Elle Russ is a writer, podcaster, speaker, health & life coach, and a leading advocate for thyroid health. She has. been a prominent voice within the Ancestral Health movement for many years, including a long partnership with Mark Sisson and his popular Primal Blueprint blog and Primal Kitchen podcast. Her 2016 book, The Paleo Thyroid Solution reach #1 in Amazon' thyroid health category. She wrote the book, starting with her own experience consulting with over 2 dozen specialists who failed to uncover or address her underlying thyroid disease, and her success in researching and finding answers that restored her health, through hormone replacement and diet. The book has inspired thousands to better understand and address a number of misdiagnosed health issues.
In this episode, Elle Russ discusses the role of the thyroid in our health and the under-diagnosis of thyroid disease. She explains the surprising range of conditions that can be connected to thyroid dysfunction and the importance of proper testing and assessment. Thyroid disease is often underdiagnosed and can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, and cognitive issues.
Proper testing and assessment of thyroid function are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Elle reviews the importance of testing not just TSH and T4, but also T3, reverse T3 and key antibodies. Finding a knowledgeable doctor who understands thyroid health can be challenging, but individuals can empower themselves by learning about thyroid health and advocating for their own care.
Finally, Elle discusses how a Paleo diet can be instrumental in normalizing thyroid health, and how the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol can assist for those with autoimmune conditions..
Resources:
Website:
http://freethyroidmasterclass.com/
Here is a guide to topics discussed in this podcast episode:
Time Topic
00:00 Introduction to Elle Russ and the role of the thyroid
01:25 The thyroid's role in health and surprising conditions
05:53 Lack of awareness about thyroid disease
09:26 Underdiagnosed thyroid conditions and symptoms
10:37 Six key tests: TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, TPO, TG
12:33 Interpreting the thyroid tests
18:25 Why testing TSH and free T4 is Insufficient
19:04 The importance of testing free T3
21:35 The importance of testing reverse T3
22:38 Reasons for Inadequate conversion of T4 to T3
23:54 Elle Russ's personal health journey
28:44 How hypothyrodism can block the effectiveness of paleo diets
29:26 Misdiagnosis by treating symptoms but not the root cause
34:00 How Elle uncovered and solved her thyroid issue
37:53 Finding a doctor and getting tested
44:22 Thyroid hormone replacement options
48:30 Working with a doctor to get a prescription
48:55 The benefits and varieties of paleo diets
51:06 Why a Paleo diet helps with hypothyroidism
52:45 Lifestyle factors for thyroid health
53:10 Avoiding hard workouts, fasting and stress when hypothyroid
55:15 Hyperthyroidism and Grave's Disease
57:00 Resources for thyroid information: freethyroidmasterclass.com
Thyroid Health and Paleo