Thyroid 101: Understanding the Basics for Optimal Health
Introduction
The thyroid gland is a small but mighty organ that plays a crucial role in your overall health. In this blog post, we'll explore what the thyroid is, its functions, symptoms of thyroid imbalances, and how to evaluate your thyroid health through lab tests. We'll also discuss foods and supplements that can support thyroid function.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It's part of the endocrine system and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
Function of the Thyroid
The thyroid produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, energy production, and other essential functions. These hormones influence nearly every cell in your body.
Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalances
Common Low Thyroid Function (Hypothyroidism)Fatigue
Weight gain
Dry skin
Hair loss
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold
Common High Thyroid Function (Hyperthyroidism)Rapid heartbeat
Weight loss
Anxiety
Insomnia
Increased appetite
Sensitivity to heat
Basic Lab Evaluation
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)TSH is released from the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid. It is usually the only test your doctor will order if trying to rule out a thyroid abnormality. A high TSH level MAY indicate hypothyroidism, while a low level could suggest hyperthyroidism (but it is not always that straight forward). In functional medicine, we learn not to always trust the TSH value, by itself, when it comes to determining thyroid dysfunction.
TSH OPTIMAL LEVEL: 1.8-3.0 mU/L
Total and Free T4T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid.
Total T4 measures both the bound (attached to proteins) and unbound (free hormone) levels of T4 in the blood. Total T4 can be altered by many drugs, such as estrogen.
Free T4 is the amount of available (or unbound) T4 in the blood. This level can be altered by having an acute illness or taking certain medications, such as heparin.
Low levels of each can indicate hypothyroidism, and high levels can indicate hyperthyroidism (but again, this is not always the case).
Total T4 Optimal Level: 6-12 ug/d
Free T4 Optimal Level: 1.2-4.9 mg/dl
Total and Free T3T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone.
Total T3 measures both the bound (attached to proteins) and unbound (free hormone) levels of T3 in the blood. Just like Total T4, this level can be altered by many drugs, including estrogens.
Free T3 is the amount of available (or unbound) T3 in the blood. This is, in my opinion, the best test for checking your thyroid health but rarely ordered by most doctors.
Low levels of either can indicate hypothyroidism, and high levels of either can indicate hyperthyroidism (but not always the case).
Free T3 Optimal Level: 1.0-1.5 ng/dl
Reverse T3This is a measurement of the amount of Reverse T3 produced. A high level of Reverse T3 can indicate a problem with converting T4 to T3, often seen in extreme stress, such as trauma or surgery, or chronic illness. New literature suggests that production is increased due to the inability to clear Reverse T3 as well as from high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Reverse T3 Optimal Level: 90-350 pg/ml
Thyroid Antibodies
Presence of thyroid antibodies can indicate an autoimmune condition (which means the body is attacking itself) affecting the thyroid. This is classified as either Hashimoto's for low thyroid function or Graves' disease for high thyroid function.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab) are antibodies produced against thyroid peroxidase, which is the enzyme responsible for producing thyroid antibodies.
Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGB Ab) are antibodies against thyroglobulin, which is found in the thyroid gland and used to make thyroid hormone.
Most often, I see Hashimoto’s from high TPO antibodies. If your antibodies are negative, you may want to consider having them checked annually, especially if you have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
Photo by Jamie Street
Foods for Thyroid Health
SeaweedWhy it helps: Seaweed is a natural source of iodine, an essential mineral that the thyroid needs to produce thyroid hormones. A deficiency in iodine can lead to hypothyroidism and other thyroid-related issues.
Brazil NutsWhy it helps: Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium, a mineral that plays a critical role in the conversion of T4 to the active T3 hormone. Selenium also helps protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress.
EggsWhy it helps: Eggs are a well-rounded source of nutrients like iodine and selenium. The yolk, in particular, contains these thyroid-supporting minerals, making eggs an excellent food for thyroid health.
BerriesWhy it helps: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress that may otherwise harm the thyroid gland. They are also a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Fish Rich in Omega-3Why it helps: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines have anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance the immune system and may be beneficial for autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's disease.
Photo by Leohoho
Supplements for Thyroid Support
SeleniumWhy it helps: Selenium is essential for the conversion of T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative stress. A deficiency in selenium can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
ZincWhy it helps: Zinc plays a role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and helps regulate the levels of TSH. It's also important for immune system function, which can be beneficial for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Vitamin DWhy it helps: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's and Graves' disease. Vitamin D helps modulate the immune system and may reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland.
AshwagandhaWhy it helps: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to improve TSH levels and increase the production of T4. It can help combat stress, which is often a contributing factor to thyroid imbalances.
L-TyrosineWhy it helps: L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a building block for thyroid hormones. It can support the production of T3 and T4, helping to improve thyroid function.
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Conclusion
Understanding your thyroid health is crucial for overall well-being. I find that so many women have symptoms of an underactive thyroid but their labs appear normal so they are at a loss as to what to do! If this is you, listen to my latest YouTube to find out why this happens and what you can do about it!
And if you want a little help taking the labs you have and doing a deeper dive, then book your call with me today! I’d love to help you figure out what’s going on!