‘Hashimotos’- Redefining Thyroid health beyond thyroxine: Latest Insights on the Gut-Brain Axis, Environmental Toxicity, and Supplementation Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland with presence of inflammation and elevation of thyroid antibodies. There has been emerging research in gut-thyroid axis, environmental factors, and targeted supplements and nutrition to a positive role in the disease management. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates: Gut-Thyroid Axis and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis As the old naturopathic adage goes ‘ It all begins in the gut’, The emerging research on gut axis implicated in thyroid does not pose a surprise for naturopathic doctors but it validates our work more. Microbiome and Thyroid Health: The gut microbiota significantly influences thyroid function and the onset if autoimmune thyroid disease ( graves Or hashimotos). Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been associated with increased intestinal permeability, which allows antigens to cross the gut barrier and potentially trigger autoimmune responses against thyroid tissue. (1,2) The gut microbiome also plays a role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones through the production of enzymes, which are involved in the enterohepatic recycling of thyroid hormones. (3) Iodine Intake and Microbiome: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, but its metabolism and availability can be influenced by the gut microbiota. The microbiota can affect iodine uptake and degradation, thereby impacting thyroid hormone levels. (2) Excessive iodine intake can exacerbate autoimmune thyroiditis by increasing the promoting inflammatory responses. (1)] Conversely, iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter, conditions that are also influenced by the gut microbiota’s role in nutrient absorption and immune regulation. (4) Interplay Between Microbiome, Iodine, and Autoimmune thyroid disease: The gut microbiota influences the availability of essential micronutrients, including iodine, which are crucial for thyroid function. Dysbiosis can lead to deficiencies in these micronutrients, further complicating thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation. (1) Additionally, the microbiota modulates immune mechanism which can lead to autoimmune thyroid disease. (5) In summary, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in thyroid health by influencing iodine metabolism, immune responses, and the availability of essential micronutrients. Dysbiosis can exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions and impact the effectiveness of iodine in thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation. Probiotic strains: Probiotic strains such as Bifido longum, L plantarum 299V has shown to have immune modulating effects. (14-18) Improving diversity of microbiome through SCFA. Psyllium fibre daily can influence short chain fatty acids. Other probiotic strains such as sachromyces, multi strains have been implicated in studies.More research is required for specific strain use in autoimmune thyroid, but this is a good start. Nutrients: Nutrients such as vitamin D, Selenium, inositol, black cumin have shown considerable evidence in reducing thyroid antibodies. Environmental Toxicity and Thyroid Function. Environmental agents have shown to interfere that interfere with thyroid function (6,7,8,9,10,11) Halogenated organochlorines like PCBS Pesticides, Heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. These agents can significantly impact the development and progression of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The management of autoimmune thyroid conditions like hashimotos are evolving beyond Levothyroxine and one has to consider gut health, detox from environmental toxins, targeted nutrient therapies that has shown to reduce autoimmunity along with lifestyle changes and adjustments. If you are looking for someone who is able to look into all these areas in your journey, please get in touch. References: Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?. Microbiota and Thyroid Interaction in Health and Disease. A Comprehensive Review of Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in the Gut and Its Clinical Implications. The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function. Unveiling the Role of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Emerging Perspectives. Endocrine Disruptors and Thyroid Autoimmunity. Environmental Issues in Thyroid Diseases. Environmental Issues in Thyroid Diseases. Association Between Mixture of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Thyroid Pathologies in a Belgian Population. Association Between Mixture of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Thyroid Pathologies in a Belgian Population. Association Between Pesticide Exposure and Thyroid Function: Analysis of Chinese and NHANES Databases. Mercury in the Human Thyroid Gland: Potential Implications for Thyroid Cancer, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and Hypothyroidism. The Role of Environmental Factors in Autoimmune Thyroiditis. L. Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis by Inhibiting HMGB1/TLR9 Signaling. Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v Supplementation Improves Vascular Endothelial Function and Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Stable Coronary Artery Disease. Effect of Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on Gut-Derived Lipopolysaccharides and Inflammatory Cytokines: An in Vitro Study Using a Human Colonic Microbiota Model. Bifidobacterium Mechanisms of Immune Modulation and Tolerance.
