Everything you wanted to know about your thyroid (but were afraid to ask)

The tiny gland with a big impact

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ situated at the front of your neck, just below the larynx (or Adam’s Apple). It wraps around the trachea (windpipe) and consists of a right and left lobe which are connected by a thin bridge of tissue called the isthmus.

The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including your metabolism, heart rate, and your body temperature too. And when it’s not functioning properly, you’ll feel it.

What does your thyroid actually do?

The thyroid produces a hormone made from tyrosine and iodine. This hormone plays a number of roles:

• It stimulates calorie burning
• It helps regulate fat storage and energy use
• It affects how proteins are created
• It supports insulin management, making it vital for blood sugar control

What happens when your thyroid is underactive?

An underactive thyroid (often known as hypothyroidism) happens as a result of the thyroid not making enough thyroid hormone – and it can play havoc with our wellbeing.  The negative effects of this condition can include:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Brain fog and low mood
• Menstrual health issues in women
• Increased insulin resistance (which can be a factor causing weight gain or difficulty losing weight)
• Dry skin, hair thinning and brittle nails

And there’s some evidence that up to 20% of cases of depression could be linked to undiagnosed or untreated thyroid conditions. Plus, there’s a known link between an underperforming thyroid and many cases of anxiety.

Thyroid health is complicated

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it come to the thyroid, so if you think you may be experiencing thyroid-related issues, it’s best to speak to your GP or health professional in the first instance.

For some, the issue may be caused by a lack of iodine in their diet – or even too much. Others may have difficulty accessing iodine within the body’s cells, partly due to some pharmacological drugs and the prevalence of synthetic chemicals in the environment (like perchlorates or certain pesticides).

In cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to gradually become inflamed and underactive.

And then there’s folate, a nutrient that’s essential for thyroid function. Without enough folate-rich foods (like spinach, bok choy or endive), your thyroid may not be getting the support it needs to function at its best.

Testing is essential

If you’re experiencing persistent low energy or weight gain, it’s really important to uncover the root causes of your condition before jumping to conclusions. The best approach is to first establish your TSH levels through a test conducted by your doctor or nutritional therapist, which will allow you to consider the best course of action to deal with the problem.

The good news

For many people, there are plenty of ways you can support thyroid health as part of a balanced lifestyle – for example, eating iodine-rich foods like seaweed (occasionally) and high-quality sea salt should provide adequate levels of iodine. And ensuring you have enough zinc in your diet (found in many pulses, wholegrains and fortified cereals) as well as selenium, found in eggs, oily fish and Brazil nuts (just one nut a day can deliver your recommended intake but soak nuts first to absorb its nutrients), can really help to boost thyroid hormone synthesis.

And as with many issues, chronic stress can have a big impact on thyroid health, so light exercise, fresh air and a good sleep routine can all make a difference.

Supplementation can help too

When taken alongside good nutrition and a healthier lifestyle, there are a number of supplements that can support thyroid health.

Ashwagandha

Known as a plant adaptogen, ashwagandha works with your body to deliver support where it’s needed most. Not only can it stimulate the healthy production of thyroid hormones, it can also reduce the inflammation that may be a trigger for a dysfunctional thyroid. In addition, it can stabilise our response to stress, helping to regulate cortisol levels and restore a sense of balance that’s often disrupted by chronic fatigue, anxiety, or hormone fluctuations.

ThyroForm Complex

This is a supplement that’s been carefully formulated to support thyroid function by combining tyrosine, iodine, selenium and zinc. It’s ideal for those looking to maintain normal thyroid activity and energy metabolism, especially during times of hormonal or metabolic change.

• A one-a-day complex formula that naturally supports thyroid health
• Tyrosine is an amino acid building block of thyroid hormone
• Iodine and selenium are essential for the production of thyroid hormones and may contribute to normal functioning of the thyroid gland
• Iodine may also help with PMS symptoms, particularly breast pain
• Zinc for essential thyroid hormone synthesis (especially T4)

Kelp Extract

Kelp is a natural source of iodine — this supplement provides 150µg of iodine per tablet:

• Supports normal thyroid function
• Maintains healthy skin
• Promotes cognitive function and nervous system balance

A final thought – don’t overlook your thyroid!

It may be small, but your thyroid plays a big role in how you feel every day, from energy levels and mood to your metabolism and hormones. If you’ve been feeling out of sync, it’s worth talking to a nutritional therapist or health professional.

And if you’re looking for extra support along the way, we’re here to help.