The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the base of the throat, which produces hormones essential for regulating the body’s energy consumption. Despite its modest size, it plays a crucial role in controlling metabolism (and thus regulating weight gain and loss), growth, development, and energy regulation, as well as fatigue.
Thyroid health indicators
In assessing thyroid health, several indicators are commonly measured to determine the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland and identify any dysfunctions.
Thyroid Hormone Levels: this includes measuring levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Specific tests are available for total T4, free T4 (FT4), total T3, and free T3 (FT3). These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions.
Thyroid diseases can affect people of all ages, although some conditions are more common in certain demographic groups. In the case of autoimmune hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, assessing inflammation from food represents an important aspect of treatment.
To measure inflammation levels and bring thyroid function under control, we recommend the PerMè Test.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid to produce T4 and T3. Elevated levels of TSH typically indicate hypothyroidism, while low levels may indicate hyperthyroidism or excessive use of replacement hormone Levothyroxine.
Anti-Thyroid Antibodies: these tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system that attack the thyroid, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG). They can be used to diagnose autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, for which testing for anti-TSH receptor antibodies (so-called anti-TRAB) is also necessary.
Thyroid diseases and disfunctions
Thyroid diseases can affect people of all ages, although some conditions are more common in certain demographic groups. Thyroid diseases can manifest in many forms, but the most common ones include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Graves’ disease.
Hyperthyroidism: this condition occurs when the thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include irritability, weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety. This condition is more common in women than men.
Hypothyroidism: conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, constant feeling of cold, and depression. Hypothyroidism is also more common in women and becomes more frequent with age.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: this is a common form of hypothyroidism, caused by a condition of immunological inflammation leading to altered regulation of thyroid hormone production. The immune system causes chronic inflammation and progressively alters the gland’s function. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and include fatigue, weight gain, swelling of the neck, and dry skin.
Graves’ Disease: this is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism and occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that excessively stimulate the thyroid, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight loss, irritability, heart palpitations, bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy), and goiter.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease predominantly affect women, often during adulthood. Although they can occur at any age, they are more common between the ages of 30 and 50, particularly in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
What to do in case of thyroiditis
IBAFF, short for “B-cell activating factor,” is an inflammatory cytokine produced by our bodies and plays a fundamental role in regulating the immune system and antibody production. Without delving too much into detail, elevated levels of BAFF may be associated with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
We know that inflammation from food leads to an elevation (and, especially, a non-physiological maintenance at high levels) of BAFF. This is why, in the case of autoimmune hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, assessing inflammation from food is an important aspect of treatment.
Recent research has also shown that a condition of impaired sugar metabolism, such as prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, causes thyroid function alterations by lowering FT3 and FT4 levels and facilitating an increase in TSH. It has been observed that rebalancing glycation and sugar metabolism, such as lowering insulin resistance, leads to a marked improvement in thyroid function.
For these reasons, in cases of thyroid diseases, BAFF levels, personal dietary profile, and glycation levels, strongly correlated with gland dysfunction, should always be studied. This can be done through the PerMè test, which measures inflammation levels from foods and sugars, allowing the definition of a personalized dietary plan that can contribute to controlling or even healing thyroiditis.
Subclinical hypothyroidism
TSH levels can often fall within the normal range without the need for therapy. Support from certain amino acids and minerals (especially iodine and selenium), as well as glycation control, always aids in thyroid healing.
There are situations where symptoms are significant, and prompt administration of thyroid hormone is necessary. However, many times, if there are no symptoms and the thyroid continues to function well without causing nodules and with acceptable hormone levels, it is better to wait and evaluate the possible spontaneous evolution of the situation, supporting thyroid function through personalized nutrition and natural supplements that intervene on glycation and lower inflammation levels.
By the Scientific Editorial Team at GEK Lab
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