Welcome to Gastrodoxs.com! If you're in Houston—or anywhere—and dealing with bloating, constipation, or strange digestive issues, your thyroid might be part of the problem. In this simple, friendly guide, we’ll explore how your thyroid and gut work together, what signs to watch for, and how to feel better. We’ll also share advice from Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a Houston-based GI expert, and link you to trusted sources like Mayo Clinic and the NIH.
Table of Contents
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It makes hormones (T3 and T4) that control your metabolism, energy, and digestion. When hormone levels drop (hypothyroidism) or rise (hyperthyroidism), your body reacts—from head to gut.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri says:
“Thyroid hormones are like traffic lights for your body. When signals slow down, digestion slows too.”
Your thyroid and gut are in constant communication. Your thyroid affects gut movement, acid, and enzymes. Your gut helps activate thyroid hormones. When one gets out of balance, the other can follow—causing digestive issues that don’t always respond to basic remedies.
When thyroid levels drop, your gut slows down. Common issues include:
“In Houston, we see a lot of patients who feel full after small meals. That’s a clue their thyroid is affecting digestion,” says Dr. Pothuri.
If your thyroid is off, you may notice:
These signs often look like IBS. If common treatments don’t work, ask about your thyroid.
Spotting early clues can help catch problems sooner:
If several of these sound familiar, ask your doctor for a thyroid test and gut check.
Autoimmune issues can affect both your thyroid and gut.
“Most hypothyroid cases in the U.S. are autoimmune,” says Dr. Pothuri. “Treating gut inflammation may also help your thyroid.”
Learn more in this NIH review.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune attack on the thyroid that often leads to low hormone levels. Gut problems tied to Hashimoto’s include:
Many Houston patients get relief by combining thyroid meds with gut-healing steps: anti-inflammatory food, key supplements, and stress support.
Start with small, smart choices:
Dr. Pothuri’s advice:
“Start with a colorful plate. Let food be your first medicine, then add targeted support if needed.”
| Feature | Hypothyroid (Low) | Hyperthyroid (High) |
| Bowel movements | Fewer than 3/week | More than 3/day |
| Stomach acid | Low (→ bloating) | High (→ heartburn) |
| Weight | Often gain weight | Often lose weight |
| Appetite | Low or varies | Increased |
| Gut speed | Slow | Fast |
By learning about the thyroid-gut connection, watching for gut symptoms from thyroid problems, and making small daily changes, you can take back your energy and gut comfort. If you think your thyroid is behind your digestive issues, talk to a Houston healthcare provider for testing and support.
Thanks for reading! If you have questions or want to share your journey, leave a comment or join us at the Gastrodoxs Houston forum. Stay well!
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.
A full thyroid panel and a stool test for gut bacteria and inflammation.
Yes. Constipation, bloating, and heavy stomach are common signs.
Fermented foods, seaweed, Brazil nuts, leafy greens, and fiber-rich fruits.
Yes. A slow gut in hypothyroidism can allow bacteria to grow where it shouldn’t.
Some notice changes in 2–6 weeks, but gut healing may take 3–6 months.
Yes. High stress hormones disrupt digestion and thyroid function.
Often. Stick with trusted strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Not always. Some feel hyper first before the thyroid slows down.
If you have Hashimoto’s or sensitivity, gluten-free may reduce inflammation.
Visit Gastrodoxs—we team up with local thyroid and nutrition experts.
