Understanding Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid gland is a tiny butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck near the Adam’s apple. Despite its tiny size, the thyroid has a big job controlling energy production for every cell in the body.

The thyroid’s main role is regulating metabolism through two hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is an inactive form which gets converted into T3 in the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, brain and muscles. It is the active form of T3 that stimulates cells to produce energy.

The thyroid works in concert with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. But, the health of your thyroid is also intricately tied to the health of your gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and even your immune system.

Problems with thyroid function arise when something throws off the delicate balance between any of these connections. Eventually thyroid hormone production gets out of whack, conversion of thyroid hormone into its active form falters, and/or thyroid tissue gets damaged. This is when your thyroid, and overall health, gets compromised.

The Causes

Hypothyroidism is described as an under-active thyroid gland or the inability to convert inactive thyroid hormone to its active form. Because of the complexity of what may influence thyroid function, there are many potential causes of hypothyroidism.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are constantly monitoring thyroid hormone levels, so any dysfunction in this network will compromise thyroid health. Here are some additional ways the thyroid may be effected.

• Serotonin and/or Dopamine Deficiency: Insufficient levels of serotonin or dopamine will hinder communication between the hypothalamus and thyroid, decreasing thyroid hormone production.

• Blood Sugar Imbalance: Hypoglycemia, insulin resistance and diabetes will decrease serotonin and dopamine production and suppress pituitary function which, in turn, reduces thyroid hormone production.

• Systemic Inflammation: Chronic infections, Lyme disease, food intolerances, insulin resistance, molds and toxins can damage the hypothalamus and affect its communication with the thyroid.

• Autoimmune Disease: Autoimmunity is when the immune system attacks healthy cells, which could include the thyroid.

• Gut Dysfunction: If stomach acid and digestive enzyme production are suboptimal, or the gut lining is compromised and “leaky,” absorption of nutrients vital for thyroid health is greatly reduced. Additionally, healthy gut flora converts 20% of the body’s T3, which means gut dysbiosis will reduce conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form.

• Liver Dysfunction: If the liver is not working optimally, the body cannot clear excess estrogen and environmental toxins, compromising thyroid health.

• Chronic Stress: Chronic stress will lead to adrenal fatigue, reduced stomach acid production, gut dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome, compromised immunity, blood sugar imbalance, systemic inflammation, improper liver detoxification, and suppressed pituitary function. All of these are detrimental to thyroid hormone production.

The Symptoms

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you may have hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Poor concentration

• Forgetfulness

• Weight gain or the inability to lose weight

• Constipation

• Food sensitivities, especially gluten

• Muscle soreness and pain

• Puffy face

• Dry and brittle hair and nails

• Dry, flaky skin

• Cold hands and feet

• Thinning outer third of eyebrows

• Heavy menstrual periods

• Infertility

• High cholesterol

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own healthy thyroid tissue. This condition arises from an overactive immune system, not from thyroid dysfunction. So understanding what’s putting your immunity into overdrive is key to treating and managing the disease.

The primary cause for an overcharged immune system is inflammation. If the inflammatory process never gets a rest, it stays in overdrive. This can occur because of:

• Infections

• Injuries

• Overload of toxins

• Diet lacking in antioxidants

• Intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”

Additionally, having another autoimmune disease, such as Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis can increase your risk of Hashimoto’s.

Thyroid and Gut Health

A leaky gut is not just a source of inflammation, it is a cog in a vicious cycle that spirals out of control. It starts with a disruption in the gut lining – from food intolerances, alcohol, stress, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, candida overgrowth, or fatty acid deficiency.

This leads to improper absorption of food which creates an immune response. The immune response creates immune complexes that settle in the gut lining and create inflammation. This inflammation continues to damage the gut lining which leads to food intolerances, more disruption in the lining, more malabsorption, more inflammation and more leaky gut.

Gut health is very important for immune and thyroid health. Over 70% of your immune system is in the gut, and 20% of circulating T4 is converted to T3 by an enzyme in your gastrointestinal tract. If the gut lining is compromised your immunity weakens and your production of active thyroid hormone decreases.

Additionally, the protein structure of gluten is very similar to thyroid tissue which can create the perfect storm leading to Hashimoto’s. It is a trifecta of autoimmune risk – a compromised gut, an overactive immune system, and a diet high in gluten. When your immune system mounts an attack on gluten, it also mistakenly attacks healthy thyroid tissue. This is the very definition of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Getting Back into Balance

Taking steps to enhance immunity, optimize gut health, reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar and support the liver are all important for thyroid health. Here are 6 tips to support your thyroid and overall health:

• Exercise. Choose a mix of short cardio sessions and strength training.

• Manage Stress. Find a work-life balance, discover activities you find relaxing and joyful.

• Eat every 2-4 hours. This is an easy way to balance blood sugar and support the thyroid.

• Eat a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, protein and veggies.

• Choose Organic. Reducing pesticide and toxin exposure will support all aspects of health.

• Avoid soy, gluten, dairy and sugar. All of these foods compromise thyroid function.

• Cook Certain Foods. Kale, cabbage, turnips, sweet potatoes, kelp, broccoli and Brussel sprouts have goitrogen – a compound that inhibits iodine uptake by the thyroid. But, lightly cooking them will inhibit this negative effect.

Foods for Thyroid Health

In addition to the above, certain foods and supplements can help get thyroid function back into balance.

• Selenium. This mineral assists with conversion to T3, reduces inflammation and protects the thyroid. Food sources: Brazil nuts, salmon, free-range eggs, and mushrooms.

• Vitamin D. This vitamin is key for regulating the immune system. Food sources: Salmon, free-range eggs, and mushrooms.

• Magnesium. This mineral helps balance blood sugar, supports serotonin production, and assists the pituitary-thyroid connection. Food sources: Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, bananas and avocados.

• Vitamin C. This vitamin enhances immunity, repairs the gut lining and reduces inflammation. Food sources: strawberries, cantaloupe, and sweet potato.

Resources:
Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms, Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS
Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, Mary J. Shomon
http://drjockers.com/hypothyroidism-nutrition-plan/

Photo Courtesy of:
http://drjockers.com/hypothyroidism-nutrition-plan/