Understand your
thyroid health

To delve deeper into thyroid issues, I spoke with Fiona Forbes, Chief Functional Medicine Officer at Forbes.health. Having personally struggled with Hashimoto’s Disease, Fiona brings a unique perspective to the topic.

Fiona, it’s great to discuss thyroid health with you. We know there are various causes for thyroid dysfunction. Can you elaborate on how, for example, gut infections or chronic stress can impact thyroid function?

The gut plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal thyroid function. The thyroid gland primarily produces thyroxine (T4), which is relatively inactive on its own. For T4 to become biologically active, it must be converted into triiodothyronine (T3). While this conversion mainly occurs in the liver, approximately 20% of thyroid hormone conversion also happens in the gut. Gut inflammation can increase cortisol levels, which can reduce T3 production. Managing cortisol and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is essential for proper thyroid function. A leaky gut can also trigger autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s and Graves disease, further impairing thyroid health.

Are there specific gut bacteria or stress hormones that have a direct influence?

Yes..
High levels of certain gut bacteria, like Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium avium, and Proteus, often signal gut inflammation. These bacteria release histamine and contribute to leaky gut, commonly seen in individuals with thyroid issues. Gut dysfunction often coincides with thyroid problems. Stress elevates cortisol, which can inhibit TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) and impair the conversion of T4 to T3. Maintaining a healthy gut flora and balancing cortisol levels is key to supporting thyroid health and overall well-being.

In addition to conventional treatments (medications, radioactive iodine, surgery), what complementary therapies like nutrition, supplements, or lifestyle changes can support thyroid health?

The most effective approach involves advanced Functional Medicine testing to identify the root cause. Lab results, combined with symptoms, determine the best personalized approach for each client. At Forbes.Health, our protocols are tailored to each individual’s needs. It’s essential to support the thyroid, liver (T4-T3 conversion), brain (HPA axis), gut, and circulatory system. Natural supplementation should be based on lab results, but common supplements include Tyrosine, Iodine, Selenium, and vitamins. Removing food sensitivities, eating whole foods, regular exercise, and stress management are also critical. A comprehensive approach combining lifestyle changes and targeted supplementation is key to optimal thyroid health.

What role do anti-inflammatory diets and stress reduction techniques play in thyroid health?

Anti-inflammatory diets are vital because gut inflammation causes permeability, contributing to thyroid dysfunction. Processed foods can stagnate the liver and impair thyroid function. Inflammatory foods, sugary foods, and alcohol increase pro-inflammatory TH17 cells, which can damage the thyroid. By following an anti-inflammatory diet, you can support gut and liver health, which in turn improves thyroid function.

Are there preventive measures people can take to reduce the risk of thyroid problems?

Yes, remove all food sensitivities, heal the gut, reduce stress, and cleanse the liver regularly. Open drainage pathways, remove toxins from the environment, and test thyroid levels every 6 months, especially during menopause, andropause, or after childbirth.

Do you have any specific dietary advice for people with sensitive thyroids?

Yes, remove gluten and inflammatory foods. Gluten can cause an inflammatory reaction for months and contribute to autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. It damages the gut lining, increasing intestinal permeability. Since gluten proteins resemble thyroid tissue, they can trigger an autoimmune response. Additionally, remove anti-nutrients like oxalates and phytic acid, and focus on nutrient-dense foods like organ meats, oysters, and herbs, which support thyroid function.

Do thyroid issues affect children?

Yes! Children can suffer from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s, Graves disease, thyroid nodules, and Goiter. Hypothyroidism may slow growth, while hyperthyroidism can cause accelerated growth with potential developmental issues. Both can affect mood, concentration, and memory.

Is the treatment for children different from adults?

Treatment is similar to adults but with adjusted dosages. The key is identifying the root cause early to prevent the progression of thyroid disease.

Are there specific thyroid problems more common in men, and which ones are more common in women? How do these differ?

Yes, thyroid dysfunction is more common in women due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Women also often develop multiple autoimmune diseases, such as coeliac disease and Hashimoto’s. Additionally, women tend to have a higher toxic load from personal care products, increasing the risk of thyroid issues.

What are the risks of an untreated thyroid disorder during pregnancy for both mother and child?

Untreated thyroid disorders can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, developmental issues, and birth defects. The mother may face pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension and the need for a caesarean section.

I’d like to focus on Forbes.health’s treatment approach. Could you explain why you test T3, TgAb, and TPO antibodies in addition to the standard TSH and T4?

Yes
High levels of TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies suggest the immune system is attacking thyroid tissue. TgAb antibodies also target thyroglobulin, essential for hormone synthesis. Elevated levels indicate autoimmune thyroiditis, often seen in Hashimoto’s. Testing T3, TgAb, and TPO helps detect thyroid dysfunction early, especially in individuals with autoimmune conditions like coeliac disease. Testing Free T3 is crucial as it’s the biologically active form of the hormone. Tracking these antibodies also helps monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

I understand that Forbes.health goes beyond standard thyroid level ranges. Why is this important, and what are considered normal ranges in your opinion?

Standard thyroid reference ranges are too broad, leaving many with “normal” results despite having underlying thyroid dysfunction. Functional ranges are narrower and focused on optimal health. I experienced this firsthand; despite normal results, I had coeliac disease and Hashimoto’s, which went undiagnosed for years. Functional ranges help detect issues earlier and prevent further damage.

I understand that Forbes.health goes beyond standard thyroid level ranges. Why is this important, and what are considered normal ranges in your opinion?

Standard thyroid testing reference ranges only reflect levels of thyroid markers that are common among the general population (TSH, T4, fT4). A significant percentage of these people have clinical and subclinical thyroid dysfunction, are chronically ill and overweight. Their ranges are too broad, leaving many clients with a NORMAL result, when actually they have thyroid dysfunction silently developing until serious problems arise. By this time it’s sometimes too late and serious damage has already occurred.
This happened to me, all my life I was told my thyroid was NORMAL, even though I struggled with coeliac disease, food sensitivities, gut issues, infertility and miscarriages.
Our functional ranges offer a tighter, optimal range focused on thriving health and preventative care.

How does Forbes.health’s 360-degree approach compare to conventional thyroid care?

Conventional thyroid care typically focuses exclusively on the thyroid gland, utilizing treatments such as medication, T-Caps, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid surgery. While these methods target the symptoms, they often overlook the underlying causes contributing to thyroid dysfunction.
In Functional Medicine, the approach is more comprehensive. Rather than merely treating the symptoms, we address the root cause and optimize all systems necessary for thyroid function. This includes supporting the liver, gut, circulation, thyroid, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Key strategies include enhancing detoxification, managing stress, balancing hormones, eliminating food sensitivities, and more.
We also use natural hormone therapies like Armour Thyroid, WP Thyroid, and Nature-Thyroid. These treatments are more natural, have fewer side effects, and are free from additives like gluten, soy, corn, and shellfish.

Can you share some success stories from the Forbes.health thyroid program and what clients can realistically expect?

Yes, many clients have successfully reversed their thyroid conditions and significantly reduced symptoms. One client reversed her thyroid antibodies from 360 to 0, which is an exceptional result.
Our approach includes thorough testing to identify the root cause. We create a personalized protocol that combines natural supplementation, diet, rest, exercise, and stress reduction. Clients often improve their thyroid symptoms using natural desiccated thyroid products like Armour Thyroid or WP Thyroid, which contain fewer additives than synthetic medications.
The choice of treatment ultimately depends on the client’s preference. We work with clients using both natural and standard thyroid medications, ensuring they have an informed choice.