The gut-thyroid connection is one of the most important and overlooked aspects of healthy thyroid function.  Did you know that many diseases can be traced to a breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract? 70 percent of your immune system resides in this area - your gut, and the GI tract has many important functions for your health including digestion, nutrient absorption, elimination, detoxification, hormone metabolism and energy production. 99% of the neurotransmitters in your body are actually created in the intestine (part of your GI tract), and every brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter is found there.  This means the GI tract, or gut, plays a very important role in achieving optimal thyroid health.

For proper thyroid function, your body must convert T4 into the more active T3 and 20% of this happens in your intestines. In order for this conversion to happen, healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria must be present in the GI tract. An imbalance in the bacteria ratio (of good vs. bad) in the GI tract (dysbiosis) can lead to low thyroid function. This explains why so many patients with thyroid hormone imbalance also have digestive problems but normal thyroid blood chemistry panels.
Why do people get Gut Problems?
One of the most important things to look at is how many rounds of antibiotics you have taken in your life.  The more antibiotics you have taken, the more likely you are to have abnormal gut bacteria as well as yeast overgrowth and parasites.  Antibiotics can cause an imbalance in your gut bacteria for up to 13 months after just a single round of antibiotics.  Additionally, antibiotics change the DNA of your bacteria which makes some of them more resistant to antibiotics.

Stress also causes gut problems because it decreases stomach acid production, bile flow and pancreatic enzyme production.  This will significantly impair your ability to digest and absorb your vitamins and minerals as well as protein, healthy fats and right carbohydrates.  This will even decrease your absorption of prescription thyroid hormone.

Poor dietary choices and food sensitivities are another big factor both of which create inflammation that damages your GI tract.  Sugar and processed carbohydrates are like fast food to your gut bacteria which causes them to grow out of balance.  Food sensitivities such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and peanuts to name the top five, create inflammation and will also spike your blood sugar too much.

Additional problems can be created by antacid medications called proton pump inhibitors.  They shut down your acid production which is extremely vital for a healthy gut.  Birth control pills also cause gut problems because they deplete your body of important nutrients for the gut such as folic acid.

Eating to fast or "eating on the run" is common in our society today which is an additional stress to your gut.  You should be in a relaxed state focused only on your meal and refrain from reading, texting, watching TV etc.  Alcohol and caffeine in excess further stress the GI tract.
How to Determine if You Have a Digestive Problem
If you are having digestive problems, there is a good chance that it is affecting your thyroid function. Bloating after meals, gas, cramping, loose stools, constipation, burping, heartburn, and inconsistent stool formation can all be signs of a digestive problem. You can begin to see if you have digestive problems by doing an easy test at home. This is known as the transit time test.
Performing the Transit Time Test
Food should pass through your intestines in 18-24 hours.  If it takes longer than twenty-four hours, there is something wrong with your digestive tract.  This easy to do test can be done at home to measure food transit time.

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