5 Ways to Support Conversion of T4 to T3💫

For anyone looking to optimize their thyroid function, this is ESSENTIAL.

Your thyroid gland makes hormone in the form of T4, which is then converted into the more active T3 in other areas—especially the liver.

If this conversion is sluggish, you may feel the effects of low thyroid function even if T4 levels are within the normal range.

Here are some ways to support the conversion:

🥗 Liver Support

Since conversion of T4 to T3 happens primarily in the liver, supporting healthy liver function also supports healthy thyroid function.

🌱 Gut Support

The enzyme needed to convert T4 to T3 is also present in the gut wall, so gut health may influence T3 levels.

💊 Nutrient Optimization

T4 to T3 conversion depends on selenium and zinc, found mainly in meats, nuts, and seeds.

🧘‍♀️ Stress Management

Anything the body perceives as stress triggers the release of cortisol. Higher levels of cortisol are associated with more conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (inactive form) rather than the active T3.

🍭 Blood Sugar Balance

Similar to the effect of stress, insulin resistance is associated with more conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (inactive form) rather than the active T3.

Which of these is new to you?

Let me know in the comments ⤵️

Reference

Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-76. [link]

Knezevic J, Starchl C, Tmava Berisha A, Amrein K. Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1769. Published 2020 Jun 12. [link]

Sinha SR, Prakash P, Keshari JR, Kumari R, Prakash V. Assessment of Serum Cortisol Levels in Hypothyroidism Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2023;15(12):e50199. [link]