The Gut Health and Thyroid Connection

By Gabriella Rao, Dietetic Intern

Everyone knows that “the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone,” but the link between the gut and the thyroid is a little more unclear. Read on to learn more about this exciting relationship.

You may know that the gut plays a role in metabolism, the immune system, gastrointestinal disease, and mental health. But did you know that gut health also impacts thyroid health? In fact, research suggests that there’s a large overlap between thyroid and gut diseases. So, let’s break down this connection and find out how you can support your gut and thyroid health.

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

Billions of bacteria live inside your gut. This environment is known as the “gut microbiome.” The bacteria living in your gut are important for helping you digest your food and get the nutrients your body needs. A balanced microbiome is vital for proper gut function, a strong immune system, and overall health.

Several factors can impact gut health. Diet and nutrition are key players; consuming a diet rich in fiber and probiotic foods promotes a thriving microbiome. Antibiotics, medications, and even stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. This can lead to many health issues.

The Thyroid Gland and Its Function

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that plays a central role in your metabolism. It makes hormones which affect nearly every cell in your body. When your thyroid functions well, you feel energized and alert. However, common thyroid problems like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can throw this balance off. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is sluggish, while hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid works too hard. Both can greatly impact your overall health.

The Gut Health and Thyroid Health Connection

Now, let’s explore the link between gut health and thyroid function. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiome can impact thyroid hormones. Gut bacteria affect key nutrients used by the thyroid, such as iodine, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc. Selenium and zinc help control the thyroid hormone that keeps your metabolism healthy.

Some thyroid diseases link to an unbalanced gut microbiome. Examples include Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease. Gut imbalances can result in damage to the intestine wall. This allows bad bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing an immune response. The gut plays a role in inflammation – an unhealthy gut can cause inflammation throughout the body. This hurts thyroid function.

Keep Your Gut and Thyroid Healthy

So, what can you do to keep both your gut and thyroid healthy? Start by adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your diet. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, also support a healthy gut microbiome. Lifestyle changes matter too. Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can reduce gut inflammation. Regular exercise promotes a healthy gut microbiome and thyroid function.

A well-balanced gut can support optimal thyroid function, and vice versa. Dietary and lifestyle changes can take you far in supporting your gut and thyroid health. However, if you think you may have thyroid or gut issues, seek medical advice. Bastyr Clinic for Natural Health (BCNH) can help you keep track of your health and guide you on your journey to overall well-being. Call (206) 834-4100 or visit https://bastyrclinics.org/seattle/appointments#no-back to make an appointment.

Gabriella Rao is at dietetic intern at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. When not learning about nutrition, she can be found running, playing outside, planning her next foodie adventure, or delving into a variety of random hobbies.

Resources:

• Fröhlich E, Wahl R. Microbiota and thyroid interaction in health and disease. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2019;30(8):479-490. doi:10.1016/j.tem.2019.05.008
• 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. doi:10.3390/nu12061769