Thyroid Health and Function
The thyroid gland exerts hormone effects across nearly all organ systems by increasing their function and metabolism. Tightly controlled by a negative feedback loop, thyroid hormone synthesis begins in the hypothalamus where thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is secreted and signals the anterior pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Stimulation of the thyroid follicular cells by TSH signals thyroxine (T4) production which requires nutritional precursors tyrosine and iodine for synthesis. T4, exclusively produced in the thyroid gland can be converted to the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) by cleavage of iodine via the action of iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes. T3 is approximately 8 times more biologically active than T4 with 90% of circulating T3 being produced by peripheral conversion in the brain, liver, bloodstream, and other tissues of the body.
Thyroid hormone can be bound to other proteins or free-floating in circulation. Free thyroid hormone binds within the nucleus of a cell and acts to increase basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis causing increased oxygen and energy consumption. Other effects of thyroid hormone include chronotropic and inotropic cardiac effects, stimulation of the nervous system resulting in increased alertness, development of fast-twitch muscle fibers, anabolism of proteins, and regulation of the ovulatory cycle and spermatogenesis.
Common causes of acquired thyroid disorders include nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune activity against thyroid tissue, environmental toxicity, and iatrogenic origins such as radiation, surgery, and medications.
Thyroid Health and Function
Promote stress reduction and activities that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Excess cortisol has a significant adverse effect on thyroid function and is primary to many underactive thyroid cases. Elevated cortisol leads to decreased levels of free T3 and increases the risk of autoimmune activity against thyroid tissues.
Encourage regular exercise utilizing a combination of moderate aerobic intensity and weight-bearing activities. Exercise improves thyroid function by increasing tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone, promoting healthy weight management, and improving perfusion to the thyroid gland.
Minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) as they can disrupt various stages of thyroid metabolism. EDCs implicated in the disruption of thyroid physiology include flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, phthalates, bisphenol A, perfluorinated chemicals, and perchlorate.
Whole Foods:
Nutritional Recommendations
Ensure adequate, but not excessive, amounts of iodine. Iodine is a key component of both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones and is found in foods like iodized salt, fish, seaweed, and dairy products. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism while excess iodine has been shown to precipitate thyroid issues or exacerbate pre-existing thyroid conditions. The Wolff Chaikoff effect prevents the thyroid from synthesizing large amounts of thyroid hormone by rejecting excessive iodine quantities.
Promote proper thyroid hormone conversion by supplying adequate selenium and zinc, which are necessary for the production and activation of iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes. Selenium is a trace mineral found in foods such as Brazil nuts and organ meats; zinc is found in oysters, beef, fish, and seafood.
Recommend that those with underactive thyroid avoid consuming large amounts of raw goitrogenic foods. Goitrogens are well known to interfere with thyroid function and include vegetables in the Brassica genus such as Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli. Goitrogens are sensitive to food processing including heat, which can denature them, and steaming has been shown to reduce their effect.
Dietary Supplement Regimen:
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