How Your Small Intestine Supports Your Thyroid
Hey, amazing women! If you’re battling thyroid symptoms like fatigue or weight issues from Hashimoto’s or Graves’, your small intestine might hold the key. As a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, I’m here to explain how this 22-foot-long organ absorbs nutrients to fuel your thyroid. Let’s explore how it works and simple ways to support it for better thyroid health, using nutritional therapy insights.
The Small Intestine’s Role
Your small intestine is a powerhouse, absorbing nutrients like zinc and magnesium that your thyroid needs to produce hormones. After your stomach breaks food into a liquid called chyme, the small intestine takes over, ensuring your thyroid gets the fuel to keep you energized. If it’s not working well, symptoms like brain fog or joint pain can worsen.
The Duodenum: First Stop
The small intestine starts with the duodenum, where chyme meets enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder. Two hormones make this happen:
Secretin: Neutralizes stomach acid to protect the intestine and optimize enzyme work.
Cholecystokinin (CCK): Signals the gallbladder to release bile for fat digestion and tells your brain you’re full.
Bile also removes toxins, reducing inflammation that stresses your thyroid.
Nutrient Absorption
The small intestine’s long, folded surface absorbs nutrients like:
Zinc: Supports thyroid hormone production.
Magnesium: Aids energy and reduces inflammation.
Selenium: Helps convert T4 to T3.
Poor absorption, often from inflammation or gut issues, can starve your thyroid, worsening symptoms.
Inflammation and Your Thyroid
Inflammation in the small intestine, from issues like leaky gut or food sensitivities, can block nutrient absorption and stress your thyroid. For example, low zinc absorption might increase autoimmune flares in Hashimoto’s. Supporting the small intestine reduces this inflammation.
Common Small Intestine Issues
Problems like bloating, IBS, or food intolerances can impair absorption:
Bloating: May signal poor enzyme activity.
Leaky Gut: Lets undigested food into your bloodstream, triggering inflammation.
Food Sensitivities: Can irritate the intestine, reducing nutrient delivery.
These issues can worsen thyroid symptoms like fatigue.
Supporting Your Small Intestine
Here are practical tips to boost your small intestine and thyroid, perfect for home-cooked meals:
Eat Whole Foods: Include zinc-rich lentils or magnesium-rich spinach.
Chew Thoroughly: 20-30 seconds per bite aids enzyme activity.
Reduce Stress: Take 5 deep breaths before meals to support digestion.
Avoid Irritants: Limit processed foods that inflame the gut.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water to support nutrient absorption.
Try Supplements: Digestive enzymes or probiotics can help. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary, but consult your doctor.
Why It Helps
A healthy small intestine delivers nutrients to your thyroid, reduces inflammation, and supports your microbiome, easing symptoms like mood swings.
Work With Your Doctor
I don’t diagnose, but I can guide you with diet and lifestyle. Work with your healthcare provider to monitor thyroid levels and discuss symptoms like bloating.
Take Action
Try eating zinc-rich foods this week. Book a consultation at www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary. Reply to my newsletter for a custom tip!
What’s your favorite gut-friendly food? Comment below!
About the Author: I’m a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, helping women with thyroid conditions feel vibrant. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com for more tips.
What’s the Difference Between Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism?
If you’re dealing with thyroid stuff, you’ve probably heard “hypothyroidism” and “Hashimoto’s” a lot. Sometimes doctors or online articles mix them up or use them like they mean the same thing. But they’re different – and knowing the difference can change how you take care of yourself.
I’m explaining this from a functional medicine viewpoint. That means we don’t just treat symptoms with pills. We dig for root causes – like why your immune system might be upset – so you can heal deeper and feel truly good again.
Let’s go section by section, with more details to make it super clear.
A Helpful Analogy: The Thyroid Factory
Imagine your thyroid as a busy little factory in the front of your neck (it’s shaped like a butterfly!). This factory makes special hormones called T4 and T3. These hormones are like the “gas” your body needs to run everything:
Keeping your metabolism going (burning calories for energy)
Controlling your body temperature (so you don’t feel freezing all the time)
Helping your brain think clearly
Keeping your heart, digestion, mood, skin, hair, and muscles working right
When the factory slows down or gets damaged, you feel low on “gas” – super tired, sluggish, and blah.
