Your Thyroid: Functions, Health Concerns, And How To Keep It Healthy

Nestled quietly in your neck, your thyroid gland controls many of your bodily functions that keep you healthy and energized.

Despite its relatively small size, this butterfly shaped gland acts as an important regulator for your body.

As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, I frequently provide treatments for thyroid related disorders.

That’s because despite its size, when something goes wrong, it can have far reaching consequences across your body.

Let’s take a look together to explore your thyroid.

What Is Your Thyroid?

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple if you have one of those.

It’s part of your body’s endocrine system, a series of organs, glands, and tissues that release hormones.

These hormones act as chemical messengers, telling the various parts of your body how to function.

Your thyroid’s hormones control your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, and mood.

Though often overlooked, understanding the significance of this gland is essential for taking charge of your health and maintaining a thriving life.

Thyroid Functions

At the core of its responsibilities, your thyroid produces two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Let’s take a look at both of them below.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Triiodothyronine is often referred to as T3, because for most people triiodothyronine is too long to say and too difficult to spell.

It has a variety of different jobs.

One is to control your metabolism, the process by which your body converts nutrients into forms your body can use.

It also plays a crucial role in supporting cardiovascular health by affecting the rate and rhythm of your heart beat, and in cognitive health by affecting your mood, mental clarity, and higher level cognitive processes.

Both too much and too little T3 can cause issues.

Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroxine isn’t quite as much of a mouthful, but we still abbreviate it to T4.

T4 is a precursor to T3 – it’s less potent and less active, but your body can convert it into T3 when needed.

This system helps make sure your body has a steady supply of active thyroid hormones.

It also helps control your body temperature, and plays a role in helping develop children’s brains and nervous systems.

Health Concerns With Your Thyroid

The health of your thyroid is a delicate balance that can lead to various concerns and challenges when disrupted.

Let’s take a look at some of the health concerns below.

1. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones.

This condition can lead to a slowdown of bodily functions, causing a range of symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.

Your metabolism struggles to convert food into energy efficiently, resulting in challenging daily activities.

Hypothyroidism can cause a number of different symptoms, including:

• Dry skin
• Hair loss in men or female hair loss
• Muscle weakness
• Unexpected weight gain
• Difficulty focusing
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Menstrual irregularities
• Infertility and difficulty with conception

2. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

It’s an autoimmune disorder, and occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own thyroid gland.

Women are more likely than men to have this, and some studies show there may be a genetic disposition.

The symptoms are similar to those of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss, and muscle weakness.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can also cause the thyroid to enlarge, forming a goiter.

3. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland becomes overactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones.

It’s the opposite of hypothyroidism.

If you’re having trouble remembering, think of it this way – a hypodermic needle goes under your skin, so a hypothyroid is a thyroid that performs under its expected level.

On the other hand, if your kid is hyperactive, they’re active over their expected level, and same goes with a hyperthyroid.

While hypothyroidism slows down thyroid functions, hyperthyroidism speeds it up.

This causes symptoms you might think of as the opposite of hypothyroidism, including:

• Anxiety
• Unexpected weight loss
• Increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Sweaty palms

RELATED: Optimal Sleep Naturopathic Doctor

4. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

It was named after Robert J. Graves who first described it in the 19th century.

It’s also an autoimmune disorder, but in this case your immune system attacks your thyroid in a way that causes it to become inflamed and enlarged, increasing its production of thyroid hormones.

This disorder can also cause Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which is characterized by eye bulging, double vision, and eye discomfort.

Graves’ disease predominantly affects women, although it can occur in men as well, with a peak incidence in young adulthood.

5. Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow and divide, forming a tumor in the thyroid.

Although the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unclear, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of development.

These risk factors include exposure to radiation, family history of the disease, and certain genetic conditions.

Treatment for thyroid cancer is led by a medical doctor, but there’s still a naturopathic role in adjunctive cancer care, including naturopathic cancer support during treatment, as well as natural solutions for post cancer prevention.

How To Keep Your Thyroid Healthy

As you can see, keeping your thyroid healthy goes a long way toward helping you maintain optimal health overall.

Let’s look at a few ways to do so.

1. Eat A Thyroid Friendly Diet

Eating a thyroid friendly diet means eating a diet that provides your thyroid with the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

Eating foods high in iodine, selenium, and zinc, such as seafood, nuts, and whole grains, can support thyroid hormone production.

Limiting heavily processed foods, excess salt, and sweets can reduce dietary stress on your body, including your thyroid.

Including good fats like olive oil and avocado can provide anti inflammatory benefits.

Drinking alcohol in moderation and avoiding overeating can also support thyroid health.

While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of diet on the health of your thyroid, following these dietary recommendations are a great starting point.

2. Keep Your Stress Levels Under Control

Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in your body, including those produced by your thyroid gland.

When stress hormones, such as cortisol, remain elevated for extended periods of time, they can interfere with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.

This can lead to imbalances of thyroid function and contribute to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

To keep your thyroid healthy and manage stress effectively, there are some great ways to manage your stress naturally.

Focus on stress relief techniques like regular exercise, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

Engaging in physical activity can help reduce stress and promote overall well being.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep as well, and maintain your circadian rhythm as much as possible.

3. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Keeping your thyroid healthy and maintaining a healthy weight go hand in hand.

Your thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism, and imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to weight fluctuations.

Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals to nourish your body.

Regular physical activity is also important.

Exercise not only helps to burn calories, but also boosts metabolism and enhances hormone regulation.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ!

As a small but powerful gland, your thyroid plays a very important role in maintaining your overall health and well being.

If you have concerns about your thyroid health or are experiencing symptoms, I’m here to help.

Remember, taking care of your thyroid health can lead to improved energy, balanced metabolism, and enhanced vitality.

Book your appointment with me, Dr. JJ, today.