11 May 2021
Walnut oil for hypothyroidism
Walnut oil often comes up in relation to thyroid health because it contains selenium, a mineral that contributes to thyroid function. It is also linked to traditional Ayurvedic practices.
We’re going to dig into both the Ayurvedic and nutritional theories and explore why they link back to the use of walnut oil for thyroid health. But first, it’s important to understand what the thyroid is and how it works.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland in the lower part of our neck. It sits just in front of our windpipe (trachea) and under the larynx (voice box).
The gland is divided into two lobes on either side of the windpipe. The lobes are joined together by a narrow band of tissue, called the isthmus.
What is the thyroid’s function?
The thyroid’s purpose is to ensure the correct function of our metabolism.
It does this by taking iodine, found in many foods, and converting it into two hormones that are secreted into the blood stream.
One of these hormones is thyroxine (commonly known as T4). This hormone contains four atoms made up of iodine. The other hormone is triiodothyronine (commonly known as T3), which contains three atoms of iodine.
T3 is the biologically active hormone, meaning it’s what our cells use for immediate energy and bodily functions. T4 is the stored hormone, and is converted into T3 as and when it’s needed by the body.
These hormones are vital for the proper function and process of every cell in our body. So when they go wrong, it’s not surprising the symptoms can be highly variable.
How is the thyroid controlled?
The pituitary gland controls the function of our thyroid. This pea-sized gland is like the hard drive of our body. It sits just behind the bridge of our nose, attached by a thin stalk to the base of our brain.
It’s commonly referred to as the master gland because it controls so many of the hormone glands in our body including the thyroid.
The pituitary gland is responsible for stimulating the thyroid to produce the correct amount of thyroid stimulating hormone - known as TSH - in order to regulate our body’s metabolism.
When the pituitary gland loses its ability to produce the correct levels of TSH, thyroid disorders can occur.
What can go wrong with the thyroid?
There are two common issues that upset normal thyroid function.
The first is hypothyroidism - an under-active thyroid - meaning the thyroid doesn't produce enough T4 for our body’s needs.
The other is hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid - which means it makes too much T4 hormone.
Out of the two, hypothyroidism is most common, especially in women over forty. Around 2% of the UK’s population have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. However, it is thought that due to lack of recognition of the symptoms, this number could be much higher.
Causes of hypothyroidism
There are multiple causes for hypothyroidism, but the most common is autoimmune disease. This arises from an abnormal response from the body’s immune system, and can affect almost any part of the body.
In the case of the thyroid, the body’s immune system creates antibodies that damage the thyroid cells. The most common variant of autoimmune hypothyroidism is known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Low zinc levels are often associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism as zinc is an essential part of the enzyme ‘deiodinase’, which converts T4 into functional T3.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be difficult to detect in our bodies because symptoms vary from one person to the next, Some may seem so disconnected that we never realise the problem could link back to an under-active thyroid gland.
Some of the most common symptoms related to hypothyroidism include:
- fatigue
- increased sensitivity to the cold
- dry and scaly skin/brittle hair and nails
- muscle weakness, joint pain, cramps and aches
- irregular or heavy periods
- weight gain
- slow speech, movements and thoughts
- low mood or depression
Although none of these symptoms are necessarily linked to thyroid function, we can begin to understand how so many people could potentially be living with an undiagnosed thyroid condition, and how frustrating it must feel to suffer any of the above symptoms and not understand why.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is key if you’re unsure of any symptoms. Your GP will undertake a physical examination of your neck area to see if there’s anything abnormal.
A thyroid function blood test is a simple and accurate way to check if the gland is working properly. A thyroid antibodies test can also determine whether the condition is autoimmune or not.
Treatment of hypothyroidism
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to help level out the amount of T4 being produced by your thyroid. This is a synthetic version of the T4 hormone thyroxine called Levothyroxine.
Based on your test results, your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for your needs.
Related reading
