The Role of the Thyroid in Metabolism
The thyroid plays a crucial role in controlling metabolism by producing and releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones are essential for normal brain development, gastrointestinal activity, skeletal development, and even help maintain a balanced mood.
Understanding Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders are a common concern for many people. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones, leading to symptoms like mood swings, a rapid heartbeat, and weight loss. On the other hand, hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, causing fatigue, weight gain, and a slow metabolism.
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
The thyroid gland produces and releases two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4), also known as thyroxine. These hormones are vital for many bodily processes, especially metabolic functions. The thyroid also produces a third hormone, calcitonin, which, although not considered a true thyroid hormone because it is also synthesized in the lungs and intestinal tract, plays an important role in preventing bone loss and supporting normal calcium levels in the blood.
Serious Threats to Thyroid Function
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with endocrine function and thyroid hormone production. Unfortunately, these disruptors are widespread in our modern world. Examples include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and bisphenol-A (BPA), which is commonly found in “food-safe” plastics like take-out containers and soda bottles. Even though BPA has been replaced in many plastics, some alternatives are just as harmful.
Additionally, the water supply often contains fluoride, chlorine, and bromide, which can pose serious threats to normal thyroid function. Many thyroid issues are difficult to detect because their symptoms are common to many other diseases and disorders, leading to frequent misdiagnoses by doctors.
Supporting Healthy Thyroid Function
Despite the susceptibility of the thyroid to various disorders, there are steps you can take to support its health. The most important step is to ensure your body receives the nutrients critical for hormone production.
Certain foods can support the thyroid by providing these key nutrients. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, while selenium is required for the production of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that protects the thyroid from free radicals.
Both iodine and selenium can be obtained through diet. Iodine is naturally present in sea vegetables (like seaweed) and plants grown in iodine-rich soil, and it is also added to iodized table salt. Selenium sources include Brazil nuts, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, garlic, Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and produce grown in selenium-rich soil.
How Iodine Affects Your Thyroid
Iodine plays a crucial role in thyroid health. It is an essential component in the production of thyroid hormones. Without adequate iodine, the thyroid cannot produce enough hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Ensuring a diet rich in iodine can help maintain healthy thyroid function.