Body’s own butterfly: The Thyroid Gland 

Thyroid health and nutrition

Did you know, your body has an in-built butterfly, it is a gland that controls and manages many functions of the body!

Let’s dive in and know more.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located just below the voice box.

It is a major endocrine gland responsible for producing hormones that regulate key body functions.

Metabolism: The thyroid gland plays a key role in stimulating appetite, digestion, breakdown, and absorption of nutrients.

Regulation of body temperature: It helps maintain body temperature, keeping us warm, especially in cold weather.

Growth and development: During childhood and adolescence, the thyroid gland supports growth and development.

Cardiac system: Enhances heart rate and the strength of heart contractions. Widens blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart, muscles, and skin.

Oxygen delivery: Stimulates hemoglobin production and enhances oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Micronutrient absorption: Improves the absorption of folate and cobalamin (vitamin B12) in the gut, helping prevent anemia.

Nervous system: Increases alertness and responsiveness to external stimuli by stimulating the nervous system.

Reproductive health: Supports egg production in females and enhances sperm production in males.

The thyroid also has a master of its own. 

Ever wondered, how does one organ do so many things and that too without complaining? 

Well, just like our homes are managed by our mother’s (you know our home-ministers), the thyroid gland is managed by a small part present in the body’s C.P.U (any guesses, what are we talking about?) you are right! It is a part of our brain managing and running the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland, present inside our brain stimulates the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and in turn the TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release the thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4). The thyroid gland produces 80% T4 and 20% T3. But this does not end here, the pituitary gland also has its master. The hypothalamus in our brain produces thyrotropin- releasing hormone (TRH) which stimulates the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH production is inversely proportional to the thyroid hormones, which means low production of thyroid hormones higher production of TSH and vice versa. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin that helps regulate the level of calcium in the serum.

Just like we have our own set of complications that affects how we behave or react, the thyroid also has its own set of complications that majorly affect its functioning.

HYPOthyroidism HYPERthyroidism 
Underactive thyroid gland Overactive thyroid gland 
Thyroid does not produce enough hormones Thyroid produces hormones in excess 
Low metabolic rate, slow respiratory and cardiovascular activitiesHigh metabolic rate, faster respiratory and cardiovascular activities. 
Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, poor appetite, cold intolerance, slow heart rateSymptoms: irritability, insomnia, weight loss, increased heart rate, heat intolerance 

Let’s give a hearing to these complications 

Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. As iodine is essential to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, a deficiency of this mineral can lead to an underproduction of the thyroid hormones leading to hypothyroidism. Due to this the pituitary gland produces more TSH in order to stimulate the thyroid gland, but due to lack of iodine the thyroid gland responds to the TSH by growing in size forming a goitre (enlarged thyroid gland). 

Hashimoto’s disease is the 2nd most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid gland. 

TSH levels are majorly elevated in hypothyroidism, with a decreased level of T3 and T4. 

Graves disease is one of the causes of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by the presence of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). This TSI mimics TSH and leads to stimulation of the thyroid gland to produce hormones in an uncontrolled manner, this can also lead to the formation of goitre.

Another cause for hyperthyroidism includes excessive iodine intake that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, hence keeping a check on the iodine intake is also essentially important.

A benign growth in the pituitary gland called TSH releasing pituitary adenoma, which causes the production of excess TSH, leading to an overactive thyroid gland.  

TSH levels lower than normal with relatively normal to elevated T3 and T4 indicate hyper hypothyroidism. 

Nutrition for your saviour. 

One gland, doing so much to keep the human body running, definitely requires the right food and nutrition to run smoothly. Research also suggests that dietary factors and micronutrients influence the thyroid hormone production and functioning.

Iodine is essential for the production of the thyroid hormones. Iodine from food is absorbed in the small intestine and is transported via the bloodstream to the thyroid gland for hormone production. Deficiency of iodine leads to an underactive thyroid gland, moreover during pregnancy affects the cognitive development of the fetus, it also leads to irreversible brain and neurological damage in the fetus. Just like two sides of a coin, excessive iodine intake also has adverse effects on the thyroid functioning, leading to an overactive thyroid gland. 

