Why Gastrointestinal or Gut Flora Affects Thyroid Hormones
Our digestive tracts contain an array of good bacteria that contribute to our overall health in a number of ways. One way is in the production of active thyroid hormones. A staggering 20% of thyroid function depends on a sufficient supply of healthy gut bacteria to convert inactive T4 to active T3 hormone. Poor diet, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antacids, and other drugs can initiate dysbiosis, an overabundance of bad bacteria. This bad bacteria will crowd out the beneficial or “good” bacteria, hampering the production of active thyroid hormone.
Studies show that bacterial gut infections reduce thyroid hormone levels, dull thyroid hormone receptor sites, increase the amount of inactive T3 hormone, decrease thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and promote autoimmune thyroid disorders. Maintaining healthy gut flora and addressing bacterial overgrowth is an important component of good thyroid function. Being tested for gluten intolerance and avoiding gluten can be helpful to improve gut health. Taking probiotics on a daily basis can also aid restoring a healthy gut.
Our bodies and systems are all connected. You can’t treat only one part of the body (system) and ignore the rest. A holistic approach is always best the method.
Under active Thyroid Contribution to Fibromyalgia
Research continues to suggest that thyroid hormone deficiency may be a key feature in FMS etiology. Researchers have observed that FMS patients respond best to treatment with thyroid hormone as part of a comprehensive regimen to optimize the patient’s metabolism. The Journal of Myofascial Therapy stated that, “virtually all FMS patients dramatically improve or completely recover from the symptoms with this regimen. As long as the patient does not take excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, there are no adverse side effects.” In fact, T4 with T3 has improved or eliminated depression, brain fog, feeling of cold, constipation, chronic fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, and chronic sinus infections. For some people it has helped them finally lose weight.