thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Usually, a normal TSH value indicates that the thyroid is working properly.

T4 tests

T4 is the main thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. A total T4 gives a measure of the free and bound hormone, and this value can change when the binding proteins differ.

A free T4 measures the T4 hormones that are not bound and can enter and affect the body tissues.

Tests that measure free T4 -either free T4 (FT4) or free T4 index (FT1) - are more accurate in reflecting the thyroid function when checked with a TSH.

A Low FT4 OR FTI and an elevated TSH indicate primary hypothyroidism due to disease in the thyroid gland. A low FT4 or FTI and a low TSH shows an individual has hypothyroidism due to an issue with the pituitary gland. An elevated FT4 or FTI and a low TSH are found in people suffering from hyperthyroidism.

T3 tests

T3 tests are usually conducted to diagnose and determine the severity of hyperthyroidism. An elevated amount of this hormone is seen in hyperthyroid patients.

Some individuals having a low TSH shows an elevated amount of the T3 alone with the FT4 or FTI remaining in the normal range.

A T3 test is rarely needed in people with hypothyroidism as it is the last test to become abnormal. People with a severe case of hypothyroidism can have a high TSH and low FT4 and FTI but maintain the normal T3 value.

A free T3 measurement is often not reliable, so it is not helpful.

Reverse T3

Reverse T3 is structurally similar to T3 but the iodine atoms are located differently, which makes it inactive.  

In healthy people, measurement of reverse T3 is useful as it helps determine that if there is a high rT3 which can lead to blocking the ability of T3 to be utilized.

If you’re concerned about your energy level, you can exercise more, eat a healthy whole food diet, reduce stress, and sleep well it would be a good idea to get your thyroid tested.  

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about thyroid issues and natural ways to stay healthy.

Estrogen Dominance: What it is and the problems created- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Hormones are responsible for a lot of changes in your body, from the puberty stage to pregnancy, and menopause. The chemical substances work like a seesaw- when they’re balanced, your body works as it should, but when there is hormonal imbalance, you can begin to experience a lot of problems as a woman.

One major imbalance, known as “estrogen dominance” is particularly blamed for a number of health and well-being issues women face today. We are going to talk about it and the problems created in this article. But before then, let’s talk a bit about estrogen

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is one of the most important female reproductive hormones that control a lot of bodily functions, including:

• Menstruation
• Regulation of cholesterol production
• Improvement of skin quality and thickness

Estrogen is known as the “female hormone,” but it is also found in men. However, women have a higher level of estrogen than men.

Without estrogen, you will start experiencing symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, irregular periods, moodiness, and more.

What is estrogen dominance?

Estrogen dominance is a type of hormonal imbalance in which your body produces too much estrogen (or your body doesn’t eliminate excess estrogern) in comparison to progesterone.

This condition is common in women of all, and it is characterized by some common indicators, including:

• Acne along jawline or chin
• Menstrual cramps
• Hot flashes
• PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Weight gain in hips and thighs
• Infertility
• Mood changes during the menstrual cycle
• Uterine fibroids
• PMS

Estrogen dominance can develop from a variety of reasons, but it can also be a result of taking certain medications, like estrogen replacement therapy (a popular treatment for menopause symptoms).

Your body may also develop low progesterone levels, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. This naturally happens during perimenopause and can also be due to the use of a birth control pill.

Also, in some cases, estrogen dominance occurs when the body has too many unhealthy, artificial estrogens from xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body).

Xenoestrogens are found in many plastics, makeup, tampons, pesticides, and many other materials.

And then, there’s another important factor: Stress. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol hormone, which slows down your ability to get rid of estrogen.

Health implications or problems created by estrogen dominance

Estrogen dominance is an inflammatory state, and it increases the risk of developing a number of health issues, including:

• Cardiometabolic diseases
• Obesity
• Autoimmune conditions
• Cancer (uterine, breast, and ovarian cancer)

How do you deal with estrogen imbalance?

If you’re having symptoms of estrogen imbalance, you can still gain rebalance through some measures, including diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.

At our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC, we always recommend that women eat real food and avoid eating too much “processed foods” and detoxify 1-2 times per year.  This helps your body eliminate toxic estrogens through a normal bowel movement.

More so, when you eat real foods, you get the necessary nutrients needed to support your liver and intestinal tract to eliminate toxins efficiently.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones in our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about some diet and lifestyle changes that you can make to help regain estrogen balance.