Now:
Hypothyroidism is the problem of not having enough gas. It’s the end result: low thyroid hormones in your body.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common reason the factory gets wrecked. It’s an autoimmune condition where your immune system (your body’s army that fights germs) gets confused and attacks your own thyroid factory. That attack causes ongoing inflammation, scars the factory over years, and makes it produce less and less hormones.
Key point: Hashimoto’s almost always leads to hypothyroidism eventually. In fact, in countries like the US, Hashimoto’s causes about 90% of hypothyroidism cases in adults.
The Core Difference: Cause vs. Effect
Hypothyroidism (also called underactive thyroid) is a description of what’s happening: Your blood tests show low thyroid hormones (high TSH – the “push” signal from your brain – and low Free T4/Free T3). Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain that’s hard to lose, dry skin, thinning hair, constipation, feeling cold, depression or anxiety, muscle aches, and brain fog.It’s like saying “my car won’t start because the battery is dead.” It describes the problem but not always why.
Hashimoto’s is specifically an autoimmune disease named after the Japanese doctor who discovered it in 1912. Your body makes antibodies (like TPO antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies) that attack thyroid proteins. This causes chronic inflammation in the gland, destroying healthy tissue bit by bit.
It’s like saying “my car battery is dead because someone keeps smashing it with a hammer.” Hashimoto’s is the “hammer” – the immune attack causing the damage.
Early in Hashimoto’s, you might even swing between hyper symptoms (racing heart, anxiety, sweating) and hypo symptoms because the inflamed thyroid dumps out hormones unevenly before it burns out.
Other Causes of Hypothyroidism (When It’s Not Hashimoto’s)
Hashimoto’s is the #1 cause, but hypothyroidism can happen without an autoimmune attack. Some examples:
Iodine deficiency: Your thyroid needs iodine to build hormones. This is rare in places with iodized salt but still happens in some areas.
Pituitary gland issues: Your brain’s pituitary sends TSH to tell the thyroid to work. If the pituitary is off (from tumors, head injury, or other problems), the signal is weak.
Medications: Drugs like lithium (for bipolar), amiodarone (heart meds), or too much anti-thyroid medicine can slow the thyroid.
Radiation or surgery: If you had thyroid cancer treatment or part of your thyroid removed, it might not make enough hormones.
Postpartum thyroiditis: After pregnancy, some women get temporary inflammation (sometimes autoimmune) leading to hypo symptoms.
Congenital issues: Babies born without a proper thyroid or enzyme problems.
If your blood tests show low hormones but NO high antibodies, it’s hypothyroidism from something else.
Why the Symptoms Often Feel the Same
Whether it’s plain hypothyroidism or from Hashimoto’s, the main issue is low active thyroid hormones reaching your cells. So symptoms overlap a lot: exhaustion (even after sleep), unexplained weight gain, feeling cold in normal rooms, brittle hair/nails, puffy face, slow thinking, depression, joint pain, and more.
But Hashimoto’s can add extras because of the immune inflammation:
Fluctuating symptoms (better/worse days)
More widespread body inflammation (aches, headaches)
Higher chance of other autoimmune issues (like celiac or rheumatoid arthritis)
How Treatment Differs: Conventional vs. Functional Medicine
This is where knowing the difference really matters!
Conventional medicine (most regular doctors/endocrinologists):
Focuses on hypothyroidism as the problem. They test TSH and maybe Free T4, then prescribe synthetic hormone (levothyroxine/Synthroid) to replace what’s missing.
Goal: Get labs “normal.”It works well for symptoms in many people. But if it’s Hashimoto’s, the immune attack continues. Antibodies might keep rising, thyroid damage progresses, and some people still feel bad even with perfect labs (because root causes aren’t fixed).
Functional medicine (root-cause approach):
Asks “Why is the immune system attacking?” We treat hypothyroidism by replacing hormones if needed, BUT we also calm the autoimmunity.
