The thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, has an enormous impact on your overall well-being. It regulates metabolic processes throughout the body, which means that its health is essential to your vitality. Understanding how various substances, including thyrotoxins, can hinder thyroid function is crucial to safeguarding this vital organ. Thyrotoxins are compounds that can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones, leading to a variety of health issues. Exposure to thyrotoxins increases your risk of developing a thyroid issue.
You can take control of your thyroid health by focusing on functional nutrition—a facet of healthcare that emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded diet for maintaining optimal bodily functions. This approach recognizes the potential of certain nutrients to support thyroid health and the need to avoid foods that may introduce harmful thyrotoxins into your system. By learning which foods nourish the thyroid and which may harm it, you equip yourself with the knowledge to make healthier dietary choices.
Key Takeaways
- The thyroid gland’s proper function is critical to your metabolic health.
- Certain substances known as thyrotoxins can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
- Embracing a diet driven by functional nutrition principles can support thyroid health.
Understanding Thyroid Function & Hormones
To grasp the importance of thyroid health, it’s key that you become familiar with how the thyroid works and the common disorders that can affect this crucial gland. Some symptoms and causes will also be discussed.
Thyroid Gland Basics
Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure situated at the front of your neck. It’s part of the endocrine system and plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions through hormone production. Issues with your thyroid can lead to a range of conditions — from hypothyroidism, where the gland underperforms, to hyperthyroidism, the opposite scenario. Goiter and thyroiditis are other conditions that involve the thyroid’s structure and function. Let’s take a quick look at the thyroid hormones!
Role of Thyroid Hormones
The hormones produced by the thyroid — mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — regulate metabolism, growth, and body temperature. T4 is converted into the more active T3 within body tissues, and the balance of these hormones is critical for your wellbeing. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), released by the pituitary gland, controls the production of T4 and T3. Imbalances can signal thyroid disease.
- Thyroxine (T4): The primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
- Triiodothyronine (T3): The more active form that arises from the conversion of T4.
As you can see from this quick overview, thyroid health is required for your overall health and metabolism. Let’s look at some common thyroid disorders.
Common Thyroid Disorders
In exploring thyroid health, you’ll find a variety of disorders that could impact your well-being. Let’s get into the specifics of the most common ones below.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid, which can present a variety of symptoms depending on whether it causes temporary hyperthyroidism or leads to long-term hypothyroidism.
- Important to remember:
- Thyroiditis: Often includes pain or discomfort in the neck.
- Diagnosis: Is made by a manual exam of the neck and/or ultrasound of the neck
Thyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is a growth that forms within your thyroid gland. Most are noncancerous and don’t cause symptoms, but some can become large enough to be noticeable or cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. Some can also produce thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Nodules in any gland can be caused by an iodine deficiency, which alters the architecture of the gland.
- Keep in mind:
- Not all nodules are cause for alarm.
- A nodule on your thyroid can be found in a physical exam.
- Regular monitoring may be needed for nodules that raise concerns.
Thyroid Goiter
A thyroid goiter is an enlargement of your entire thyroid gland, commonly attributed to an iodine deficiency.
- Keep in mind:
- Goiters are less common in areas with iodized salt.
- A goiter can be found with a manual exam to check the thyroid.
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of thyroid disease can include fatigue, weight gain, and depression. On the flip side, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is overactive, producing too much thyroid hormone, possibly leading to weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness.
- Key differences:
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid characterized by slowed metabolism, weight gain, cold sensitivity.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid characterized by accelerated metabolism, weight loss, heat intolerance.
Knowing which one you’re dealing with is central to proper treatment and management.
Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disorder that can lead to hypothyroidism. Your own immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, resulting in reduced hormone production. Conversely, Graves’ disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism and involves an overactive immune response that leads to excess thyroid hormone. Simple blood tests can diagnose thyroid autoimmunity.
- What you should know:
- Hashimoto’s: Can cause goiter (thyroid enlargement).
- Graves’ disease: May result in eye changes, including bulging.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, but knowing the signs (like a lump in the neck) can be crucial for early detection and treatment. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing and pain in the neck.
- Important to remember:
- Thyroid Cancer: May be asymptomatic in early stages; prompt action is advisable upon symptom detection.
As you can see, there are many ways in which the thyroid gland can be impacted. While conventional medicine often stops with the diagnosis of the symptom, a Functional Health Coach digs deeper, looking for the root cause of your symptoms. The reality is that we’re exposed to many things on a daily basis that can interfere with the health and function of the thyroid. These are called thyrotoxins, and we’re going to take a quick look at them next.
