Thyroid Treatment Options

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the 'Adam’s Apple', and it plays a crucial role in regulating many body processes.

Key Functions of the Thyroid

Metabolism Regulation - The thyroid produces hormones (mainly T3 and T4) that control the speed of your metabolism—how your body converts food into energy. This impacts body temperature, energy levels, and weight.

Heart & Digestive Health - Thyroid hormones help regulate heart rate, ensuring it beats at a healthy pace. They also assist in digestive function, affecting the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract.

Growth & Development - The thyroid is essential for growth in children, especially for brain development and bone health. During puberty, it supports the development of reproductive systems.

Mood & Mental Health - Thyroid hormones influence mental health, helping regulate mood, cognition, and mental clarity. Low thyroid levels can lead to symptoms like depression and cognitive fog, while excessive thyroid hormone can result in anxiety and restlessness

Skin, Hair & Nail Health - Healthy thyroid function contributes to the renewal of skin, hair, and nails. Imbalances can lead to dry skin, brittle hair, and changes in nail texture.

Overall, the thyroid acts as the body's thermostat and energy regulator, working with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to maintain balanced hormone levels and keep bodily functions running smoothly.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, essential for metabolism, energy, and many body functions.

Current research shows that 14% of older Australians are living with a clinically relevant thyroid disorder and 4% having an undiagnosed thyroid disorder. Thyroid disorders (esp. hypothyroidism) becomes more common as we get older, and affects more women than men.

One of the symptoms of a under functioning thyroid is goitre.  A goitre can be a sign of a under or over functioning thyroid.

Goitres grow when the thyroid gland enlarges, often due to the body’s attempt to produce more thyroid hormones or in response to various stressors on the gland.

Causes of Goitre

1. Iodine Deficiency

• Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. When there’s not enough iodine (common in areas without iodised salt), the thyroid tries to compensate by growing larger to capture more iodine from the bloodstream. This is one of the most common causes of goitre worldwide.

2.  Autoimmune Disorders

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis -   An autoimmune condition that leads to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production) can also cause the thyroid to swell. The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and prompting the gland to enlarge.
• Grave's Disease -   Another autoimmune condition where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce excess hormones (hyperthyroidism). This overstimulation can cause the thyroid to enlarge.

3.  Thyroid Nodules

• Over time, small lumps or nodules can form within the thyroid, which may cause parts of the gland to grow. While most nodules are benign, they can increase the overall size of the thyroid, creating a visible goitre.

4.  Hormonal Changes

• Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger hormonal changes that increase the demand on the thyroid gland, sometimes leading to a temporary goitre, especially if there is an underlying iodine deficiency.

5.  Genetic Factors

• Certain genetic factors can predispose people to thyroid gland enlargement. If there’s a family history of goitre or thyroid disorders, individuals may have a higher risk.

6.  Medications & Toxins

• Certain medications, such as lithium (used for bipolar disorder), and environmental toxins can interfere with thyroid function, sometimes causing it to enlarge in response.

Symptoms

• Hypothyroidism:
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Weight gain despite a low appetite
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Dry skin and hair, hair loss
  • Muscle aches, joint pain
  • Constipation
  • Depression and memory issues

• Goitre:
  • Visible swelling in the neck
  • Coughing or hoarseness if the goitre presses on the trachea
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing in severe cases

• Thyroid Nodules:
  • Often asymptomatic
  • If large, may cause neck discomfort or trouble swallowing
  • Rarely, hyperfunctioning nodules cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like rapid heartbeat or weight loss

Orthodox Medical Treatment Options

Medication:

• Levothyroxine:   A synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4, commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism to normalise hormone levels. Requires regular blood tests to monitor.
• Anti-thyroid medications:   For nodules that cause hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine supplementation:   For iodine-deficiency goitres.

Surgery:

• Thyroidectomy:  Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland is considered for large goitres, nodules that are cancerous, or nodules causing obstructive symptoms

Radioactive Iodine Therapy:

 

• Used for hyperfunctioning nodules or recurrent goitre.  May cause hypothyroidism long-term.

Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy:

• For evaluating suspicious thyroid nodules, particularly to rule out cancer.