Common root triggers we investigate and fix:
Gut health: Leaky gut lets food particles or toxins trigger immunity. Your gut wall is like a bouncer at a club – it lets good stuff (nutrients) in and keeps bad stuff (toxins, bacteria) out. When it gets “leaky” from stress, bad diet, or meds, undigested food or germs slip into your blood. Your immune system freaks out and starts attacking – sometimes cross-reacting with your thyroid (molecular mimicry).
Why common in Hashimoto’s? Up to 80–90% of people with autoimmunity have leaky gut. It’s often the #1 starting point.
Fix it: Remove triggers (like gluten), add gut-healers (bone broth, L-glutamine), reinoculate with probiotics, and repair with nutrients.
Food sensitivities: Gluten, dairy, soy – big mimics that rev up antibodies. Certain foods can irritate your gut or look like thyroid tissue to your immune system.
Gluten → Top offender – it mimics thyroid proteins and ramps up antibodies.
Dairy, soy, eggs → Common culprits that cause inflammation.
Lectins (in grains, beans, nightshades) → Can poke holes in the gut (per Kharrazian).
Fix it: Go gluten-free (non-negotiable for most), try dairy/soy-free, or do an elimination diet/AIP to find your triggers.
Chronic infections: Old viruses (like Epstein-Barr), bacterial overgrowth, or parasites. Old or low-grade infections can keep your immune system revved up.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV, from mono)
H. pylori (stomach bacteria)
Yersinia, parasites, or even dental infections.
These bugs can cause ongoing inflammation.
Fix it: Test (stool, blood for viruses), then treat naturally (herbs like oregano oil) or with meds if needed.
Toxins: Heavy metals, mold, chemicals disrupting immunity. Everyday chemicals act like hormone disruptors or inflame your system.
Heavy metals (mercury from fish/amalgams)
Plastics (BPA)
Pesticides
Mold
Flame retardants.
They overload your detox system (liver) and confuse immunity.
Fix it: Switch to clean products, filter water, eat organic, support liver detox (sweating, greens, supplements like glutathione).
Nutrient gaps: Low selenium, zinc, vitamin D, iron – needed for thyroid and immune balance. Your thyroid and immune system need specific building blocks.
Selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D → Common shortfalls that worsen antibodies or hormone production.
Fix it: Test levels, eat nutrient-dense foods (Brazil nuts for selenium!), supplement wisely.
Stress/adrenals: Stress raises cortisol, which can throw off immune balance (making it attack self) and block T4-to-T3 conversion.
Pregnancy, trauma, or ongoing worry are big triggers.
Fix it: Daily practices – meditation, walks in nature, good sleep, adaptogens (like ashwagandha, under guidance).
Blood sugar or hormone imbalances: Insulin resistance or low progesterone/estrogen issues. Rollercoaster blood sugar (from carbs/sugar) causes inflammation and stress hormones. Estrogen dominance (common in women) or low progesterone can fuel autoimmunity.
Fix it: Balanced meals (protein + fat + fiber), stabilize sugar, support hormones.
Advanced testing (full thyroid panel + antibodies, stool tests, food sensitivity panels), personalized diet (like gluten/dairy-free), targeted supplements, stress tools (meditation, sleep), and detox support.
Outcome many see: Lower antibodies, less inflammation, better symptom relief, stable energy, and sometimes lower med doses.
What This Means for You Right Now
If you’ve been told “you have hypothyroidism,” don’t stop there! Ask for antibody testing (TPO and TgAb) to rule in/out Hashimoto’s. Request a full panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and antibodies.
If it is Hashimoto’s:
You’re not doomed to worsening symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in slowing damage.
Find a thyroid-savvy doctor (functional, integrative, or open-minded endo) who treats the whole picture.
You deserve to feel vibrant, not just “normal” on paper. So many women turn things around by understanding this difference.
You’re already ahead by learning this – keep going!
The Best Foods to Eat with Hashimoto’s – And Why!
I want to talk about the new year again and what that means for you and all the marketing coming your way. Getting excited about your health is great but I want you to know and understand the real secret to getting healthy is not making big promises to yourself about getting healthy and expecting things to go perfectly all the time. The real magic to your health and wellness is not to quit when life gets in the way and consider it a failure.
