What the gut has to do with the function of your thyroid gland

It may sound surprising, but the health of your gut can have a significant impact on the function of your thyroid gland. This fascinating connection is an emerging topic in health research. There is growing evidence that a balanced microbiome is crucial not only for digestion, but also for hormone regulation. Let’s dive deeper into this exciting relationship and discover how we can improve thyroid function by targeting the microbiome.

The connection between the gut and thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small but powerful organ that controls many aspects of our metabolism. Interestingly, the gut, often referred to as the “second brain”, can also play an important role in this. The microbiome, the collection of trillions of microorganisms in our digestive tract, has the ability to influence the production and conversion of thyroid hormones. A healthy gut flora supports the thyroid gland by reducing inflammation and facilitating the conversion of T4 into the active T3 hormone.

The role of the microbiome for the thyroid gland

The microbiome is like an orchestra that conducts the symphony of hormones. It influences the production of thyroid hormones directly and indirectly. A healthy gut flora supports the conversion of T4, the less active thyroid hormone, into T3, the active hormone that regulates many of our bodily functions. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria, can impair the body’s ability to carry out this conversion efficiently.

Make sure you eat a varied diet to promote the diversity of your gut flora. Diversity is the key to a healthy microbiome that supports your hormone production. Try to incorporate different fruits and vegetables into your meals to provide your gut bacteria with the nutrients they need.

However, healthy intestinal flora is not only important for hormone production, but also for immune regulation. A balanced gut can dampen inflammatory processes in the body that could otherwise attack the thyroid gland. This is particularly relevant for autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.

Probiotics and their effect on the thyroid gland

Probiotics, the living microorganisms that help our gut, can play a key role in supporting the thyroid gland. Studies have shown that probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria can improve gut health and therefore support hormone regulation. These beneficial bacteria help to strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce the inflammatory responses that often accompany thyroid problems. In addition, probiotics can help lower stress hormones, which in turn can have a positive effect on the thyroid. A stressed body can affect thyroid function by suppressing the production of thyroid hormones. Probiotics can help to correct this imbalance and improve well-being.

Dysbiosis and its consequences for the thyroid gland

Dysbiosis, the imbalance of gut flora, can have devastating effects on thyroid function. When the gut flora gets out of balance, this can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as ‘leaky gut’. This can activate the immune system and lead to inflammation, which can damage the thyroid gland.

To avoid dysbiosis, reduce your consumption of sugar and processed foods. These can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and disrupt the balance in your gut. Instead, you should focus on whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber. These promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and support gut health.

The consequences of dysbiosis are far-reaching and can lead to a variety of health problems, including autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A healthy gut flora is therefore crucial to regulate the immune response and protect the thyroid gland from attack.

Study situation

International studies on the relationship between gut health and the thyroid gland have provided exciting insights into the “gut-thyroid axis”. Here are some of the most important studies and findings:

• Gut-thyroid axis and autoimmune diseases
  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, the two most common autoimmune thyroid diseases, are closely linked to changes in the intestinal flora. Impaired intestinal flora (dysbiosis) leads to increased intestinal permeability, which activates the immune system and can contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. Studies show that patients with Hashimoto’s have a different composition of gut bacteria than healthy individuals, including a reduction in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
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• Micronutrients and thyroid function:
  The composition of the intestinal flora influences the absorption of important micronutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc and selenium, which are necessary for healthy thyroid function. A deficiency of these nutrients can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, especially in patients with autoimmune diseases.
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• Microbiota and thyroid cancer:
  There are indications that changes in the gut microbiota could also play a role in thyroid cancer. One study examined the intestinal flora in patients with thyroid cancer and found that certain pro-inflammatory bacteria were more prevalent.
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These findings underline the importance of intestinal health for thyroid function and offer new approaches for preventive and therapeutic measures for thyroid disorders.

Diet and lifestyle to support thyroid function

Diet plays a crucial role in thyroid and gut health. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and fiber can help support the microbiome and improve thyroid function. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and stress management is also important to promote gut health.

Important nutrients for thyroid health

Some nutrients are particularly important for thyroid health. These include iodine, selenium and zinc, all of which play a crucial role in hormone production and regulation. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, while selenium and zinc support the conversion of T4 to T3. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help optimize thyroid function. Seafood, nuts and seeds are excellent sources of these nutrients and should be regularly included in the diet.

Foods that promote the microbiome

Certain foods can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and thus support the microbiome. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in probiotics and can help to restore the balance of the intestinal flora.

Incorporate fermented foods into your daily diet to strengthen your microbiome. These foods are not only delicious, but also rich in beneficial bacteria that can boost your gut health. Make sure to consume a variety of these foods to support different strains of bacteria. This can help boost the immune system and improve thyroid function.

Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are also important as they serve as prebiotics and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. A diet rich in these foods can help support gut health and improve thyroid function.

Practical tips for improving thyroid function through the microbiome

Successful strategies for restoring the microbiome

To improve the microbiome, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fiber and low in sugar and processed foods can help restore the balance of the gut flora. Fermented foods and probiotics can also be useful to promote gut health.

Strategie	Beschreibung
Change of diet	Integration of more fiber and avoidance of processed foods
Probiotics	Regular intake of probiotic food supplements or fermented foods
Stress management	Practices such as yoga or meditation to reduce stress

Stress management is also important, as stress can have a negative impact on gut health. Practices such as yoga or meditation can help to reduce stress and improve well-being.

The importance of probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are crucial for supporting the microbiome. While probiotics are live bacteria that promote gut health, prebiotics serve as food for these bacteria. A combination of both can help improve the balance of gut flora and support thyroid function. Prebiotics are found in many high-fiber foods such as onions, garlic and bananas. These foods promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and can help to strengthen the microbiome. A diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics can help support gut health and improve thyroid function.

Sources

• Improving Thyroid Function by Targeting the Gut Microbiome
• Probiotics and hormones – understanding the connection | within®
• The silent power of intestinal flora in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• How are intestinal complaints and thyroid problems connected?
• Connection between intestinal flora and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – therapeutic approaches | within®
• How your microbiome influences your hormone balance – myBioma
• The importance of the human microbiome for mental health – PMC