Decoding Thyroid Health: Hormones, Halogens and Autoimmunity
The Thyroid and its Role in our Bodies
The thyroid, that butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a starring role in your health and wellbeing. From influencing metabolism to regulating body temperature, the thyroid is a master gland orchestrating essential bodily functions. In this article, I’ll discuss the role of key hormones and its relation with other glands, linked autoimmune conditions, as well as its connection to digestive issues like SIBO.
Metabolism and Body Temperature
The thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), act as metabolic controllers. They govern the rate at which your body converts food into energy, impacting everything from weight management to energy levels. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in regulating body temperature, ensuring that you're comfortably warm in chilly weather and cool when it's hot. When someone is constantly cold or overly sweating in normal temperatures, it is safe to assume that an impaired thyroid function is at play.
The Thyroid's Relation with Other Glands
The thyroid doesn't perform solo; it's intricately linked with other glands in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland, often referred to as the body's control center, releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), consequently prompting the thyroid to produce T4 and T3. This means that when only the TSH is assessed, it gives little to no information on the thyroid function because TSH is not made by the thyroid, but rather produced by the pituitary to trigger the thyroid.
TSH, Free T3, and Free T4
Monitoring thyroid function involves understanding all key markers. TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, signals the thyroid to release T4. T4 is then converted into the more active T3, the hormone responsible for most of the thyroid's actions. For this conversion to occur, co-factors such as zinc and selenium are required. The majority of the conversion is actually taking place in the liver, so supporting liver function is also crucial.
Free T3 and Free T4 measurements provide insights into the actual, unbound hormone levels circulating in the bloodstream. If the conversion of T4 to T3 is poor, it can lead to common hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold temperatures and difficulty concentrating.
Iodine, Zinc and Selenium: Thyroid's Micronutrient Allies
Iodine is the thyroid's main building block, crucial for the production of T3 and T4. Meanwhile, selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant and aids in the conversion of T4 to T3. As we’ve mentioned earlier, zinc also helps produce thyroid hormones. Ensuring adequate levels of these micronutrients is essential for a well-functioning thyroid.
On top of iodine, thyroid hormones are also made of Tyrosine, a nonessential amino acid mostly present in animal-based foods. A diet high in protein should ensure that you get enough of this nutrient.
Foods rich in selenium: brazil nuts, tuna, halibut, sardines, turkey, and beef liver
Foods rich in iodine: seaweed (Nori, Kelp, Dulse), fish, shellfish, eggs, beef liver, chicken and iodized salt
Foods rich in zinc: oysters, beef, crab, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and chickpeas
Note that very high levels of these nutrients could contribute to hyperthyroidism because they act as a stimulator to the thyroid gland. So keep that in mind if you have a tendency for hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is however way more prevalent and that’s mainly what we see in practice.
Autoimmune Conditions: Hashimoto's and Graves' disease
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are disruptions of the thyroid's delicate balance. In Hashimoto's, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism. Conversely, Graves' disease triggers an overactive thyroid, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Understanding these conditions is key to managing thyroid health. Oftentimes, these conditions lead to lifetime medication or operations, such as the removal of a part or the entirety of the thyroid gland. This is generally what is done in allopathic medicine, however in many cases there are many steps that can be taken before such a drastic outcome.
Sensitive Thyroid Gland: Beware of Halogens
Halogens, comprising fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, have a peculiar relationship with the thyroid gland. While iodine, an essential micronutrient for thyroid function, belongs to the halogen family, its counterparts—fluorine, chlorine, and bromine—can disrupt thyroid activity. Fluorine and chlorine, commonly found in water supplies and household products like toothpaste (fluoride), can competitively inhibit iodine absorption by the thyroid, compromising the production of thyroid hormones.
Bromine, present in some flame retardants and certain baked goods, can also interfere with iodine utilisation. Moreover, the thyroid is notably sensitive to heavy metals, including mercury and lead. These metals, when accumulated, can impede the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, contributing to thyroid dysfunction. This shines a light on the importance of environmental awareness, filtering our water, choosing natural household products and having balanced nutrition for a thriving thyroid.
Thyroid and Digestive Health: the Connection with SIBO
The thyroid isn't an island; it's closely connected to other bodily systems. Thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism can reduce the motility in the digestive tract, leading to conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and chronic constipation. This means addressing thyroid health is crucial for supporting digestive health!
As you can see, the thyroid's influence extends far beyond its size. Nurturing thyroid health involves a holistic approach, encompassing hormonal balance, nutrient support, and addressing autoimmune and digestive factors.