Healthy Thyroid Gland
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The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It manufactures two main hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The secretion of these hormones is regulated by a hormone produced by the brain called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).
The thyroid gland manufactures much more T4 than T3; however T3 is the active hormone. T4 must be converted into T3 in order to have its desired effects. This conversion mainly occurs in the liver, kidneys and muscles. Therefore the health of these organs, particularly the liver is essential for healthy thyroid hormone levels.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling the body’s metabolic rate, therefore the rate at which calories are burned. They are also required for energy production and regulation of body temperature. If hormone levels drop below normal, metabolism inside cells slows down and energy levels drop. If thyroid hormone levels become too high, all body processes speed up into overdrive.
Thyroid disorders are becoming increasingly common, particularly in women. By age 50, one in ten women has a thyroid condition. Thyroid conditions typically begin after childbirth, during menopause, or following a stressful life event. Many foods and environmental factors can affect the health of your thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland can malfunction in a variety of ways, however the most common conditions are an over active gland or an under active gland.
Iodine is a trace mineral with a number of important functions in the body. It forms part of the structure of thyroid hormones; therefore consuming adequate iodine is vitally important for normal hormone production. Between 70 and 80 percent of the body’s iodine is found in the thyroid gland. Iodine is also required for healthy breasts and ovaries.
Long term iodine deficiency can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge and form a swelling called a goitre. Obtaining adequate iodine during pregnancy is vitally important for the healthy intellectual development of the infant. Iodine deficiency in infancy can lead to reduced IQ.
Iodine deficiency is an increasingly common problem in many parts of the world. The majority of the world’s iodine is found in the oceans; however small amounts are also found in the soil. Unfortunately many inland areas have soils very deficient in iodine. Studies done in the last five years have identified iodine deficiency as a common problem among adults, children and pregnant women. Your iodine level can be checked with a urine test.
Seafood that comes from the ocean (rather than farmed seafood) is a good source of iodine. Seaweeds (such as arame, wakame, nori and kombu) are an excellent source of iodine; unfortunately they are not commonly eaten by most people. Iodine is easily obtainable in supplement form.
Selenium is required for the production, activation and metabolism of thyroid hormone. A healthy thyroid gland contains more selenium per gram than any other tissue in the body.
Selenium is required by the enzyme that converts T4 thyroid hormone into its active form, T3. If you are deficient in selenium you will not be able to manufacture sufficient T3 and you may experience the symptoms of an under active thyroid gland.
A selenium deficiency can contribute to the development of autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease and post partum thyroiditis. Selenium has an anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit the production of destructive antibodies against the thyroid gland in autoimmune thyroid disease.
Obtaining adequate selenium from diet alone is very difficult because very few foods are a rich source of selenium. Brazil nuts, crab and salmon provide some selenium, however using a selenium supplement will ensure you receive optimal levels of this vital mineral.
Vitamin D is a hormone-like substance that is produced in the skin during exposure to sunlight. It has many important functions in the body, including strengthening bones, promoting a healthy immune system and protecting against a wide range of diseases.
Vitamin D helps to regulate cellular replication in a very important way. Specifically vitamin D helps cells to differentiate (become specialised), and inhibits cells from proliferating, or growing in an out of control way. It is thought that these are the reasons why vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of various types of cancer.
Vitamin D is also vital for a healthy immune system and research has shown that deficiency increases the risk of autoimmune disease. Surprisingly vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in many people. An Australian study conducted in 2001 detected mild or moderate vitamin D deficiency in more than one in three women during summer, and one in two in winter. Those most at risk of deficiency include people with dark skin, women who practise veiling, people taking certain medications (such as anti-epileptic drugs), and people who spend most of their time indoors. Sunscreen inhibits the manufacture of vitamin D.
Prolonged sun exposure can be hazardous and I strongly urge you to avoid becoming sunburnt. Vitamin D is found in very few foods, therefore supplementing with vitamin D is usually the best option.
For more information about thyroid conditions see our book Your Thyroid Problems Solved.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
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