The real magic happens when you show up for yourself on the daily and making adjustments as you go, no matter what life throws at you. Life stuff is always going to happen, it’s what you do in the midst of it that matters. Maybe you miss a day or two of solid healthy eating- does it mean you should give up all together? Of course not, it means you get back on that horse and keep riding and forgive yourself for the missteps because there will always be a misstep.
No one has the perfect life where things go as planned all the time. You can prevent some missteps by being prepared with stuff in your fridge ready for you as needed. But when you don’t have the fridge stocked- don’t worry about making mistakes. You can do this.
If you have Hashimoto’s, your immune system is attacking your thyroid by mistake. That causes inflammation – a quiet irritation inside your thyroid gland (the butterfly-shaped thing in your neck that controls energy). Over time, this inflammation can make the thyroid bigger (called a goiter – like a puffy lump you might feel or see in your neck) or damage it so it doesn’t work well.
Functional medicine says food is super powerful. The right foods can calm inflammation, heal your gut (which helps stop the immune attack), and give your thyroid the tools it needs to feel better. Many women get more energy, less brain fog, and even lower antibody numbers just from eating this way.
There’s no one perfect diet for everyone, but most people do great starting here.
Let’s break it down: foods to skip (and why), foods to eat a lot of (and why), and easy examples.
Foods to Skip – And Why They Make Things Worse
These foods can stir up more inflammation or confuse your immune system. Think of them like bullies that make the thyroid attack worse.
Gluten (in bread, pasta, wheat stuff)
Why skip? It has proteins that look a lot like your thyroid tissue. Your immune system gets confused and attacks your thyroid more (called molecular mimicry).
Most people with Hashimoto’s feel way better gluten-free.
Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream)
Why skip? Many can’t digest it well, and it can cause gut leaks or extra inflammation. The proteins in dairy can also look similar to gluten and trigger attacks.
Soy (tofu, soy milk, edamame, soy sauce)
Why skip? It has compounds that can block your thyroid from using iodine or mess with hormone levels.
You might wonder why – isn’t soy healthy for some things? Let’s break it down simply. The science is a bit mixed, but I’ll explain both sides from a functional medicine view (which often says “better safe than sorry” and avoid it).
What’s in Soy That Can Cause Trouble?
Soy has natural compounds called isoflavones (like genistein and daidzein). These act like weak plant estrogens and can mess with your thyroid in a few ways:
They can slow down thyroid hormone making. Isoflavones can block an important enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO helps your thyroid put together T4 and T3 hormones. Lab studies show this blocking happens clearly.
In animals or people low on iodine (a key thyroid nutrient), too much soy can make goiters bigger or thyroid function drop.
It can stir up the autoimmune attack
In Hashimoto’s, your body already attacks TPO. Some experts say soy might make that worse because it blocks TPO and could confuse your immune system more.
It can block your thyroid medicine
Soy can stop levothyroxine (common thyroid pill) from getting absorbed well in your gut. That’s why doctors say wait 3–4 hours after taking your meds before eating soy.
But Wait – Some Studies Say Soy Is Okay?
Yes! Big reviews of human studies (including recent ones up to 2025) show:
Moderate soy (like a serving or two a day) doesn’t usually hurt thyroid hormones in healthy people with enough iodine.
It might cause a tiny rise in TSH (a thyroid signal), but probably not enough to matter for most.
Fermented soy (like tempeh, miso, natto) might be easier on the thyroid than unfermented (like tofu or soy milk), because fermentation lowers the trouble-making compounds.
Why Does Functional Medicine Often Say “Avoid Soy” for Hashimoto’s?
Many functional experts recommend skipping soy completely – at least at first. Here’s why:
Even if big studies say it’s “safe” on average, some sensitive people (especially with autoimmunity) feel worse with soy – more fatigue, higher antibodies, or thyroid flares.
Modern soy is often processed, GMO, or high in isoflavones – different from traditional Asian soy eaten in small amounts.
Why risk it when removing soy helps so many feel better and calm inflammation?
Bottom Line for You
If you have Hashimoto’s, trying a soy-free diet for 4–6 weeks is often worth it.
Many women notice more energy and less puffiness. If you love soy and feel great, small amounts of fermented soy might be okay – but separate it from your meds and watch your labs/symptoms.
