Thyroid gland & histamine intolerance: All the important connections
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that is essential for metabolism and numerous bodily functions. If it doesn't function properly, this can have serious consequences for your health. In this article, you'll learn all about overactive and underactive thyroids. the thyroid gland , its symptoms , causes, important thyroid values and the connection with histamine .
What exactly is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland located in the front of the neck. It is butterfly-shaped and lies below the larynx. Its shape is determined by the two lateral lobes that wrap around the trachea. These lobes are connected by a bridge of tissue and are usually slightly different in size.
Functions of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in many bodily processes, as it produces vital hormones that regulate metabolism and energy balance. The most important hormones are:
- Thyroxine (T4): the most important thyroid hormone, regulates metabolic activity and affects almost all organs.
- Triiodothyronine (T3): is more effective than T4, especially in the cardiovascular system, and plays a key role in energy production and growth.
- Calcitonin: is involved in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body and thus affects bones.
The thyroid gland can even produce T3 and T4 in advance. They are stored in the gland's follicles and can last for up to two months. Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid's C cells and released directly into the bloodstream.
The production of these hormones is controlled by a feedback loop involving the thyroid gland and several parts of the brain. The hypothalamus is a part of the human diencephalon where the hormone TRH is produced and released when blood levels of T3 and T4 are too low.
TRH then stimulates the pituitary gland, a gland connected to the hypothalamus, to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This, in turn, leads to the release of T3 and T4 in the thyroid gland.
The TSH level is important for diagnosing thyroid disease and is normally between 0.4 and 4.0 mU/l. In women, especially during pregnancy, the values can vary somewhat.
The trace element iodine is an essential building block of these hormones, which is why adequate iodine intake is important for a healthy thyroid. Adults require approximately 180 to 200 micrograms of iodine daily. Pregnant women require slightly more because their accelerated metabolism demands higher levels of thyroid hormones.
Seafood, such as pollock or plaice, is particularly rich in iodine and is therefore more easily tolerated by people with histamine intolerance. Other foods also contain iodine in smaller amounts.
The thyroid gland's functions in the body include:
- Metabolic regulation: controls how quickly the body burns energy
- Growth and development: particularly important for the growth of children and the development of the nervous system.
- Cardiovascular system: influences heart rate and blood pressure
- Heat production: supports the regulation of body temperature
A healthy thyroid gland is therefore essential for physical well-being. Disorders such as over- or underactivity can have significant health effects, ranging from fatigue and weight fluctuations to heart rhythm disorders and mood swings.
But what disorders can affect the thyroid gland?
Thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland can be affected by various diseases that impair its function. The most common disorders include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), with hypothyroidism being more prevalent.
Furthermore, nodules can develop in the thyroid gland , which can impair its function. These are detected via ultrasound. The thyroid gland is also susceptible to cancer . Malignant thyroid tumors are relatively rare compared to other tumors (approximately 1%) and usually require surgical removal.
How do I know if I have an overactive thyroid?
Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Losing weight despite increased appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Nervousness, trembling and inner restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances, concentration problems and increased sweating
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
Diagnosis and hormone levels in hyperthyroidism
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, hormone levels are tested. A low TSH level and high levels of the hormones T3 or T4 are indicative of hyperthyroidism. A low TSH level alone, combined with normal T3 and T4 levels, can suggest the onset of hyperthyroidism.
A TSH value A level below 0.3 mU/l is considered an indication of hyperthyroidism .
Causes and influences on hyperthyroidism
Causes of hyperthyroidism include thyroid autonomy (“hot nodules”) and Graves' disease . Autonomy means that the thyroid gland is not normally controlled by the pituitary gland. Nodules in the thyroid gland are a frequent cause of this overproduction.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which certain structures of the thyroid gland are not recognized as belonging to the body by the immune system. This leads to the formation of antibodies that activate the thyroid gland and thus cause increased hormone production.
However, an excessively high dose of thyroid hormone treatment can also lead to hyperthyroidism. In rare cases, hyperthyroidism is also congenital.
- Excessive iodine intake , e.g. through seafood or iodine-rich dietary supplements
- Stress and heat exposure can worsen symptoms.
What is hypothyroidism?
