The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolic activities and maintaining overall health. It produces two primary hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Triiodothyronine is the active form of thyroid hormone that affects various tissues, including the brain, heart, and muscles.

If you see a conventional doctor, he/she would typically evaluate your thyroid by measuring only one test – the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is released by a pituitary gland releases based on T4 levels.  If your level is high, it might indicate that your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), and if it is low it suggests hyperthyroidism. From a functional medicine perspective, even though the THS level can indicate potential thyroid dysfunction, it is simply not sufficient. First, the range of normal TSH is between 0.5-4.5 mIU/L but a level over optimal level, which is what we want is less than 2.5mIU/L. In addition, it is important to measure reverse T3 (rT3), which is an inactive byproduct of T4 metabolism. High rT3  interferes with the metabolic functions of T3. Typically not tested at your primary care doctor are other important indicators of overall thyroid function: free T3 and free T4; these tests assess the levels of unbound hormones – the hormones capable of metabolic activity in the tissues and give a functional practitioner a more complete picture of the thyroid function. 

Autoimmune thyroid disease can be diagnosed by evaluating Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies. What nutrients are necessary for proper thyroid function?

1. Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production.
2. Tyrosine is a building block for thyroid hormones and works with iodine to activate T3 and T4
3. Selenium supports thyroid function and reduces inflammation.
4. Zinc is required for T4 to T3 conversion.
5. Iron is necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis.
6. Vitamin D regulates immune responses and supports thyroid health.
7. B Vitamins necessary for thyroid enzyme regulation and involved thyroid hormone production.
8. Vitamin C is an antioxidant involved in iodine absorption.
9. Vitamin E protects from oxidative stress and plays a role in conversion of T4 to T3.

Obtaining enough of these nutrients though a wholesome organic diet is essential to ensure proper thyroid function. Foods to include in your diet include seafood, fish, seaweed, eggs, avocados, legumes, dark leafy veggies, Brazil nuts, and seeds.  Avoiding radiation exposure, stress management, and proper sleep are indicated. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you will be prescribed thyroid medication – the most commonly prescribed is levothyroxine (Synthroid). The problem with this drug is that it it contains only T4, the inactive thyroid hormone and many people have problems with the conversion of T4 to the active form T3 so this is not a good option. I prefer to use Naturethroid or Armour Thyroid, which contains both T3 and T4.