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The thyroid is a small, but powerful, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that is a part of the endocrine system, which releases and produces certain hormones. The thyroid plays a seminal role in everything from energy levels, metabolic function, brain development, digestive function, hormone regulation and controlling heart and muscle function.1
Thyroid disorders affect about 20 million Americans, with women being five to eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition and one woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.2
Thyroid Labs to Run
The main hormones produced by the gland are thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of thyroid hormone, meaning it impacts cells in your body. The thyroid gland also produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.1
Most conventional doctors only test for TSH, T4, and T3 when looking at thyroid health, however, it is important to run a comprehensive panel that also looks at reverse T3, free T3, free T4, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg), to get a full thyroid picture. You might also consider asking your doctor to test your vitamin D, ferritin, and C-reactive levels in addition to the previous markers.3
Holistic Thyroid Support
While most conventional treatments for thyroid disorders focus on solely thyroid hormone replacement therapy, implementing an integrative approach to managing thyroid health can be beneficial for overall endocrine, thyroid and cellular health, as thyroid hormones are used by every cell in the body.
Nutrition & Endocrine Disruptors
Assessing your nutrition is an important first step when supporting thyroid health. Removing common food allergies or sensitivities from the diet can be an easy win, however it is important to decipher that food allergies are different than food sensitivities.
Food allergies are generated by the IgE branch of the immune system and show up within minutes of ingesting the reactive food. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are controlled by different branches of the immune system, which include the IgA, IgM and IgG branches. Interestingly enough, the IgG branch is thought to be responsible for creating thyroid antibodies, particularly in cases of Hashimoto’s.
Common food sensitivities that one can look to remove from their diet include gluten, dairy, soy and corn, as well as certain nightshades (eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers), and even alcohol and caffeine for some individuals. I would also suggest looking at the quality of your water (filtered vs. tap), and the quantity of non-organic produce and meats.
Extra credit if you also look for hidden endocrine-disrupting ingredients commonly found in beauty, skin care, cosmetic and cleaning products, such as parabens, fragrances, triclosan, oxybenzone and heavy metals.5 Thyroid Nutrients
Several nutrients, such as iodine, zinc and selenium, play an integral role in regard to proper thyroid functioning.
Iodine can be a bit of a Goldilocks mineral when it comes to thyroid health, with excess supplemental intake potentially being problematic. Getting iodine from food sources such as kelp or dulse, as well as wild-caught fish such as tuna can benefit thyroid health.
Selenium is critical for the function of the thyroid, and it is particularly abundant in this gland. Selenium is incorporated into selenoproteins, which have important antioxidant activity. These selenoproteins remove free radicals generated during the production of thyroid hormones and protect against oxidative damage. Selenium works together with iodine to activate three different selenium-dependent enzymes, which can then activate or deactivate thyroid hormones. Organic Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, sardines, halibut, as well as grass-fed turkey and beef, are a high dietary source of selenium.
Zinc is another trace mineral that is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Zinc is needed for the production of hormones T3, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Animal proteins, such as turkey, beef, oysters and eggs, are great dietary sources of zinc.6-10
In addition to dietary and nutrient interventions, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, magnesium, B-complex vitamins and CoQ10 can be beneficial for thyroid health, while herbs, such as lemon balm, ginger, bladderwrack, bacopa and gotu kola, can be considered.12
Newer research is looking into the role of mono-targeting nutrients, such as carnitine, tyrosine, myo-inositol and resveratrol, to support thyroid health as well.11
Lifestyle Interventions
Since the regulation of thyroid hormones starts in the brain (in the hypothalamus to be exact) it is vital to support the nervous system. Mitigating systemic inflammation is an important follow-up step when supporting thyroid health, which can include developing a robust and healthy stress response, focusing on getting quality sleep, getting adequate rest and not overdoing it with too much high-intensity exercise. Incorporating alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, low-intensity movement such as walking, yoga or pilates, as well as manual lymphatic drainage, can all be wonderful additions to creating a holistic thyroid protocol. VR
References:
1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763182/#:~:text=The%20thyroid%20hormone%20is%20well,hypothalamic%2Dpituitary%2Dthyroid%20axis.
2 www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/#:~:text=An%20estimated%2020%20million%20Americans,thyroid%20disorder%20during%20her%20lifetime.
3 www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/.
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35952387/.
5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18217984/.
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594417/.
7 www.nature.com/articles/s41574-019-0311-6.
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35440339/.
9 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8658851/#:~:text=Selenium%20(Se)%2C%20a%20microelement,particularly%20abundant%20in%20this%20gland.
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30982439/#:~:text=Scientific%20evidence%20shows%20that%20zinc,essential%20transcription%20factors%20involved%20in.
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770945/.
12 www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/79/table-of-contents/article3314/.
Brianna Diorio holds a PhD in integrative medicine from the University of Natural Medicine and is a clinical nutritionist with a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is also a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner (FDN), an herbal practitioner through the Herbal Academy, a family herbalist through The School of Natural Healing, a NASM certified personal trainer, and a holistic lifestyle coach from the C.H.E.K Institute. Diorio is the host of the Brianna Approved Podcast, which is a podcast for people who like a holistic approach to real science and clinical research on all things nutrition, botanicals and balance. She currently works as a clinician with her private practice that specializes in alternative health, functional medicine and dietary supplements. Diorio works with a vast array of clients and businesses to educate and improve their health and dietary needs.