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Concentration problems
- Weight gain despite normal diet
- Heart problems
- constipation
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Depression, mood swings and libido disorders
- Sensitivity to cold and swollen limbs
Diagnosis and hormone levels in hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is characterized by excessively high TSH levels and insufficient levels of the hormones T3 or T4. For this reason , hypothyroidism is often treated with the medication L-thyroxine (levothyroxine), which replaces the missing hormones.
In early stages of hypothyroidism, only the TSH level is elevated. A TSH level above 4.0 mU/l indicates hypothyroidism . Values between 4.0 and 10 mU/l are considered only slightly elevated (subclinical hypothyroidism), while values above 10 mU/l are clinically relevant.
Causes and influences on hypothyroidism
There are many causes of hypothyroidism. Besides incorrect dosage of medication for hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can also cause hypothyroidism.
What is Hashimoto's?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own thyroid tissue, leading to inflammation. As the disease progresses, the thyroid tissue is increasingly destroyed, and the body is no longer able to produce sufficient hormones.
For more information on Hashimoto's disease, we can also recommend the HistaFit podcast episode " Hashimoto's & Histamine: Diagnostics, Connections & Treatment " by Melina and the lovely Ann-Katrin from Healthy Hashimoto .
However, in rare cases, hypothyroidism can also be congenital.
- Iodine deficiency: In Germany and other European countries, foods lower in iodine are traditionally consumed. This is due to the low iodine content of our soils and groundwater. Therefore, iodized table salt is often found. However, this is often less well tolerated by people with histamine intolerance.
- Stress and lack of sleep can put additional strain on the hormonal balance.
- Poor diet : You can find more information about forbidden foods for hypothyroidism below under the topic "Nutrition for Thyroid Diseases".
Is there a connection between thyroid disorders and histamine intolerance?
There is evidence suggesting a possible link between the thyroid gland and histamine intolerance . However, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
There are already some findings regarding mast cells , which are frequently involved in histamine intolerance. Mast cells are cells in the body that are responsible, among other things, for the immune response . They contain messenger substances such as histamine and release them when triggered.
The following has already been observed in connection with thyroid hormones:
- Mast cells can store and release thyroid hormones such as T3. They also possess receptors for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This connection suggests that thyroid function influences mast cells (and vice versa) and can therefore promote histamine release.
- Histamine in the mast cells of the thyroid gland promotes the inflammatory response and plays a role in the development of thyroid tumors; in experimentally induced thyroid hormone deficiency, it has been shown that the number of mast cells and histamine in the thyroid gland increase.
- In diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antibodies can activate mast cells and release histamine, which further exacerbates the autoimmune disease.
As already mentioned, thyroid dysfunction can also lead to accelerated or slowed digestion. This means that the thyroid gland can also have a negative effect on the intestines.
For this reason, Ann-Katrin from Healthy Hashimoto explains in our podcast that she frequently sees hypothyroidism and histamine intolerance occurring together. Therefore, the gut should also be a focus. In particular, gut flora dysbiosis or leaky gut syndrome can worsen the symptoms.
We share this view. That's why we also advocate always looking at and rebuilding the gut first.
Nutrition in thyroid diseases
Whether you have an overactive or underactive thyroid, a balanced, healthy diet is key.
What is particularly important regarding diet in the case of hyperthyroidism?
- Low-iodine diet: especially avoidance of algae and seafood
- Avoid highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee and cola, as well as alcohol, to prevent further strain on the overactive metabolism.
What should you consider regarding your diet if you have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease?
- Diet richer in iodine
- Avoid excessive consumption of foods that inhibit iodine absorption, e.g., onions (1), cassava, soy (2), tofu (2), walnuts and peanuts (2), or many types of cabbage.
- Avoid highly processed foods : they often contain unhealthy fats and few nutrients.
Conclusion
A healthy thyroid gland is essential for physical and mental well-being. Disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can have significant health consequences, which can be treated through proper diagnosis, diet, and, if necessary, medication.
Adequate iodine intake is particularly important, as this trace element is a key component of thyroid hormones. Regular checkups and an adapted lifestyle can help you detect and treat diseases early.
Histamine intolerance and hypothyroidism can also occur together, as thyroid hormones and mast cells influence each other.
It is important here to also focus on the intestines and, if necessary, to rebuild them.