We all know the butterfly-shaped organ that sits directly under the larynx - that's right, the thyroid gland. But did you know that the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in our body? As if it didn't already have enough processes to deal with, summer heat can also cause additional problems for the thyroid gland. And that's exactly what this blog post is about: we'll take you on an exciting journey through our bodies and explain the relevance and function of the thyroid gland. We also take a look at how the summer heat can affect the thyroid gland.
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The role of the thyroid
The thyroid gland originally got its name because it is positioned like a protective shield in front of the windpipe. Unfortunately, it is an organ that not enough people concern themselves with. This may be understandable, as it is quite inconspicuous and the symptoms of dysfunction can easily be mistaken for nutritional deficiencies or other illnesses. Nevertheless, many complaints are associated with thyroid disease.
According to a study carried out in 2004, random samples of the population throughout Germany were taken to find out the current incidence of thyroid disease. A total of 96,278 people between the ages of 18 and 65 took part. The results were both astonishing and alarming: a total of 33.1% of the people examined had abnormal findings (goitre and/or nodules, > 0.5 cm). Of these, 32% were men and 34.2% women. 9.7 % had an enlarged thyroid gland without a nodule, 14.3 % had only a nodule without enlargement and 9.1 % suffered from a nodular goitre. 1
These figures indicate that the thyroid gland should be given greater attention and that we urgently need to take a closer look at this important organ. A good start would be to schedule regular check-ups with an endocrinologist.
This is because thyroid hormones are responsible for many vital processes in the body - including metabolism, digestion, growth, muscles, our circulation, but also our mental well- being. More specifically, it is the hormones T3 and T4 that are responsible for these important processes. These are produced by the thyroid gland.
T3 and T4 briefly explained
T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are the most important thyroid hormones that you should know. Those who have already been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction are probably already familiar with the terms, but the actual function is still unclear to many. T4 is produced in high concentrations by the thyroid gland and is only converted into T3 when needed. This is why T4 is called the "storage form". T3, on the other hand, is the "working form". T3 is largely produced by converting T4 into T3.
To recognise a functional disorder of the thyroid gland, the TSH value (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is determined in the blood.
The author of the German Thyroid Centre, Prof. Hans Udo Zieren, MD
describes this as follows: "TSH is produced in the pituitary gland, released into the blood and causes the thyroid gland to increase production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The TSH level can be measured in the blood and provides an important first indication of a possible thyroid dysfunction (hyper- or hypothyroidism)." If there are too few thyroid hormones in the blood, more TSH is released, whereas if there are too many thyroid hormones, there is less TSH in the blood. 2
It is then important to look at the free T3 and T4, i.e. the fT3 and fT4 in the blood count, as these hormones can only work in this state.
Connection between thyroid and heat
As temperatures rise, our bodies are put to the test. The heat, UV radiation and lack of fluids can often lead to circulatory problems, headaches, dizziness and concentration problems.
As the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 regulate energy metabolism, the body's temperature regulation is also dependent on them. The more active the metabolism, the more heat is produced. In a figurative sense, this means that people with an underactive metabolism, whose metabolism runs more slowly, generally have a more frequent sensation of cold than those who suffer from an overactive metabolism. This is because the metabolism is running at full speed. In summer, this can quickly lead to hot flushes, excessive sweating and an extreme sensation of heat in people with hyperthyroidism. They also quickly become overheated and more sensitive to heat. Heart palpitations and circulatory problems are also common in extreme heat.
The exact opposite is the case with hypofunction. Those affected often do not notice the heat. Blood pressure is lower because the metabolism runs more slowly. At high temperatures, the body tends to react with tiredness, weakness and exhaustion. However, both can have a huge impact on your quality of life. If these symptoms apply to you and you have the feeling that you could be suffering from thyroid disease, we advise you to have this checked out by a doctor. In any case, the thyroid gland should be examined regularly - regardless of a possible illness. Because it's better to go to the doctor once too often than too little.
