Feed your thyroid

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the human body. It controls nearly all of your cells and is vital for healthy metabolism, growth and development. This tiny butterfly-shaped gland, which makes up part of your endocrine system, produces hormones that help regulate many vital functions in the body. A disturbance in thyroid function can greatly impact your physical and mental health and wellbeing. This is why, when the thyroid is not working optimally, it can affect the functioning of almost every system of the body, including your emotional state.

Thyroid hormone regulation

Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid gland is regulated by what is called a negative feedback loop, which includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to make and secrete thyroid hormones.

The thyroid produces two main types of hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 is the active form of thyroxine. The liver, gut and kidneys convert T4 into its active T3 form that can be used by cells in the body. There is a third hormone produced by the thyroid called calcitonin, which is involved in calcium and bone metabolism.

If your T3 or T4 levels are too high the hypothalamus and pituitary gland will stop secreting hormones. If your T3 and T4 levels are too low the hypothalamus and pituitary gland will increase thyroid hormone secretion to help bring the body back into balance. If your thyroid function test results show high TSH levels, this may indicate that your thyroid is underactive and not producing enough thyroid hormones. Low TSH on the other hand may indicate that your thyroid is overactive and producing too much thyroid hormone.

Role of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones play a major role in metabolism and how nutrients from the foods you eat are converted into energy to fuel the body. They regulate body temperature, heart rate and digestive function, and they can also affect fertility.

Thyroid hormones influence your sleep, and your brain function and development. They also help regulate your “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that control your mood.

Additionally, these hormones also play a role in maintaining healthy bones, and they