Everyone’s body is different. Talk to your doctor or a functional practitioner, and listen to how YOU feel.
Processed foods and sugar (fast food, cookies, soda, chips)
Why skip? They’re full of chemicals, bad oils, and sugar that feed inflammation all over your body – like throwing gas on a fire.
Refined grains and bad oils (white rice, fried foods with corn or canola oil)
Why skip? They spike blood sugar and add more inflammation.
Some people go stricter with the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) for 30–90 days: also skip grains, eggs, nuts/seeds, and nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant).
Why? These are common triggers that can irritate the gut or immune system in sensitive people. It’s like a big reset to calm everything down.
Foods to Eat a Lot – And Why They Help So Much
These are like kind friends that fight inflammation, heal your gut, and support your thyroid.
Lots of vegetables (half your plate!) – Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini.
Why eat? They’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that lower inflammation and help your body detox. (Cook broccoli/kale to make them easier on the thyroid.)
Quality proteins – Grass-fed beef, chicken, turkey, wild fish like salmon.
Why eat? Protein builds hormones and repairs tissue. Fish has omega-3 fats that calm inflammation big time.
Healthy fats – Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil.
Why eat? Fats help make hormones and keep inflammation low. Your thyroid needs them to work right.
Low-sugar fruits – Berries, apples, lemons (in moderation).
Why eat? They give antioxidants to fight damage from inflammation, without spiking blood sugar.
Gut-healers – Bone broth (homemade from bones), fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi (small amounts).
Why eat? They seal a leaky gut, which stops bad stuff from triggering more immune attacks.
Thyroid boosters – 2–3 Brazil nuts a day, a little seaweed or kelp.
Why eat? Brazil nuts give selenium (protects the thyroid and lowers antibodies). Seaweed has natural iodine (thyroid fuel) – but just a bit, too much can backfire.
Let’s dive deeper into why that’s a great idea for Hashimoto’s, what selenium really does for your thyroid, and why you have to be careful not to get too much. I looked into the research, including work by Dr. Fulvio Ursini (he’s an Italian scientist who helped discover some key things about selenium).
Why Brazil Nuts Are Awesome for Selenium
Brazil nuts are like nature’s selenium superstars! Just one single nut can have 68–96 micrograms (mcg) of selenium – that’s often more than your whole daily need.
The usual daily recommendation is about 55 mcg for adults, but for people with Hashimoto’s, many functional medicine experts suggest 100–200 mcg to help calm inflammation and antibodies.
Studies show eating just 2 Brazil nuts a day can give you as much benefit as taking a 100 mcg supplement – and it raises your selenium levels safely.
Why not more? The amount in Brazil nuts can vary a lot depending on the soil they grow in. Some nuts have way more, so sticking to 1–3 a day keeps you safe. Eat them raw or lightly roasted – no salt or oil added.
What Selenium Does for Thyroid Health
Selenium is a tiny mineral, but it’s super important for your thyroid. It gets built into special helper proteins called selenoproteins. These proteins do two big jobs:
Protect your thyroid from damage → When your thyroid makes hormones, it creates some harmful stuff called hydrogen peroxide (like a bleach byproduct). Selenoproteins act like firefighters – they neutralize that peroxide so it doesn’t hurt your thyroid cells.
This is extra important in Hashimoto’s because your immune system is already causing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Help change inactive hormone to active → Selenium helps enzymes (called deiodinases) turn T4 (the storage hormone) into T3 (the active one your body really uses for energy). Low selenium can mean less T3 and more fatigue.
In Hashimoto’s, studies show getting enough selenium can lower thyroid antibodies (like TPO), improve thyroid ultrasound pictures, and sometimes even lower TSH levels.
Dr. Fulvio Ursini’s Research
Dr. Fulvio Ursini is a big name in selenium science! Back in the 1980s, he and his team discovered and studied a key selenoprotein called phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx for short). It’s one of the main ways selenium acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.
He also worked on regular glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which helps clean up harmful peroxides. This research showed why selenium is so crucial for fighting oxidative stress – the kind of cell damage that happens a lot in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. His discoveries helped explain how selenium protects tissues (including the thyroid) from inflammation and damage.
