Pregnancy is undoubtedly a time of great change, mentally, emotionally and physically. One often overlooked area of change however is how pregnancy affects your thyroid, especially for individuals with pre-existing thyroid disease. Optimal thyroid function is crucial for your baby’s health and development, as well as for your health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy.
Thyroxine absorption
Thyroxine is one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide, and yet many patients take this common medication incorrectly, meaning they’re not making the most of their daily dose. Many foods, supplements, medications and other factors can interfere with the absorption of Thyroxine, so it’s essential to discuss these with a healthcare professional when first commencing thyroid hormone replacement, to ensure optimal absorption – essentially, so you can get the most out of your thyroid medication.
For those who’ve been on the thyroid bandwagon for a while – if your required Thyroxine dose keeps increasing for no discernible reason, it is suggested reviewing these factors with a professional healthcare provider in Sydney who specialises in naturopathy services. It will help you determine whether an absorption issue might be to blame. By optimising the absorption, individuals can better maintain healthy thyroid hormone levels on the lowest dose possible required for their particular situation.
How thyroxine is absorbed in our body?
Thyroxine is mainly absorbed in the small intestine, more specifically through the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Depending on the patient, it is estimated that 75-80% of Thyroxine is absorbed into circulation when taken on an empty stomach, however, the presence of food in the stomach can significantly reduce this. Whilst almost all foods have the potential to impair Thyroxine absorption, some are notoriously detrimental, including coffee, soy products, walnuts and dairy, as these foods contain substances (such as tannins or calcium) which further inhibit the uptake of Thyroxine.
Supplements
Many supplements, especially minerals like iron and calcium, can interfere with Thyroxine absorption in the gut, reducing its uptake into the bloodstream. For this reason, individuals should take their Thyroxine a MINIMUM of four hours away from such supplements, or foods containing high amounts of these nutrients (like dairy or calcium-fortified products). In addition to calcium and iron, other substances known to impair Thyroxine absorption include fibre supplements (like slippery elm or wheat fibre), chromium, activated charcoal and certain medications. It is believed many of these supplements bind with Thyroxine in the gut, forming an insoluble complex that can’t cross the gut wall into the bloodstream.
Optimal thyroid function is crucial during pregnancy
It’s important to understand why healthy thyroid function is essential during pregnancy. Not only is healthy thyroid function required for the mother’s health and wellbeing, but it is also important for foetal growth and development. In fact, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is a known risk factor for complications such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and impaired neurological development.
As the baby does not start producing adequate quantities of its own thyroid hormone until midway through the second trimester, it is almost entirely dependent upon the mother’s supply of thyroid hormones until that point. As a result, numerous biochemical changes occur during pregnancy in order to provide adequate thyroid hormones to both the mother and the developing foetus. In fact, it is estimated that pregnancy necessitates an increase in thyroid hormone production by as much as 50%, which is why we must be supporting women throughout their pregnancies both nutritionally and with adequate thyroid monitoring.
Whilst hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is much more common in women of reproductive age, an overactive thyroid can be just as problematic, especially during pregnancy. Monitoring of thyroid function before, during and after pregnancy (where possible) is recommended, particularly if there is a history of thyroid disease.
Why naturopathy services are the final answer?
Naturopathy treatment offers complementary approach, which integrates safe, natural practices for mother and child. Naturopathic medicine focuses on general health and prevention. Holistic care is integral to naturopathic practice and optimum nutrition is the foundation for optimum health.
Naturopathy employs natural treatments to support natural body processes. This support leads to the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopaths promote health through diet, exercise, a balanced lifestyle and natural treatments such as homeopathy, herbal therapies and nutrition. Naturopath can offer support to both parents in the time leading up to conception, in order to give the new baby, the best start in life. Naturopathic services lay the foundations for a healthy pregnancy, birth and of course, a beautiful, healthy child.
I am a Sydney based Naturopath and I am passionate about Women's Health, Natural Fertility Treatments and Infertility Management. I am also a Neurofeedback Practitioner using NeurOptimal® brain training system. I specialise in optimising Fertility, Women's health, Preconception care, Reproductive Healthcare for men and women, Miscarriage prevention and managing Menopause. I use both conventional and complementary health care methods to diagnose and treat health issues. I provide very effective treatment, using evidence based natural medicine and guide and support my patients to achieve better health. Personally, my own experience using complimentary Medicine has reinforced my belief and passion for helping people to be healthier.
Dorota Wroblewska is an experienced Naturopath and Nutritionist in Sydney. Dorota specialises in women's health, natural fertility, preconception care and reproductive healthcare for men and women. Dorota also offers natural health solutions for all health concerns, including digestive disorders, thyroid problems and adrenal dysfunction. Dorota is also a Neurofeedback trainer, using NeurOptimal® brain training system.
