The thyroid gland, or glandula thyreoidea as it is known in Latin, is a hormone-producing gland located in the neck just below the larynx. Thyroid hormones affect several vital functions in the body, such as metabolism, body heat production, and calcium metabolism. If the thyroid produces too few hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism occurs, and if it produces too many hormones, hyperthyroidism develops.
Without a well-functioning thyroid gland, it is challenging to feel well. The thyroid controls the body's energy production, and it is easy to see how crucial it is for it to function optimally. The goal is to restore the thyroid to optimal functionality. Supporting the thyroid with the right diet, good nutrition, and stress reduction is the first step toward a better-functioning thyroid and improved quality of life as a result.
The following advice applies to thyroid problems:
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Take selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, and L-tyrosine
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Take iodine if a deficiency is diagnosed
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Ensure sufficient levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6
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Avoid soy products
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Ensure that your adrenal glands are functioning well
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Manage stress effectively
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Maintain a healthy diet and minimize refined carbohydrates
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For hyperthyroidism, omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial as they reduce inflammation in the body
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Consider using the herb Ashwagandha
Side effects of hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid produces excessive hormones, the body's metabolism goes into overdrive. Hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, or Graves' disease are all conditions caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where antibodies in the blood stimulate the thyroid rather than suppressing it, leading to hormone overproduction. Individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism often feel fatigued but find it difficult to relax. Symptoms include restlessness, nervousness, sweating even in cold conditions, heart palpitations, and trembling. Constant hunger and weight loss despite high food intake are also common symptoms. Additionally, hyperthyroidism can cause loose stools, high blood pressure, eye irritation, and sensitivity to light and wind.
Challenges with hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can occur at varying levels, categorized as primary or secondary. Whether primary, secondary, or just slightly reduced thyroid function, the challenges can be significant and difficult. Common issues linked to hypothyroidism include fatigue, feeling cold, memory problems, constipation, an increased need for sleep, reduced metabolism, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, muscle cramps, sleep disturbances, and weight gain (or, in some cases, even weight loss). Depression and suicidal thoughts can also arise when the thyroid is not functioning optimally. Unfortunately, symptoms are often vague, and blood tests do not always provide clear answers regarding thyroid problems. Consequently, hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed. However, symptoms should never be ignored. To understand how to improve thyroid function, it is essential to first understand how the gland operates.
How the thyroid functions
The hypothalamus in the brain monitors the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood and, depending on these levels, sends more or less of a hormone called TRH to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then produces TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which is sent to the thyroid gland, signaling it to produce the prohormone thyroxine (T4) and the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Most T4 is then converted in the liver into T3. The kidneys, muscles, and brain can also convert T4 into T3. T3 is then transported into cells, where it regulates the speed of cellular metabolism, setting the body's basal metabolic rate. Since energy production in cells generates heat, underproduction of thyroid hormones results in lower energy production and, consequently, less heat production, which is why hypothyroidism often leads to feeling cold. When T3 and T4 levels in the blood are low, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland via negative feedback to produce more TSH, encouraging the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. Conversely, high levels of T3 and T4 prompt the hypothalamus to signal the pituitary to reduce TSH production, thereby decreasing thyroid hormone production. Thyroid hormone levels do not fluctuate significantly daily but rather over weeks, which may explain seasonal fatigue as the thyroid adjusts to temperature changes.
Causes – Conventional medicine
Classic hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH levels along with low T4 and T3 levels. The pituitary gland increases TSH production to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones. According to conventional medicine, the most common cause of reduced thyroid hormone production is an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where antibodies attack thyroid tissue, preventing sufficient T4 production. Other causes may include iodine deficiency or pituitary disorders affecting TSH. Temperature changes also impact the thyroid, which must adjust hormone production accordingly, typically within a few weeks.
Causes – Complementary medicine
According to complementary medicine, hypothyroidism can result from nutritional deficiencies (see below). High consumption of foods containing isoflavonoids, such as soy, can negatively affect the thyroid. Excessive intake of raw foods with goitrogens, which inhibit iodine absorption, can also impair thyroid function. These include brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and radishes. Smoking is particularly harmful to the thyroid, especially in cases of Graves' disease. Cyanide in cigarette smoke is converted to thiocyanate, which inhibits iodine uptake and thyroid hormone production.
Diagnosing hypothyroidism
In conventional healthcare, hypothyroidism is primarily diagnosed through blood tests measuring T4, T3, and TSH levels. If these values are within normal ranges, a patient is typically not diagnosed with hypothyroidism, regardless of symptoms. However, blood tests can be an imprecise tool for thyroid diagnosis. Urine tests may better identify subclinical hypothyroidism, undetectable through blood tests.
Treatment
In many countries, levothyroxine is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. However, if iodine deficiency is present, this treatment may exacerbate symptoms by increasing iodine demand and reducing iodine availability for the body's tissues. Checking iodine levels before starting levothyroxine treatment is advisable, as symptoms may persist or worsen if iodine deficiency is not addressed.
Thyroid and nutritional physiology
From a nutritional perspective, hypothyroidism can also result from deficiencies in nutrients required for T4 production or cellular response to T3. These deficiencies cannot be detected through standard blood or urine tests. Providing the thyroid with necessary nutrients can improve hormone production, conversion of T4 to T3, and cellular hormone utilization. Important nutrients for thyroid health include selenium, zinc, and copper, which support the liver's conversion of T4 to T3. Manganese facilitates antioxidant enzyme activity in the thyroid and liver. L-tyrosine, an amino acid, aids thyroid hormone production and is supported by vitamins B6 and C. Iodine is essential for T4 synthesis. Herbs like Commiphora Mukul and Ashwagandha can also support thyroid health by improving antioxidant function and promoting hormone production.
Stress negatively affects the thyroid
Chronic stress is highly detrimental to thyroid function. The enzyme responsible for converting T4 to T3 is inhibited by cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Excessive cortisol production due to prolonged stress can impair thyroid function. Adrenal and thyroid health are closely linked, and treatment for one often requires addressing the other. Stress management is vital for maintaining thyroid and adrenal health.
Final thoughts
Each day presents choices that can either enhance or harm your health. Begin making conscious decisions today, and remember that good health is the cumulative result of daily actions and choices.
