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The thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces hormones that are indispensable for the body's energy consumption. Its functions are necessary for the entire body and not just for regulating weight gain and weight loss, but the gland is also involved in general hormonal balance.
The first studies on the relationship between diet and thyroid function date back to 1994. At this time it was discovered the first adipokine (leptin), a substance produced by adipose tissue which has a hormonal action as well as one that regulates inflammation. If food isn't ingested, thereby activating leptin production, thyroid action isn't activated and thus the body's energetic response is altered.
Scientists later discovered that one of the most common thyroid problems, thyroiditis, is closely related to the allergic condition of the person suffering from it. The greater or lesser degree of thyroid reaction may therefore depend upon the patient's degree of allergic reactivity.
Research on adipokines revealed how diet (for example, the balance of carbohydrates and proteins in each meal) can cause the production of a certain adipokine thereby affecting several hormonal aspects or the induction of some pathologies. However, even eating in such a way that insulin resistance is increased can interfere with thyroid function.
A predominance of carbohydrates in the diet and obesity (not a rare condition in these days) are surely connected to thyroid function.
Several recent works in particular were able to establish that some adipokines (like visfatin) have a specific inflammatory function that is independent of insulin resistance (Oki K et al, Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2007 Nov;67(5):796-800. Epub 2007 Jul 18). However, their action, together with the presence of insulin resistance is closely related to a thyroid dysfunction such as hyperthyroidism (Chu C eta al, Metabolism. 2008 Oct;57(10):1380-3). This last work was very recently published in the magazine Metabolism and clears the way for a truly integrated and “holistic” therapy for thyroid dysfunctions.
The results of this research show how an inflammatory cytokine such as visfatin and the insulin resistance induced by improper eating habits (an excess of carbohydrates) and lifestyle (absence of physical activity) come together to cause an alteration of thyroid function which tends to re-stabilize itself following pharmacological therapy.
In order to act upon the dysfunction itself, the doctor, immunologist and endocrinologist have more than just drugs at their disposal. They can also intervene with a series of behavioral modifications that in some cases can serve as self-therapy and in others a means of cooperation geared towards recovery.
As of today, we shouldn't expect to only receive a prescription for medicine when we go to the endocrinologist; we must accept the responsibility for modifying our behavior in order to restore the body's equilibrium and hormonal regulation.
Therefore, a truly integrated therapy for the thyroid won't just consist of a bottle of pills in your pocket, but also of a pair of running shoes in your bag and a clear idea of what to eat for breakfast and lunch.
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