The Dangers of Too Much Selenium
Selenium is great when you have the right amount – but too much can be harmful (called selenosis or selenium toxicity).
Signs of too much:
Hair loss or brittle hair
Nails that break or turn white
Garlic smell on your breath
Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
Feeling shaky or tired in a weird way
In really bad cases, nerve problems
The safe upper limit is 400 mcg a day for adults. Going over that long-term isn’t good.
That’s why Brazil nuts are tricky – eating a handful could push you way over.
Stick to 2–3 max, or get your levels tested with a blood test first. If you take a supplement, go for 100–200 mcg (like selenomethionine) and only under a doctor’s watch.
Quick Tips for You
Start with 2 Brazil nuts a day – easy and natural!
Get your selenium level checked (blood test) to see if you need more or less.
Pair it with the anti-inflammatory foods we talked about before.
Selenium from food (like Brazil nuts) is usually safer and better absorbed than pills.
Drink tons of water and enjoy herbal teas!
How to Make It Easy
Start simple:
Cut gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, and processed stuff for 2–4 weeks. See how you feel!
After that, add foods back one by one (wait 3 days each) to find your personal triggers.
Eat balanced: Protein + fat + veggies at every meal to keep energy steady.
Don’t forget: This works best with your thyroid medicine, good sleep, and low stress.
Super Simple Day of Eating
Breakfast: Eggs with spinach and avocado (cooked in coconut oil). Or berry smoothie with coconut milk.
Lunch: Big salad with grilled chicken, tons of veggies, olive oil dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon, sweet potato, steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Carrot sticks, a few berries, or warm bone broth.
You don’t have to be perfect – just better most days. Lots of women feel amazing on this. Talk to a functional medicine doctor to make it perfect for you.
You’ve got this!
Food can help turn down the inflammation and give you your energy back. One meal at a time.
How Your Large Intestine Supports Your Thyroid
Hey, amazing women! If you’re managing thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, you might feel tired, foggy, or struggle with weight. As a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, I’m here to share a surprising hero in your health journey: your large intestine. This part of your digestive system plays a big role in thyroid health by managing waste and supporting your gut microbiome. Let’s explore how it works and simple ways to optimize it for a happier thyroid, based on nutritional therapy insights.
The Large Intestine’s Role in Thyroid Health
Your large intestine, or colon, is the final stop in digestion, about 5 feet long. It absorbs water, forms stool, and houses trillions of gut bacteria that impact your thyroid. These bacteria, your gut microbiome, help regulate inflammation and hormone balance, which are critical for thyroid conditions. A healthy large intestine ensures toxins and waste leave your body, reducing stress on your thyroid.
Why the Gut Microbiome Matters
Your gut microbiome is like a garden of bacteria that supports your thyroid by:
Producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which reduce inflammation.
Supporting immune health, crucial for autoimmune thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s.
Helping detoxify hormones and toxins that could disrupt thyroid function.
An imbalanced microbiome, often from poor digestion or diet, can increase inflammation, worsening symptoms like fatigue or joint pain.
Waste Elimination and Thyroid
The large intestine removes waste and toxins through stool. If this process slows (e.g., constipation), toxins can build up, increasing inflammation and stressing your thyroid. For example, sluggish elimination might raise estrogen levels, which can interfere with thyroid hormones. Regular bowel movements (1-3 daily) are key for thyroid health.
Common Large Intestine Issues
Problems like constipation, diarrhea, or dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) can affect your thyroid:
Constipation: Traps toxins, increasing thyroid stress.
Diarrhea: Reduces nutrient absorption, starving your thyroid.
Dysbiosis: Triggers inflammation, worsening autoimmune flares.
These issues can make you feel sluggish or bloated, impacting thyroid symptoms.
Inflammation and Your Thyroid
A struggling large intestine can fuel chronic inflammation, which is like a fire in your body. This can worsen thyroid symptoms, especially in autoimmune conditions. For instance, dysbiosis might reduce SCFA production, increasing inflammation and brain fog. Supporting your large intestine calms this fire.
