So, you want to be healthier and feel better, but you're having thyroid issues. What can you do about this? Should you try intermittent fasting? Or perhaps look into that thyroid diet plan you hear about on Facebook. What about supplements? In this article, we are going to talk about what the thyroid is and what its main functions are as well as common thyroid diseases and how they are treated. We're also going to talk about whether or not your eating habits can affect your thyroid function.
What is The Thyroid, and What Does it Do?
Well first off, the thyroid is an endocrine gland resembling a butterfly as it has two connected lobes. It is located at the base of the neck underneath the larynx and produces and releases the hormones triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3), and Calcitonin. These hormones collectively make up thyroid hormone which affects many vital functions throughout the body.
T4 is the main hormone the thyroid produces but it is not the primary hormone controlling the metabolism, rather it is released into the bloodstream and is then converted into T3 in a process called deiodination. T3 is the main hormone that regulates the metabolism process and the speed at which it converts food into energy even though there is much less of this hormone being produced compared to T4. Only a minuscule amount of RT3 is created and it is also made from T4, but its function is to reverse the effects of T3 and is considered to be an inactive form of T3. Calcitonin is designed to maintain the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. This is just the tip of the iceberg though.
The major functions of the thyroid include:
- Controlling the Metabolism
- Growth and Development
- Heart Rate
- Digestion
- Breathing
- Body Temperature
- Development of the Brain
- Skin and Bone Maintenance
- Fertility
In order for any of the thyroid hormones to be produced, you need to have enough iodine in your system. This element is trapped by the thyroid and converted into thyroid hormones. It is usually ingested through food such as fish, iodized salt, some dairy products, eggs, and chicken to name a few. If you don't consume enough iodine or perhaps consume too much, this will have a profound effect on the levels of hormones your thyroid produces and releases into the bloodstream.
Thyroid Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone in the blood. Also known as underactive thyroid disease, the lack of these vital hormones causes the metabolism to slow considerably leading to weight gain. Low levels of thyroid hormone also lead to a very serious condition known as myxedema. Those with this condition may experience low body temperature, anemia, heart failure, confusion, and even coma.
This disease is manageable and can be properly treated with medication and regular checkups. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise but be careful about diet fads. For example, if you decide to intermittent fast be sure to consume balanced meals with proper nutrition during your eating windows as fasting can lower thyroid hormone levels. For more information about hypothyroidism and intermittent fasting check out this article.
Thyroid Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces and releases too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. It is essentially the opposite of hypothyroidism and is also known as overactive thyroid disease. In this scenario, the overproduction of thyroid hormones causes the metabolism to speed up resulting in weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid heartbeat. Unfortunately, hyperthyroidism can look like many other health conditions and may be hard to diagnose as many of the symptoms associated with it are also commonly associated with countless other diseases.
A few of those include, but are not limited to:
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmia
- Heart Palpitations
- Nervousness or Anxiety
- Tremors
- Muscle Weakness
- Sleep Problems
- Thinning Skin
- Fine, Brittle Hair
Fortunately, just as hypothyroidism is treatable, so is hyperthyroidism. Medications such as anti-thyroid medications and radioiodine can be prescribed to decrease the number of hormones produced and dumped into the bloodstream. In extreme cases, surgery to remove some or all of the thyroid gland may be suggested. If this is the case, hormone replacement medications will be prescribed and must be taken for the rest of the patient's life.
Can Diet Affect Thyroid Function?
While there is no specific diet that has been proven to treat thyroid problems, adequate amounts of iodine need to be maintained by way of a healthy diet. This is not typically a problem in developed countries as iodine additives in salt, and other foods are commonplace. As long as you are consuming a balanced diet, you should not need an iodine supplement.
On the flip side, if you are consuming too much iodine this can lead to hyperthyroidism. Also, soy products and foods that are rich in calcium can affect the absorption of thyroid medication which is why it is important to stay on top of your doctor's appointments and be sure to monitor your hormone levels if something feels off.
Other foods, supplements, and medications that can interact with thyroid medication include:
- Walnuts
- Soybean Products like Soybean Flour
- Iron Supplements or Multivitamins with Iron
- Calcium Supplements
- Antacids with Aluminum, Magnesium, or Calcium
- Ulcer Medications, such as Sucralfate (Carafate)
- Some Cholesterol-lowering Drugs with cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid)
You don't need to cut these out entirely, just try not to take them at the same time as your thyroid medication. Make sure that you either take these supplements or consume these foods a few hours before or after you take your thyroid medication. Generally, thyroid medication is taken on an empty stomach, but be sure to follow your provider's directions. Also note that too much dietary fiber can hinder the absorption of thyroid medications and if you do have any sort of thyroid issues, it is important to avoid extreme diets and talk to your doctor about your options. You can also visit https://www.ravereviews.org/ for vitamin and supplement product reviews.
The thyroid is an extremely important endocrine gland that produces hormones that affect many important functions in the body with the main focus being metabolism. If not, enough hormones are being produced this can lead to hypothyroidism, but if too much is being produced this can lead to hyperthyroidism. Both of these thyroid diseases can be quite serious health issues, but they are both treatable with medication or surgery, There is no specific thyroid diet that can treat thyroid problems, but it is important to consume enough iodine and a well-balanced diet. Be sure to take any thyroid medication as prescribed and avoid extreme dieting.
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