Thyrotoxins
Thyrotoxins can seriously impact your thyroid health. You should know that your exposure to certain environmental chemicals and substances can lead to thyroid dysfunction, and it’s not always something within your direct control.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium are a real problem for your thyroid. These rascals can find their way into your body through various means like contaminated food, water, or even the air. Once they’re in, they can mimic or block thyroid hormones, causing many different issues.
Endocrine Disrupters
Endocrine disrupters are chemicals that throw a wrench in your body’s hormone systems. Substances like BPA (found in plastics) and certain pesticides can bind to your thyroid receptors. This binding jams up the works, preventing your thyroid from doing its job properly.
Fluoride
Basically, overexposure can impact the production of thyroid hormones, which are important for metabolism and overall energy levels. While fluoride is in toothpaste and some drinking water to prevent cavities, recent studies question that it’s as effective as once thought. In my opinion, the risk to your overall health and neurological health is not worth the limited benefit to your teeth as there are other (natural) ways to keep cavities in check. Keep an eye on your fluoride intake; your thyroid will thank you.
Mold
Yikes, mold! Not only is it gross to look at, but certain types of mold can produce mycotoxins which can be bad news. All molds produce spores – these travel through the air and can be resistant to mitigation efforts. If you’re inhaling or ingesting spores or mycotoxins, your thyroid could take a hit. Keep your home mold-free for the sake of your thyroid health.
Parasites
Parasites can interfere with your thyroid in some pretty sneaky ways. When these pesky critters get into your system, they can stir up trouble by messing with your thyroid’s structure and its hormone production. Sometimes, they even trick your immune system into going haywire, leading to issues like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. Addressing any parasitic infections is one key to keeping your thyroid healthy.
Functional Nutrition Strategies for Thyroid Health
When looking at thyroid health from the perspective of a Functional Health Coach, remember that your thyroid symptoms are NOT the problem. Your thyroid symptoms are the RESULT of the problem. Uncovering the root causes (for example: toxins, deficiencies, hormones, etc.) of your thyroid issue is a necessary first step. While you’re doing that, there are several things you can do to support your thyroid health. The right nutrients and lifestyle factors can make a significant difference. By focusing on functional nutrition, you can address your thyroid health through diet, supplements, and attentive changes to your daily habits. (Full disclosure: If you click and purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use.)
Eating for Your Thyroid
Every morsel you consume can either contribute to your overall health or to dysfunction and disease. While the individual choice you make TODAY at lunch may not cause an immediate issue, it’s the small decisions we make day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month, and year-by-year that add up over time. You can take back control of your health, one meal at a time! Choose a variety of local and organic foods that are in-season. Fresh is best, so check out your local Farmer’s Markets. To use the bounty from the Farmer’s Market, here’s a recipe for Winter Roasted Vegetables that I love!
- Key Things to Know:
- Thyroid-Protective Foods: Berries, fermented foods, bone broth, wild-caught fish, coconut oil, vegetables, seaweed, Brazil nuts, shitake mushrooms, etc.
- Foods to Avoid or Eat in Moderation: Gluten, dairy, sugar, processed foods, RAW cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, etc.), farm-raised fish, soy, and fried foods.
Hydration for Health
Water is life!! However, our water supplies are polluted with micro-plastics, hormones, and even medications. Invest in the best water filter you can afford to remove these toxins from your water. The next step is to increase the oxygenation of your water with a system such as the Mayu Water Vortex. When you start to flood your cells with clean, oxygenated water, you increase your detoxification ability, your energy, and your overall health. You reduce dehydration, fatigue, headaches, pain, constipation, toxicity, and more.
- Key Things to Know:
- Water filtration is essential: At a minimum, you need to filter your drinking water. For best results, install a whole-home filtration system.
- Restructure your water and increase oxygenation to achieve best results. I love the Mayu Water Vortex!
Supplements Supporting Thyroid Health
Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, growth, and development. To perform these tasks effectively, the thyroid gland needs specific nutrients. Supplements like selenium and zinc are essential for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into the more active triiodothyronine (T3), processes that primarily occur in the liver. Additionally, selenium promotes the anti-inflammatory action of glutathione, so a selenium deficiency can lead to overall inflammation.
Iodine is critical for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency in this mineral can lead to hypothyroidism. Also, consider Vitamin D for its role in the immune system, which is involved in some thyroid disorders, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease). Alongside this, a healthy gut microbiome is important for overall endocrine function so it’s really important to ensure that the gut is healthy, I’ve seen clients with Hashimoto’s reduce their antibodies just by us cleaning up gut infections, with my 7R Procotol, and balancing their minerals!
