One of the first times I truly believed I had a medical condition was when I felt disoriented and my memory was deteriorating. I didn’t know anything about the thyroid and the brain; however, I lacked the sharpness and clarity I had in the past. My husband had to post a to-do list on the garage door so that I wouldn’t miss all of the daily duties that I would ordinarily be able to complete because my memory had gotten so awful.
The most straightforward yet crucial things, including doctor’s visits, parent-teacher conferences, friend birthdays, bill payments, etc., slipped my mind. All I wanted was to return to my cozy bed and stay there till I had to pick up my kids from school.
Feeling good is possible
That is why one of my greatest joys was to feel myself again after my necessary holistic treatment, with a clear mind, transparency, and many projects. Of course, I had no idea I had hypothyroidism, which was the trustworthy source of my discomfort. This article will discuss the connection between thyroid problems and brain function
Thyroid and brain: what is the connection?
There have been many studies and evidence about the function of our thyroid and its close relationship with the parts of our brain.
Thyroid dysfunction can lead to neurological and mental issues.
Everything in our body is integrated, and proper thyroid function promotes adequate neurogenesis and optimal neuronal migration and synaptogenesis. More precisely, a healthy thyroid hormone level promotes neural plasticity, or our brain’s ability to change and adapt, resulting in healthy brain function and preventing neurodegeneration.
How does this connection come about?
The thyroid is linked to the brain of our body’s machinery in the following way: The hypothalamus, which fulfills the function of transmitting information to the pituitary gland, which is the “boss,” signals the rest of our glands, including the thyroid but also the adrenals, ovaries, pancreas, and others, to produce hormones.
For the hypothalamus to properly transmit this information, our brain, and gut must be able to produce sufficient amounts of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Identifying the cause of thyroid issues can be challenging without a collective understanding!
How does hypothyroidism affect specific brain structures?
Thyroid hormones and brain functions
Can hypothyroidism possibly affect cognitive brain function?
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the formation and maturation of the central nervous system during human development and growth. However, when these hormones are misregulated, they cause actions in the adult brain.
Thyroid diseases, if left untreated, can lead to psychiatric problems. Hypothyroidism, for example, can result in drowsiness, sluggishness, brain fog, faulty movements and impulses, and memory loss. In severe cases, hypothyroidism has been linked to bipolar disorder and depression, particularly in older adults.
There is no single cause of cognitive and memory problems in hypothyroidism. Still, there is strong evidence that “hypothyroidism affects memory because thyroid hormones play a role in areas of the brain that are crucial for our memory and cognitive abilities.”
What is more, this includes a deterioration in the functioning of the brain’s executive properties or abilities related to decision-making, planning, and impulse control.
Thyroid hormones and memory
One of the aspects of the brain that hypothyroidism affects is memory. According to studies, long-term memory is more commonly affected, with a much lower proportion of patients suffering from short-term memory dysregulation.
In theory, this would be clarified through the notion that verbal memory problems—rather than visual memory issues—are the biggest obstacles. This feature applies more to short-term memory.
The good news is that this situation – memory loss caused by hypothyroidism – can be improved and reversed. Memory problems can improve dramatically with proper medication treatment combined with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a change in diet and exercise.
Thyroid and Attention
Equally important, one of the brain’s functions that hypothyroidism most negatively impacts is attention. Some people have sustained attention disorders, while others have intermittent attention disorders. Hypothyroidism makes it challenging to concentrate on specific tasks that require complete attention.
This is also related to the presence of tiredness and fatigue. This fact can increase distractibility and, as a result, cause interference in lengthy tasks that must be switched between activities.
Thyroid and executive functions
Thyroid issues can interfere with activity organization and planning. Everything to do with goal anticipation and organization can take time and effort.
Everything related to activities, organization, task regulation, completion time, and self-regulation can be affected by executive function problems.
Moreover, patients with slow processing and slow reactions have been identified. This ultimately has an impact on daily life and activities. Research has also shown that hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to issues resembling mild dementia symptoms.
Symptoms of dementia
Now, what is dementia? Dementia is a condition that develops when the person who suffers from it loses cognitive functions necessary for daily activities. One of the best-known and most popular variants of dementia is Alzheimer’s.
Some of the first symptoms may be:
- Losing everyday items
- Having sudden difficulty paying attention
- Impaired reasoning and judgment
- Sudden mood swings
- Increasing deterioration in the form of communication and language.
In any case, symptoms of dementia appear only when thyroid dysfunction is severe, and they worsen with age. All of these symptoms will continuously improve with proper treatment.
