Despite being only a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, the thyroid is responsible for a much larger impact on a person’s well being. It manages the metabolism, levels of energy in the body, temperature of the body, and even one’s mood. Nonetheless, in the current word, the thyroid suffers from constant damage from environmental toxins. In today’s world, the air, life-sustaining water and many products contain harmful substances that can disrupt thyroid function and lead to dire health issues.
In this article, I will discuss what environmental toxins do to the thyroid, which particulare chemicals are the main offenders, and how to protect yourself from them.
Before we talk about toxins and how they impact the thyroid, it is wise to gain some knowledge about the thyroid itself. The latter does produce two primary hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones impact almost every single cell in our body as they control the body’s energy usage, speed of protein synthesis, and reaction to other hormones.
In case the thyroid malfunctions, the two health issues it can cause are:
Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid. In this instance, hormone production is too low resulting in fatigue, depression, weight gain, and becoming sensitive to cold.
Hyperthyroidism – a condition accompanied by anxiety, rapid heartbeat, heat sensitivity, and weight loss, due to excess production of hormones by an overactive thyroid gland.
Hormonal imbalances caused by environmental toxins may also enable or contribute to both conditions by interfering with hormonal production, blocking iodine absorption, or launching autoimmune assaults on the thyroid (as occurs in Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease).
Common Environmental Toxins That Harm the Thyroid
Several chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis have been associated with thyroid gland malfunction. The most notable include:
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic)
Industrial pollution, contaminated water, and certain foods such as fish make the environment abundant in heavy metals. These substances accumulate in the body and disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland through:
Lead – Reduces the synthesis of thyroid hormones and might lower T3 and T4 levels.
Mercury – Blocks selenium which is needed to convert T4 into the active hormone T3.
Cadmium & Arsenic – impair Thyroid hormone signaling and may trigger autoimmune hypothyroidism.
- Perchlorate (A Water Contaminant)
Perchlorate is used in fireworks, rocket fuel, and some fertilizers. It is found in drinking water in many areas, where it competes for iodine; an important nutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism develops when iodine uptake is inhibited by perchlorate because the required hormones are not synthesized.
BPA, or bisphenol a, is an endocrine disruptor found in the linings of canned foods, plastic containers, and even in receipts. It disrupts the use of estrogen receptors and thyroid hormone receptors in our bodies, making it impossible to appropriately utilize the hormones secreted by the thyroid. Similar compounds like BPS and BPF, which can also act as estrogen mimickers, are frequently contained in BPA-free plastics.
Insecticides and pesticides
Various pesticides such as organophosphate and glyphosate, known as Roundup, have been associated with issues regarding the dysfunction of the thyroid. These compounds can:
- Have a negative impact on the secretion of thyroid hormones.
- Heighten the chances of developing thyroid cancer and nodules.
- Induce autoimmune disorders of the thyroid gland.
While people who work in farms or live in rural agricultural regions are at a greater risk, the residues left on commercial vegetables also pose risks to the general public.
Fire retardants (PBDEs)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) were previously utilized in furniture, electronics, and even in mattresses due to their ability of delaying fires. These substances remain persistent in human tissue, even after being banned from public use PBDEs are known to confuse scientifically regarded the endocrine systems due to their ability of emulating and elevating the breakdown of these parties, which results in a depletion of essential hormones.
Phthalates (part of personal care products and even cosmetics)
Phthalates are primarily used to enhance the flexibility of plastics, but they are also widely found in perfumes, body lotions, and other beauty products.
Research indicates that the use of phthalates is linked with reduced levels of thyroid hormones, especially in children and pregnant women.
- Water’s Fluoride and Chlorine Content
Fluoride is added to water in a bid to curb tooth decay, however, excessive fluoride can lead to worsened hypothyroidism due to weakened iodine absorption. Furthermore, chlorine, a helpful disinfectant, can prove to be hazardous to thyroid function if consumed in excess amounts.
How These Toxins Interfere with Thyroid Function
Toxins of the environment are detrimental to the thyroid and its functions in a variety of ways such as:
Blocking Iodine Uptake
Thyroid hormones bank on iodine and iodide for their synthesis. Chemicals like perchlorate, fluoride, and thiocyanate, known to be present in cigarette smoke, limit the scope of iodine and thus, the ability of thyroid makes the hormones is reduced.