Risk Factors for Medical Treatment

Levothyroxine:  Over or under treatment can lead to heart issues, osteoporosis, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Dose adjustments are often necessary, especially in older adults or those with cardiovascular disease.

Surgery Risks:

  Infection, bleeding, and scarring are minor risks
Potential for damage to vocal cords, leading to voice changes
Damage to parathyroid glands thus affecting calcium levels are rare but serious risks.
Permanent hypothyroidism if the thyroid is removed, requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy

Radioactive Iodine:  Long-term risk of hypothyroidism.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Here are the best proven natural, dietary, and lifestyle approaches to support  thyroid health, which may be beneficial in treating conditions like goitre, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules. Natural & dietary treatments work on the root cause of the problem whereas orthodox treatments work on the symptoms, leaving the cause unresolved, often with adverse side effects.  

1. Natural & Dietary Approaches

• Iodine Intake
  • Essential for Thyroid Hormone Production:  Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Include iodine-rich foods if there’s a deficiency, such as seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs, prunes, lima beans.  Iodine is added to foods such as iodised salt, bread etc.
  • Caution:  Excessive iodine intake can worsen autoimmune thyroid issues, so ensure intake aligns with recommended levels (around 150 mcg daily for adults).  Careful with kelp as it is very high in iodine, try nori, arame or wakame instead.  Don't overdo the diary, seafood and eggs as they are very high in fat and feed inflammatory conditions.

• Selenium
  • Protects the Thyroid: Selenium supports thyroid hormone synthesis and reduces inflammation. Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish, and lean meats are excellent sources.
  • Recommended Daily Intake: 55 mcg daily for adults is beneficial and safe without risking toxicity.

• Zinc
  • Assists in Thyroid Hormone Conversion:  Zinc is involved in converting T4 to the active T3 form.  Good sources include oysters, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and nuts.
  • Recommended Daily Intake:  For adults, 8-11 mg daily from food or supplements, though not exceeding 40 mg/day to avoid negative effects.

• Antioxidant-Rich Diet
  • Reduces Inflammation:  Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E help reduce inflammation and support immune health, potentially beneficial for thyroid autoimmunity.
  • Foods:  Berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, and seeds.

• Avoiding Goitrogens
  • Limit Raw Goitrogenic Foods:  Some raw cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) can interfere with thyroid function, especially in those with iodine deficiency.  Cooking these vegetables reduces their goitrogenic effect.

2. Lifestyle Factors

• Stress Reduction
  • Supports Hormone Balance: Chronic stress impacts cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Regular relaxation practices are essential.
  • Effective Methods: Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and spending time in nature are proven to reduce stress and support endocrine health.

• Regular Exercise
  • Boosts Metabolism and Mood:  Gentle, regular exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling helps improve energy, mood, and metabolism, which is often low in hypothyroidism.
  • Recommendation:  Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days, tailored to individual energy levels.

• Adequate Sleep
  • Supports Recovery and Hormone Health:  Quality sleep is essential for hormone regulation and immune function.  Poor sleep can exacerbate fatigue and stress on the thyroid.
  • Tip:  Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, keeping a consistent sleep schedule.

3. Herbal Support

• Ashwagandha  AKA Withania, Indian Ginseng
  • Supports Thyroid Function:  Adaptogenic herb that helps balance thyroid hormones and may be particularly beneficial for hypothyroidism.  Consult with a healthcare provider, as it may interact with thyroid medications.

• Turmeric
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects:  Contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that supports immune function. Can be added to meals or taken as a supplement.

• Bladderwrack
  • Source of Natural Iodine:  Often used to support thyroid health but should be used cautiously and under supervision if taking iodine supplements.

Summary

Integrating a diet rich in essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and zinc, combined with regular exercise, stress management, and sleep, provides a solid foundation for thyroid health.  Consulting with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance, particularly when supplementing, is crucial to avoid overuse of iodine and ensure balanced thyroid support.

As with all chronic disorders of an inflammatory and / or metabolic nature - reliance an a wholefood diet high in plant foods and fibre and low in fats and animal foods will yield the best results not only for thyroid problems but for metabolic disorders in general.