As a gut-health dietitian, I’ve always been passionate about connecting the dots between various aspects of your health. Today, we’re going to talk about a subject that doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves—the important relationship between your thyroid and your gut health.
Your thyroid, that butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, is a powerhouse that regulates many bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and even your mood. Your gut, on the other hand, is your second brain, responsible for absorbing nutrients and hosting billions of bacteria that influence your health.
What happens when either of these two critical systems is out of balance? It can set off a chain of health problems. To illustrate this, we’ll delve deep into Hashimoto’s Disease and hypothyroidism and explore how these thyroid issues can impact your digestive system, leading to conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and increased intestinal permeability (IP).
So, stick around to discover the incredible world of thyroid and gut health, and learn how you can regain control over both!
The Basics of Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s review Hashimoto’s Disease and hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s Disease
This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this decreases the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. In people with Hashimoto’s disease:
- the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid gland
- large numbers of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system, build up in the thyroid
- the thyroid becomes damaged and can’t make enough thyroid hormones
Thyroid hormones control how your body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body—even the way your heart beats.
While symptoms can vary, here are the main hashimotos flare up symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Muscle aches
- Brain fog
- Insomnia
- Low mood or depression
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Hypothyroidism
Simply put, this is a condition where your thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s is often the underlying cause of hypothyroidism, but it’s important to note that not everyone with Hashimoto’s will develop hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s focuses on the autoimmune aspect, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, while hypothyroidism is the end result of any condition (including Hashimoto’s) that causes your thyroid to underperform. The symptoms for both can be strikingly similar, which is why comprehensive testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Both of these conditions have widespread implications for your health, including fatigue, weight gain, and increased sensitivity to cold. But did you know that they also have a direct effect on your gut health?
The Thyroid and Gut Health Connection
Low levels of thyroid hormones, as seen in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, can have a significant impact on your digestive system. Here’s how:
- Decreased Small Intestinal (SI) Motility: Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating the speed at which food moves through your digestive tract. Lower levels of these hormones can slow down this process, leading to constipation and other digestive issues.
- Poor Ileocecal Valve (ICV) Control: The ICV is a one-way valve that separates the small intestine and the large intestine. Inadequate thyroid function can compromise this valve’s efficiency, making it easier for bacteria to move from the large intestine back into the small intestine.
- Reduced Vagal Activation of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Release: Thyroid hormones affect the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the production of stomach acid. Low levels can mean less stomach acid, which is crucial for breaking down food and killing off harmful bacteria.
The Snowball Effect: From SIBO to Increased Intestinal Permeability
When your thyroid is out of whack, and you have decreased SI motility, poor ICV control, and reduced stomach acid, this sets the stage for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). In SIBO, harmful bacteria multiply in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
But the story doesn’t end there. SIBO can lead to Increased Intestinal Permeability (IP), commonly known as “leaky gut.” This is where the walls of the intestine become porous, allowing undigested food, bacteria, and toxins to enter your bloodstream.
Increased Intestinal Permeability can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Since the integrity of the gut lining is compromised, the medication may not be adequately absorbed, making treatment less effective.
Your Game Plan for Restoring Thyroid and Gut Health
Given the complex relationship between your thyroid and your gut, tackling one without addressing the other is like trying to sail a boat with a hole in it—you won’t get far. So what can you do?
I’ve got some exciting news for you! I’m working on a Part 2 Blog Post that will give you a detailed roadmap for treating thyroid and gut health issues holistically. By the end of Part 2, you’ll have a solid plan that’s designed to tackle the unique challenges posed by the intertwined health of your thyroid and gut.
If you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you’re committed to taking control of your health. If you’re interested in learning more, click HERE to schedule your free call. On this call, we will review your current symptoms and prior medical history and devise a game plan for restoring your health!
