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Dr. Whitney Young ND

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fatigue

Are Low Iron Levels Sabotaging Your Thyroid Hormones?

April 20, 2016 By //  by admin

Low iron thyroid

Iron Basics
Low iron is one of the most common things I see in women who walk through my door. It’s also one of the most common tests we run and we do this by looking at ferritin levels (a measure of iron stores in your body). The normal reference range for ferritin is anywhere from 10-291 ng/mL for women. Most often, if you’re not clinically anemic and your ferritin is within this range, you won’t be alerted to abnormal ferritin levels (even if they as low as 12, for example). However, recent studies show that women have improved energy and feel best with ferritin levels > 50, even if they’re not anemic.

Symptoms of Low Iron
Symptoms of low iron can include fatigue, low energy, hair loss, feeling cold, weak or brittle nails, palpitations or shortness of breath, brain fog and more. Many of these symptoms are also symptoms of low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. If you’ve been previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are still experiencing many of these symptoms, take the guess work out and have your ferritin levels checked.

Side note: If you experience heavy menstrual periods, are vegan/vegetarian, or have digestive disorders (such as celiac disease) that affect nutrient absorption, it’s also important to have your ferritin assessed on a regular basis.

The Iron-Thyroid Connection
Women are more likely to have low iron levels and we’re also more likely to have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Disease (Lucky us!). We don’t usually think of iron as being essential to thyroid function, but it is!

Our thyroid needs adequate iron levels to produce the active hormones T4 and T3. If our body is low in iron, the enzyme responsible for this can be reduced in activity up to 50%. Iron is also essential to another key enzyme, which converts T4 into T3. (T3 is our most active thyroid hormone). If you are already on medication for your thyroid (such as Synthroid) having adequate iron levels is still important for converting the medication into active, usable, thyroid hormone.

There’s more: a very common symptom of hypothyroidism is low stomach acid, which decreases our ability to break down foods and absorb nutrients. Thus, a very common symptom of hypothyroidism is (you guessed it) low iron levels!

Low iron –> hypothyroidism –> low iron –> vicious cycle

So What Should My Ferritin Be?
For optimal energy and thyroid function, ferritin levels should be at or above 80 ng/mL. Hair loss or thinning can occur at levels less than 40. Anything below 30 is what I call “scraping the bottom of the iron bucket”. If your ferritin is really low, your thyroid won’t be functioning properly no matter what other medications or supplements you are taking. Most women I test ferritin levels on are somewhere between 20-50, and many are in need of some sort of iron support or supplementation. If you’ve been on iron in the past and have experienced digestive upset, constipation, or nausea, there are better supplements out there that don’t have these unwanted side effects and are more effective in bringing up iron levels.

That said, we also don’t want too much iron, as this can be harmful to the body. So supplement wisely and make sure to re-test your levels on a regular basis.

The Recap: 

  • Many symptoms of iron deficiency and hypothyroidism overlap. What you thought were low thyroid symptoms (such as fatigue and hair loss) could in fact, be due to low iron!
  • Your thyroid requires adequate iron levels for TWO key enzymes that are vital to hormone production and activation.
  • If you have low thyroid function or hypothyroidism, have your ferritin levels assessed and get a copy of the results. Use 80 ng/mL as a guide to optimal levels, although different people feel best at different levels.
  • Ask your Naturopathic Doctor about testing your ferritin levels and if needed, the best iron supplements to increase your levels quickly without causing you digestive upset.

Want more info on the thyroid tests you need? Check out my last blog post here

Take care!

Dr. Katie

 

 

Are Low Iron Levels Sabotaging Your Thyroid Hormones?Read More

Filed Under: Naturopathic Medicine, Tests

Why you should have a physical exam

February 21, 2014 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

There seems to be a trend forming amongst some MD’s.  They say that unless you have an indication of a disease, a physical exam is not necessary until the age of 40.

So one of my patients had been off anti depressants for some time and she was feeling like her energy was low and she just wasn’t quite ‘right’.  When she asked her MD for some blood work and a physical he said that it wasn’t needed until she was 40.  He would happily give her a new script for her depression as that was likely why she was feeling low.

While my patient is quite comfortable with the idea that she may need anti-depressants again, she wanted to be sure that it wasn’t something else first, so she came to see me.

After I did a physical exam and routine blood work based on her history (at LifeLabs), we discovered that she is anemic, has low vitamin D status and has low testosterone levels.

This is an example of where naturopathic doctors can fill in the holes our health care system has.

Why you should have a physical examRead More

Filed Under: Naturopathic Medicine, Tests

Why IV therapy?

May 9, 2012 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

I’ve been doing IV therapy for a number of months now with great success.

Here we have a mini-video on IV treatments, to see it click here: Whitney discussing IV Therapy

I have been seeing quite a few patients with a number of disorder who are all benefiting from IV vitamin and nutrient therapy. They include people with fatigue, Crohn’s, collitis, migraines and anemia.

Please give us a call or send a message if you would like more information about IV Therapy.

 

 

Why IV therapy?Read More

Filed Under: Naturopathic Medicine

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This year I bought golf clubs for my birthday and This year I bought golf clubs for my birthday and decided this was the year I was taking up golf officially. 

