Gut Problems and Low Thyroid
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common. In fact, about one in four people in the U.S. are forced to limit their daily activities as a result of uncomfortable and embarrassing GI troubles. Chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, delayed stomach emptying and gallbladder sludge can be symptoms of motility problems that are commonly seen in thyroid patients. The conditions account for almost half of the GI problems seen by doctors.
Functional problems can also involve the gut’s ability to secrete digestive enzymes that promote nutrient breakdown and absorption. Bloating, gas, smelly stools and bacterial overgrowth can be symptoms of these problems. Functional problems can also involve a condition called “leaky gut”. This is increased permeability of the intestinal lining, which can set off body-wide inflammation and increase the risk for autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
One important function (and increasingly understood role) of the gut is to host 70 percent of the immune tissue in the body. This portion of the immune system is collectively referred to as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT comprises several types of lymphoid tissues that store immune cells, such as T and B lymphocytes, which carry out attacks and produce antibodies against antigens, or molecules recognized by the immune system as potential threats. It is also a warehouse for living microbiota and organisms that are crucial to immune health.
Problems occur when these protective functions of the gut are compromised. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, large protein molecules escape into the bloodstream. Because these proteins don’t belong outside of the gut, the body mounts an immune response and attacks them. We also know that thyroid hormones strongly influence the tight junctions in the stomach and small intestine. These tight junctions are closely associated areas of two cells with membranes that join together to form the impermeable barrier of the gut. T3 and T4 have been shown to protect gut mucosal lining from stress-induced ulcer formation.
Inflammation in the gut also reduces T3 by raising cortisol. Cortisol is a steroidal hormone that is released by the adrenal gland in response to everyday events such as waking up in the morning and exercising, but also during acute and chronic stress situations. Excessive cortisol load informs blood sugar regulation, immune function, weight management, proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Women that secrete high levels of cortisol when they are under stress tend to eat more at those times than women that secrete less cortisol. Additionally, because T3 is the available, or active form of thyroid hormone, thyroid activity further decreases as a result of how the gut is functioning.
Each cell in the body requires thyroid hormones to function properly, so it’s no surprise that low thyroid activity—and the resulting low metabolism—can cause gastrointestinal trouble. A lot of that trouble is “functional”; that is, it has to do with the way the gut functions in real life, and is not a structural abnormality that will show up on endoscopy, X-rays or blood tests. These functional problems are likely to involve GI tract motility–the coordinated movement of food from top to bottom, not to mention acid reflux and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Doug Pucci, DC, FAAIM, regularly offers in-office seminars presenting the latest science and clinical data on neurotoxic illness and chronic disease. He provides nutrition, comprehensive testing for health biomarkers, toxicology and brain/body well-being. For more information, call 201-261-5430 or visit GetWell-Now.com.
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