If you suffer from fatigue, fluctuating anxiety and depression, dry or shiny skin, unexplained weight loss or gain, hair loss or digestive concerns and haven’t considered your thyroid, it might be something you want to think about researching to help determine if you could be suffering from a thyroid-related health concern.
The thyroid is a true multitasker, regulating the body’s metabolism and influencing the functions of heart, brain, muscles, liver, and more. If it runs too fast or slow, we likely won’t feel our best.
Unregulated Weight Conundrum
Have you ever wondered why your weight seems to fluctuate, despite your best efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Well, the answer might lie in the complex relationship between your thyroid gland, metabolism, and body weight. Thyroid hormones, produced by this unassuming gland located in the front of your neck, play a crucial role in regulating your body’s metabolic processes, which in turn affects weight and energy.
What Does the Thyroid Do?
Let’s start with the thyroid’s role in your body. This small but mighty gland produces three hormones – Triiodothyronine (T3) and Tetraiodothyronine (T4), and these are the primary players in regulating metabolism.
Metabolism is the body’s process of converting food into energy and essential compounds for growth and function, including breaking down nutrients and eliminating waste.
There is also Iodine, and this is essential for the production of T3 and T4. Therefore, it’s vital your diet contains enough selenium to help promote Iodine to support this production.
Brazil nuts are rich in Selenium, which is a necessary micronutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis and function
These hormones, (T3 and T4), boost your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number of calories your body needs to function at rest. In other words, they make every cell in your body work harder, requiring more energy. So, the higher your BMR, the more calories you burn, even at rest!
How does an Imbalance affect my weight?
Well, if you have hyperthyroidism, this means your thyroid is overactive, which in turn leads to the over production of these thyroid hormones. As a result of this, your BMR increases, and your cells work harder, which can lead to (unwanted) weight loss. The severity of the weight loss depends on the extent of your hyperthyroidism, but generally speaking, the more severe the condition, the more weight you might lose.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism means your thyroid is underactive, leading to a decreased BMR. This reduction often results in (unwanted) weight gain, though it’s typically more subtle than the weight loss seen in hyperthyroidism. In most cases, people with hypothyroidism experience weight increases of 2 to 5 kilograms rather than dramatic jumps.
The Stress & Medication Angle
Surprisingly, some individuals when taking thyroid medication, still wrestle with symptoms. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
Vitamin C secretion is part of the body’s stress response. Excessive stress, along with the body’s insufficient intake of the vitamin, can create a deficiency that leads to adrenal stress
Now, this is a bit of a mouthful, but if this applies to you, then it is useful to take your time to understand.
Countless studies show chronic adrenal stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA).
So, because thyroid hormones are directed by the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands, anything which disrupts that HPA axis will affect thyroid function.
So, exploring ways to give a little love to this remarkable gland of ours is a great idea!
Thyroid’s Essential Partners
There are four main players which help support the Thyroid; Iodine, Vitamin C, Selenium and Iron. So, relying on your thyroid alone to maintain thyroid health and weight isn’t really enough. Making lifestyle choices with a wide and varied diet and regular exercise, can have a significant impact on your weight and overall well-being. So, proper diet, regular exercise and managing stress are not only essential for maintaining or losing weight, but also for managing the symptoms of thyroid conditions.
Lyn Mynott, CEO of Thyroid UK, emphasizes the importance of taking control of your health when dealing with thyroid issues.
Do some research about your condition, especially regarding blood tests and results. Keep a diary of your symptoms in relation to your test results and dosage of medication, so that you can see where you feel best. Eat healthily making sure you eat a range of foods which include iron and selenium
In conclusion
The thyroid plays a pivotal role in the regulation of your body’s metabolism and, subsequently, your weight. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to weight fluctuations, whether it’s weight loss in hyperthyroidism or weight gain in hypothyroidism. While research suggests a potential link between thyroid hormones and weight regulation, it’s essential to adopt a holistic approach to thyroid health, including diet, exercise and stress management, to maintain a healthy weight and manage thyroid conditions effectively.
Bonus smoothie recipe from me to you!
TESTme Thyroid Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of spinach (for iron and vitamin C)
- 1 small banana (for vitamin C and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt (for iodine)
- 1/2 cup of strawberries (for vitamin C)
- 1/4 cup of raw, unsalted Brazil nuts (for selenium)
- 1/2 teaspoon of spirulina powder (for iodine and more nutrients)
- 1/2 cup of coconut water or almond milk (to add flavour and liquid)
Instructions:
- Add the spinach, banana, Greek yogurt, strawberries, and Brazil nuts into your blender.
- Sprinkle the spirulina powder for an extra iodine and nutrient hit.
- Pour in the coconut water or almond milk and blitz!
- Blend everything until smooth and creamy. (adjust the liquid to achieve your preferred thickness).
- Add a bit of honey or maple syrup to sweeten (optional).
- Pour your thyroid-boosting smoothie into a glass over ice and enjoy!
- Swap the Greek Yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
This smoothie is packed with nutrients beneficial for thyroid health, and is also a great way to support your overall well-being.