What causes thyroid damage?

Thyroid damage can result from various factors, often linked to lifestyle, environmental toxins, and underlying health conditions.

1. Environmental Toxins: Mark Hyman emphasizes that the thyroid is highly sensitive to environmental toxins like heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic), endocrine disruptors (BPA, phthalates), and pollutants. Exposure to these substances can disrupt thyroid function significantly 1 2.

2. Dietary Factors: Gluten, particularly in those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, can cause autoimmune thyroiditis. Moreover, deficiencies in essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin D, which are crucial for thyroid hormone production and function, can contribute to thyroid damage 3 1.

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     1

     Gluten and Thyroid Health

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     2

     Thyroid Health Insights

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     3

     Impact on Thyroid Health

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     4

     Root Causes Revealed

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3. Stress and Lifestyle: Chronic stress, under-eating, and over-exercising are significant contributors to thyroid issues. These factors can alter hormone levels and immune responses, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism 3.

4. Infections and Illnesses: Conditions like Lupus, Lyme disease, and Epstein-Barr virus can trigger hypothyroidism by affecting the thyroid gland directly or through the immune system 3.

5. Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, which are more common in women, can increase susceptibility to thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease. Women's estrogen and progesterone levels can be easily affected by stress, further impacting thyroid health 3.

6. Medications and Other Substances: Certain medications like lithium (used for psychiatric disorders) and chronic steroids (like prednisone) can interfere with thyroid hormone production and regulation, leading to thyroid dysfunction 4.

In summary, thyroid damage often results from a combination of environmental exposures, dietary deficiencies, stress, infections, and hormonal imbalances. Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes, diet, and medical intervention can help in managing and possibly preventing thyroid issues.