Practical Tips for Thyroid-Friendly Large Intestine Health
Here are easy ways to support your large intestine and thyroid, perfect for your love of home-cooked meals:
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Include veggies like broccoli or fruits like berries to feed good bacteria and promote regular bowel movements.
Stay Hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to soften stool and support elimination.
Reduce Stress: Take 5 deep breaths before meals to calm your nervous system, aiding digestion.
Choose Prebiotic Foods: Try garlic or onions to nourish gut bacteria.
Limit Processed Foods: Swap sugary snacks for nuts to reduce inflammation.
Try Supplements: Probiotics or psyllium husk can support gut health. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary, but consult your doctor, especially with thyroid meds.
Why It Helps
A healthy large intestine supports your gut microbiome, reduces inflammation, and ensures toxin elimination, easing thyroid symptoms like fatigue or mood swings. Regular elimination also balances hormones, helping your thyroid function better.
Work With Your Doctor
I don’t diagnose or treat conditions, but I can guide you with diet and lifestyle. Work with your healthcare provider to monitor thyroid levels and discuss symptoms like constipation to explore gut health’s role.
Take Action
Try adding a fiber-rich veggie to your meals this week. Book a consultation at www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com for a personalized thyroid-friendly plan. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary for supplements. Reply to my newsletter for a custom tip!
What’s your favorite fiber-rich food? Comment below and let’s chat!
About the Author: I’m a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, passionate about helping women with thyroid conditions feel vibrant using functional medicine and simple strategies. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com for more thyroid health tips.
Why Digestion Is Key for Your Thyroid Health
Hey there, amazing women! If you’re navigating thyroid challenges like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, you might be dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or weight struggles. As a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, I’m here to share a game-changer: your digestion could be the secret to feeling better. Your gut is like the foundation of a house—when it’s strong, your thyroid thrives. Let’s dive into why digestion matters so much for your thyroid, using simple tips to help you feel vibrant and energized, all based on the latest nutritional science.
Digestion: The Unsung Hero of Thyroid Health
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that controls energy, mood, and metabolism. But it can’t do its job without nutrients like iodine, selenium, and zinc. These come from the food you eat, and your digestive system is the delivery service that gets them to your thyroid. If your digestion is off, your thyroid might not get what it needs, making symptoms like tiredness or hair loss worse. Think of your gut as the root of a tree—healthy roots mean a thriving tree (your thyroid!).
What Science Says About Your Gut
Over 2000 years ago, a wise doctor named Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Modern science backs this up, showing that your gut health affects your whole body, especially your thyroid. Up to 40% of people worldwide have digestive issues, like bloating or acid reflux, which can block nutrient absorption and increase inflammation. For women with thyroid conditions, this inflammation can trigger autoimmune flares or worsen symptoms like joint pain or mood swings. A 2022 report found that digestive problems cost healthcare systems billions, showing how common these issues are.
Why Your Thyroid Needs a Healthy Gut
Your thyroid relies on nutrients to make hormones like T3 and T4, which keep you energized and focused. If your digestion isn’t breaking down food properly, you might miss out on:
Iodine: Found in seaweed and fish, it’s essential for thyroid hormone production.
Selenium: In nuts and seeds, it helps convert T4 to active T3 and reduces inflammation.
Zinc: From meats and legumes, it supports thyroid function and immune health.
Poor digestion can also disrupt your gut microbiome—the trillions of tiny bacteria in your intestines. An unhealthy microbiome increases inflammation, which can stress your thyroid and worsen autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. Optimizing digestion is like giving your thyroid a VIP pass to the nutrients it craves.
Digestion and Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is like a fire in your body—it can flare up and make thyroid symptoms worse. Many thyroid issues, especially autoimmune ones, are linked to chronic inflammation, and your gut plays a big role. When digestion isn’t working well, it can:
Let harmful bacteria grow, triggering inflammation.
Cause “leaky gut,” where undigested food particles slip into your bloodstream, stressing your immune system.
Reduce nutrient absorption, starving your thyroid and increasing fatigue.
By supporting your digestion, you can calm this inflammation, helping your thyroid work better and easing symptoms like brain fog or weight gain.
