What are the links between the thyroid and intestinal transit disorders?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and many other bodily processes. Thyroid disorders can affect various aspects of health, including bowel movements. In this article, which complements our series on the thyroid, we will explore the links between thyroid problems and bowel movement disorders.
Reminder: What is the thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck (it secretes hormones into the bloodstream). This gland, weighing approximately 20 grams, is essential for the proper functioning of the body because it synthesizes, among other things, thyroid hormones, which control our metabolism. Thyroid hormones are indispensable for the optimal functioning of our body and the regulation of metabolism.
Reminder: What is the function of the thyroid?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones: T3, T4 and calcitonin.
The thyroid gland plays a role in regulating basal metabolism via T3 and T4. It contributes to maintaining body temperature, reflexes, growth, and muscle strength. The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 regulate energy expenditure. Calcitonin, for its part, contributes to the proper functioning of calcium metabolism.
Thyroid dysfunctions
The thyroid can suffer from dysfunctions of varying severity. Most of the time, these dysfunctions lead to changes in the secretion of thyroid hormones:
- either an excess secretion that leads to hyperthyroidism
- either insufficient secretion leading to hypothyroidism
As a reminder, the most common thyroid conditions are as follows:
- Thyroid atrophy
- Graves' disease
- Thyroiditis
- Hyperplasia = goiter
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
How does the thyroid influence intestinal transit?
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are responsible for regulating metabolism and basal metabolism. These hormones also impact the functioning of the digestive system, notably by influencing intestinal motility , that is, the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract.
What are the links between hypothyroidism and constipation?
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones. This condition can lead to a slowed metabolism and, consequently, decreased bowel motility. Constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, as the slowed intestinal transit makes bowel movements more difficult.
Hyperthyroidism is a cause of diarrhea
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is a thyroid disorder characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. This condition can accelerate metabolism and increase intestinal motility. Diarrhea is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, as the accelerated intestinal transit can lead to stools being expelled too quickly, not allowing enough time for water to be absorbed.
How to diagnose thyroid and bowel transit problems?
If you experience bowel problems and suspect they might be related to a thyroid issue, it's important to consult a doctor. They can perform blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels and determine if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
What are the signs of a malfunctioning thyroid?
Whether it concerns hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, certain symptoms should lead you to consult your doctor.
Signs of an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) include:
- Feeling hot all the time
- Excessive sweating
- Mood disorders: excessive emotionality, mood swings
- Hyperactivity
- Weight loss
- Difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality
- Disrupted bowel movements: accelerated transit, diarrhea
- Feeling like you're always hungry
- Lack of muscle strength
- Tremors
Signs of a thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) include:
- Hair and eyebrow loss
- Feeling cold, difficulty warming up
- Significant overall fatigue.
- Slower reflexes
- Muscle fatigue, low strength
- Feeling of shortness of breath
- Slowed intestinal transit, constipation
- Weight gain
- Hearing difficulties
- Lack of energy
- Absence, or near absence, of libido
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Concentration and memory problems
How to manage intestinal transit disorders related to the thyroid?
Medical treatment
Treatment for thyroid-related bowel disorders depends on the underlying cause. For hypothyroidism, standard treatment involves supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone, such as levothyroxine, which helps normalize thyroid hormone levels and improve symptoms, including constipation. For hyperthyroidism, treatment may include antithyroid medications or surgery to reduce thyroid hormone production and alleviate symptoms, such as diarrhea.
Lifestyle and diet changes
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle and dietary changes can be helpful in managing thyroid-related bowel problems. Here are some tips:
- Drink enough water to promote good bowel function.
- Consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to help regulate bowel movements.
- Exercise regularly to stimulate bowel motility.
- Avoid foods that can worsen bowel movement problems, such as fatty or spicy foods, or caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of goitrogenic foods, as these can impair thyroid function. These include, in particular, soy and cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts).
- It is also possible to support proper thyroid function by consuming the right amount of essential nutrients, particularly in the form of dietary supplements. This is especially true for subclinical hypothyroidism.
What can Phytocea do to help me manage my thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can significantly impact bowel movements, leading to issues such as constipation and diarrhea. If you suspect your bowel problems might be related to a thyroid issue, don't hesitate to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
At Phytocea , we have created a special thyroid food supplement: Thyro. Thyro is a food supplement that provides a natural supply of iodine , selenium , tyrosine , zinc , and B vitamins . In Thyro, we have incorporated Guggul for its thyroid-regulating properties and its ability to facilitate iodine absorption.
In addition, to help you manage your intestinal issues, we created Flore Daily. Flore Daily is a probiotic food supplement containing over 50 billion CFU (colony forming units), making it one of the most concentrated probiotics on the market. Furthermore, the Flore Daily formula uses a unique blend of probiotic strains, with 11 carefully selected probiotics to help you regain true intestinal comfort.
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To learn more
HAS guidelines for hypothyroidism
HAS guidelines for subclinical hypothyroidism
HAS guidelines for hyperthyroidism
Gut flora, prebiotics, probiotics: essential concepts
