The Thyroid Triad (Gut & Liver!)

Want better thyroid function? 👉

Then we also need to optimize the liver and the gut. Here’s why:

🔁 Thyroid & Gut:

Thyroid hormones influence gut motility (causing constipation when underactive). Gut dysbiosis or inflammation can worsen oxidative stress that damages the thyroid.

🔁 Thyroid & Liver:

Thyroid hormones influence fat metabolism in the liver (contributing to insulin resistance and fatty liver when underactive). Conversion of T4 to active T3 takes place in the liver, meaning that a compromised liver could compromise thyroid function.

Poor thyroid function can impair gut and liver function—and the reverse is also true.

If you struggle with thyroid health and want to take a holistic approach to feeling better, we can help.

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

Reference

Hatziagelaki E, Paschou SA, Schön M, Psaltopoulou T, Roden M. NAFLD and thyroid function: pathophysiological and therapeutic considerations. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2022;33(11):755-768. [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]

Could It Be Your Thyroid?

Warning Signs of Thyroid Imbalance ⬇️

But first some basics:

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that regulates metabolism (how your body uses energy) but also influences….

▪️ Metabolic rate

▪️ Heart rate

▪️ Blood pressure

▪️ Body temperature

▪️ Gut motility

▪️ Mental function

▪️ Mood

▪️ Menstruation

▪️ Fertility

Signs of an *overactive* thyroid include feeling anxious or irritable, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, shaking hands, clammy skin, sensitivity to heat, unexplained weight loss (or gain), or irregular periods.

Signs of an *underactive* thyroid include feeling tired all the time, mood swings, brain fog, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, or heavy periods.

The only way to know how your thyroid is functioning is to TEST.

Still, thyroid imbalances are sometimes missed by routine screenings, and even when labs are brought into the normal range, I often see patients who still do not feel well.

Watch for my upcoming post all about how functional medicine can help you understand, address, and optimize thyroid function 🙌

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