Episode 21: Hypothyroid & Hashimoto's with Virginia Blake

22 Jul

Healthily | 07/22/21

As a nutritional therapist, I find myself supporting clients with hypothyroidism on a regular basis, so I was really pleased when my friend and colleague Virginia Blake agreed to talk to me about this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Virginia is a really experienced practitioner and has so much useful information to share about supporting health in a realistic way when living with a chronic health condition.

We cover the basics of the thyroid gland, how it functions, and its role in the body.

We look at what can go wrong with the thyroid, the importance of thorough testing, and Virginia shines a light on some of the symptoms that can be linked to a thyroid disorder, that aren’t always recognised as such.

We also cover some of the lesser known considerations when it comes to Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland.

This episode provides a frank, insightful and balanced approach to understanding and managing thyroid disorders, and I thank Virginia for sharing her views and opinions, which are very practical and often delivered with her trademark dry humour!

Thanks as always to Mother Root (www.motherroot.london) for sponsoring this episode too! Remember that you can order a bottle of their delicious Ginger Swtichel with a 15% discount using the code HEALTHILY15. This offer is available until the end of September 2021.

TAKEAWAYs

✔️Understanding the Thyroid & Its Role

Every cell in the body has thyroid hormone receptors, meaning thyroid function affects metabolism, brain function, mood, fertility, and overall wellbeing.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can present as fatigue, depression, digestive issues, cold intolerance, hair changes, and impaired fertility.
Common thyroid testing often only measures TSH and T4, sometimes free T3. This may miss early autoimmune activity.
Thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin) can be present years before thyroid function declines, allowing for early intervention and inflammation management.

✔️ Key Nutrients for Thyroid Function

Iodine: Essential, but supplementation must be guided and gradual; excess can worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Selenium: Protects the thyroid through antioxidant activity.
Iron & Zinc: Important for hormone function and storage; deficiencies often co-occur.
Magnesium: Commonly low in Hashimoto’s, supports many thyroid-related processes.
Protein: Necessary for thyroid hormone production and overall metabolic function.
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 & 6): Support anti-inflammatory pathways and cell receptor function.

✔️ Dietary Approaches

Anti-inflammatory foods: vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (steamed to reduce goitrogenic effect), diverse diet to reduce repetitive immune triggers.
Gluten removal: Evidence suggests benefits in thyroid symptom improvement and TSH reduction.
Avoid over-restrictive diets as they can increase stress, loneliness, and poor digestion.
Ensure balanced meals (protein, fat, carbs, vegetables) to support blood sugar regulation, particularly important for thyroid health.
Intermittent fasting should be mild (12–13 hrs); extreme fasting can worsen symptoms.

✔️ Lifestyle & Digestive Considerations

The gallbladder and liver play key roles in thyroid hormone activation (T4 → T3 conversion). Support with stress-free meals and proper digestion.
Stress management: Fight-or-flight responses inhibit digestion, nutrient absorption, and thyroid efficiency.
Social connection: Avoid overly restrictive diets that limit social eating; loneliness negatively impacts health as much as smoking.

✔️ Supporting Thyroid Hormone Therapy

Thyroid hormone replacement (e.g., levothyroxine, T4) is often necessary; trying to stop it without guidance is not recommended.
Nutritional support can optimize conversion of T4 → T3, especially via liver and gut health interventions.
Monitor symptoms over time: hair texture, cold intolerance, and mood changes can indicate hormone adjustments are needed.

✔️ Mental Health & Thyroid

Thyroid dysfunction can affect mood, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function.
Screening for thyroid antibodies is crucial when mental health symptoms arise, as proper thyroid function impacts brain chemistry and sleep.

✔️ Practical Starting Points for Clients

Assess current diet and make small, manageable adjustments.
Consider gluten removal, increase anti-inflammatory foods, and ensure nutrient sufficiency.
Focus on balanced meals, digestive support, and reducing inflammation rather than overly restrictive approaches.
Collaborate with healthcare providers for lab monitoring and thyroid hormone optimization.

✔️ Key Philosophy from Virginia Blake

“The least amount of effort we can make to feel better is often the most sustainable approach. Health should be a tool for living, not a source of obsession.”