Common Digestive Issues and Your Thyroid
You might not think your bloating or heartburn is related to your thyroid, but it could be! Common digestive problems include:
Acid Reflux (GERD): Can reduce stomach acid, limiting nutrient breakdown.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): May cause nutrient malabsorption, starving your thyroid.
Constipation: Slows toxin elimination, increasing inflammation.
These issues can make you feel sluggish and worsen thyroid symptoms. For example, low stomach acid might mean you’re not absorbing selenium, which your thyroid needs to fight inflammation. Addressing digestion is like fixing the foundation of your health—it supports everything else.
Medications and Digestion: A Thyroid Connection
Many people take medications for digestive issues, like antacids for GERD or laxatives for constipation. These are among the top-selling drugs worldwide, but they don’t always fix the root cause. Some can even harm digestion by:
Lowering stomach acid, which reduces nutrient absorption.
Causing side effects like kidney issues or nutrient deficiencies, which stress your thyroid.
For instance, low stomach acid from antacids might reduce iodine absorption, making thyroid hormone production harder. As a nutritional therapy practitioner, I focus on diet and lifestyle changes to support digestion naturally, helping your thyroid without relying on medications. Always talk to your doctor before changing any meds, especially thyroid ones.
Digestion’s Hidden Impact on Other Symptoms
Surprisingly, digestion issues can cause symptoms that don’t seem gut-related but affect your thyroid, like:
Allergies or Sensitivities: Poor digestion can increase food sensitivities, triggering inflammation that stresses your thyroid.
Mood Issues: Anxiety or depression can worsen with gut problems, as your gut and brain are connected.
Autoimmune Flares: A leaky gut can make Hashimoto’s worse by over-activating your immune system.
Fixing digestion is like an “upstream” approach—it tackles the root cause, helping your thyroid and overall health. For example, improving gut health might reduce brain fog, giving you more energy for your busy life.
How to Support Digestion for Your Thyroid
Here are practical, thyroid-friendly tips to boost digestion, inspired by my love for home-cooked meals and your busy lifestyle:
Eat Slowly and Chew Well: Take 20-30 seconds per bite to mix food with saliva, which starts digestion and helps your thyroid get nutrients. Try this at your next home-cooked dinner.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: Include thyroid-friendly foods like salmon (iodine), Brazil nuts (selenium), and lentils (zinc). A simple meal could be grilled salmon with steamed veggies and lentils.
Reduce Stress While Eating: Stress slows digestion, so take 5 deep breaths before meals to relax. This helps your stomach produce acid, aiding nutrient absorption for your thyroid.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water between meals to support digestion and nutrient delivery. Aim for 8 glasses daily, adjusting for your activity level.
Limit Processed Foods: These can irritate your gut, increasing inflammation. Swap one processed snack for a whole food, like an apple with almond butter.
Try Supplements: Magnesium supports digestion and relaxation, while N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps detoxify, reducing thyroid stress. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary for these, but check with your doctor first, especially with thyroid meds.
Why This Matters for You
Good digestion ensures your thyroid gets the nutrients it needs to make hormones, reduce inflammation, and ease symptoms like fatigue or mood swings. A healthy gut microbiome also supports your immune system, which is key for autoimmune thyroid conditions. By starting with digestion, you’re building a strong foundation for feeling your best.
Work With Your Doctor
As a nutritional therapy practitioner, I don’t diagnose or treat conditions, but I can guide you to support your digestion and thyroid through diet and lifestyle. Always work with your healthcare provider to monitor thyroid levels and adjust medications if needed. Share your symptoms, like bloating or fatigue, to see if digestion could be a factor.
Your Next Steps
Ready to boost your thyroid health through digestion? Try one tip this week, like chewing slowly or adding a thyroid-friendly food to your home-cooked meals. Book a consultation at www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com to create a personalized plan that fits your life. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/dispensary for magnesium or NAC to support digestion and detoxification. Reply to my newsletter for a custom tip tailored to you!
What’s one digestion tip you’ll try this week? Comment below and let’s chat!
About the Author: I’m a certified nutrition specialist and licensed nutritionist, passionate about helping women with thyroid conditions feel vibrant using functional medicine and simple, science-backed strategies. Visit www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com for more thyroid health tips.