The
basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature event within a given 24
hour period. This gradual dip begins in the evening, reaching a low point in
the small hours of the morning. Most people take their basal body temperature
just before rising; between 5 and 7.30 am.
The
average human body temperature is 37°C but will vary throughout the day, the
time of the month and from person to person.
Metabolism
and Body Heat
 |
| Digital Thermometer for Taking Body Temperature |
Keeping
a record of your basal body temperature is essential if monitoring a thyroid condition
or hormonal imbalance. Readings in excess of 37°C in the small hours could
indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyrodism), fever or other metabolic
malfunction. A reading that dips beneath 36.5°C could indicate an underactive
thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal exhaustion, estrogen dominance, hypothermia or an unhealthy diet promoting candida.
Take
Your Temperature
In
order to keep track of a condition or illness, it is vital to take your body temperature
correctly. Consistency and accuracy are the aim.
Highly
sensitive digital thermometers are designed only to measure temperatures that
fall between 25°C and 45°C. Inexpensive, they can easily be found in the local
chemist and are easy to use.
The
Digital Thermometer
My
thermometer has a digital display and a metallic tip that is placed under the
tongue. In fact, the body temperature can be taken in three ways: rectally (the
most accurate) orally (almost accurate) or beneath the armpit (the least
accurate). Always have separate thermometers for oral and rectal readings. I
take my temperature orally, and if done correctly, can be highly accurate.
False
Body Temperature Readings
Before
taking your temperature, ensure there are no external factors that could affect
the reading. Don’t for instance take a reading soon after eating or drinking,
as the temperature of the food will affect the result. The reading will be
affected if there is a cool draught in the room or if the electric blanket is
on. Keep the mouth closed for at least ten minutes before taking the reading so
that the enclosure will match the core body temperature.
I
am mindful that the thermometer is not in a cold place, as some digital
thermometers take only a few seconds before it bleeps and the reading is done. This
minimises the chances of the reading being lower than it should.
Here
is how I take my basal body temperature.
1
Place the thermometer on a bedside table within easy reach. Have a notebook and
pen handy in order to jot down the reading.
2
Plan to take the reading anytime between 5am and 7am before rising. Set the
alarm if necessary.
3
Avoid moving too much before taking your temperature. For instance, don’t sit
up, talk or shift about, for this will affect the reading. Keep quite still and
relaxed.
4
I warm the tip of my thermometer for half a minute or so beneath the armpit for
the metallic tip gets quite cold.
5
Once warmed, activate the thermometer until it is reset. Mine shows the symbol
Lo.c. Yours might display a different symbol.
6
Remember to keep your mouth closed for a few minutes before popping the metal
tip beneath the tongue.
7
Keep still and wait for the beep. Try not to move the tongue around, for this
could generate false heat.
8
Wait until the bleep sounds. Most digital thermometers take around ten seconds
to complete the reading.
9
I will sometimes take a second reading beneath the opposite side of the tongue.
If the two readings differ, I trust the higher reading.
10
Try to take readings on the same time every day in the same way and to keep a
record.
I am monitoring suspected estrogen dominance and diet experiment.
More Articles about Health
