David Allen Nutrition

"13 Million Americans have an undiagnosed thyroid problem," – Colorado Thyroid Prevalence Study

The most common marker used to screen for thyroid function is TSH. However, TSH should not be the only marker considered when diagnosing a thyroid problem. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain that is responsible for stimulating the thyroid.

Local control of thyroid function is mediated through different iodine dependent enzymes present throughout the body; D1, D2, D3, T3, T4, and reverse T3. The concentration of these enzymes can either increase or decrease thyroid activity.

Reverse T3 blocks T3 function thus inhibiting the thyroid’s proper function of regulating the metabolism and other physiological tasks. Testing for elevated reverse T3, which is often over looked by most professionals, is as equally important for diagnosing thyroid problems.

Elevated levels of reverse T3 can hinder weight loss even when proper diet and exercise are implemented. The importance of proper testing cannot be over emphasized. David Allen Nutrition recommends and facilitates the appropriate diagnostic testing, using blood, saliva, urine, stool, or neurotransmitters. Visit our ‘Diagnostic Testing’ page for additional information

Factors responsible for elevating reverse T3:

• Chronic Physiological Stress
• Insulin Resistance
• Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Iron Deficiency
• Chronic Inflammation
• Growth Hormone Deficiency
• Excessive exercise and dieting