By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
The thyroid gland is a tiny, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. Despite its size, the thyroid has many jobs in the body. The thyroid gland is your metabolism firehouse and every cell in your body depends on thyroid hormone. If your thyroid is not functioning optimally, you may experience weight gain, constipation, dry skin, fatigue, brain fog, depression, and hair loss.
The thyroid’s main role is regulating metabolism through two hormones—thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is converted into T3 in the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, brain and muscles. Therefore the health of your thyroid is also intricately tied to the health of your gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and even your immune system. It is the active form of T3 that stimulates cells to produce energy.
Problems with thyroid function arise when something throws off the delicate balance between any of these connections. Eventually thyroid hormone production gets out of whack, conversion of thyroid hormone into its active form falters, or thyroid tissue gets damaged. This is when your thyroid, and overall health, gets compromised.
If the thyroid is not properly nourished this can lead to hormonal imbalance and thyroid dysfunction. Iodine is essential for optimal thyroid hormone production. Food sources include seafood, seaweed and free-range eggs.
Selenium is another important mineral that assists with conversion to T3, reduces inflammation and protects the thyroid. Food sources include Brazil nuts, salmon, free-range eggs and mushrooms.
Vitamin D is a hormone that is also key for regulating balance. Food sources of D include salmon, free-range eggs and mushrooms. Among its many functions, magnesium also helps balance blood sugar, supports serotonin production, and assists the pituitary-thyroid connection. Food sources highest in magnesium are leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, bananas and avocados, but supplementation is often warranted due to declining amounts in our soils.
A comprehensive thyroid panel is also essential to understanding your personal thyroid function. The conventional ranges for these labs are also misleading; we often need to evaluate not only the optimal range, but also how you as an individual are feeling.
Dysfunction of thyroid hormone performance is quite common and may result from conditions such as thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Research continues to reveal the complexity of the thyroid’s hormonal interplay with other biological processes. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your health provider to empower your optimal health.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
