Thyroid disorders are rampant, and super annoying. Almost all of my clients are dealing with some type of thyroid disorder, whether it’s underactive or overactive. Hypothyroidism (underactive) is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to properly regulate the metabolism, brain function, muscle control, and pretty much every other bodily function. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is producing too much of these hormones, leading to imbalances throughout the body.
Everyone differs, but the most common signs of an underactive thyroid are weight gain, especially around the middle of the body, sluggish digestion, irritability, and brain fog. With overactive thyroid, people experience excessive weight loss, anxiety and sweating – and that’s just a little preview.
I design full-blown nutrition and supplement programs to help people on both sides of the spectrum recover fully, but today I want to talk about a thyroid connection that’s a little more abstract, and definitely less talked about. I find that people are super hesitant to discuss this link, cause it seems a little “woo woo.” But if it works, it works, right?
In Ancient Chinese Medicine, it’s said that inability to speak your truth and voice your needs is connected to thyroid issues.
Since the thyroid gland is in the neck, it makes sense that the vocal chords are directly connected. The first time I heard this, I was, of course, skeptical. But at the same time, a light bulb went off. So, I did a little digging.
Growing up I was homeschooled, and felt very embodied, expressed, and able to voice my needs completely. Total hippy and proud. I had incredibly supportive parents who were very invested in my physical and emotional needs, and I had no problem asking for what I wanted. I also had a great community of homeschooling friends who were little firecrackers, just like me.
When I entered the public school system in 5th grade, the social setting was totally new to me, and although I had a strong group of friends I loved, I would often get told to simply be quiet when I was talking, or get ignored. It wasn’t personal – something along these lines has happened to almost every girl I know – especially the cool ones (wink).
Coming from a super-supportive atmosphere, this new environment where I needed to worry about what I was saying and appear a certain way was totally foreign.
But, I was young and impressionable, and wanted to fit in – duh. So I started being very careful about what I said, thinking a lot before I spoke, or not speaking at all.
Ding ding ding.
When I discovered I had an underactive thyroid later on and learned about Chinese Medicine, everything began to make sense.
Now you: Whether you have a thyroid imbalance or not, are you speaking up and asking for what you need? Do you feel like you need to think a lot and be careful before you speak? Are you connecting authentically with other people?
Of course, you don’t want to blurt out everything on your mind all the time. The goal here is to feel fully expressed and unbridled by imposed constructs that might not be serving you – emotionally, mentally, or physically.
You don’t need to go out waving flags and shouting at the top of your lungs tomorrow, but this is an area you’ll definitely want to tune into, especially if you’re dealing with a thyroid condition, or suspect you might be.
Simple vocal exercises and singing are also very effective in healing the thyroid – it’s like talking but way intensified.
This week, I challenge you to get a little bossy and be totally truthful with people. Belt out some Beyoncé too – that never hurts.
This week, I have a thyroid-friendly recipe for you: Grassfed “Super Gaucho” Style Steak. High quality animal protein is key in balancing the thyroid, and basil is, well, delicious.
Grassfed “Super Gaucho” Style Steak
Ingredients
Serves 2
2 grassfed New York strip or other favorite steaks
3 large leaves kale
2 bunches basil
2 bunches parsley
2 cloves garlic, or to taste
¼ cup high-quality olive oil
1 teaspoon macadamia oil, or other high smoke point oil
Himalayan salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chili flakes, for garnish
Method
Rinse and pat dry kale, basil and parsley. Lightly steam kale for 3 minutes in steamer basket, or blanch in hot water.
Transfer kale, basil, parsley, peeled and roughly chopped garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper to blender and pulse until sauce forms. Add more olive oil if needed.
Add macadamia oil to large cast iron skillet and bring to very high heat. Only use a little oil here to avoid splattering. Salt steak well on both sides and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until desired temperature is reached. You can also use an outdoor grill or grill pan on the stove.
Let steak rest for 10 minutes then slice thinly and plate with sauce and chili flakes.
Great insights!
Like Brené Brown’s definition of courage in “The Gifts of Imperfection,” (pps.12 – 13). When I am able to do this — speak my mind, from my heart, without blaming anyone else — I feel incredibly liberated and empowered.
Love Brené Brown!! Thank you for sharing – keep speaking your mind from your heart <3
This is so interesting – I definitely overthink everything I say, could be fun to experiment with emotional freedom and see if that changes anything for my thyroid! Thanks for your insights 🙂
– Rachel
Awesome, Rachel! It’s definitely fun and very freeing to be authentic all the time. It also gives other people permission to be authentic. It’s the way to be. Let me know how it goes!