Thyroid-Gut Connection

You may have obvious signs and symptoms of GI dysfunction like; gas, bloating, acid reflux, low stomach acid, bile or gallbladder dysfunction, diarrhea, constipation, or a diagnosis of SIBO, IBS or any other inflammatory bowel disorder.

You may also have less obvious sign and symptoms of GI dysfunction like; headaches, migraines, high blood pressure, systemic arthritis, weight gain, brain fog, depression, anxiety, skin disorders, allergies, chronic sinus congestion and infections, and autoimmune conditions.

If you struggle with gastrointestinal dysfunction and the traditional medical model has not provided the answers or relief you need, the following factors must be considered:

• Disease, pathology, or pathogens are typically not detected with conventional testing and imaging. As such, most doctors provide patients with medication to manage their symptoms
• Medications which suppress symptoms, often create additional disturbances within the body.
• Most medical doctors evaluate the GI system as a separate entity and are unaware of the impact thyroid physiology can play in gastrointestinal dysfunction.
• The root cause of GI disturbance must be identified and addressed to restore optimal GI function. If the root cause is not addressed, the condition usually progresses with time.

There are several triggers of GI dysfunction and gut dysbiosis, including hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), inflammation, infections, parasitic and yeast overgrowth, food intolerances (especially gluten), stress and other lifestyle factors. However, thyroid physiology plays a key role. A healthy gut is essential for optimal cellular thyroid physiology. Likewise, healthy thyroid physiology is also essential to maintain proper digestion and a healthy gut. To restore a healthy thyroid-gut connection, both systems must be addressed simultaneously.