Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are a racing heart, nervousness, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and an enlarged neck. Digestive symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, liver problems, H. pylori bacterial infection and weight loss.
Did you know that the thyroid has a relationship with your digestion? When the thyroid gland is imbalanced it can result in digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among other things. This article will explore how the thyroid affects the gut.
Patients with hyperthyroidism can experience frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, even malabsorption with steatorrhea[1,3]. Chronic dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain and fullness, as well as eructation, nausea and vomiting are also frequently seen in these patients.
Gastrointestinal system disorders are ignored in hypothyroidism because of certain systemic symptoms of cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and ocular disorders with thyroid dysfunctions [13]. Changes in the motor activity of the digestive system may result in gastric distension and constipation in hypothyroidism [7, 14].
The thyroid gland is an example of another factor that affects digestion, even though it isn't technically part of the digestive system. Through the hormones it releases, the thyroid regulates numerous aspects of human health, including metabolism and digestion.
One such autoimmune disorder that occasionally occurs in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease is autoimmune gastritis, a chronic inflammatory condition in which parietal cells of the stomach are destroyed by antibodies. Patients with autoimmune gastritis have problems with iron and vitamin B12 absorption.
Hypothyroidism contributes to hypochlorhydria, a condition in which the stomach acid is too low. For someone with acid reflux or chronic indigestion this may sound like a good thing but in fact low stomach acid often causes heartburn, indigestion or GERD.
Hashimoto disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, may be associated with an esophageal motility disorder presenting as dysphagia or heartburn. Dyspepsia, nausea, or vomiting may be due to delayed gastric emptying.
Gut dysbiosis is often found in those with thyroid disease, like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease (more on these below). Poor gut health may impair thyroid function and poor thyroid function can contribute to inflammation and 'leaky gut'.
Root Cause Treatment for Thyroid Gut Connection
Digestive enzymes, bitters, bile salts, and intestinal integrity support (glutamine) can be used as necessary to support nutrient balance and improve gut health. (37) Prebiotics and probiotics can help to assist with microbial diversity and balance the immune response.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate, growth and development. It plays a role in controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet.
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
When the thyroid gland becomes significantly enlarged, the goiter can begin to compress the esophagus (and other nearby structures, such as the trachea), leading to dysphagia, as well as breathing difficulties in some cases.
Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
Eat slowly by chewing your food thoroughly. Chewing your food helps it break down into smaller pieces which are easier to digest. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which is alkaline and may help neutralize acid that refluxes from the stomach.
Besides taking your regular thyroid medication, you can also treat symptoms of bloating with over-the-counter medications that help relieve gas, like simethicone. However, if your symptoms are persistent or you continually rely on medication to reduce bloating, it is time to see your doctor.
Hypothyroidism can affect the heart and circulatory system in several ways. Lower production of thyroid hormone slows your heart rate. Hypothyroidism also makes the arteries less elastic, and blood pressure rises in order to circulate blood around the body.
Your body has a complex system for controlling the level of thyroid hormones in your body. First, your hypothalamus (a part of your brain located on the undersurface of it) secretes thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates a part of your pituitary gland to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
The thyroid gland is a small organ that's located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea). It's shaped like a butterfly, smaller in the middle with two wide wings that extend around the side of your throat. The thyroid is a gland.
Overactive Thyroid, Overactive Appetite
The most common reason for an overactive thyroid is Graves disease. Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to over-produce thyroid hormone. Symptoms include hunger as well as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, an enlarged neck, and tiredness.