A must for the thyroid: tips for the summer
To reduce possible symptoms, we have put together a few tips for natural support of your thyroid gland. These tips can be followed whether your thyroid gland is intact or impaired. When taking supplements, however, we advise you to consult your doctor beforehand.
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Stress reduction
Stress is harmful to the body in many ways. Negative stress in particular can weaken the immune system over a longer period of time, have negative effects on the cardiovascular system, make you feel restless inside, cause digestive problems and stomach pain, impair sleep quality and cause tension in the body. The thyroid gland can also suffer, as stress can promote inflammatory processes in the body, which in turn can cause autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
It is therefore important to avoid stress as much as possible. There are numerous methods you can use to achieve this without putting in too much effort. For example, you can incorporate yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, Pilates or short rest breaks into your everyday life. Moments when you are alone and have time for yourself, such as a walk through the park or a massage, can also help to reduce stress and improve your quality of life. In hot weather, we advise you not to engage in strenuous physical activity, as this puts additional strain on the body and can cause stress.
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Moderate training
Moderate exercise such as swimming, Nordic walking, Pilates or yoga support the body instead of overloading it. It is beneficial for the immune system, the cardiovascular system and can help to reduce stress, as hormones such as cortisol can be positively influenced. This balance in the body also indirectly supports thyroid health.
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Sufficient sleep
Sleep is a vital process not only for our thyroid gland, but for our entire body, as it supports our regeneration. If the quality of sleep is poor and sleep problems persist over a longer period of time, our health can suffer massively. A weak immune system, lack of concentration or irritability are just a few examples of the many complaints associated with this. It is therefore important to find ways and methods to promote and favour your sleep. Find out more in our blog post: Sleeping in the summer heat
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Drink a lot
Some thyroid tablets such as L-thyroxine are water-soluble. This means that a lot of liquid is required to improve the effectiveness of the tablets. As a rule, L-thyroxine is recommended to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach for approx. 30 minutes with approx. 200ml of water before breakfast. Of course, the intake conditions vary depending on the medication and the doctor's prescription. If you are unsure about this, you should always seek medical advice. Nevertheless, drinking plenty of fluids is a must, especially in hot temperatures! It is best to drink regularly and not just when you start to feel thirsty, as the body can dehydrate quite quickly if the outside temperature rises above 30°C.
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Correct storage of thyroid tablets in heat
It is important that the tablet packs are not stored in direct sunlight. As a general rule, all medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place. Storing thyroid tablets in the refrigerator is not a good idea, however, as this can damage them. Tablets should also remain in their original packaging to protect them from external influences such as moisture. Shady places such as drawers, cupboards etc. are a good option.
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Proper nutrition
A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential to support the thyroid gland in a natural way. Foods rich in iodine and selenium are particularly recommended. Fish and seafood in particular contain a lot of iodine. Algae can even contain a considerable amount of iodine. Brazil nuts, fish and seafood as well as meat and eggs are rich in selenium.
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Supplements
If you want to support your thyroid gland in addition to a healthy diet, you can take specially formulated food supplements. Iodine, selenium, iron and zinc are particularly useful for this. There are also some combination preparations that combine nutrients that support the thyroid gland in order to optimise its function.
Studies on iodine
In order to investigate how iodine affects the thyroid gland, a study was conducted that observed a total of 137 pregnant women (at gestational weeks 18, 36, 3 and 6 months after birth). TSH, fT3 (free T3) and ft4 (free T4) were measured. Women who had already supplemented iodine before pregnancy and also took it during pregnancy had lower TSH, fT3 and fT4 values. This in turn shows that iodine supplementation before and during pregnancy is associated with improved thyroid values. 3
However, iodine also affects the thyroid gland in non-pregnant women. Consequently, additional supplementation can be useful to positively influence thyroid function.
