Thyroid and microbiote
Does the thyroid impact the microbiome? (Conversation with Google IA)
Yes, the thyroid gland and the gut microbiome have a reciprocal relationship, meaning they influence each other. Thyroid hormones can affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome, and conversely, the gut microbiome can impact thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.
How Thyroid Impacts Gut Microbiota?
Altered Gut Microbiota Composition:
Studies have shown that thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are associated with changes in the types and amounts of bacteria in the gut. For example, some studies have found a decrease in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in hyperthyroidism, while others have observed increased levels of certain bacteria like Veillonella and Paraprevotella in hypothyroidism.
Immune System Modulation:
Thyroid hormones can influence the immune system, and the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in shaping the immune system. Alterations in the gut microbiome due to thyroid issues can lead to immune dysregulation, which can potentially contribute to or exacerbate autoimmune thyroid diseases. (As our diet has several components that modulate the immune system this might explain why our diet contributes to a more stable thyroid function, when bringing appropriate useful nutrients like Se, I or Fe).
DOI: 10.4236/fns.2012.33059
Thyroid diseases can exacerbate disturbances in the microbiota. Inducing immune-inflammatory responses, altering iodothyronine metabolism, and affecting thyroid-associated micronutrient absorption are potential pathways through which the microbiota and metabolites are involved in thyroid homeostasis. Nevertheless, the causal relationships between gut microbiota and thyroid diseases, how gut microbiota modulates thyroid autoimmunity, and the specific mechanisms by which a particular bacterium or core flora triggers thyroid diseases, are still poorly understood.
Source: Front. Endocrinol., August 2022
The relationships between the gut microbiota and its metabolites with thyroid diseases.
How Gut Microbiota Impacts Thyroid (through the thyroid hormone synthesis)
The gut microbiota can influence the availability of essential nutrients, like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron, which are crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Inflammation and "Leaky Gut"
Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can disrupt the gut barrier, potentially leading to increased inflammation and "leaky gut," which can further impact thyroid health and potentially contribute to autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Summary
In essence, the thyroid and the gut microbiome are intricately linked, and disruptions in one can affect the other, highlighting the importance of a healthy gut for overall thyroid health and vice versa.