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The Thyroid and Issues

Posted By: Joshua Morgan on 12/27/2011

Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland is found in the neck, right below the voice box (larynx).  The thyroid is filled with cells that contain iodine complexes. These complexes are precursors (or the start of production so to speak) of thyroid hormones.  Although they’re often referred to as “thyroid hormone”, the thyroid gland produces two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a vital role in regulating growth and metabolism.  I mention both T3 and T4 because it’s not atypical to go to the doctor, they realize you have low thyroid and prescribe something that will work with the T3 or T4 but not both.  Now, of course, I hate to make some absolute statements. Some doctors will hit both (usually D.O.s) but often not both.  This will at least give you something to strike up should you need to get on thyroid treatments; you can ask your doctor if he or she is going to address both the T3 and T4.

The thyroid is one of the “master controllers” that regulates nearly every major metabolic function in the body.  Thyroid hormones regulate pretty much everything at a cellular and tissue level—growth, reproduction, repair, etc.

So you know…

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can influence your metabolism.

What does the thyroid impact?

• Increased oxygen consumption (metabolic rate)
• Increased thermogenesis (heat production)
• Increased number of beta adrenergic receptors in the heart, skeletal
  muscle, adipose tissues, and lymphocytes (these receptors bind fat
  mobilizing hormones)
•  Increased sensitivity to fat mobilization, and the ‘fight or
  flight hormones’
•  Increased number of red blood cells and increased oxygen delivery
•  Increased lypolysis
•  Increased liver glycogen breakdown
•  Increased liver glucose production
•  Increased intestinal glucose absorption
•  Increased protein turnover
•  Decreased cholesterol levels

 Hyperthyroidism

In hyperthyroidism, or over-active thyroid function, it’s as if your body’s “engine” is revving at high speed. Symptoms can include:

• racing heart and palpitations
• trouble sleeping
• tremor and nervousness
• weight loss
• hair loss
• muscle aches and weakness
• diarrhea and over-active digestive system
• sweating and trouble tolerating heat
• exophthalmos (bulging eyes)

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to low thyroid function — the opposite of the above.

If you’re struggling to lose fat even with a solid nutrition plan and regular, intense exercise, and you have some or all of the symptoms below, consider hypothyroidism as a possible contributor, especially if you’re female.

1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid problem at some point in life. Unexplained weight gain is one symptom of hypothyroid, but others include:

• tiredness, fatigue, lethargy
• depression and losing interest in normal activities
• forgetfulness
• dry hair and skin
• puffy face
• slow heart rate
• intolerance to cold
• constipation
• brittle nails
• muscle cramping
• changes in menstrual cycle

 I want to mention that while many people assume that correcting the thyroid imbalance will suddenly result in body fat just melting away like crazy.  Changes will happen, but these individuals will be disappointed if they don’t’ realize that changes are a lot more subtle than sudden. Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle issues all need to be addressed.

Screening for thyroid function

• Some organizations recommend that any person over the age of 40 be screened periodically for thyroid function. This can be done with a blood test measuring TSH.
• As previously mentioned, TSH stimulates the thyroid. If the thyroid does not respond, then TSH levels will rise. Overly high TSH levels mean that the signal is being released, but the thyroid isn’t listening. (Imagine screaming louder and louder at a person who can’t hear well.)
• If diagnosed, hypothyroidism is controlled with thyroid hormone replacement (specific to the individual).

The role of iodine

• Dietary iodine is needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. To meet the body’s demand for thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland traps iodine from the blood and uses it for the synthesis of T3 and T4.
• Iodine deficiency results in a lower production of T4. The body normally contains 20 to 30 mg of iodine, with more than 75% in the thyroid gland. The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg/day for adult men and women. \ Iodine from seaweed appears to enhance thyroid function.

Recommendations

• Consume adequate iodine
• Don’t drastically restrict calories
• Consume adequate carbohydrates and fats
• Maintain a 5 hour per week exercise regimen
• If symptoms of hypothyroidism are suspected, request a TSH test from your physician
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Avoid synthetic chemicals found in conventional food items, body products and food containers when possible

Yours in Health,

Joshua Morgan

And now for some references

Teas J, et al. Seaweed and soy: companion foods in Asian cuisine and their effects on thyroid function in American women. J Med Food 2007;10:90-100.

Borer KT. Exercise Endocrinology. Human Kinetics. Champaign, IL. 2003.

Mahan LK & Escott-Stump S. Eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 11th ed. Saunders Publishing, Philadelphia, PA. 2004.

Andrews, Ryan. Precision Nutrition. May 20^th, 2010.

Berardi, John. Johnberardi.com.  Sept 14^th, 2001