The Thyroid Acts As Your Second Brain

The Thyroid gland has the extremely important task of maintaining homeostasis in the body. It plays a major role in metabolism, energy, endocrine balancing, emotional balancing, immune function, data collection, using body fat and glucose stores, heart rate, neuromuscular function, body temperature, brain chemistry, and influences every cell in the body. 

The thyroid gland is located just below the larynx in the neck region. It primarily produces the hormones T3, T4, and Calcitonin. The second most prescribed medication in the United States is a synthetic form of T4, also known as Levothyroxine or Synthroid. When the TSH level is high, indicating hypothyroid, generally above 4.5 for most labs, many medical doctors suggest a patient takes synthetic T4. What isn't being addressed is why the body is not producing adequate T4 and why T4 isn't being converted to T3 properly. This approach is a band-aid and may be necessary in certain situations, but it does not support the underlying cause of the thyroid imbalance. 

There are many reasons why the thyroid may not produce adequate amounts of T4 or T3. The thyroid is influenced by other endocrine glands, such as the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which reside in the brain. If the hypothalamus is not functioning properly and not producing adequate amounts of TRH, then thyroid hormone production could be impaired. TRH is produced in the hypothalamus and tells the pituitary to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. In this case, a practitioner would want to address the hypothalamus and pituitary imbalance to support the thyroid.

Another reason the thyroid gland may not produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones is because of vitamin, mineral, and amino acid deficiencies. Tyrosine, iodine, and specific vitamins help with the production of T4. Vitamins and minerals essential for proper thyroid hormone production and conversion are selenium, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and zinc. Most people are not getting adequate nutrients from their diet and have vitamin, mineral, and amino acid deficiencies.

An important premise for proper thyroid hormone balance is the conversion of T4 into T3. This conversion occurs primarily in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Gut microbiota assists in this conversion. Your thyroid may be impacted if you have a leaky gut or dysbiosis (microbiome imbalances). Our gut microbes assist in this conversion and should be supported to help the thyroid to heal. The liver and kidneys should be supported as well in many thyroid cases. 

The adrenal glands, also known as the body's stress glands, directly impact the thyroid gland as well. In fact, they act as the motor to the thyroid gland. If your motor is not working well, you will not get very far. Many hypothyroid cases can be traced back to the adrenal glands. If you give the adrenals the proper support they need and address the underlying causes of the adrenal imbalance, many thyroid cases will resolve. 

Certain thyroid cases are not identified through standard blood work. Please ensure you get a full thyroid blood work panel for the thyroid, including Tsh, T4, free T4, free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. Most medical professionals do not test for Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies, and these values are very important when analyzing thyroid function. Sometimes, these numbers are within the normal range, but the thyroid still requires support. Remember, everyone is different, and sometimes their blood values may differ from the general range in the population. 

Food sensitivities directly impact the thyroid gland. In my 23 years of practice, I have not supported a patient with thyroid imbalance who doesn't have an issue with gluten. Synthroid or Levoxythroxine may not be gluten-free. Tyrosint is a gluten-free medication alternative to Synthroid. Nature thyroid and amour thyroid are very good alternatives to synthetic hormones. 

The nightshade family of foods often affects the thyroid. The neurotoxin solanine, found in the nightshade family, is frequently the culprit that negatively impacts the thyroid. Muscle testing for food sensitivities can determine what foods to avoid. If a food changes the muscle reflex test, it impacts the body negatively and contributes to inflammation and dis-ease in the body. 

If you have hypothyroid, it's a good idea to decrease foods with thiourea, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, peanuts, and soybeans. If you have hyperthyroid, eating foods high in thiourea from the list above is good, and avoiding bananas and oats.

The halides greatly impact the thyroid. These include chlorine, fluoride, and bromine. Make sure you use a shower filter that eliminates chlorine, and the same goes for drinking and cooking. Use water filtration to remove chlorine and fluoride. The halide family binds to iodine receptors and replaces iodine, essential for thyroid function. 

Organs and glands have referral pain patterns. The thyroid refers to pain in the neck. Many people who have chronic neck pain actually have an underlying thyroid imbalance. In specific individuals, supporting the thyroid may reduce inflammation and help relieve their neck pain.

The body can not be separated into parts. Every organ and gland interacts and affects each other. The thyroid is no different and should be treated as part of the whole. In my many years of clinical practice, I have helped thousands of people with thyroid support by identifying underlying imbalances and supporting the whole body.

Please contact me with any questions regarding thyroid support and optimal wellness.