DAY, DATE MONTH 2025

ARTICLE BY MO WELLNESS HUB X RENEE SIMPSON

A NATUROPATHIC APPROACH

TO THYROID HEALTH

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. This little gland is amazingly powerful and has a huge influence on our health. The thyroid gland influences every cell, organ and muscle in the body. It makes hormones that control the way your body uses energy.

The thyroid gland makes and stores hormones T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) under the influence of a hormone released from the brain called TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) T4 is converted to T3 outside of the thyroid primarily in the liver and the gut. T4 must be converted to T3 in order for your body to use it.

An underactive thyroid releases too little thyroid hormones into the blood stream, this causes the metabolism to slow down. The most common causes of hypothyroidism are the autoimmune disease; Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and iodine deficiency.

THYROID TESTING - TSH ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in brain, its role is to stimulate the production of your thyroid hormones. It works on a feedback loop, if there are too little thyroid hormones being produced it will keep being released, resulting in TSH levels increasing.

Testing TSH alone dose not give an accurate indication of how your thyroid is functioning. Many women can have TSH “’within range” and still have elevated thyroid antibodies; Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin (TgAb) indicating immune dysregulation that can lead to autoimmune disease. They can also have sub optimal levels of thyroid hormones and poor conversion from T4 to T3 affecting thyroid function. NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY THYROID FUNCTION

PROTEINS Amino acids (like Tyrosine) are the building blocks of proteins, which are needed to make thyroid hormones.

IODINE Needed to make thyroid hormones.

SELENIUM & ZINCNeeded for the conversion of T4 to T3.

IRON Plays an important role in thyroid hormone production.

VITAMIN D Low levels can indicate a risk of autoimmune disease.

VITAMIN A Required for iodine absorption and conversion of T4 to T3.

VITAMIN C Important to support the thyroid tissue.

VITAMIN E Important for the production of T4.

B VITAMINS Required for the production of thyroid hormones.

MAGNESIUM Involved in the making of thyroid hormones.

INOSITIOL Can help to reduce thyroid antibodies.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS Help thyroid hormones function more efficiently.

HELPFUL HERBS

ASHWANGANDA: A beautiful adaptogen herb that helps to reduce stress, inflammation and supports thyroid function.

NIGELLA (BLACK CUMIN): A powerful antioxidant & antiinflammatory that can help maintain thyroid function.

CORDYCEPS: Helps to alleviate thyroid inflammation and helps the body cope better with stress.

TURMERIC: A powerhouse for reducing inflammation and supporting gut health.

GINGER: Helps to reduce the inflammatory response of Hashimoto’s.

A FINAL WORD ON IODINE

It’s so important not to self prescribe iodine if you haven’t had a your thyroid completely assessed; iodine supplementation can make Hashimoto’s worse. If there is a selenium deficiency, it’s vital to address this first before supplementing with iodine. If you suspect you are having issues with your thyroid, I am available for appointments at the Market Organics Wellness Hub Rocklea. I can order a complete thyroid profile to look at TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies to help get you the answers you need, to help you feel like you again.

ARTICLE BY QUALIFIED BHSc NATUROPATH RENEE SIMPSON | MARKET ORGANICS ROCKLEA

Renée is a bachelor-qualified Naturopath with over 11 years of clinical experience. She is passionate about supporting women who are struggling with their health and seeking real answers. With a special interest in thyroid and gut health, hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, PCOS, and endometriosis, Renée offers compassionate, personalised care. She is available for over-the-counter consultations at our Rocklea store every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.