Thyroid balance can be maintained through healthy daily routines. Food, for example, plays a fundamental role in regulating the body. Find out how this gland works, the main diseases and how to control them.
What is the Thyroid?
The Thyroid is the gland of metabolism. To better understand what the main problems with the thyroid are, it's first important to know that it's a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, next to what we call the Adam's apple. Hormone production begins with a stimulus from the pituitary gland - a very small organ located in the brain - which releases TSH. This substance binds to receptors in the thyroid, which in turn initiates the production of two hormones known as T3 and T4, respectively. These hormones need Iodine molecules and the amino acid tyrosine to be formed, hence their names - triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine. These hormones have various functions in our body with a very important influence on our metabolism, i.e. the way our body uses and stores energy.
Thyroid hormones
T3 is the hormone that most influences the body's cells, including its ability to make changes to our RNA, which contains our genetic information. What's more:
- regulates body temperature;
- controls thirst;
- regulates the cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure...);
- the functioning of the intestines;
- moods;
- brain development and function;
- controls calcium levels by producing another hormone called calcitonin;
- regulates cholesterol levels;
- regulates the growth and development of nails, skin, hair and eyes.
Thyroid Diseases
It is estimated that 10% of the Portuguese population suffers from thyroid problems and most of these people are unaware of it. Women are 10 times more likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder than men. The main thyroid diseases are Hypothyroidism (low hormone production), Hyperthyroidism (excess hormone production) and Nodules (benign or malignant). The main cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, i.e. when our body produces antibodies against the thyroid cells, attacking them. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- changes in weight, without any changes in diet;
- extreme tiredness;
- hair loss;
- bowel problems such as constipation;
- irritability;
- insomnia;
- depression;
- changes in memory and concentration.
Thyroid problems can be diagnosed through blood tests and ultrasound. In the event of an imbalance, diet and supplementation are essential for the proper functioning of this gland.
Subclinical hypothyroidism. What is it?
In some situations there are thyroid tests that have the parameters within the reference values, but people have symptoms like those described above. This situation can be characterized by subclinical hypothyroidism, which often goes undiagnosed. There are a number of factors that can aggravate or trigger this situation:
- lack of nutrients: Selenium, Zinc, Iron and Iodine;
- physiological, chemical and emotional stress;
- depression;
- weight gain;
- Obesity;
- peripheral insulin resistance;
- Diabetes,;
- chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic inflammation (autoimmune disease or systemic disease);
- exposure to toxins and plastics (endocrine disruption).
- Iodine halogens such as fluorine, bromine and chlorine can also have an influence by competing with the binding of this element in the formation of thyroid hormones;
- some medications such as antidiabetics, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, among others.
How can I prevent thyroid changes with Hormone Modulation?
Thyroid balance can be maintained through healthy daily routines. Food plays a fundamental role in regulating the body. Foods rich in iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, B12, B2, B6 and D are essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid and, in some cases, supplementation is necessary. On the other hand, some foods have an extremely inflammatory effect, such as dairy products, gluten, foods high in sugar, refined and processed foods. These foods can lead to a deregulation of the intestinal microbiome and cause an imbalance between healthy microorganisms and those that are undesirable. In addition, they lead to the production of inflammatory elements and antibodies that will be released into the bloodstream, circulating throughout the body and leading to a silent and harmful state of inflammation.
Promoting a state of detoxification in the body, practicing regular physical activity, having quality rest periods, reducing medication and promoting intestinal health are also fundamental elements in maintaining the health of your thyroid. It's important to watch out for toxins that can be real endocrine disruptors.
Have yourself assessed to see if your difficulty in managing your weight could be related to a malfunctioning thyroid gland, and strive for disease prevention and quality of life. Age healthily!
