January brings Thyroid Awareness Month, spotlighting disorders affecting up to 1 in 10 people worldwide, with about 3% prevalence of hypothyroidism in India alone, many cases subclinical and overlooked. The thyroid gland produces hormones T3 and T4 that control metabolism, energy, and growth; imbalances disrupt these vital processes.
Hypothyroidism Insights Underactive thyroid reduces hormone output due to autoimmune attacks (like Hashimoto’s), iodine shortages (less common now via iodized salt), nutrient gaps, stress, or infections.
- Slows basal metabolic rate, elevates cholesterol/LDL, fosters insulin resistance (affecting ~2/3 of cases), complicates weight loss, and links to diabetes/heart risks.
- Often emerges silently in perimenopause or post-infection, interacting with insulin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones.
Hyperthyroidism Overview
- Overactive gland floods the body with excess hormones from autoimmune issues (Graves’ disease), nodules, or inflammation.
- Accelerates metabolism, causing rapid heartbeat, weight loss despite appetite, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance, and muscle wasting.
- Raises risks for osteoporosis, heart strain, and eye problems in autoimmune forms.
Diet & Micronutrients
- Adopt high-fat, very low-carbohydrate eating to spark ketosis, enhancing fat use for fuel, insulin sensitivity, inflammation reduction, and weight management, specifically helping hypothyroidism patients overcome metabolic slowdown for easier fat loss, as research and client experiences confirm.
- Incorporate first-class proteins from eggs, fish, and meat for amino acids aiding hormone production and repair.
- Target selenium (200 mcg: Brazil nuts, seafood), iodine (seaweed, iodized salt, fish), zinc (meat, seeds), iron (red meat), plus copper, magnesium, B vitamins, A, D, B12 to enable T4-to-T3 conversion and combat oxidative stress.
Key Takeaways
- Screen annually with TSH tests if at risk, early detection prevents complications.
- Women, diabetics, and those with autoimmunity: monitor closely.
- Boost selenium, iodine, and quality proteins via nutrient-dense foods for optimal thyroid health.
- High-fat, minimal-carb eating supports metabolism and weight management in thyroid conditions.
- Share awareness: educate on subtle symptoms for community impact.
~Anamta Kazi, Clinical & Sports Nutritionist
REFERENCES
- American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). January is Thyroid Awareness Month.
https://www.thyroid.org/january-thyroid-awareness-month/ - Alyahya, A., et al. (2021). Knowledge of thyroid disease manifestations and risk factors. PMC, 7924811. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7924811/
- Hossen, M. S., et al. (2025). Thyroid dysfunction prevalence and risk factors. PMC, 11705530. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11705530/
- Venturi, S. (2022). Trace elements and the thyroid. PMC, 9637662. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9637662/
- Zimmermann, M. B. (2009). Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function. PubMed, 19594417.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594417/
