Diet to combat Thyroidism

In the body there is a endocrine system which is a network of several glands that create and secrete (release) hormones. A gland is an organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat or tears. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

In the brain, the anterior pituitary gland produces a glycoprotein hormone, called Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is the primary stimulus for thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland.

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It controls many of your body’s important functions by producing and releasing (secreting) certain hormones. Your thyroid’s main job is to control the speed of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume into energy. All of the cells in your body need energy to function.

TSH stimulates thyroid gland (follicular cells) to release four thyroid hormones in the form of T3 (Triiodothyronine) or T4 (Tetraiodothyronine), RT3 (Reverse triiodothyronine) and Calcitonin. T4 is the primary hormone, represents 80% and doesn’t have much of an effect on metabolism. T4 converts to T3 through the process of de-iodination. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone which represents 20% and has a much greater effect on metabolism than T4. T3 and T4 can then exert negative feedback on the anterior pituitary with high levels of T3/T4 decreasing TSH secretion and low of T3/T4 increasing TSH secretion. Thyroid makes very small amounts of RT3, which reverses the effects of T3. Calcitonin helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood.

Types of Thyroidism

Thyroidism or thyroid disease is of two types, primary thyroid disease and secondary thyroid disease. Primary thyroid disease is arising from the thyroid gland itself while secondary thyroid disease is arising from the anterior pituitary that indirectly affects thyroid function.

A thyroid problem exists in the form of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism there is excessive thyroid hormone synthesis or release and in hypothyroidism there is inadequate thyroid hormone synthesis or release.

In primary hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces large amount of T3 and T4, which, through negative feedback inhibition mechanism, suppress TSH secretion from the anterior pituitary. In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of T3 and T4, which, through negative feedback inhibition mechanism, increases TSH secretion from the anterior pituitary.

In secondary hyperthyroidism, the anterior pituitary produces large amounts of TSH, which, in turn, stimulate the thyroid follicular cells to secrete thyroid hormones in excessive amounts. In secondary hypothyroidism, the anterior pituitary produces less amounts of TSH, which, in turn, stimulate the thyroid follicular cells to secrete thyroid hormones in low amounts.

Tests to differentiate Thyroidism

Thyroid function tests measures the levels of T3, T4 and TSH in the blood. We can diagnose the thyroid disease whether it is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and also differentiate for primary and secondary cause by seeing levels of T3, T4 and TSH. A change in TSH that parallels T3 and T4 changes indicates a secondary problem originating in the anterior pituitary. In contrast, a TSH change that follows the opposite direction of T3 and T4 suggests a problem in the thyroid gland itself.

Thyroid gland needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. Thyroid gland traps iodine and transforms it into thyroid hormones. If you have too little or too much iodine in your body, it can affect the level of hormones your thyroid makes and releases. We get iodine mostly from iodized table salt and water. Other major sources of iodine are cheese, cow’s milk, eggs, yogurt, saltwater fist, shellfish, seaweed, soy milk and soy sauce.

Thyroid hormones affect the following bodily functions.

• How your body uses energy (metabolism)
• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Digestion
• Body temperature
• Brain development
• Mental activity

Main conditions in Thyroidism

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – Inadequate thyroid hormone production.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – Excess amount of thyroid hormone production.
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
• Thyroid cancer

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism are:

• Unexpected weight loss, even when food consumption and appetite remain unchanged.
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Tremor (usually trembling of the fingers and hands)
• Sweating
• Increased sensitivity to heat and/or cold
• More frequent bowel movements
• Muscle weakness
• Hair thinning
• Specifically in male symptoms are erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, premature balding, lower level of testosterone, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:

• Unexpected weight gain, even when food consumption and appetite remain unchanged.
• Fatigueness
• Depression
• Constipation
• Feeling cold
• Decreased sweating
• Slowed heart rate
• Elevated blood cholesterol
• Dry skin
• Dry, thinning hair
• Impaired memory
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness
• Pain and stiffness in your joints
• Specifically in women adults, symptoms are fertility difficulties, menstrual changes (irregular or heavy periods), anemia in pregnancy.
• Specifically in congenital hypothyroidism, symptoms in infants are sleeping more than usual, constipation, difficulty with feeding and delayed growth (if the condition is untreated).
• Severe hypothyroidism symptoms (if hypothyroidism isn’t treated) are puffy/sensitive face, hoarseness, anemia and loss of hearing, hypothermia, low blood pressure, low heart rate and in severe condition myxedema coma ( a life threatening condition that requires emergency care).

Diet in Hyperthyroidism:

          Food to eat are:

• low iodine foods
• cruciferous vegetables
• Minerals like Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Calcium and Vit. D,
• Healthy fats
• Spices like turmeric, green chilies and black paper

Foods to avoid are:

• Foods high in iodine
• Gluten
• Soy
• Caffaine

Diet in Hypothyroidism

          Foods to eat are:

• Gluten free diet
• Calorie controlled diet
• Minerals and vitamins like Iodine, Selenium ,Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Vit. D, Vit. B12, Vit. A,  Folate
• Protein rich diet

Foods to avoid or limit are:

• Gluten diet
• Ultra processed food
• Goitrogens