Inflammation and Thyriod

Table of Contents

Do you always feel tired? Do you feel like you have a mild fever for days? Have you ever thought of getting yourself checked for inflammation? If you are feeling like this, then it is important for you to know how your underlying inflammation is giving you so many red flags but you are still ignoring it!

Inflammation is a defense process in your body where your white blood cells defend you against infections by external pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Inflammation is indeed a physiologically essential process that occurs throughout our body.

Basically, it is the immune response to an intruder, irritation, or root problem in your body. Inflammation may arise from several factors, involving your intestine, cuts, toxins, or diseases.

The process of inflammation is difficult to understand.

“Short-lived inflammation is often beneficial. If you stumble and hurt your knees, you could see swelling that is natural and a part of the procedure of healing.”

A wound will activate a white blood cell army to travel to the region and repair your immune function. The resulting inflammatory process together with other proteins defends your immune system.

However, when inflammation is persistent or chronic, which has a duration of months or even years, it is the opposite. This continuous inflammation inflicts tissue and irreparable organ damage.

If you experience a longer phase of inflammation, the body’s inflammatory reaction can damage normal tissue, organs, and other structures. This can cause damage to DNA, tissue damage, and interior scars formation over time.

There are increased chances of developing cancer, lung diseases, heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis). It may also induce chances of getting Alzheimer’s.

Inflammation in Different Organs and Thyroid

Inflammation is a component of the defensive system of the body and has a function in healing. Quite often the body sees its very own cells and tissues as dangerous.

This may cause autoimmune disorders, like diabetes mellitus (type 1). In the form of an autoimmune disorder inflammation affects your organs in many ways showing many symptoms.

Did you know?

“You may experience no pain if you have an inflammatory illness since many organs lack nerve endings sensitive to pain.”

Have you ever thought that your colon might be inflamed if you are having constant gut issues ranging from cramps, indigestion and diarrhea.

Inflammation of the GIT system’s organs referred to as colitis, may result in the gut or abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and dark or blood-stained feces. When glands that produce hormones become inflamed, you might experience any of the following symptoms.

Inflammation of the pituitary gland is by far the most frequent inflammatory issue affecting the hormone balance; this could result in headaches and tiredness.

Inflammation of the adrenal glands may result in tiredness, muscular fatigue, lack of hunger, loss of weight, and gut discomfort.
Thyroid inflammation could result in hypothyroidism (weakness, constipation, skin problems, excess weight, and hypersensitivity to cold) or hyperthyroidism (diarrhea, losing weight, sweats, heat intolerance, and, in rare instances, cardiac issues).
Inflammation of the pancreas referred to as pancreatitis, could result in severe stomach discomfort, vomiting, as well as nausea. Also you can have inflammation in your liver, kidney lung, brain, and reproductive system.
Swollen muscles and joints could cause discomfort and fatigue. The respiratory tract issues like asthma and other problems, may make you feel breathless and cough badly due to inflammation. Inflammatory skin conditions could include rash, itching, boils, and lesions.

In some instances, it can reduce your cardiac blood pumping capability, disturb your pulse, and trigger a cardiac event. Inflammation of a kidney may reduce urine output.

When you pee, you may detect blood. Inflammation of the liver could make your complexion and eyes yellow. Similarly, inflammation of your nervous system may lead to tingling of your hands, feet, and occasionally face.

“According to research, C-RP (that is frequently high where inflammation is present) is related to mental and psychological discomfort.”

How Inflammation in the Body Affects the Thyroid?

Are you confused about your thyroid tests? Your tests show normal ranges but still you are getting signs of thyroid issues. Yes, you read this right!

You could have normal tests, but the underlying condition is still there lying undiagnosed in the form of inflammation of thyroid. Inflammation of your thyroid, called thyroiditis, may contribute to very less or high levels of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormone can escape into the circulation through this inflammation.