Study situation on selenium
A Danish study investigated the effect of selenium supplementation in different doses on thyroid function in the case of insufficient selenium intake via the diet. The test subjects were divided into groups. 3 of these groups received different doses of a selenium preparation and another group received placebo-based yeast tablets.
Plasma samples were analysed for selenium and serum samples for TSH, fT3 and fT4 at the start of the study and after 6 months and 5 years of supplementation. The results showed that in people with normal thyroid function, selenium supplementation can only have a minimal effect on thyroid function compared to placebo, depending on the dose. 4 It is clear that selenium can support the thyroid gland, but whether it can help with thyroid disorders still needs to be researched in more detail.
Study situation on iron
Several studies were analysed as part of a meta-analysis to determine the relationship between iron deficiency and thyroid function. The TSH, fT3 and fT4 values were analysed to find out whether these values are different in patients with iron deficiency compared to healthy controls.
Patients with iron deficiency and pregnant women showed low TSH, fT3 and fT4 values. Non-pregnant women, on the other hand, had significantly lower fT4 and fT3 values, although the TSH value remained unchanged.
The meta-analysis showed that TSH and FT4 values were related to ferritin levels. In other words, the more ferritin, the higher the TSH and FT4 levels. 5
Study situation on zinc
The following study was conducted to investigate how important zinc is for healthy thyroid hormone metabolism: 2 physically active women suffering from zinc deficiency were given 26.4 mg of zinc per day in the form of zinc gluconate. After 4 months, it was observed that the total T3 value had increased in one test person and the value of all thyroid hormones had increased in the other test person. At the same time, however, the ferritin level fell in both subjects. 6 This is due to the fact that zinc and iron impair each other's absorption capacity.
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Conclusion
Nowadays, thyroid dysfunction is considered a widespread disease, as more and more people are being diagnosed with it - without taking into account the number of unreported cases.
Those affected know how stressful a thyroid condition can be, as there are so many ailments associated with it - especially in summer, when the body sometimes reaches its limit anyway. However, eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids, getting a good night's sleep and avoiding strenuous exercise can help to protect your body in high temperatures and avoid putting additional strain on your thyroid gland.
Sources
- Reiners C, Wegscheider K, Schicha H, Theissen P, Vaupel R, Wrbitzky R, Schumm-Draeger PM. Prevalence of thyroid disorders in the working population of Germany: ultrasonography screening in 96,278 unselected employees. Thyroid. 2004 Nov;14(11):926-32. doi: 10.1089/thy.2004.14.926. PMID: 15671771.
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Deutsches Schilddrüsenzentrum. (n.d.). Blutuntersuchung der Schilddrüse | TSH- & T3/T4-Werte abklären. https://www.deutsches-schilddruesenzentrum.de/wissenswertes/schilddruesendiagnostik/blutuntersuchungen/
- Næss S, Markhus MW, Strand TA, Kjellevold M, Dahl L, Stokland AM, Nedrebø BG, Aakre I. Iodine Nutrition and Iodine Supplement Initiation in Association with Thyroid Function in Mildly-to-Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Postpartum Women. J Nutr. 2021 Oct 1;151(10):3187-3196. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab224. PMID: 34255063; PMCID: PMC8485914.
- Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Cold F, Debrabant B, Nybo M, Cold S, Hegedüs L. Does selenium supplementation affect thyroid function? Results from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial in a Danish population. Eur J Endocrinol. 2015 Jun;172(6):657-67. doi: 10.1530/EJE-15-0069. Epub 2015 Mar 4. PMID: 25740851.
- Garofalo V, Condorelli RA, Cannarella R, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S. Relationship between Iron Deficiency and Thyroid Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 15;15(22):4790. doi: 10.3390/nu15224790. PMID: 38004184; PMCID: PMC10675576.
- Maxwell C, Volpe SL. Effect of zinc supplementation on thyroid hormone function. A case study of two college females. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(2):188-94. doi: 10.1159/000103324. Epub 2007 May 30. PMID: 17541266.
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