subclinical hypothyroidism

What Is Subclinical Hypothyroidism? Symptoms & Natural Treatments

Subclinical hypothyroidism means you have normal T3 and T4 hormone levels but high TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Physicians may refer to this as mild thyroid failure.  It may cause mild hypothyroidism symptoms, but is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed by thyroid blood tests. It’s possible, and even normal, to have subclinical hypothyroidism and never know it.…

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Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, bladder pressure, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency. Symptom intensity and duration can vary depending on the level of inflammation in the bladder wall. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Interstitial Cystitis Association, this autoimmune disease is…

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interstitial cystitis diet

Interstitial Cystitis Diet: What to Eat & What to Avoid

No one knows exactly what causes interstitial cystitis, but inflammation certainly plays a role. (Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder.) Autoimmunity, injuries or surgeries, infection, and cross-talk with other pelvic organs may all contribute to inflammatory IC as well. An interstitial cystitis diet is one of the primary ways patients can control inflammation and, thus,…

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Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS: Benefits & How to Do It

Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS: Benefits & How to Do It

The low-FODMAP diet is an evidence-based treatment for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but it’s not for everyone. This diet restricts the consumption of “FODMAPs,” which are specific types of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates that can resist digestion. “FODMAP” is an acronym for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols” which are all types of carbohydrates your gut…

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The Effect of Phytoestrogens on Males

The Effect of Phytoestrogens on Males

Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds found in foods such as soybeans, soy milk, kudzu root, and flaxseed, which happen to mimic the structure of estrogen.  There has been a lot of confusion in the media about whether or not phytoestrogens actually have estrogenic, or estrogen-promoting, properties.  Studies show that these phytoestrogens do not increase or alter…

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Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Reversal & More

A Functional Medicine Guide to Hypothyroidism: Causes & Reversal

Your thyroid affects every single cell in your body. It makes sense that a thyroid disorder, like hypothyroidism, can greatly disrupt your daily life. Hypothyroidism arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing levels of thyroid hormone to drop.  Hypothyroidism is often classified as an autoimmune disorder and an endocrine disorder. This…

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5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Uses and Side Effects

What Is 5-HTP? 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical your body makes from L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid you eat in foods like turkey and pumpkin. Once tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, it’s then converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Clinical studies show that 5-HTP supplements work by increasing serotonin production. Serotonin regulates sleep, body temperature, sexual…

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