You can reach Dr. Scott at: 757-363-8571 drmscott43@gmail.com http://thyroidvirginiabeach.com Welcome back to another Episode of Waist Away: The Intermittent Fasting Podcast! Today, Chantel is joined by Dr. Mark A. Scott! He has been in private practice here in Virginia Beach, VA since 1996. Chantel and Mark dive into 10 listener submitted questions in this thyroid information filled episode! Sit back, take some notes, and enjoy this Episode of the Intermittent Fasting Podcast! TIMECODES: Question 1- 3:22 Q: It seems like “Gluten-Free” is a big buzz word right now! A lot of my friends eat Gluten Free, and the other day my girl friend told me I should consider eating this way because of my thyroid issues. Could you explain how glutten affects your thyroid? Beth in Virginia Beach A: There is definitely a buzz going around about going gluten free these days! I tell people all the time that no foods should be off limits, UNLESS they negatively affect my body. As for me, I know that when I am only eating gluten in the 20 of my 80/20, my thyroid is going to trying to heal my thyroid, I cut gluten out completely, and went 100% Paleo. Is this sustainable? No, but I recommend people with Thyroid issues doing this for a limited time until they see improvement. Again, I eat gluten now, but it will be included in the 20% of my diet that I am not eating clean. Because of my thyroid issues, I feel better when I’ve cut out gluten, but I know that is not sustainable for the rest of my life, and I don’t like to ever feel deprived. Most doctors would agree that it is good for people with thyroid issues to eliminate or cut back on gluten. Although there are many factors involved in Hashimoto’s (which I was diagnosed with) and other autoimmune and thyroid-related conditions, going gluten-free can provide a huge benefit. Unfortunately, the evidence that those with Hashimoto’s benefit from a gluten-free diet is, so far, anecdotal. That doesn’t mean that it’s not true, just that it hasn’t yet been confirmed with science, or atleast any studies that I can find. My advice would be to try cutting it out for a short amount of time, and see how you feel! I am all about listening to your body! Question 2- 7:03 Q: My online research leads me to believe that I have thyroid issues, but I haven’t been to the doctor yet. Can you do an overview of the symptoms I should be keeping an eye on, and is there a way I can verify without going to the Doctor? Sarah in Arizona A: I compiled my top 10 Symptoms that I have noticed in myself and in others that I talk to. TIRED ALL THE TIME, even if you slept all night. Mood swings, depression or anxiety. Pain in the muscles and joints Being cold ALL the time, esp in your feet and hands. Weight gain, or being unable to lose weight. General hormonal issues- irregular periods, TERRIBLE PMS, low sex drive, and sadly, sometimes infertility Dry skin and hair, brittle nails Swelling in the neck Forgetfulness, haziness, or general brain fog 10.Constipation Those are the big things to look out for, but a lot of these symptoms can be the sign of something else as well, so I think it’s a great idea to check your thyroid at home. I recently purchased a Basal Body Temperature Thermometer. A lot of women use these when they are trying to get pregnant and are tracking their ovulation. They are more sensitive than a regular thermometer and allow you to track more closely.   Question 3- 13:50 Q: I’ve been taking Synthroid for almost a year now. Recently, I have read terrible things online about it. Should I try something more natural like Armor Thyroid? -Erin in Lynchburg A: A lot of people have complained of things like anxiety and irregular heart rate while on Synthroid. Some people also claim that Synthroid may actually worsen your condition, as the synthetic T4 may compete with your body's natural T4 for cellular receptor sites. I personally HATE taking medication of any kind, and hated that every time I went to the Doctor,