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.