Thyroid Health 101
Introduction to Thyroid Health and Functions of the Thyroid:
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland at the base of the neck, plays a pivotal role in numerous bodily functions. These include regulating heartbeat, blood flow, body temperature, respiratory rates, metabolism, reproductive hormones, mood and mental health, and the nervous system, including digestive tract motility. Thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), regulate these functions. Approximately 90% of the thyroid's output is the inactive T4 hormone, while 10% is the active T3 hormone. Though T4 is largely inactive, meaning it doesn’t impact your cells, once your thyroid releases T4, certain organs in your body transform it into T3 so that it can impact your cells. Iodine is a key building block for both T3 and T4 hormones. Additionally, the thyroid produces calcitonin, a hormone involved in bone and calcium metabolism.
Common Thyroid Disorders:
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Unexplained weight gain
Depression and memory problems
Increased sensitivity to cold
Dry skin, hair, and acne
Constipation
A sluggish thyroid may also be associated with infertility, miscarriage / higher rates of pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, menstrual disorders such as irregular periods, issues with breast milk production, and increased risk of pregnancy complications.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too many hormones. In the U.S., hyperthyroidism is less common than hypothyroidism. Symptoms include:
Nervousness and irritability
Unintentional weight loss with increased appetite
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Increased sensitivity to heat
Tremors and muscle weakness
Sleep disturbances
Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases:
Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism), occur when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Factors contributing to these diseases include environmental, genetic, and health-related factors. Nutritional risk factors, such as excess iodine or deficiencies in iron or selenium, can also impact thyroid health.
Other Thyroid Conditions:
Goiter:
Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid, often caused by iodine deficiency, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, or thyroid cancer. When there is an iodine deficiency, T3 and T4 cannot be produced, causing the body to try to trap more iodine from the blood to produce these thyroid hormones. This elevates thyroid stimulating hormone levels, or TSH levels, and results in an enlarged thyroid, or goiter.
Thyroiditis:
Thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid, usually due to autoimmunity or infection, which can lead to thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism.
Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Disease:
Regular check-ups with your physician are essential for your thyroid health. Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, blood tests, or a biopsy and treatments can range from medications to thyroid surgery to radioactive iodine therapy.
Nourishing Your Thyroid:
Proper nutrition is vital for thyroid health, especially if other autoimmune disorders or health conditions are present. Four key nutrients include:
Iodine:
Found in iodized table salt, dairy products, seafood, and eggs. Essential for thyroid hormone production. (Remember, it’s the building block for T3 and T4!)
Selenium:
Found in Brazil nuts, poultry, seafood, eggs, and brown rice. Important for thyroid function. (One ounce, or six to eight Brazil nuts, contains nearly 10 times the amount of selenium that is recommended daily).
Zinc:
Found in oysters, beef, pork, pumpkin seeds, and lentils. Supports thyroid health. (Oysters are the richest source of zinc with 28 milligrams per three ounces (cooked), which is nearly triple times the amount adults need daily.)
Iron:
Found in meat, poultry, seafood, fortified cereals, beans, lentils, tofu, and dried fruit, like apricots and dates. Important for thyroid function. (Iron from plants is absorbed better when a vitamin C source is included with the meal.)
Maintaining a healthy thyroid involves a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and regular medical check-ups. Discuss thyroid health with your physician during annual exams and consider consulting a registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance. Keeping your thyroid in check is essential for overall well-being!
