The Thyroid gland is an organ located at the front of the throat; and manages the function of many bodily processes including metabolic rate, hormonal regulation, mood and brain function, skin health, circulation and temperature control.
Where does Gut health come in?
Gut health is the foundation of good health. When we eat nourishing food and the body can break down and absorb it effectively; and then eliminate wastes efficiently, every cell of the body will benefit. Our mind will be sharp, our energy high and immune system will be strong. We will have a healthy weight, glowing skin and good musculoskeletal strength.
There are numerous ways that gut health can be compromised; and it’s my role as a practitioner to dig deep to find out what the underlying causes are. It is only when we have a clear picture of the problem, that we can target specific treatment for effective long-term relief.
Here’s a few examples of compromised gut health and how the thyroid gland is impacted:
· Constipation: if the bowels aren’t evacuated every day, toxins and hormones are being recycled back to the blood stream. This hormonal imbalance can slow down thyroid hormone production, which slows down all the systems in the body.
· Hypochlorydia (low stomach acid): Stomach acid helps with food break down and kills harmful bacteria. Low acid production is more common as we age, but if left untreated, it may lead to inflammation and infection. This keeps the immune system activated and over time, antibodies may be initiated and start attacking the thyroid gland. This is a very serious situation.
· Intestinal Permeability (leaky gut): this condition leads to poor absorption and nutritional deficiencies which impact thyroid health. Causes of leaky gut include alcohol, harmful gut bacteria (dysbiosis), chronic stress, food intolerances, poor diet, anti-inflammatory medications and surgery. This excess inflammation activates the immune system long term, which triggers it to produce antibodies to attack the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gets weaker, all body systems will slowly be affected.
Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction:
Because the thyroid plays a role in so many bodily functions, symptoms can be many and varied. The most common form of thyroid dysfunction is known as hypothyroidism, when the gland is under functioning. Symptoms include weight gain, constant fatigue, brain fog, depression, menstrual irregularities or infertility, thinning or loss of hair, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, poor libido, brittle nails, sore stiff muscles or joints, and slow heart rate. The body is sluggish and needs to be balanced.
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) displays the opposite symptoms: anxiety, feeling hot and sweaty, diarrhea, insomnia, weight loss, facial flushing, rapid pulse and breath. The system is revved up and needs to be balanced.
How can I improve my gut and thyroid health?
· The best way to improve digestion is to remove any foods that are aggravating the gut, such as sugar, alcohol, gluten and caffeine. It is helpful to also be tested for food intolerances, as these can be difficult to identify
This helps to stop leaky gut progressing further. Taking slippery elm or drinking aloe vera juice can help to speed up gut healing too.
· Eating protein at each meal, along with healthy fats and lots of leafy vegetables encourages bowel regularity.
· See your practitioner to get the required tests you need to finally discover what you need to do to get well, for good.
If you’re not getting answers from your tests that are “all normal”, don’t despair. Let me help you get to the real heart of your symptoms and eliminate them for good.
You are not alone. Book here for a free 15 minute Clarity Call and let’s work together.
