Page 27 - Winter2017

THYROID INNER WORKINGS important nutrients are missing, iodine cannot be In most
The thyroid gland contains thousands of adequately utilized, and the result is a decrease
spherical structures known as follicles. Each in T4 and/or T3. cases, the
of these follicles contains a reservoir of thyroid In addition to raw nutrient deficiencies, there thyroid is
hormones, much like a swimming pool contains are other factors that can interfere with thyroid merely an
water. This readily available supply ensures that hormone production and usage. These can in-
there is always sufficient hormone availability clude excessive intake of cruciferous vegetables innocent
when TSH sends the signal, via the pituitary, (such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bystander,
that more hormones are needed. cauliflower and kale); consumption of soy foods; part of a
The predominant thyroid hormone is T4. chemical pollutants including polychlorinated
It is made up of four molecules of iodine and bisphenols (PCBs), persistent organic pollutants larger system
comprises 95 percent of the hormone produced (POPs), phthalates, flame retardants and diox- that has

by the thyroid. It is largely inactive and requires ins; and halogen exposure (bromine, chlorine become
additional steps to be converted into the active and fluorine). Each of these has been shown to
hormone, T3. Because the thyroid requires so negatively impact the thyroid hormones’ abilities dysfunctional.
much iodine, it will hoard as much as possible, to reach their intended destination and do their
ensuring there is an adequate supply for con- job at the cellular level. These types of chemical
tinued production. interferences can cause symptoms pointing to
T3 is the star player of the thyroid hormone obvious thyroid dysfunction, yet blood tests can
family. Although very little—less than 5 per- appear perfectly normal.
cent—is actually produced in the thyroid, T3 is
responsible for most of the benefits associated CONVERTING T4 TO T3
with optimal thyroid health. Instead of four The process of converting T4 to T3 is quite
iodine molecules (as seen in T4), there are only complex and occurs in sites outside the thyroid
three. The extra iodine molecule is cleaved off gland. For this conversion to take place, it is
during the conversion process from T4 to T3 in especially important that the key nutrients men-
either the liver, gut or peripheral tissues. Without tioned earlier be present. The two primary sites
this crucial step, adequate T3 will not be avail- where conversion takes place are the liver (60
able to the cells to help stimulate the functions percent) and the gut (20 percent). The remain-
of growth, reproduction and metabolism. ing T4-to-T3 conversion occurs in various sites
in the body referred to as “peripheral tissues.”
TRIP WIRES This symphony of conversions provides readily
As with any other system in the body, there available thyroid hormones throughout the body.
are particular triggers or events that can cause Conversion can be hampered by impaired
dysfunction to occur; not surprisingly, the nutritional status, liver dysfunction, insufficient
thyroid is no exception. The gears and inner digestion or a disordered gut. Still, there is one
workings of the thyroid gland are sensitive to dysfunction that trumps them all: stress and the
a number of external influences, all of which prolonged production of cortisol.
have the potential to prevent it from properly
functioning. Lack of adequate nutrients is one THE ROLE OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS
such trigger. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine
Iodine, for example, is such an important triangle and strongly influence the function of
part of our health that adequate dietary intake the thyroid. When life stress is either prolonged
is crucial for optimal health. In order for io- or excessive, the adrenals release the hormone
dine to be used to create thyroid hormones and cortisol to try to keep stress under control.
have a positive impact on other body tissues, Excessive amounts of cortisol can block
certain nutrients need to be readily available thyroid hormone production, resulting in de-
to facilitate its action. These include vitamins creased levels of T3 (triiodothyronine) in the
A, B, C and D; fatty acids; iron; magnesium; bloodstream. When this occurs, the pituitary
and, most importantly, selenium. When these gets the signal that there isn’t enough hormone

WINTER 2017 Wise Traditions 27