Have you ever wondered why your thyroid may not be working? Millions of people suffer from thyroid conditions, but many of them are not aware of it. If you are among those individuals who are still experiencing a thyroid problem despite medication, it is probably not just because you are getting older or you are depressed.
Here are the most common reasons why your thyroid may not be working properly:
- Digestive Dysfunction
Most thyroid medications come in tablets with a number of inactive ingredients and additional fillers. One that many individuals struggle with is cellulose, a fiber component used as the bulk material for the tablets themselves. This can pose a problem for individuals who have weak digestive systems. They are unable to completely break down the fibers, so the thyroid hormones contained in the tablets are not absorbed or released. When your digestive tract cannot break down the tablets, you cannot obtain the benefits of the medication.
- Decreased Absorption
The hormones produced by the thyroid are sensitive to several medications that alter the absorption or activities of T4. These may include commonly prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals, antacids, diuretics, pain medications, cholesterol-lowering medication, antiarrhythmic medications, diabetic medications and hormone replacements. There are also some foods that may decrease the absorption of thyroid hormones, including the high-fiber and soy-based foods. Calcium and iron supplements may also inhibit the functions of thyroid hormones. According to drug manufacturers, it is always best to take your medication four hours after or before you have ingested other drugs, food or supplements that can affect their effectiveness.
- Inflammation
Inflammation significantly inhibits the functions of your thyroid hormone. Addressing this means identifying the underlying causes of inflammation, like toxins, stress and poor diet. Thyroid resistance is one reason why your thyroid is not working despite the medications that you are taking. One of the best things that you can do is to work with a qualified functional health practitioner to address or uncover chronic inflammation.
- Elevated Reverse
This is extremely common for many individuals dealing with thyroid issues. Elevations in stress reverse T3 formation from the inactive T4, simultaneously decreasing the active T3 formation. So, while you’re taking your thyroid medication and thinking that your thyroid problem will be resolved, you may not convert T4, which contains useable thyroid hormones. The full dosage of medication for your thyroid function increases the reverse T3 formation and may mean that you are only able to utilize of ¼ of it. Therefore, it will just have ¼ of its overall therapeutic effect.
When it comes to taking care of your thyroid functions, it is always important to keep in mind that talking to a doctor is the first option for everyone.
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