The Pomegranate Tree: How Healthy is your Thyroid Gland?
By: Dina Eino BSc, ND

Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland found midway down your neck. The hormones it produces play several important roles in the body, including supporting metabolism, regulating tissue growth, and promoting protein synthesis.

When the thyroid gland is not functioning optimally, a general lack of well-being ensues. Some of the most typical signs and symptoms of low thyroid activity include fatigue, dry skin and hair, weight gain or inability to lose weight, hair loss, constipation, feeling cold, forgetfulness and depression.

Any of these symptoms may warrant thyroid testing. The most common thyroid test ordered by physicians is TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. While this is a useful screening tool, it does not give us the whole picture. TSH is an indicator of how much stimulation is directed to your thyroid, not a measure of active thyroid hormones. Even with low thyroid activity, TSH may be normal.

When TSH is released, it prompts the thyroid gland to produce T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine.) T4 is the less active of these two, and is converted to T3. This conversion is dependent on several nutrients, including iodine, zinc, selenium and adequate protein intake. A healthy liver and kidney are also essential to the conversion of this hormone.

The thyroid gland can be affected by various events in life. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, for example, can cause variations in thyroid activity. Additionally, periods of high stress, exposure to environmental toxins and periods of poor nutrient intake can all impact the function of this important gland.

If you suspect your thyroid gland is not functioning optimally, speak to your Naturopathic Doctor. Sometimes just a bit more investigation is all it takes to get your thyroid back on track.

Dina Eino is a Naturopathic Doctor and Co-Owner of The Pomegranate Tree. Dina runs a general family practice, and offers patients individualized approaches to healthcare. For more information, visit www.thepomegranatetree.ca The Pomegranate Tree. Upper Oakville Shopping Centre.