Food Sensitivities and Thyroid Health
Certain foods and dietary patterns can impact your thyroid function and may even trigger or worsen autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals. It’s wise to be mindful of food sensitivities, especially to gluten and dairy, which could influence your thyroid health. Identify and eliminate potential food triggers to help reduce inflammation and support your body’s natural ability to balance thyroid hormones. The cornerstone of your strategy should be a healthy diet that nurtures thyroid health and prevents constipation—a common symptom of hypothyroidism.
Additional Lifestyle Modifications for Optimal Thyroid Function
Beyond nutrition, lifestyle can exert a profound impact on your thyroid health. Regular exercise helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity, which can be crucial if you’re dealing with or aiming to prevent type 2 diabetes—a condition often found overlapping with thyroid disorders.
Likewise, ensuring sufficient sleep and managing stress are pivotal, as chronic stress can disrupt your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) production. Daily prayer, meditation, or gratitude practices can produce profound feelings of connection and wellbeing and can mitigate stress in the body.
Minimize your exposure to environmental toxins, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to disturbed thyroid function by affecting hormone pathways. Stop smoking. Practice mindful eating to maintain healthy digestion, which is intimately connected to the endocrine system. Incorporate varied fruits and seeds into your meals as they provide fiber and essential nutrients, helping maintain a balanced diet and supporting overall wellness.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how vital micronutrients are for maintaining a healthy thyroid. Remember, your diet plays a crucial role, with certain foods and nutrients directly influencing thyroid function. To keep this gland in top shape, focus on incorporating foods rich in selenium and iodine, and consider the impact of goitrogens in foods like pearl millet.
It’s not just about what you eat, but also how it’s balanced within your diet. A Mediterranean diet might be particularly beneficial, as it’s been linked to reduced inflammation and could help with thyroiditis symptoms. On the flip side, excessive intake of certain nutraceutical supplements, beyond just iodine, could also support your thyroid health.
If you’re thinking about adjusting your diet for better thyroid health, it might be useful to explore the correlation between serum levels of micronutrients and their effects on thyroid parameters. Lastly, as everyone’s body is unique, consider consulting with a Functional Health Coach before making significant changes to your diet or supplementation regime. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re tired of navigating the complex world of thyroid recovery by yourself, I invite you to schedule a Clarity Coffee Consultation with me. I’ve been where you are and have the tools and knowledge to help you regain your energy, vitality, and health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the wealth of information on thyroid health can be overwhelming. Here, we’ve distilled some of the most pressing concerns about how certain foods and nutrients impact your thyroid function.
Can certain grains or millets negatively affect thyroid function?
Yes, certain grains, particularly those containing gluten like wheat, barley, and rye, may cause problems and negatively affect thyroid function, especially if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Non-gluten grains such as millet might also disrupt thyroid function due to their goitrogenic properties. These substances can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis.
What are the key nutritional components for a thyroid-supportive diet?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, develop a thyroid-supportive diet that focuses on nutrients to aid in the production and regulation of thyroid hormones. Iodine, selenium, and zinc are pivotal for thyroid health. Foods rich in these minerals, like seafood, nuts, and seeds, can support thyroid function. Additionally, ensuring you have sufficient intake of vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids can also contribute to a healthier thyroid.
How does functional nutrition address hypothyroidism?
Functional nutrition looks at the underlying cause of your thyroid condition focusing on a diet that supports thyroid function. This may involve tailoring a nutrient-rich diet that optimizes levels of thyroid hormones and boosts overall wellness. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is very common. There are many ways to diagnose a thyroid problem, including a physical, blood work, an ultrasound, or even a test called a thyroid scan. Luckily, there are many strategies a Functional Health Coach can use to help return your thyroid hormone levels to normal.
Can certain foods exacerbate thyroid disease, and which should be avoided?
Yes, certain foods can interfere with thyroid function. For example, consuming large amounts of soy, walnuts, and cottonseed meal can affect the absorption of thyroid medications, and foods high in goitrogens like cabbage and cauliflower might also impact thyroid health in sensitive individuals. Different types of thyroid disease can affect different aspects of your health, so it’s important to work with a Functional Health Coach to have appropriate treatment for thyroid dysfunction.
How do I know if I’m getting too much or too little iodine?
The easiest way to make sure you are getting the right balance of iodine is to look at the sources from your diet
Kelp: 19.97 mcg
Egg yolks: 240 mcg
Conventional Milk: 427 mcg
Organic Milk: 241 mcg
Conventional Baked goods: 530 mcg
Salt: 100 mcg
Add in personal care products and supplements (114 supplements have been tested and NOT ONE had the stated levels of iodine listed on the label – some were upward of 3x the listed amount and some people are getting upwards of 3,000 mcg of iodine a day.
What’s the most accurate iodine test?
A urine test called the Urinary Iodine / Creatinine Ratio.
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