Could it be your thyroid?

Hello July, 

A very special client inspired me to write this newsletter, we have known each other since childhood and as a yoga teacher she prioritizes good health (I admit not so much in our teens, but that is for another time).  However, she recently came to me with unexplained fatigue, she described how she suddenly had to drag herself through the day.  After putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, symptoms and test results, she has discovered she has an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease.  Having caught this early and focusing on supporting her thyroid through diet and lifestyle she has the best chance possible of feeling like her old self again and preventing further damage to her thyroid gland.  

The prevalence of thyroid health conditions is increasing, and with wide-ranging, non-specific symptoms many people are simply unaware their struggles could be a result of a thyroid condition, or they are mistaken for something else.  The British Thyroid Foundation estimate 1 in 20 people in the UK suffer from thyroid disorders, with women six times more likely to suffer than men.  However, the actual incidence is estimated to be much higher (I often see thyroid markers out of range in my clinic).

I want to stress, a great starting point is to have your thyroid markers tested by your GP, usually Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (T4).  However, this may not give you a complete picture and if your symptoms persist, I recommend investing in an in-depth blood test including further thyroid markers.  If your thyroid starts misbehaving and it goes undiagnosed, by the time your blood test show on a standard test your thyroid may have suffered severe damage (and you have felt awful for a long time).  But, if like my client, you catch it early you can start preventative action.  Often, I have clients who feel awful and have been told their test results are in range, great but that doesn’t explain why they are struggling to get through the day.  I think good health is having enough energy to enjoy life and sometimes you need to dig a little deeper, consider personalised health and address what caused the thyroid to go haywire.  

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the throat and sets your bodies speed limit, among its responsibilities is regulating your bodies rate of energy production and maintaining your body temperature and growth.  In case you are interested in knowing a little more, when thyroid hormone levels are low your hypothalamus (a part of your brain) releases thyroid hormone releasing hormone (THRH), which stimulates the pituitary (your master gland) to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).  TSH triggers the thyroid to produce thyroxine (T4) which needs converting to the active triiodothyronine (T3).  Every cell in the body has receptors for thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid, meaning that the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. 

Conversely, hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid and occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing and secreting enough thyroid hormones. 

Autoimmune thyroid conditions (such as Hashimoto’s) is a case of mistaken identity, your immune system attacks your thyroid in error. 

How do I know if I should check my thyroid?

Firstly, a thyroid which has gone off track can result in an imbalance throughout the body.  Symptoms of low thyroid function include (but are not limited to):

• weight gain

• mental slowing

• fatigue

• dry skin

• hair loss/thinning

• brain fog

• infertility

• muscle pain and stiffness

• low mood

• menstrual problems

• intolerance to the cold

• heartburn

• changes in stool 

What could be affecting my thyroid (root cause)?

I always stress it is vital to try and uncover the root cause, in the case of an autoimmune thyroid condition you need to ask why is your immune system attacking your body instead of protecting it?  When you think about it, it makes sense to dig a little deeper.  If your cars warning light came on, would you simply replace the warning light or take it to a garage to investigate what is going on?  Remember, even if you have genes that may predispose you to a thyroid disorder something is likely to have triggered it.

Stress

I know, you have heard it over and over again… you need to practice yoga and mindfulness to get on top of your stress … but it really does matter and impacts all of your body systems.  Remember, it is not just the stress of working full time and running the kids Uber service, your body will perceive pain, over-exercise, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, food intolerances and toxins (and the list goes on) as stress.   

A stressed brain results in your adrenal glands secreting stress hormones and this message is sent through your hypothalamus and pituitary gland, yes, you have heard of these before as they also send the message to your thyroid that you need more thyroid hormones. If these message centres are being over worked signals to the thyroid can become impaired and your message of “more thyroid hormone, please” may not be getting through. 

Gut health

Your gut is another location where the conversion of inactive T4 to active T3 occurs, approximately 20% is converted in your gut, if your gut lining needs some TLC this will be a struggle.

I will delve into “leaky gut” in another newsletter but think about the cells of your gut lining becoming loose and allowing what should be kept out of your blood stream in, this will cause your immune system to react and lead to inflammation.

Blood sugar imbalance, liver, and gall bladder health  

Blood sugar imbalance will probably be mentioned in every newsletter, it is generally one of the first things I work on with nearly all my clients.  There are several reasons why blood sugar imbalance, liver and gallbladder health affects your thyroid, one is your body struggling to convert inactive T4 to active T3.   

Gluten 

Unless it is unavoidable, I very rarely tell any client to eliminate a food from their diet as evidence shows a varied diet is key to good health.  However, studies have found a link between gluten and Hashimoto’s disease.  In Hashimoto’s gluten has been shown to cause inflammation of the gut and the structure of gluten resembles that of the thyroid gland, this may be something to consider with a Healthcare Practitioner if you suffer with Hashimoto’s.

Inflammation 

Inflammation is at the heart of most chronic diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases.  There are several reasons for this, one is decreasing the number and sensitivity of thyroid receptors so thyroid hormones are unable to communicate.

Excess oestrogen 

Perimenopause means women experience surges of excess oestrogen, when this happens, thyroid hormones can find it hard to make it into the cells where they are needed. 

Deficiencies - key nutrients

Many nutrients are needed to support thyroid health, but the following are directly involved in the production of thyroid hormones (there are many other foods I could have highlighted, I have just chosen a few to inspire you). 

Tyrosine – think protein sources such as tofu and chicken.

Iodine – think seaweed, you could try furikake seasoning (if you suffer with a diagnosed thyroid disorder you should speak to a healthcare provider before supplementing with iodine).

Selenium – think brazil nuts, try adding 3-4 into your daily diet.

Magnesium – think pumpkin seeds and avocados. 

B vitamins – think liver and eggs.

Zinc – think lentils and hemp seeds.

Copper – think beans and cashews.

Iron – think spinach and sesame seeds.

Vitamin A – think yogurt and tuna.

A note on goitrogens

Goitrogenic foods including soy and raw brassica vegetables (brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower…) can bind to iodine, making it unavailable to the thyroid. Cooking inactivates this action therefore it is not necessary to avoid these foods, but they should not be consumed raw in excess if you have a thyroid disorder. 

If you have been reading this and wondering if your thyroid may be the cause of your health concerns get in touch, I would love to work with you.  Book in for a FREE strategy session, we will chat and work out a personal plan for you.

Book here.

As ever, I’d love to hear feedback!  If there is anything you would like to see featured in a future newsletter drop me a message at hello@natashahartwell.com

Happy Eating.
 
Tasha x