The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that control your metabolism, energy, mood and overall well being. Think of it as the “power switch” for all of the cells in your body.
Here’s a brief summary of how the thyroid works.
The hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for maintaining hormonal balance in the body, is able to sense when the thyroid hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), levels are low. When it senses this change, it then sends a signal using TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) to the pituitary gland saying, “tell the thyroid to get busy!”
The pituitary gland then releases TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to signal the thyroid. TSH travels through the blood to the thyroid gland, telling it to make and release the two main hormones T4 and T3.
T4 is the main hormone produced and is mostly inactive. T3 is the active form that your body uses. Most T4 is converted into T3 in the tissues of the body to turn on the power of the cell. Levels of T3 then make their way back to the hypothalamus and the loop continues.
In order to convert T4 into T3, many micronutrients are involved.
Iodine is an essential building block for creating T3 and T4. You can get Iodine from foods like seaweed, fish, and egg yolks.
Selenium, the richest food source being Brazil nuts, is needed to convert T4 into T3.
Zinc helps make and activate the thyroid hormones. Zinc is found in oysters, beef and poultry, as well as legumes, nuts and seeds.
Iron, also found in animal sources like beef, organ meats and chicken, or dark leafy greens and nuts, is important for thyroid hormone production.
Vitamin D, B vitamins, and Vitamin A all support thyroid function and hormone activation. A wonderful way to increase levels of vitamin D is time in the sun (don’t get burned!) . B vitamins can be found in many different food sources including meat and fish, nuts and seeds, and some vegetables. Yellow and orange vegetables are a great source of vitamin A.
This system is highly sensitive to stress, toxins, infections and nutrient deficiencies, which disrupt hormone production and lead to symptoms. Ask your doctor abou how your symptoms are related to your thyroid function!
“The thyroid is like the gas pedal for your metabolism, controlling how fast or slow everything in your body works. But it’s part of a team effort, relying on signals from the brain and support from key nutrients to work properly.”
— The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution, Ch. 5: The Thyroid Connection
