In my 20 years as a functional medicine practitioner, metabolic issues have become the most common problem I treat. Metabolism is the complex network of processes that sustain life by converting food into energy, fueling our cells, and eliminating waste. But when this system becomes inefficient, it can lead to various health issues, most notably affecting the thyroid, weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.
For many, metabolic inefficiency seems like a natural consequence of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. By keeping a close watch on functional lab work and getting ahead of developing issues, we can prevent or reverse many metabolic problems before they spiral into chronic health conditions.
What Are Metabolic Issues?
Metabolic issues encompass a broad range of conditions that affect how the body processes and uses energy. When metabolism works efficiently, it supports healthy weight, stable blood sugar, balanced hormones, and optimal organ function. However, when this system becomes compromised, it can result in various health challenges, such as:
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s, etc.)
- Diabetes (insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes)
- High cholesterol (dyslipidemia, elevated LDL levels)
- Obesity and weight challenges (inability to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight)
These are just a few of the metabolic issues I commonly treat. But all of them have a common thread: inefficient metabolism.
Why Do Metabolic Issues Arise?
Metabolic inefficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It builds gradually over time, often beginning as a small, manageable issue that worsens if left unchecked. Factors contributing to this inefficiency can include poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances.
Here are some of the main causes I see leading to metabolic breakdown:
Thyroid dysfunction: The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can wreak havoc on your metabolic function. Hypothyroidism, in particular, is common and often manifests as weight gain, fatigue, and high cholesterol.
Blood sugar imbalances: Insulin resistance is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels, increased fat storage, and ultimately, weight gain.
Poor liver function: The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, processing nutrients, and managing cholesterol. When liver function is impaired, cholesterol levels rise, and detoxification becomes less efficient, contributing to a sluggish metabolism.
Chronic inflammation: Inflammation is a significant contributor to metabolic dysfunction. When the body is in a constant state of low-grade inflammation, it can damage cells, slow down metabolic processes, and lead to insulin resistance, thyroid problems, and weight gain.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone significantly impact metabolism. Imbalances in these hormones can affect how efficiently the body burns fat, regulates blood sugar, and maintains energy levels.
Aging: While metabolic decline is often associated with aging, it doesn’t mean everyone has to experience it. Hormonal changes, reduced muscle mass, and decreased physical activity can slow down metabolism, but proactive steps can mitigate these effects.
The Role of the Thyroid in Metabolic Health
As I mentioned earlier, the thyroid plays a pivotal role in metabolism. It produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy, and when this gland isn’t functioning optimally, it leads to metabolic issues.
Hypothyroidism is especially prevalent. In my practice, I frequently see patients with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, depression, and elevated cholesterol—symptoms often linked to low thyroid function. Unfortunately, many cases of hypothyroidism are missed because conventional testing doesn’t catch the early signs.
That’s why it’s crucial to run comprehensive thyroid panels. Functional medicine looks at thyroid health more deeply, measuring markers like Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies to catch problems early. By optimizing thyroid function through targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, I’ve seen incredible transformations in patients who were struggling with their metabolism.
The Impact of Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance
Another critical aspect of metabolic health is blood sugar regulation. Insulin resistance—when cells become less responsive to insulin—leads to elevated blood sugar levels and weight gain. This is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, and it can be reversed with the right intervention.
The problem is that insulin resistance doesn’t often show obvious symptoms in its early stages. You might notice increased fatigue, sugar cravings, or stubborn belly fat, but these signs are often dismissed as normal parts of aging or stress.
Functional lab work, which includes fasting insulin, glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1C, helps identify insulin resistance early. By addressing this with dietary changes—reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars, increasing fiber and healthy fats—along with targeted supplements like berberine, chromium, and inositol, I’ve helped patients significantly improve their blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
High Cholesterol and Metabolic Health
Cholesterol levels are another important marker of metabolic health. Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides often accompany metabolic issues like insulin resistance and hypothyroidism. While cholesterol is necessary for various bodily functions, high levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
In functional medicine, we don’t just treat high cholesterol with medication. We look at the underlying causes—whether it’s poor liver function, thyroid dysfunction, or insulin resistance—and address those issues directly. Often, improving diet, supporting liver health, and balancing hormones can reduce cholesterol levels naturally.
Why Monitoring Labs Functionally is Key
What sets functional medicine apart is the proactive approach to lab work. In conventional medicine, lab tests are often used to diagnose a disease that’s already present. In functional medicine, we use lab tests to identify potential problems long before they become full-blown diseases.
For example, if your fasting insulin levels are creeping up but haven’t reached the diagnostic threshold for diabetes, we can take steps to reverse insulin resistance early. Or, if thyroid antibodies are present, indicating the early stages of autoimmune thyroid disease, we can intervene with dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent further damage to the thyroid.
By taking a functional approach to lab work, we can catch metabolic issues while they’re still reversible.
Early Intervention: The Key to Success
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in treating metabolic issues is that early intervention is everything. The earlier we can catch signs of metabolic inefficiency, the better the outcome.
Here are a few key areas to watch for early signs of metabolic issues:
Unexplained weight gain: If you’re gaining weight despite no changes in diet or exercise, it’s time to investigate thyroid function, insulin levels, and hormonal imbalances.
Fatigue: If you feel constantly tired, despite getting enough sleep, it could be a sign of thyroid dysfunction or blood sugar imbalances.
Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, or mood swings can indicate hormonal imbalances or metabolic dysfunction.
Cravings and hunger: If you constantly crave sugar or carbohydrates, it may signal insulin resistance.
Cholesterol levels: If your cholesterol levels are creeping up, it’s a sign that your metabolism may need some support.
Steps to Support Metabolic Health
While metabolic issues are common, they’re not inevitable. There are several steps you can take to support efficient metabolism and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders.
Eat a nutrient-dense diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps regulate blood sugar, burn fat, and support overall metabolic function. Strength training, in particular, can help build muscle and boost metabolism.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impact metabolism. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels and lead to insulin resistance. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Support your thyroid: Make sure you’re getting enough iodine, selenium, and zinc—key nutrients for thyroid health. If you suspect thyroid issues, get comprehensive thyroid testing done and work with a practitioner to address any imbalances.
Get regular lab work: Monitoring labs functionally allows you to catch issues before they become major problems. Make sure to track thyroid function, fasting insulin, cholesterol, and other key markers regularly.
Final Thoughts
Metabolic issues may be common, but they’re not insurmountable. By taking a proactive approach to your health—keeping a close eye on lab work, addressing metabolic inefficiencies early, and supporting your body through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes—you can prevent many of the chronic conditions that plague our modern world.