Mimicking or Interfering with Hormones
Toxins such as BPA and PBDEs possess structures comparable to that of thyroid hormones. As a result, they can latch on to the thyroid receptor, overstimulating it or preventing the necessary hormones from functioning seamlessly.
Augmenting the Breakdown of Thyroid Hormones
Elevated levels of certain pesticides and heavy metals are known to exacerbate the thyroid hormone cleavage performed by the liver, thus, aggravating circulating levels of hormones.
Autoimmune Reactions
Hashimoto’s, also known as hypothyroidism, phenomena leads the thyroid’s immune system to misidentify and assault itself under the influence of toxins.
Directly Inflicting Damage to Thyroid Tissue
Ranging from industrial chemicals to heavy metals, a wide array of substances are capable of causing oxidative stress and inflammation which damages the thyroid cells while also hindering the cell’s ability to function.
Who is Especially out at Risk?
While everyone faces some exposure to environmental hazards, some populations are more susceptible than others:
Children and Pregnant Women – The brain of the fetus can greatly benefit from thyroid hormones. Disruption in thyroid activity can potentially lead to lower IQ development in children.
Existing Thyroid Conditions – People suffering from Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism may be more susceptible to exposure to toxins.
Industrial or Agricultural Workers – Increased exposure to chemical solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides heightens risk.
People from Contaminated Regions – Increased exposure to industrial waste, air pollution, and even contaminated water increases potential risk.
Reducing exposure to toxins that damage the thyroid gland.
While avoiding all forms of environmental toxins is impossible, there are steps one can take to reduce exposure and protect their thyroid health:
- Filter your water.
- It is advisable to use a quality filter which eliminates chlorine, fluoride, perchlorate, and heavy metals. Effective options include activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters.
- Whenever possible choose organic foods.
- Purchase organic produce, most particularly the “Dirty Dozen”(which include spinach, strawberries, apples, etc,) to limit exposure to pesticides.
- Choose wild salmon or sardines over farmed fish which are notorious for containing high levels of mercury and PCBs.
- Plastic containers should be avoided.
- Use glass or stainless steel to store food instead of plastic.
- The heat will cause an increase in chemical leaching, therefore placing plastic food containers in the microwave is not advisable.
- Use Natural Personal Care Products
- Parabens and phthalates are common in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics. Use natural or organic products that are unscented.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
- The dust in your home can be contaminated with flame retardants from furniture and electronics. Make sure to regularly vacuum the home, using a HEPA filter, and ventilate.
- Phthalates are often hidden in synthetic air fresheners.
- Support Detoxification
- Sulfur-containing foods such as garlic and onions aid the liver in detoxifying the body.
- To remove toxins from the body, it is crucial to drink plenty of water and exercise or attend a sauna on a regular basis.
- Test and Monitor Thyroid Health
- Request a comprehensive panel from your doctor (including TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies) if thyroid issues concern you.
- If you have been exposed to considerable amounts of heavy metals, think about getting tested for them.
The Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Environmental Toxins
Overlooking environmental toxins can cause serious issues with thyroid dysfunction:
Greater Chances of Chronic Illness – Heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline are linked to poor thyroid function.
Fertility Problems – Thyroid imbalances lead to infertility, pregnancy complications as well as miscarriages.
Mental Health Difficulties – Often, hypothyroidism is misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety.
Developmental Issues in Hope – Maternal thyroid dysfunction caused by toxins can result in ADHD, autism, and learning difficulties in children.
Your thoughts.
Always Keep Thyroid Care in Mind.
Toxins present in the environment inflict damage on the body’s thyroid health in numerous ways, and should not be taken lightly. Examples of such toxins include heavy metals, which are often found in water, and plasticizers, which can be found in many products we interact with on a daily basis.
As previously mentioned, there is no guarantee that one can completely cut off exposure. However, using strategies aimed at minimizing the source, in this case, can aid in preserving mental health. It is highly recommended to pay close attention to the types of food and water one consumes as well as cleaning agents used.
Explained symptoms may suggest some form of chronic fatigue, changes in weight or even sudden mood changes. If so, look into some form of alternative medicine that targets the thyroid and has remedies for detoxification.
It is now common to define one’s mental well-being as being composed of social interactions and self-esteem. Hence, one may want to cleanse themselves from negative energy.
Take advantage of effortless efforts that aid restoration of a healthy state.
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