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The Thyroid-Gut Connection: How Your Thyroid Affects Digestive Health

The thyroid gland is a small, but a powerful organ that plays a great role in controlling many functions of the body such as metabolism, energy production, and organ functioning.

Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

Thyroid-Gut Connection: How Thyroid influences digester health

Welcome to Gastrodoxs! Your thyroid may be the cause of the bloating, constipation, or unusual digestive problems in case you are in Houston or anywhere. Keep things simple, friendly and in this primer, we are going to understand how your thyroid and gut communicate, what are the indications to consider, and how to feel better. We will also provide recommendations given by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a GI specialist working in Houston and refer you to reputable organizations such as Mayo Clinic and the NIH.

Table of Contents

  1. Thyroid 101: What It Does
  2. The Thyroid-Gut Axis
  3. The influence of Low Thyroid on Digestion
  4. Thyroid related Gut Symptoms
  5. Warning Signs to Watch
  6. Autoimmune Disorders and Thyroid-Gut Axis
  7. Affect of Hashimoto on the Gut
  8. Simple Hacks to Nurture the Two Systems
  9. Gastrointestinal Differences: Hypo vs. Hyperthyroid

1. Thyroid 101: What It Does

Thyroid is a small gland on your neck. It produces hormones (T3 and T4) which are in charge of your metabolism, energy and digestion. As your hormones become low (hypothyroidism) or excessively high (hyperthyroidism) your body responds - all the way down to your gut.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri says: The thyroid hormones serve as road signs to the body. As the signals become slow, so do the digestion.

2. The Thyroid-Gut Axis

The thyroid and intestines always talk to each other. Your thyroid influences the gut movement, acid and enzymes. The gut assists in the stimulation of thyroid hormones. Once thrown off balance, the other is able to lead to digestive problems which do not necessarily yield to simple solutions.

3. The influence of Low Thyroid on Digestion

Once your levels of thyroid are reduced, your gut decelerates. Common issues include:

We have a significant number of patients in Houston who are full of small meals. Dr. Pothuri advises that is an indication that their thyroid is interfering with digestion.

4. Thyroid related Gut Symptoms

When you are out of your thyroid you may notice:

The symptoms are similar to those of IBS. In case common treatments fail, check about your thyroid.

5. Warning Signs to Watch

Early indications may be observed to prevent earlier:

In case some of them sound like you, request your doctor to do a thyroid test and gut check.

6. Autoimmune Disorders and Thyroid-Gut Axis

Autoimmune disease may enter your gut (and thyroid).

Dr. Pothuri says that most of the hypothyroid in the U.S. is autoimmune. Gut inflammation is also something that can be helpful when treating thyroid.

Learn more in this NIH review.

7. Affect of Hashimoto on the Gut

The thyroid is autoimmune assault by Hashimoto that frequently results in the low levels of hormones. Gastrointestinal issues associated with Hashimoto are:

Combinations of thyroid medication and gut-healing interventions: anti-inflammatory food, essential supplements, and stress relief can help many Houstonian patients.

8. Simple Hacks to Nurture the Two Systems

Begin with some small smart decisions:

Dr. Pothuri's advice:
Start with a colorful plate. Make food your primary medicine and supplement it with specific help where necessary.

9. Intestinal Disagreements: Hypo vs. Hyperthyroid

Element Hypothyroid (Low) Hyperthyroid (High)
Bowel movements Less than 3/week Greater than 3/day
Stomach acid Low (→ bloating) High (→ heartburn)
Weight Gain weight most of the time Loss weight most of the time
Appetite Low or varies Increased
Gut speed Slow Fast

You can restore your energy levels and gut comfort by learning about the thyroid-gut relationship, keeping an eye on the gut symptoms caused by thyroid issues and by making minor daily adjustments. Considering your digestive conditions, a Houston healthcare provider can test you and assist you in case of a thyroid behind your problems.

Thanks for reading! You can leave a comment or you can go to the Gastrodoxs Houston forum in case you have any questions or wish to share your experience. Stay well!

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the energymeters of thyroid and gut health?

Complete thyroid profile and a stool culture of intestinal flora and inflammation.

Is thyroid disorder a slows down of digestion?

Yes. The signs are constipation, bloating and heavy stomach.

What are the foods that are beneficial to the gut and thyroid?

Brazil nuts, fermented foods, fiber benefit fruits, leafy greens and seaweed.

Does SIBA cause problems with thyroid?

Yes. The underdeveloped intestines of hypothyroidism may permit the bacteria all over the place.

In how soon would I feel better following treatment?

There is one progressing in 2-6 weeks, yet the gut may take 3-6 months to heal.

Is stress a factor in causing thyroid and gut?

Yes. The presence of high stress hormones impairs the digestion and thyroid functions.

Are probiotics helpful?

Often. Use strains that are familiar to you such as the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Is low thyroid a constant and understandable outcome of Hashimoto?

Not always. Others experience hyperactivity followed by slowing down of the thyroid.

Should I avoid gluten?

You can also find gluten-free will decrease inflammation in case you have Hashimoto or sensitivity.

Where am I to seek assistance in Houston?

Visit Gastrodoxs. we consist of a collaboration with local thyroid and nutritionists.

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