What about the thyroid

The thyroid gland is an incredibly vital part of our endocrine system. This butterfly-shaped gland situated in the neck area may be small, but it’s definitely mighty. It plays a significant role in various body functions, including metabolism, mood, heart rate, digestion, and fertility, to name a few.

It’s important to note the widespread impact of thyroid dysfunction across the globe. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those are unaware of their condition. Globally, thyroid dysfunction affects approximately 10% of the population, indicating that it is indeed a prevalent health concern.

The Thyroid’s Functions

The thyroid gland’s influence extends over many body functions, thereby making it a crucial component of our overall health; it influences the body’s temperature, energy levels, weight, and heart rate.

The primary function of the thyroid gland is to produce and release hormones that regulate metabolism, which converts the food we consume into energy.

It also works with other endocrine glands in the body to maintain hormone balance, including the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Additionally, the thyroid gland helps develop and maintain our brains, skin, and bones.

Metabolism: The process by which our bodies convert what we eat and drink into energy. A healthy thyroid ensures that this process functions optimally, neither fast nor slow. It also plays an integral role in maintaining our body temperature and significantly impacts our weight.

Mood: The thyroid has a commanding role in determining our mood. Imbalances in the thyroid hormone can lead to mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. Moreover, the thyroid is linked to cognitive function – too little thyroid hormone can cause difficulty in concentration, while too much can create problems with memory.

Heart: The thyroid plays a pivotal role in the functioning of our heart. It controls the heart rate, with an overactive thyroid leading to a fast heart rate and an underactive thyroid slowing it down. Furthermore, it can influence the force of heart contractions and help maintain blood pressure. In short, a healthy thyroid is key to a healthy body, affecting everything from how we feel to how our body operates.

Digestion: The interplay between the thyroid gland and digestion is a two-way street. On one hand, the thyroid regulates metabolism and, therefore, impacts how swiftly or slowly the digestive system processes food. For instance, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to slowed digestion and constipation, while hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can result in increased bowel movements or even diarrhea. The thyroid hormones control the amount of gastric juice produced in the stomach, which is essential for the digestion of food.

Fertility: The role of the thyroid gland in fertility is often undervalued, although it plays a substantial part in reproductive health. Thyroid hormones help regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation and maintain an optimal environment for conception and pregnancy. Thyroid disorders can often lead to irregular periods, difficulty in conceiving, and increased risks of miscarriage. Women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism may have a lower chance of getting pregnant, and even if they do conceive, they are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Therefore, maintaining a healthy thyroid is crucial for fertility in both men and women.

Holistic Tips to Support Thyroid Health

Nutrition is the key to thyroid health. Eating foods that are nutrient-rich and supportive of thyroid function is essential. Foods such as leafy greens, seaweed, fish, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of essential nutrients and minerals such as iodine, selenium, and zinc. You must avoid processed foods, sugar, and excess caffeine intake.

Stress management is also crucial for thyroid health. Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to an increase in cortisol levels, which interferes with thyroid function. You can de-stress with mindfulness techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Sleep is also crucial for thyroid health. Adequate restful sleep helps to regulate thyroid hormones. Getting enough sleep also lowers stress levels and energizes you throughout the day.

The Impact of Soy on Thyroid Health

Soy is a widely consumed food product, praised for its high protein content and versatility. However, for individuals concerned about their thyroid health, it’s essential to understand the effects of soy. The main concern stems from the presence of isoflavones in soy, which are compounds that can hinder the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine efficiently. This interference can potentially lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Research suggests that consuming soy or derived soy products may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid disease, especially in individuals who already have an iodine deficiency or existing thyroid condition. Therefore, it is recommended that those with thyroid conditions or those prone to them should be mindful of their soy intake.

Lab Markers to Test Thyroid Function

Functional medicine practitioners may use blood tests to evaluate thyroid function.

Complete Thyroid panel:

TSH
Triiodothyronine (Total T3)
Triiodothyronine (Free T3)
Thyroxine (Total T4)
Free Thyroxine Index (Free T4)
T3 Uptake
Reversed T3
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO)
Thyroglobulin Antibody (TGB)

Sadly, most doctors only order THS and T4 or Free T4 to determine Thyroid function; unfortunately, by only ordering those makers, we do not have a complete picture of what the thyroid is doing; always have your doctor order a COMPLETE thyroid panel.

Supplements to Support Thyroid Function

Certain nutritional supplements can help support thyroid function. Thytrophin PMG from Standard Process, Simply Thyroid, Thyroid EMG, Metabolic Thyroid, Migratol from Doctor’s Research, and Thyroid Complex from Medi Herb are some of the products that contain iodine, selenium, zinc, ashwagandha, and other herbs that help to support thyroid health.

The thyroid gland plays a significant role in the body’s functions and overall well-being. Nutrient-dense diets, stress management, sleep, and proper supplementation can help support thyroid function. We recommend you take an active role in maintaining your thyroid health and discuss any concerns with your healthcare practitioner.

At the Nutritional Wellness Center, we focus on helping clients regain their health! For more information, call or text 607-277-1964 or email [email protected]