How Thyroid Disease Causes Digestive Problems

Most people think of weight problems or symptoms of fatigue when discussing thyroid disease. True, these symptoms are common, but there are also other symptoms that are commonly experienced. Digestive problems, in particular, are intertwined with the complicated body-wide effects of thyroid disease.

Hypothyroidism can have a negative effect starting in the stomach. When thyroid hormone production and/or absorption is low, this restricts the stomach’s ability to make a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin is responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid, also known as stomach acid.

Having enough stomach acid is crucial for our digestion. When food is not broken down well enough, this can cause the small intestine to not allow it to pass through. In essence, the food can stagnate and start to putrefy in the stomach producing symptoms of heartburn.

This lack of stomach acid can also cause deterioration absorption of vital nutrients, including vitamin B12, iron and calcium. When this occurs, anemias can develop as a result of underlying hypothyroidism.

Note: It’s important to get evaluated if you have chronic heartburn. Self-treatment with antacids can be harmful and counterproductive if you really need plus hydrochloric acid in the stomach, no less.

Many of the thyroid patients seen at our office exhibit what is commonly known as Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS). LGS can be the causative factor for many digestive symptoms, including bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, and diarrhea. Essentially, LGS describes an intestinal lining that has become too leaky, or “leaky.”

“What causes leaky gut syndrome?” The main reason seems to be food allergies, especially gluten sensitivity. Food allergens can negatively impact a protein called zonulin. Zonulin modulates the permeability of the intestinal wall.

When the intestines cannot fully restrict what passes through the digestive tract, unwanted particles from ingested food and other substances can end up in the bloodstream. This, in turn, can cause our immune system to go into overdrive, leading to a condition called autoimmunity.

Digestive discomfort can be a clue to more serious problems, such as thyroid disease and autoimmune diseases. In fact, the most common thyroid problem in the US is actually an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

When experiencing chronic digestive or thyroid-related symptoms, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor who can determine the underlying problem. Treatment can often be focused on which body systems need attention and can provide positive outcomes for the patient.

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