Often times I hear someone mention they know someone that has trouble losing weight because of their thyroid. I know there has to be more to the story than I’ve always known. This common comment sparked my interest on the role of our thyroid in nutrition and why people have troubles losing weight if they have thyroid problems.
Problems with one’s thyroid are often overlooked, but can quickly be the reason for some underlying issues. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, toxic adenomas, subacute thyroiditis, pituitary gland malfunctions, cancerous growth in thyroid glands, Hashimoto’s disease and/or Graves’ disease are all related and associated with the thyroid.
Let’s go start from square one. The thyroid is a ductless gland that secretes triodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormone. These hormones delivery energy to cells, regulate growth and development through rate of metabolism. It is located in the lower part of one’s neck. The thyroid gland is a crucial key to the metabolic processes.
Benign problems are goiters, which are enlarged glands. If left untreated, it can lead to life threatening issues, such as cancer. Many people suffer from abnormal production of thyroid hormones.
Potential problems with one’s thyroid:
Goiter: enlarged thyroid; caused by deficiency of iodine and/or over or under production of T3 and T4
Thyroid nodules: lumps in thyroid gland
Hypothyroidism: under active thyroid; if there’s an under active thyroid at a young age, it can lead to cretinism–mental retardation and stunted growth; Most infants’ thyroids are routinely checked
Symptoms: fatigue; weight gain; depression; infertility; high cholesterol; neck pain/enlargement; hair loss; worsening menstrual and menopausal symptoms; low sex drive; fuzzy thinking
Types of hypothyroidism:
Hashimoto’s disease: an autoimmune disorder; thyroid tissue’s attacked by body, which causes the tissue to eventually be destroyed and ceases production of hormones; typically occurs during menopause
Lithium: use may cause hypothyroidism
Removal of thyroid gland: may need to be surgically or chemically removed
Exposure to excessive iodide: overexposure may occur from cold and sinus medicines, heart medicine (i.e. amiodarone), contrast dyes, may come from x ray
Relationship of hypothyroidism, Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes
With hypothyroidism, there’s an increased risk of CVD
30% of those with thyroid disease have type I diabetes; 12.5% of clients have type II diabetes along with thyroid problems
normalization of one’s thyroid positively impact’s one’s cholesterol levels
Hyperthyroidism: overactive thyroid
Symptoms: insomnia; unexpected weight loss; chronic diarrhea; anxiety; panic attacks; palpitations; high blood pressures; bulging eyes; hair loss; neck pain and enlargement; low sex drive and/or worsening menstrual symptoms
Graves’ disease:most common type of hyperthyroidism; antibodies target gland and increase hormone production–>overproduction
Toxic adenomas: nodules begin to secrete thyroid hormone, which upset’s body’s equilibrium; goiters often contain nodules
Subacute thyroiditis: inflammation of thyroid; causes “leak” of excess hormones; temporary hyperthyroidism may occur
pituitary gland malfunctions and/or cancerous growths: may be caused by hyperthyroidism
Impact of nutrition on thyroid:
Goitrogens
Naturally occurring in foods that impact one’s thyroid. A goiter may occur, can be impacted by antithyroid drug, which causes an under active thyroid
main goitrogens: broccoli, kale, cabbage, soy
If one has hyperthyroidism, may want to incorporate goitrogenic foods into daily consumption
with hypothyroidism, one can consume goitrogens in moderation since the goitrogenic materials can partially be destroyed by heat
Coffee’s interaction with thyroid medication
One should wait an hour after taking thyroid medication to drink coffee since it can affect absorption of the medication
Calcium fortified orange juice’s interaction with medication
One should wait 3-4 hours after taking thyroid medication to consume calcium fortified orange juice and iron and calcium supplements since they can inhibit absorption of thyroid medication
Iodized Salt
Iodized salt is sometimes the solution for those with iodine deficiency, cretinism and/or retardation
one needs to consume the recommended amount of iodine for the thyroid to function properly (see in the suggestions section later on for the recommended mcg)
High Fiber Foods
Many with thyroid problems have problems with constipation and extra weight
Fiber intake can impact absorption of medications so it should be monitored by one’s doctor
subset of autoimmune thyroid patients have triggered autoimmunity because of celiac disease
a gluten free diet may eliminate antibodies, reduce bloating and help with energy and weight loss
Soy
consumption of soy can inhibit thyroid hormone absorption
suggested to limit soy to fermented forms (i.e. tempeh)
with hyperthyroidism, one may want to incorporate more soy into diet
Suggestions for the future:
Original Image by Ken Hawkins via Flickr
Most important: calorie and carbohydrate monitored diet and lifestyle
monitor intake of added sugar and fats; fast food;
Thyroid hormone replacement medication: i.e. Synthroid, Levoxy; Armour, Naturethroid
Balance adrenal, reproduction and insulin hormones
Water: sufficient amount of water intake is important for one’s overall health and metabolism; can reduce appetite; reduce bloating and water retention; improve digestion and elimination and alleviate constipation
monitor vitamin D, selenium, iodine and vitamin B12 levels
Exercise regularly
regulate one’s stress
get adequate sleep and rest
Coconut Oil: A thyroid friendly option to replace fats and oils
One can’t argue the susceptibility of one’s thyroid to many diseases. The state of one’s thyroid impacts almost every other organ in the body. It’s critical to not only take a proactive approach to monitor your body’s “tell tale” signs, but to know the signs and symptoms one should be on the lookout for.
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