The thyroid gland plays a vital role in our overall health. It’s a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, but its impact is anything but small. I want to share with you how this little gland works and why it’s so important, especially if you’re dealing with gut, hormone, or thyroid issues. Understanding the thyroid gland role can empower you to take better care of your health.
The thyroid influences many body systems, and when it’s not working well, it can cause a range of symptoms. Let’s explore the key functions of the thyroid gland and how it supports your body every day.
The Thyroid Gland Role in Your Body
The thyroid gland is like a control centre for your metabolism. It produces hormones that regulate how your body uses energy. These hormones affect almost every organ, helping to keep your body running smoothly.
Here’s what the thyroid gland role includes:
Regulating energy & metabolism: It controls how fast or slow your body burns calories and is involved in glucose and cholesterol regulation.
Supporting growth and development: Especially important during childhood and pregnancy, as it helps to grow nervous tissues and proteins.
Maintaining body temperature: Helps keep you warm or cool as needed.
Influencing heart rate: Keeps your heart beating at a healthy pace.
Affecting mood and energy levels: Thyroid hormones impact how you feel mentally and physically.
Regulate digestive function: Thyroid hormones regulate digestive function through hormones which control metabolism, gut motility (how fat or slow food moves through the system) and digestive juices.
When the thyroid is out of balance, you might notice fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, inflammation, brain fog, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, digestive discomfort or temperature sensitivity. These signs show how important the thyroid gland is to everyday health.
How the Thyroid Produces Hormones
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are produced from multiple nutrients, including iodine, iron, tyrosine, and selenium. The process is quite fascinating and essential for your wellbeing.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the body uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones:
Iodine intake: You consume iodine through foods like seafood, dairy, and iodised salt.
Hormone production: The thyroid uses iodine to make T4 and T3.
Hormone release: These hormones enter your bloodstream and travel to cells throughout your body.
Regulation by the brain: The pituitary gland monitors hormone levels and signals the thyroid to adjust production as needed through thyrotropin hormone, which you will know as TSH.
T3 is the active hormone that your cells use, while T4 acts as a reserve that converts into T3 when your body requires it. This balance ensures your metabolism stays steady and responsive.
What are normal thyroid functions?
Normal thyroid functions mean the gland produces the right amount of hormones to keep your body balanced. When everything works well, you feel energetic, your digestion is smooth, and your mood is stable.
Some signs of normal thyroid function include:
Healthy energy levels throughout the day
Stable body weight without unexplained gain or loss
Regular bowel movements and good digestion
Comfortable body temperature, not too hot or cold
Clear skin and healthy hair growth
Balanced mood and mental clarity
If you notice changes in these areas, it might be worth checking your thyroid health. Early detection can help prevent more serious issues.
Supporting Your Thyroid Health Naturally
Taking care of your thyroid doesn’t have to be complicated. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to support your thyroid gland functions:
Eat iodine-rich foods: Include seafood, dairy, eggs, and iodised salt in your diet.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone balance, so try relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle exercise.
Get enough selenium and zinc: These minerals support thyroid hormone production. Nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good sources.
Avoid excessive intake of processed and sugary foods: These can interfere with thyroid function if consumed in large amounts.
Stay hydrated: Water helps your body process hormones efficiently.
Regular check-ups: If you have symptoms or a family history, ask your healthcare provider about thyroid testing.
Remember, everybody is unique. If you’re unsure about your thyroid health, consulting a professional can provide personalised guidance.
When Thyroid Function Needs Extra Attention
Sometimes, the thyroid doesn’t work as it should. Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroidism) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt your wellbeing. Symptoms might include:
Fatigue or insomnia
Brain fog and concentration issues
Weight gain or loss
Inflammation and swelling of your joints
Mood changes like anxiety or depression
Hair thinning or skin changes
Constipation or diarrhoea with digestive issues
Sensitivity to cold or heat
Enlarged thyroid gland
Recurrent infections or illness
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Treatments and nutrition plans tailored to your needs can help restore balance.
For more detailed information on thyroid gland functions, including how nutrition supports thyroid health, you can visit our trusted health resources or book in for a consult with our clinical nutritionist Renae Cinanni.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Thyroid Wellness
Your thyroid health is connected to many parts of your body. That’s why a holistic approach works best. This means looking at your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and gut health together.
Here’s how you can embrace this approach:
Personalised nutrition: We work together to create a plan that suits your unique needs.
Functional testing: Advanced tests can uncover hidden imbalances affecting your thyroid. These may include gut microbiome testing using the GI Map or Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping to assess gut health, hormones, liver detoxification, and more.
Thyroid function advanced testing: Testing that goes beyond TSH, used by your GP to assess thyroid function. Did you know that TSH is NOT a thyroid hormone?
Mind-body connection: Practices like yoga or mindfulness can improve overall wellbeing. We encourage lifestyle medicine interventions to assist with improving and managing your health longterm
By addressing the root causes, you can support your thyroid gland role and enjoy better health.
Taking the time to understand your thyroid and how it works is a powerful step. With the right knowledge and support, you can nurture your thyroid and feel your best every day. If you want to learn more or need personalised advice, the team at Perth Nutrition & Natural Health Clinic is here to help you on your journey to optimal health.