Food sources including seafood and dairy like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, consumption of iodised salt is considered as the safest method to fulfill the iodine requirement. The WHO, also states that iodine supplementation may be required by pregnant and lactating mothers, based on the household iodised salt consumption. 

Other food sources for iodine include 

Zinc and selenium are often spoken off together when it comes to thyroid health. Both these trace minerals are essential for thyroid functioning and hormone production. A deficiency of these micronutrients puts one at risk for developing thyroid disorders like hypothyroid, autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. 

Food sources of zinc and selenium to eat ro complete their requirement include, brazil nuts, whole grains, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish and oyster.  

The sunshine vitamin, vitamin D plays a major role in modulating the immune system and protects against immune disorders. Thereby, helping to reduce risk of immune related thyroid disorders. As the name suggests, the sun is the major source of vitamin D. 

Food sources to look out for include fortified dairy products and fish. If consuming a supplement, taking it after breakfast which must be the largest meal of your day, helps with maximum absorption. 

Iron is another micronutrients essential for the production of thyroid hormones, as it is a key component of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. Deficiency of iron can lead to thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism. 

Food sources include poultry, fish, organ meat, legumes, dates, dark green leafy vegetables and legumes. 

Copper and magnesium are essential trace minerals involved in thyroid function. 

Copper, found in foods like organ meats and leafy greens, plays a key role in thyroid hormone synthesis by acting as a cofactor for enzymes like tyrosinase, which helps make the active form of thyroid hormone. 

Magnesium, found in green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, catalyses the reaction for the conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form. 

Prioritise gut health 

The gut microbiota, made up of trillions of microorganisms in the digestive system, plays an important role in regulating metabolism and energy by helping extract nutrients from food and producing substances that affect the body’s processes. Studies have shown that changes in diet can alter the gut microbiota. There is growing evidence of a thyroid-gut connection, suggesting that the gut microbiota may influence thyroid function. It helps absorb key minerals like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron, which are important for thyroid health. The gut also plays a role in converting thyroid hormones into their active forms, affecting overall thyroid hormone levels. Consuming fibre rich foods, pre and probiotics, hydration, managing stress and physical activity are all important to improve gut health. 

Key Takeaways:

  1. Thyroid Function and Role: The thyroid gland, shaped like a butterfly, controls metabolism, body temperature, growth, heart function, and even reproductive health through the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
  2. Thyroid Complications: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can result from iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s disease, or Graves’ disease, affecting metabolism, cardiovascular function, and energy levels.
  3. Nutrition and Thyroid Health: Micronutrients such as iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, and vitamin D are essential for thyroid hormone production and regulation. Deficiencies in these can lead to thyroid disorders.
  4. Gut-Health Connection: The gut microbiota helps in absorbing key minerals and converting thyroid hormones into their active forms, influencing thyroid function. Maintaining gut health is crucial for supporting thyroid hormone balance.
  5. Iodine’s Dual Role: Iodine is vital for thyroid hormone production, but both deficiency and excess iodine can negatively impact thyroid function. Balanced iodine intake, especially through iodised salt, is key to preventing thyroid issues.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is sourced from research articles and reputable websites. However, as each individual’s body and health needs are unique, it is essential to consult with your doctor, dietitian, or healthcare provider for personalized advice and plans tailored specifically to your condition.

Acknowledgement: I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our CEO, Purva Gulyani – Accredited Practising Dietitian, for providing me with the opportunity to contribute to this blog. Your valuable feedback, along with your time spent proofreading and editing, has greatly enhanced the quality of this work. Your guidance and support are truly appreciated.

References: 

Image 1 reference: Cleveland clinic: Thyroid gland 

Image 2 reference: RFA for life: Thyroid health 

Image 2 reference: Allen. in: Thyroid gland  

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Purva Gulyani

Purva Gulyani – an Accredited Practising Dietitian and lifelong member of the Indian Dietitian Association. Currently pursuing PhD at Latrobe University. Purva brings over 16+ years of clinical dietitian experience to the table.

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