Did you know that you can easily check your thyroid function at home? Dr. Broda Barnes has created a home test which will help you find out how well your thyroid works. Dr. Barnes emphasized that the body temperature immediately after waking up is extremely important. It is so because he found out that the body temperature is an indicator of the waking activities.
He wrote a book in which he explained the function of the thyroid in details and additionally, he emphasized the fact that the improper function of the thyroid can lead to many problems and diseases. A proper thyroid function requires: selenium, magnesium, stress-free life, vitamin A, cortisol,vitamin B and good liver function. In this book he promoted the test that you can do at home and easily check how is your thyroid working.
Dr. Barnes` test:
Before you go to bed, take a body thermometer and shake it well. The temperature on it has to be 35°. In the morning, immediately after waking up put the body thermometer under the armpit. Hold the thermometer for 10 minutes. Write down the result from the body thermometer after 10 minutes. The result is known as “early morning basal temperature” and it is an indicator of your thyroid function.
Note: Make sure you are completely healthy when doing this test. In case of a disease, menstruation or infections the temperature can vary. The normal temperature is 36.5°-36.8°.
Results:
- 5°-36.8 °
If this is your body temperature that means that your thyroid is working properly.
- Below 36.5°
In case your temperature is below 36.5° it means that the work of your thyroid is reduced and you are suffering from hypothyroidism. The symptoms of reduced thyroid function are the following: lack of memory and concentration, hair loss, lack of energy, depression, chronic headaches, infections and fatigue.
- Higher than 36.8 °
Body temperature is higher than 36.8° indicates that the work of the thyroid is accelerating (hyperthyroidism) or there is an infection in your body.
Dr. Barnes recommends doing this test three days in a row in order to get the most accurate results. If the results show that your thyroid function is reduced (hyperthyroidism) or accelerated (hyperthyroidism) you need to consult the doctor.
