Dr. Libby Weaver discusses the importance of thyroid health and the factors that can contribute to its dysfunction. She explains the thyroid cascade and the role of nutrients like iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc in thyroid function. Dr. Libby also highlights the impact of sex hormone imbalance, infections, and insulin resistance on thyroid health. She emphasises the need to address the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and specific lifestyle changes,to manage insulin levels and support thyroid function. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the challenges of getting comprehensive medical tests and the importance of advocating for one's own health. We also delve into the impact of sugar on inflammation and ageing, as well as the significance of various tests for hormonal health, including iron studies, thyroid panel, cortisol, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and sex hormones. Dr Libby explains the interconnectedness of bone health with overall health and the role of collagen supplementation. 

Key Takeaways

1. Thyroid health is influenced by various factors, including nutrient deficiencies, sex hormone imbalance, infections, and insulin resistance.
2. Nutrients like iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc are essential for proper thyroid function.
3. Addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction is crucial for improving thyroid health.
4. Reducing sugar consumption can help manage insulin levels and support thyroid function naturally. 
5. Advocating for comprehensive medical tests is important, especially for women who often face challenges in getting the necessary tests.
6. Sugar consumption can lead to inflammation and accelerate ageing in various organs, including the brain, skin, and organs.
7. Tests for hormonal health, such as iron studies, thyroid panel, cortisol, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and sex hormones, are crucial for understanding and addressing imbalances.
8. Bone health is interconnected with overall health, and addressing general health issues, building muscle, addressing insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, and getting adequate vitamin D and vitamin K2 are important for maintaining strong bones.
9. Collagen supplementation can support the structural health of the body, including joints, bones, and skin.

Chapters

07:30 Addressing Sex Hormone Imbalance and Infections
15:00 The Impact of Insulin Resistance on Thyroid Function
29:24 What You Need To Know about Comprehensive Medical Tests
40:22 Tests for Hormonal Health
51:40 The Role of Collagen Supplementation