Simple steps to nourish your gut and balance your thyroid

Emerging research suggests that your gut microbiome may play a crucial role in regulating thyroid function. Does this mean a healthier gut equals a healthier thyroid?

The gut can impact the thyroid via several pathways. For example, your gut microbiota influences the absorption of minerals necessary for your thyroid, so if your gut is imbalanced and not absorbing these minerals properly, it could lead to thyroid dysfunction.

Let’s explore in more detail –

T4 and T3 hormones

Your gut plays an important role when it comes to the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) into T3 (triiodothyronine), which is the biologically active thyroid hormone. T4 is the major hormone, mostly inactive, produced by your thyroid gland. T3 binds to the thyroid hormone receptors, regulates metabolism, and is active. Around 80% of T3 is made from the T4 hormone, rather than directly from the thyroid.¹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3049061

The guts role

Having a healthy gut microbiome can affect the way your thyroid functions. Healthy bacteria help maintain a happy environment for converting T4 into T3. The gut wall is also involved in the conversion; the enzymes found in the lining are important for this process indirectly. Two enzymes (Deiodinase type 2 and type 1) get rid of an iodine atom from T4, to produce active T3.

Nutrient absorption

An imbalance in your gut flora can affect the conversion of the two thyroid hormones, as the way it absorbs nutrients can be hindered if you are in a state of gut dysbiosis. There are specific nutrients that need to be absorbed in the gut for deiodinase activity:

• Selenium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Iodine
• Vitamins A, D, B12

These all support thyroid hormone production and the T4/T3 conversion, so it is essential to have a healthy gut microbiome to absorb nutrients properly.²https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7353203/

Autoimmune thyroid disorders

Current research suggests that having gut disorders, such as intestinal permeability, can make autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s, develop and progress further. The effects of having intestinal permeability can cause other substances to enter your bloodstream, which wouldn’t normally be there. This can sometimes trigger an immune response, which can react with the thyroid gland. Intestinal permeability and other disorders also create inflammation within the body, which can travel up to the thyroid gland. If the inflammation is chronic, it can impact your thyroid hormones and lead to dysfunction.³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459262/

How to improve your gut to help your thyroid

To support a healthy gut microbiome, it is essential to feed your gut microbes fermented foods and fibre! Taking care of your mental wellness by exercising regularly and taking time to relax is also crucial to keeping your gut happy and balanced.

Our kefir and Complete Prebiotic are great ways to give your gut the beneficial bacteria that it needs, alongside feeding the bacteria a diverse range of 18 prebiotics so your gut can truly thrive! Our kefir contains 27 strains of live beneficial bacteria, made with only two ingredients – goats milk and live kefir grains.

For more information on thyroid health, check out this article – 6 natural ways to support your thyroid health.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.

References

• 1
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3049061
• 2
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7353203/
• 3
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459262/

Questions? Talk to a Nutritional Therapist on live chat!