Brain inflammation and autoimmune thyroid disease
The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation caused by antibodies directed against the thyroid gland. One of the most undesirable brain effects is caused by this inflammation.
Brain fog is a symptom that most people experience in the morning. What exactly is brain fog?
“Brain fog” refers to cognitive conditions associated with Hashimoto’s disease, such as memory problems, lack of mental clarity, and inability to concentrate.
Indeed, brain fog, also known as mental fatigue, is a symptom of another condition rather than a medical condition in and of itself.
Accordingly conditions such as hypothyroidism, associated with fatigue, inflammation, and blood sugar imbalances, frequently present with brain fog symptoms.
For instance, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis are other medical conditions that can cause brain fog symptoms.
Brain fog is becoming more common, especially among women.
Steps to strengthen the brain-thyroid connection include:
The following are the steps taken in a treatment that will directly improve cognitive and brain functions:
- A treatment that includes adequate thyroid hormone replacement tailored to each patient’s needs and situation. Several studies will be conducted to determine the appropriate amount.
- A healthy diet that limits or eliminates anything that irritates the immune system. Monitoring the intestinal microbiota, reactions to food and toxins, latent infections, and environmental allergens will be necessary.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by reducing stress and situations that can destabilize the nervous system. A healthy brain and thyroid are the result of healthy emotions and relationships.
A healthy thyroid diet can help you improve your brain function
If you have thyroid dysfunction, changing your diet is the most revolutionary and original change you can make to improve brain and cognitive function.
In that sense, changing your habits will result in changes in your body, symptoms, and, as a result, your entire life. A gluten-free, refined-sugar-free diet rich in vegetables and fruits, with a high intake of wild fish and a low intake of lean meats, legumes, and vegetables, will result in better digestion and a healthier gastrointestinal system—a more and better-connected brain in conclusion.
A healthy diet can play a role in supporting thyroid health and improving brain function. Foods rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron are essential for thyroid health.
To demonstrate, iodine is necessary for producing thyroid hormones, while selenium, zinc, and iron are crucial for converting thyroid hormones into their active form. Even more, good dietary sources of these nutrients include seafood, seaweed, eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
In addition, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to support overall brain health. These foods are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to protect brain cells and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may also be particularly beneficial for brain function.
On the other hand, processed and refined foods, sugar, and alcohol can adversely affect brain function and thyroid health. These foods can increase inflammation in the body and impair the production and operation of thyroid hormones.
Learn to cook delicious and healthy
In my cookbook, you’ll discover over 60 recipes carefully crafted to support thyroid health without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, each recipe has gluten-free flour and highly complex carbohydrates and features lean proteins to ensure a balanced diet. However, for those with dietary restrictions, some options are free of dairy and refined sugar, making it possible to indulge in delicious desserts without guilt. Whether you’re looking for hearty breakfast options, satisfying lunches, or decadent desserts, this cookbook has something for everyone.
How Toxins and Heavy Metals Can Affect the Brain
Heavy metals, and environmental pollution can significantly impact brain health. Exposure to these drugs can cause brain cell damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can impair thinking and cause neurological conditions. It is vital to be aware of potential sources of toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollution to minimize exposure and protect brain health.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in the body over time and have toxic effects on the brain. Exposure to these metals can cause damage to the brain’s neurons and disrupt the function of neurotransmitters, leading to cognitive impairment and other neurological symptoms. Mercury exposure is connected to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution, including exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals, can also adversely affect brain health. Research has connected air pollution exposure to cognitive deterioration and a higher risk of dementia. Pesticides are linked to cognitive impairment and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Mold exposure can lead to neurological symptom’s such as headaches, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating, oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. However, while a healthy diet and regular exercise can support overall health, some supplements, such as chlorella, cilantro, and garlic, have been suggested to have potential benefits in aiding heavy metal detoxification. Alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione support detoxification.
Note: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially those with thyroid conditions, before starting any supplement regimen.
References
- Hypothyroidism and brain function: A close relationship- Neuro Class- 2022
- H. M.: A fundamental case to understand the types of memory- Neuro Class- 2022
- Brain Health and Thyroid Function in 3 Steps- Sparkle Health
- Do Thyroid Disorders Cause Forgetfulness and Brain Fog? The Effects of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism on Memory- Very Wealth Health
- Thyroid Disorders and Development of Cognitive Impairment: A Review Study- Khaleghzadeh-Ahangar H.a,b · Talebi A.c · Mohseni-Moghaddam P.d
- Thyroid hormone receptors in brain development and function- Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism
- Omega-3 fatty acids and hypothyroidism:
- Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning; 2018.