There is an effect on the conversion of T4 hormone into T3 hormone. The rT3, which is supposed to discharge if you are sick, can also prevent T3 from functioning.

“It creates mood problems; it can interact with your “happy hormones” producing depressive moods. Therefore, most hypothyroid individuals experience sadness as an outcome of a combination of inflammation and hormone abnormalities.”

Some investigations have shown how inflammation is closely linked to thyroid nodule prevalence (TNs). Inflammation increases the chances of developing TN illness, presumably owing to its secondary impact by suppressing thyroid hormone production, which increases TSH.

When you get inflammation, the far more frequent indication of thyroid issues is Euthyroid Sick Syndrome. It mainly indicates that your laboratory work appears fine, but you do have thyroid issues. Sounds similar? However, you aren’t alone since this is a frequent issue.

The normal delivery of iodine towards your thyroid may be interfered with by inflammation. The gateway required for iodine to reach your thyroid is inflamed. If this door’s function is changed, this could harm your thyroid with iodine.

Risk Factors for Inflammation in the Body and Thyroid

Aging: Older age is linked favorably with high levels of certain inflammatory chemicals. An elevation in core body fat might cause an age-related rise in inflammatory chemicals.
Obesity: Several investigations have shown adipose tissue as an endocrine organ secretes several inflammatory markers. Some studies indicate that a person’s BMI is proportionate with that of inflammatory causing cytokines produced by the body.
Food intake: Unhealthy diet heavy in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugar is linked with increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemicals, particularly for those who are diabetics or obese.
Smoke Consumption: Smoking of tobacco products is linked to a reduction in the synthesis of anti-inflammatory substances and promoting inflammatory effects.
Low levels sex hormones: investigations have shown that increased sex hormone levels like testosterone and estrogens may inhibit many pro-inflammatory indicators and that retaining sexual hormone levels reduced the risk of various inflammatory illnesses.
Distress and sleep dysfunction: bodily and mental stress is related to inflammatory production of cytokine. Sleep problems may also result from stress. It is a proven fact that people with inconsistent patterns of sleep are much more likely than regular sleepers to develop chronic inflammation.

Infectious substances like bacteria or viruses.
Physical traumas.
Burns, irradiation damage.
Frostbite.
Corrosive substances like acids, alkalis, and oxidants.
Chemical products.
Abnormal immunological reactions.
Tissue atrophy.

Antibodies (most frequent cause).
Medications.
Radiotherapy.
Pathogens (viruses as well as bacteria).
Excessive iodine.
Exposure to chemicals and metals (dental fillers).
Cosmetics.
Environmental factors.
Food and water supply.

Autoimmune disorders are disorders wherein the body fights itself. In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (autoimmune disorder) the body starts attacking its own thyroid gland assuming it as a foreign entity.

The body starts producing antithyroid antibodies against its own thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is another kind of autoimmune illness that is mediated by antibodies.

The difference between Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is that Graves disease is related to increased production of thyroid hormones while Hashimoto thyroiditis is related to decreased production of thyroid hormones.

Inflammation of the thyroid can also be induced by infections or even as a byproduct of some medications. Many people who suffer from Hashimoto thyroiditis have a family history of a thyroid illness or other autoimmune disease.

Signs to Look for Inflammation in Body and Thyroid

Do you feel redness in an area of your skin or a swelling after a bruise? Well, that’s inflammation playing it’s part! Redness is one of the characteristics of inflammation. A swelled joint that is possibly slightly warm on touching also indicates inflammation.

“Fever, Shivers, Fatigue/energy deficiency, Headache, Loss of hunger, Muscular tension, all are common signs of inflammation, but they may indicate a hidden or undiagnosed medical issue as well.”

The main point here is that; there is a difference between internal and external inflammation in different organs. While external inflammation is visible and we can see or feel it by redness and swelling, internal inflammation on the other hand goes unnoticed as many organs do not have pain receptors until it shows up in the form of a disease.

