Eat + Enjoy + Restore
As a gut-health dietitian, I often emphasize the importance of understanding how our diet choices, including the types of foods and when we eat them, influence our overall well-being. Today, we will explore the intricate world of macronutrients and specific dietary approaches—like the low-carb/Keto diet […]
Welcome back to our in-depth exploration into the fascinating world of thyroid and gut health! In Part 1, we examined the intricate relationship between your thyroid and gut, covering conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease and hypothyroidism. But diagnosing the issue is only the first step on […]
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!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s review Hashimoto’s Disease and hypothyroidism.
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:
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:
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?
Low levels of thyroid hormones, as seen in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, can have a significant impact on your digestive system. Here’s how:
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.
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!
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You might love the sweetness that a ripe apple, a handful of grapes, or a refreshing glass of orange juice brings to your day. But what if your body doesn’t feel the same way? For some people, these seemingly healthy choices can lead to an array of uncomfortable symptoms. In this article, I’ll deep dive into fructose intolerance and malabsorption, outline the symptoms to look out for, provide a list of high-fructose foods to avoid, and shed light on managing these conditions effectively. Let’s get into it!
Hereditary fructose intolerance is a condition that affects a person’s ability to digest the sugar fructose (a simple sugar found primarily in fruits). This can lead to several unpleasant symptoms and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Individuals impacted by this condition typically begin to exhibit indicators and symptoms during infancy.[1] This typically occurs when their diet starts to include fruits, juices, or other foods that contain fructose.
Affected individuals with fructose intolerance develop signs and symptoms of the disorder in infancy when fruits, juices, or other foods containing fructose are introduced into the diet. Fructose intolerance is no sly fox; it often announces its presence loud and clear. If you are fructose intolerant, you may experience a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
In some cases, people may also experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and mental confusion. These symptoms typically appear after eating or drinking foods high in fructose. Affected infants may fail to grow and gain weight at the expected rate (failure to thrive).
Continuous consumption of foods high in fructose can trigger detrimental effects on the liver and kidneys. These impacts can manifest as a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes, a condition known as jaundice, an expanded liver or hepatomegaly, and chronic liver disease, also known as cirrhosis. If fructose exposure persists, it may lead to more severe outcomes such as seizures, coma, and in the worst-case scenario, death due to liver and kidney failure. Given the harsh symptoms that arise upon fructose consumption, most individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance tend to develop an aversion towards fruits, juices, and other fructose-rich foods.
It’s important to note that although fructose intolerance and fructose malabsorption sound similar, they are VERY different. Fructose malabsorption is thought to affect approximately 40 percent of individuals in the Western hemisphere (yikes!).[1] In people with fructose malabsorption, the cells of the intestine cannot absorb fructose normally. So, fructose then travels to the colon (the large intestine), where it is fermented by bacteria, leading to a range of symptoms including bloating, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, and stomach pain.[1]
If you are fructose intolerant, it’s crucial to be mindful of your food choices. There is no cure for hereditary fructose intolerance, but it is manageable with a fructose-free diet followed for life.[2] Many foods, especially fruits, contain high levels of fructose. However, remember that fructose isn’t just found in fruits; it’s also in processed foods, sweetened beverages, and honey.
Here’s a list of some common high-fructose foods to be cautious of:[3]
Read product labels carefully and avoid foods containing:[4]
Navigating fructose intolerance might seem a bit like being a ship without a compass, as there’s not a wealth of published data out there to guide us. However, the key lies in playing detective with your diet. Find those sneaky fructan-filled foods that might be causing you trouble, and once identified, gently phasing them out of your diet.
Individuals with fructose intolerance should also consider the low-FODMAP diet. The low-FODMAP diet may improve symptoms in approximately 70% of individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders.[5] This diet does help in cutting back on fructose, but it also includes reducing other types of sugars and carbohydrates. It’s a bit more on the strict side compared to a low fructose diet. While it can certainly aid in managing fructose malabsorption, it might actually be a bit more restrictive than what an individual with fructose malabsorption might typically require.
Working with a dietitian experienced in gut health can be a game-changer for someone that’s experiencing fructose intolerance or malabsorption. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs, tolerances, and preferences.
In conclusion, while fructose intolerance and malabsorption can pose some dietary challenges, it’s manageable with the right knowledge and resources. Identifying high-fructose foods, adopting a low-FODMAP diet, and working with a dietitian are all practical steps towards improved gut health and overall well-being.
References:
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