Role of the Thyroid
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that helps produce hormones that control everything from heart rate to metabolism. Thyroid problems include a range of disorders that can cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little hormone (hypothyroidism).
Thyroid Disorder Symptoms
The symptoms of a thyroid disorder or thyroid disease depend on whether the thyroid is overproducing or underproducing thyroid hormone.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition known as Graves’ disease. Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms that include:
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weight loss
- Protruding eyes
- Nervousness or agitation
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is also an autoimmune condition: Hashimoto’s disease, also sometimes referred to as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Abnormal bone development
- Stunted growth
- Weight gain
What Are Thyroid Antibodies?
Thyroid antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight infections, viruses, and bacteria. However, when someone has an autoimmune condition, antibodies can misfire, attacking healthy cells, tissues, and organs instead. When they target the thyroid, they can cause Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease, two different but equally serious autoimmune thyroid conditions.
If you have an overactive or underactive thyroid, your doctor may test your thyroid antibodies (sometimes referred to as your thyroid peroxidase antibodies) to help determine if an autoimmune condition is the cause.
What are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies?
Thyroid peroxidase is a crucial kind of protein, known as an enzyme, used by cells in your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. It is also a primary target of the immune system in autoimmune thyroid diseases. When thyroid cells are damaged, thyroid peroxidase antibodies leak into the bloodstream. If you have an autoimmune condition, your body releases antibodies as an immune response to combat these proteins.
Testing your thyroid peroxidase antibodies is one way your doctor can determine if your hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is being caused by an autoimmune condition.
4 Ways to Support Thyroid Health and Weight Loss
One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain. Even if you don’t have an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s disease, you might experience unexplained weight gain as a result of an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, which often triggers noticeable weight gain.
If your doctor diagnoses you with hypothyroidism, you will typically be prescribed thyroid hormone to treat your condition. In many cases, once your thyroid levels stabilize, your metabolism and weight will return to their normal baseline.
The extent of weight gained can depend on a variety of individual factors, including the severity of your hypothyroidism, as well as other individual genetic and lifestyle factors. Some individuals may need additional support to achieve weight loss even with thyroid medication, and some individuals may have subclinical hypothyroidism – meaning their hypothyroidism may not be severe enough to warrant medication, but may still affect their metabolism and weight. So how can you support thyroid health to improve weight loss?
Reduce Sugar Intake
Cutting down on sugar and simple carbohydrates is the cornerstone of most healthy diet recommendations. It’s especially important if you’re trying to achieve a healthy weight and keep your thyroid healthy. Swap out quick hits of sugar for complex carbohydrates that provide a steady source of energy all day.
Follow a Thyroid-Friendly Diet
Hashimoto’s and other hypothyroid conditions cause your metabolism to slow down. To support a steady, healthy metabolism, avoid crash diets or extreme fasting measures. Instead, focus on a balanced diet of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, high-fiber foods, fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and healthy fats are all important to support your metabolic rate. Staying hydrated with plenty of water is key – and coffee or green tea can boost your metabolism, too.
Reduce Stress
Stress can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism, so look for ways to incorporate stress-reducing techniques every day. Get at least eight hours of sleep, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and practice meditation or mindfulness to lower cortisol levels.
Try Dietary Supplements for Thyroid Health Support
Thyroid-supporting supplements are another great tool to promote thyroid health.
Thytrophin PMG from Standard Process is one supplement that may support thyroid health, reduce thyroid antibodies, and help with weight management.
Thyroid Support Complex from Pure Encapsulations is a comprehensive formula containing vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to help with maintaining healthy thyroid cell metabolism and thyroid hormone function.
Thyroid Gland from Vinco is a dietary supplement containing ingredients that have been shown to support the health and function of the thyroid.
Now that you understand how to utilize thyroid antibodies to support your health, how will you kickstart your weight loss?
- About the Author
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Dr. Kathleen Scala, AP DOM, is an NCCAOM FL Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She graduated with honors from East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, FL and received NCCAOM diplomas for both acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Through her acupuncture and herbal training she also became skilled in nutrition and homeopathy. While a medical student Kathleen managed the herbal clinic at East West College. She brings extensive supplement knowledge from over twenty-four years in the natural health and wellness industry.