It is an important thing to always keep in mind that although we do not get any red flag still, we might be having a hidden inflammation in any organ of the body. So, it is important to conduct blood tests periodically to keep a check of any internal inflammation.

However, if you have inflammation in your thyroid the specific symptoms might look a bit different. These symptoms also vary according to the increase or decrease in your thyroid hormones.

In case you have hyperthyroidism or too many thyroid hormones, you might experience:

Nervousness,
Rapid heartbeat
Anxiety
Hyperactivity
Mood changes
Sleeping problems
Low energy
Sensitivity to heat.
Muscle weakness.
Loose bowels
Excess of transpiration

When you have symptoms related to hypothyroidism or too few thyroid hormones, you might have:

Low energy
Muscle pain
Dry skin
Weight gain
Memory problems
Brain fog
Constipation
Puffy face and baggy eyes
Hair loss
Increased sensitivity to cold.
Dysphonia (raspy voice)

What are the Sources of Inflammation?

There is a long list if we start writing things that could result in inflammation! Many sources can trigger inflammation like certain foods, unhealthy gut, and infections with bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Some people are allergic to pollen which might trigger allergic rhinitis or hay fever. There is an inflammation of the nasal pathways in such conditions.

Do you have food allergies? If yes, you have inflammation when you are exposed to that food. Inflammation acts as your bodys’ immune defense system working to remove something harmful from your system.

“Most common foods leading to inflammation and allergy include gluten, dairy products, salicylates used in food products, and amines.”

People with intolerance to amines should avoid fermented food and beverages. Moreover, egg, yeast, casein, sunflower, processed meat, fries, and fast food also have pro-inflammatory properties.

When you have an unhealthy gut with symptoms like frequent complaints of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramps and indigestion, this might ultimately lead to inflammation of any part of your gut.

H. Pylori which is also called ulcer bacteria causes inflammation of your stomach with complaints of pain. It may also lead to the formation of ulcers. A broad range of diseases may be caused by bacteria, viruses, as well as parasites, and any organ of the body may get infected. They may produce symptoms of fever and inflammation.

How to Know you have Inflammation in your Body and Thyroid?

Well, if you think it is difficult to find inflammation in your body then you are wrong! To identify an elevation in various proteins in the blood, blood tests are routinely employed. As a result, they are utilized as inflammatory indicators.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR): By monitoring the rate at which red blood cells fall, inflammation is shown. During the subacute form of thyroiditis, your ESR is elevated.
C-reactive proteins (CRP): When you have certain illnesses that induce inflammation, your CRP level rises.
Plasma viscosity (PV): It is yet another inflammatory sign. It is, although, much complicated to execute so is not as commonly employed as ESR screening.
Homocysteine Levels: When you have a vitamin deficiency, your homocysteine levels will get high increasing the risk of heart issues related to inflammation. So it can be used as a marker for inflammation.
HbA1C: Higher levels of blood glucose/sugar are an indicator of inflammation.
SPE: Abnormal results after serum protein electrophoresis might suggest an acute inflammation.
If your thyroid is inflamed your physician will examine your thyroid when you are swallowing and your pulse if it is fast or irregular. This is done in order to determine if your thyroid is bigger in size, lumpy or painful. If you are doubting your “all good” thyroid tests, then you must check for thyroid inflammation or thyroiditis by getting the following tests:
Thyroid panel test: to check the amount of free T3, free T4, total T3, total T4, RT3 and TSH.
Thyroid antibodies test: This test will indicate the level of thyroid antibodies in your blood.
Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to combat substances like viruses and bacteria. But sometimes antibodies can attack the thyroid gland, tissues, and organs by mistake.This test will indicate the level of thyroid antibodies in your blood.
Ultrasound: It is used to check for any anomaly related to nodule formation or a change in the blood flow.
RAIU: It checks the levels of radioactive iodine.
Other tests: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), fibrinogen, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B)
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)

Get Tested by Yourself!