The thyroid is a small, but powerful, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that is a part of the endocrine system, which releases and produces certain hormones. The thyroid plays a seminal role in everything from energy levels, metabolic function, brain development, digestive function, hormone regulation and controlling heart and muscle function.1
Thyroid disorders affect about 20 million Americans, with women being five to eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition and one woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.2
Thyroid Labs to Run
The main hormones produced by the gland are thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of thyroid hormone, meaning it impacts cells in your body. The thyroid gland also produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.1
Most conventional doctors only test for TSH, T4, and T3 when looking at thyroid health, however, it is important to run a comprehensive panel that also looks at reverse T3, free T3, free T4, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg), to get a full thyroid picture. You might also consider asking your doctor to test your vitamin D, ferritin, and C-reactive levels in addition to the previous markers.3
Holistic Thyroid Support
While most conventional treatments for thyroid disorders focus on solely thyroid hormone replacement therapy, implementing an integrative approach to managing thyroid health can be beneficial for overall endocrine, thyroid and cellular health, as thyroid hormones are used by every cell in the body.
Nutrition & Endocrine Disruptors
Assessing your nutrition is an important first step when supporting thyroid health. Removing common food allergies or sensitivities from the diet can be an easy win, however it is important to decipher that food allergies are different than food sensitivities.
Food allergies are generated by the IgE branch of the immune system and show up within minutes of ingesting the reactive food. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are controlled by different branches of the immune system, which include the IgA, IgM and IgG branches. Interestingly enough, the IgG branch is thought to be responsible for creating thyroid antibodies, particularly in cases of Hashimoto’s.
Common food sensitivities that one can look to remove from their diet include gluten, dairy, soy and corn, as well as certain nightshades (eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers), and even alcohol and caffeine for some individuals. I would also suggest looking at the quality of your water (filtered vs. tap), and the quantity of non-organic produce and meats.
Extra credit if you also look for hidden endocrine-disrupting ingredients commonly found in beauty, skin care, cosmetic and cleaning products, such as parabens, fragrances, triclosan, oxybenzone and heavy metals.5 Thyroid Nutrients
Several nutrients, such as iodine, zinc and selenium, play an integral role in regard to proper thyroid functioning.
Iodine can be a bit of a Goldilocks mineral when it comes to thyroid health, with excess supplemental intake potentially being problematic. Getting iodine from food sources such as kelp or dulse, as well as wild-caught fish such as tuna can benefit thyroid health.
Selenium is critical for the function of the thyroid, and it is particularly abundant in this gland. Selenium is incorporated into selenoproteins, which have important antioxidant activity. These selenoproteins remove free radicals generated during the production of thyroid hormones and protect against oxidative damage. Selenium works together with iodine to activate three different selenium-dependent enzymes, which can then activate or deactivate thyroid hormones. Organic Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, sardines, halibut, as well as grass-fed turkey and beef, are a high dietary source of selenium.
Zinc is another trace mineral that is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Zinc is needed for the production of hormones T3, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Animal proteins, such as turkey, beef, oysters and eggs, are great dietary sources of zinc.6-10
In addition to dietary and nutrient interventions, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, magnesium, B-complex vitamins and CoQ10 can be beneficial for thyroid health, while herbs, such as lemon balm, ginger, bladderwrack, bacopa and gotu kola, can be considered.12
Newer research is looking into the role of mono-targeting nutrients, such as carnitine, tyrosine, myo-inositol and resveratrol, to support thyroid health as well.11
Lifestyle Interventions
Since the regulation of thyroid hormones starts in the brain (in the hypothalamus to be exact) it is vital to support the nervous system. Mitigating systemic inflammation is an important follow-up step when supporting thyroid health, which can include developing a robust and healthy stress response, focusing on getting quality sleep, getting adequate rest and not overdoing it with too much high-intensity exercise. Incorporating alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, low-intensity movement such as walking, yoga or pilates, as well as manual lymphatic drainage, can all be wonderful additions to creating a holistic thyroid protocol. VR
References:
1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763182/#:~:text=The%20thyroid%20hormone%20is%20well,hypothalamic%2Dpituitary%2Dthyroid%20axis.
2 www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/#:~:text=An%20estimated%2020%20million%20Americans,thyroid%20disorder%20during%20her%20lifetime.
3 www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/.
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35952387/.
5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18217984/.
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594417/.
7 www.nature.com/articles/s41574-019-0311-6.
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35440339/.
9 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8658851/#:~:text=Selenium%20(Se)%2C%20a%20microelement,particularly%20abundant%20in%20this%20gland.
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30982439/#:~:text=Scientific%20evidence%20shows%20that%20zinc,essential%20transcription%20factors%20involved%20in.
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770945/.
12 www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/79/table-of-contents/article3314/.
Brianna Diorio holds a PhD in integrative medicine from the University of Natural Medicine and is a clinical nutritionist with a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is also a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner (FDN), an herbal practitioner through the Herbal Academy, a family herbalist through The School of Natural Healing, a NASM certified personal trainer, and a holistic lifestyle coach from the C.H.E.K Institute. Diorio is the host of the Brianna Approved Podcast, which is a podcast for people who like a holistic approach to real science and clinical research on all things nutrition, botanicals and balance. She currently works as a clinician with her private practice that specializes in alternative health, functional medicine and dietary supplements. Diorio works with a vast array of clients and businesses to educate and improve their health and dietary needs.
