Is your thyroid working for you or against you? Find out how this tiny gland impacts your whole body.
Introducing T3 and T4!
Biochemical processes, which utilize hormones and chemical reactions, must take place to regulate metabolism, growth, and energy balance.
Hormones play an important role in ensuring that the body efficiently breaks down and utilizes the nutrients from food. They are synthesized from glands and organs in the body and behave as chemical messengers that help coordinate processes like digestion, energy storage, and energy expenditure.
Looking at T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), these hormones are critical regulators, playing a key role in maintaining overall bodily function and metabolism regulation. They are made and released by the thyroid gland - a butterfly-shaped organ found at the front of your neck. The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland (the HPT axis).
Bodily processes
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Figure 1 illustrates the conversion of T4 hormones to T3. Both T3 and T4 have broad effects, affecting nearly every cell in the body. While their main function is to regulate metabolism, they also influence various other physiological processes, such as boosting metabolic rate. Thyroid hormones elevate the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which leads to heat production and energy expenditure. Additionally, they promote the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
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Figure 2 presents this concept visually. T3 and T4 influence multiple physiological functions and are essential for regulating heart rate, contractility, and electrical conduction. These hormones play a key role in controlling the heart's response to various stimuli, as well as its intrinsic rhythm and conduction. As shown in Figure 2, circadian rhythm regulation refers to biological processes that follow an approximately 24-hour cycle, primarily influenced by light and darkness. This regulation affects various physiological functions, including hormone secretion, metabolism, sleep-wake cycles, and more.
A Taste for UPFs
Addictive foods, particularly those high in sugar, fats, and salt, activate the brain's reward system, especially the dopamine pathways, which produce feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. While their primary function isn’t necessarily to cause addiction, they do influence food cravings, eating habits, and the body’s response to these foods.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), in particular, can trigger the release of hormones that create a feedback loop. This hormonal response reinforces cravings, making it harder to resist these foods over time. As a result, continued consumption can increase the desire for them, creating a cycle that's difficult to break.
To combat cravings, consider the following tips: High-fiber foods can help improve leptin sensitivity, while protein-rich meals may lower ghrelin levels (the hunger hormone). Foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and legumes, can assist in managing insulin responses. When choosing foods that are less likely to trigger addictive eating behaviors, focus on those that have a more balanced effect on the hormones responsible for hunger, satiety, and pleasure.
Hypothyroidism (low T3/T4)
When thyroid function is low, metabolism can slow down, and dopamine receptor sensitivity may also decrease. As a result, individuals may be more inclined to crave high-reward foods, such as sugary or fatty options, to lift their energy and mood. People with hypothyroidism often experience strong cravings for comfort foods like processed snacks, chocolate, and salty treats.
Hyperthyroidism (high T3/T4)
Conversely, when thyroid hormone levels are high, metabolism speeds up, and individuals with hyperthyroidism may experience constant hunger or a high metabolism without feeling full after eating. This can also result in cravings for energy-dense foods such as whole foods, lean proteins, and fermented foods.
So... T3 & T4?
The field of hormones and food addiction is rapidly evolving, with ongoing discoveries and challenges. It is well-established that hormones such as leptin and ghrelin are key players in regulating hunger and satiety. Recent research has also highlighted the significant role of the gut microbiome in food addiction, revealing that certain gut bacteria are linked to addictive eating behaviors. Modulating the microbiome could open up new possibilities for treatment—this connection is often referred to as the Gut-Brain Axis.
There are several challenges, including the absence of targeted interventions, the complex nature of its causes, and limitations in public awareness and policy. There is a clear need for interventions specifically aimed at food addiction, as current treatments are often adapted from those used for other eating and substance use disorders. It's also important to monitor vitamin and mineral levels, particularly iodine, which is crucial for the synthesis of T3 and T4 hormones. A deficiency in iodine can impair the thyroid's ability to produce adequate levels of these hormones.
Resources
(Paper) Biochemistry of Hormones that Influences FeelingsHormones are chemical - peptides, proteins, and steroids produced and released by specialized cells. They act on various "target" cells, either locally or at a distance. The term "hormone" is derived from the Greek word "hormao," which means "to stimulate" or "to move."
A research publication that breaks into body hormones, their functions in body system processes. Hormones and Cellular Signaling, Stress Response and the Adrenal Glands, Reproductive Hormones and Development are subtopics giving scope to this exploratory research.
(Paper) Important Hormones Regulating Lipid Metabolism
A paper taking a look at insulin and its effect on lipid metabolism. Insulin and Transcriptional Regulation, the function of Glucagon, Thyroid Hormone, Mitochondria, Sex Hormones are areas that the paper looks into further.
(Paper) Important Hormones Regulating Lipid Metabolism
A paper taking a look at insulin and its effect on lipid metabolism. Insulin and Transcriptional Regulation, the function of Glucagon, Thyroid Hormone, Mitochondria, Sex Hormones are areas that the paper looks into further.
Last updated: 25/11/2024
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3 comments:
Wow, understanding the role of the thyroid is so helpful, especially when it comes to energy and cravings.
first, love the play on words for this title! and so cool to know the wonders of kale and the importance of the thyroid.. thanks
The body is such a sensitive machine isn't it. This really makes it clear how important it is to eat the right foods
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