Many RNL readers know I used to be a pretty sick girl. I find many of my clients often come in and are tired, have thin hair, weak nails, dry skins, cold hands and feet. They’re moody (like I used to be) are struggling with weight, not sleeping well, dealing with poor digestion as well as poor sleep. Does this sound like you?? I have an easy (and inexpensive) way to do a home check and see if your levels are in tip top shape!
The thyroid is a tiny gland located in the front of our neck and is responsible for making energy, healthy sleep, maintaining healthy metabolism, and happy mood. We really must have a healthy thyroid to feel our very best. For now, I am not going to go into too much science. Click here for more scientific info. (More from RNL on this soon!!)
This all said, how can you easily check your thyroid at home to make sure everything is in check?? Keep reading. I’ve got you covered!!
To test you’ll want to check your basal temperature each day for 5-10 mornings in a row. The basal temperature is the lowest temperature attained by the body during rest (usually during sleep). It is generally measured immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken. The basal temperature test is quite accurate when the temperature is tested in the armpit each morning for a period of 5 days. If the temperature is consistently low, then the thyroid is considered to be underactive. Be sure to record the reading accurately. It is the accuracy that determines the value of the test.
At night, before retiring, shake down a thermometer and lay it beside your bed on a nightstand or chair. Be sure to shake it down.
Immediately, upon waking, place the thermometer under your bare arm, pressing your arm against your body with no clothing in between. Keep still and quiet. Any motioncan upset your temperature reading. LEAVE IT UNDER THE ARM FOR TEN MINUTES.
Record your results for at least 5 days.
How to interpret your results:
Normal axillary (armpit) body temperature is between 97.4 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below that are suggestive of low thyroid.
If you find your temperature to be consistently low, contact a Holistic Health Professional to help wake up your sluggish thyroid. Sometimes blood work can come back “normal” but the thyroid is a bit sluggish for you.
Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.