Yes, we can also get ourselves tested by labs and companies that offer these services and they will interpret the results as well. A complete thyroid panel test should be ordered including the FT3, FT4, total T3, total T4, RT3 and TSH.

How is Inflammation Treated in Different Organs and the Thyroid?

However, as complex as it looks it is not that difficult to manage your inflammation! There are many ways we can treat our thyroid and organs in case of inflammation, like by taking proper medication as well as keeping our eating habits in control and check.

“Medications are needed for proper recovery and treatment but their use without consulting your doctor might cause more harm than good.”

So, while searching for the remedies it is good to look for medications but never go for self-medication.

Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen), are effective anti-inflammatory medicines. They also work well in case of pain. But their longer use is dangerous and might cause ulcers and damage to the kidneys.

Steroids, specifically corticosteroids are generally prescribed by your doctor as they are effective in decreasing inflammation, but they have risks of inducing high blood pressure and osteoporosis so your doctor will first discuss the benefits and losses with you.

In case you have been correctly diagnosed with thyroid inflammation, you must take bed rest to reduce inflammation. While your GP may prescribe you an over-the-counter NSAID and steroids in a prolonged illness.

Steps to Reduce Inflammation

As it says, A healthy mind in a healthy body! We can actually control our inflammation with a healthy low glycemic diet and exercise.

When it comes to healthy eating, a diet rich in fiber, plant protein, nuts, and sterols with low fat reduces CRP by 32 percent. Eating patterns having Mediterranean styles also tends to reduce CRP levels, thus reducing inflammation.

Supplements like Fish oil, lipoic acid, sesame lignans, Turmeric, , green tea, cacao, espirulina, ginger play a role in decreasing inflammation as well.

Moreover, food containing antioxidants helps the body to reduce the inflammatory response.

Examples include celery (high concentration of antioxidants), beets (magnesium, potassium), broccoli (contains antioxidants), blueberries (anti-oxidants, vitamin s), salmon (contains vitamin D, B6, B12, and omega 3 fatty acids), walnuts (contains antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acid), chia seeds (contains omega 6 fatty acids & omega 3 fatty acids), turmeric, ginger, pineapple (contains quercetin and bromelain), leafy green vegetables (contains vitamin K).

The intake of this kind of diet not only prevents inflammation but also protects our gut.

Coffee, extra-virgin olive oil also contains properties that lessen inflammation. Diet containing omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, algae provide protection and prevent inflammation in the long run. It is important not to eat refined sugars, wheat, corn syrup, MSG, Glyphosates, GMOs produce and trans fats.

Concluding thoughts

Inflammation in any part of your body or thyroid gland will affect your health in many ways. When inflammation is visible to eyes it can be treated as early as possible but when it is not visible it could cause many harms to our internal organs and systems.

The point is to take regular tests and keep a check of your hormone levels and other indicators of inflammation.

Keeping your diet good by taking food rich in antioxidants, Omega fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory products will not only keep your body healthy but also prevent any unwanted inflammation.

Thyroid inflammation is much more frequent than issues relating to diabetes or cardiovascular diseases but in most cases, it remains undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Most individuals are unaware that they have inflammation until a disease presents symptoms. Inflammation is our body’s first warning indication when any of our organs, glands, or other systems is malfunctioning or being attacked, such as by a bacterium or a virus.

A moderate chronic inflammation will also develop in the context of excess glucose and cholesterol, having severe consequences for our wellbeing.

Furthermore, visiting a holistic physician on a routine basis, and also requesting your physician to order (or you can order) the regular tests of some of the most essential health indicators that are required to determine whether we are in optimum health, etc.

References

The content on mythyroidrelief.com, such as text, videos, graphics or images, and other materials, are for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical and nutritional advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for medical consultation. The knowledge provided in this blog comes from the author's own experiences and research. Consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.

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