It was time to build this skill so I could spend more time with my mom and stepdad. The byproduct is creating new memories with other friends who also like the game and making new friends. 

This Friday we golfed in the 5th annual Mike Gilbertson Memorial tournament. I’ve sponsored a hole for a few years for @carlaynegilbertson and @seasonscentreforgrieving but this is the first year I golfed. It was so much fun for a great cause. I’m excited to see how much the event raised for these special kids. 

What activities do you do to connect with the people you love?

#connection #womensupportingwomen #golflifestyle #community
Katie @your.thyroid.nd and I are really happy to o Katie @your.thyroid.nd and I are really happy to once again be a corporate sponsor for Bridgets Run. This is us last fall. 

We would love for you to join our team and walk or run with us on Saturday, October 21 at Centennial Beach Park in Barrie. The run starts at 10 AM. Click the link in bio to learn more to register. 

@bridgetsbunnies @rooted_naturopathic_clinic #infantloss #miscarriage #infertility #miscarriageawareness #miscarriagesupport
Play isn't just for kids—it's a powerful tool fo Play isn't just for kids—it's a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being at any age. As a naturopathic doctor, I know that integrating play into your routine can lead to a healthier, happier life.

**Physical Fitness:** From sports to dancing, play keeps you moving. It's not just fun – it's a boost for your heart, muscles, and coordination. I've been jumping on the trampoline with my kids, random dance parties, and throwing the ball to our dog-sitting pupils. 

**Stress Relief:** Need to unwind? Play triggers the release of natural stress-busters, helping you relax and recharge.

**Cognitive Stimulation:** Puzzles, games, and creative activities keep your mind sharp. Get ready to boost memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. We love a good board game at my house. What's your favourite?

**Social Interaction:** Play often happens with others, promoting social bonds, better communication, and a sense of belonging.

**Emotional Well-being:** Laughter and accomplishment are byproducts of play. They combat anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

No matter your age, play has a place in your life. As your doctor, I encourage you to embrace play for a healthier you. Remember, the prescription for play is a prescription for a better life. #PlayForHealth #WellnessJourney #naturopathicdoctor #childrenshealth #barrie #playmore
15 years! I graduated from the Toronto naturopat 15 years! 

I graduated from the Toronto naturopathic college @myccnm 15 years ago with the hope of helping as many people as possible. 

First I had humble beginnings with renting a room at The Healing Oasis with a lovely team of practitioners. From there, I took over The Healing Oasis for a few years before moving to Bell Farm Road  to be part-owner of @rooted_naturopathic_clinic

I’ve been here for over 10 years now.

I’m so grateful for the many people I have worked with and proud of the steps they’ve taken to improve their health. 

Who knows what the next 15 years brings? For now, I’ll mark this moment and celebrate. 

#naturopathicmedicine #barrie #barriend #barrieontario #naturopathontario #ndsuccess #ndlife #naturopathicdoctor
🌿💚 Hey there, parents! Dr. Whitney here, you 🌿💚 Hey there, parents! Dr. Whitney here, your friendly naturopathic doctor with a special focus in children's health. 

🧒Whether it's tackling eczema, soothing tummy troubles like constipation or diarrhea, easing anxiety, or ensuring a happy and healthy start for your little ones, I'm here to support you every step of the way. 

🌈✨ From well baby checks to guiding you through the exciting journey of solid food introduction and food allergy prevention, my mission is to nurture your child's well-being naturally. 

🙌🌿 Let's work together to create a vibrant, joyful, and allergy-free future for your little superheroes! 🌟🦸‍♀️ 

#ChildrensHealth #NaturopathicDoctor #HealthyKids #HappyLittleOnes #NaturalSolutions #wellnessjourneywarrior
Doing a happy dance for this family! Their toddl Doing a happy dance for this family! 

Their toddlers eczema is 95% better! He doesn’t scratch his back on his high chair every time he sits down for meal time anymore. His hair is growing back where he was scratching. He’s a happier guy!! 

Know anyone who’s child is suffering with eczema? Share this with them. I’d be happy to help. 

#naturaleczemarelief #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #babyeczema #babydoctor #naturopathicmedicine
Here’s a few of my tips that I use at home to re Here’s a few of my tips that I use at home to remember to take my supplements everyday. 

1️⃣ put them in the pantry cupboard that is easily accessible and that I open often for other things. 

2️⃣ Keep them in the door of the refrigerator, not at the back of the fridge, so they don’t get lost. 

3️⃣ portion out everyday in the morning when I make my lunch to go to work. Therefore, I remember to take my supplements because I’ve paired them with eating lunch or making my lunch in the morning. Thanks to #AtomicHabits for that one. 

#supplements #habits #healthhabits #remembering #healthhacks #healthyhabits
Resilience is getting out of bed when you don’t Resilience is getting out of bed when you don’t want to and going to work knowing that it will help your mood (even if I’d rather stay at home and mope).

Did it. Success. Best day ever? No. 
But my mood improved from this morning and I made a difference and gave hope to one new family. 

Keep going. 

#resilience #keepgoing #keepgoingforward
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