The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones which regulate metabolism, growth and development. If this gland is not functioning correctly, it could cause fatigue, weight gain or depression. Alcohol abuse has been known to cause harm to many organs of the body. It’s therefore no surprise that alcohol can also affect the thyroid gland.
Alcohol and thyroid hormones
The thyroid gland produces two primary hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and the hormone thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate energy levels, metabolism as well as heart rate and body temperature. Alcohol can cause thyroid dysfunction through interfering with hormone release and production.
One way that alcohol affects the thyroid gland is through blocking the conversion of T4 into T3. The thyroid gland makes T4, which is the inactive thyroid hormone. It must be converted into the active form T3 to perform its duties within the body. Consuming alcohol may hinder the conversion process which can result in lower levels of T3 as well as increased levels of T4 in bloodstreams. This could result in a condition known as hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland isn’t producing enough T3 in spite of normal T4 levels.
Alcohol and thyroid disease
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland which can cause inflammation and damage. Hashimoto’s disease and GravesDisease are both autoimmune thyroid conditions. Both of these disorders are connected with alcoholism.
Drinking alcohol may cause an autoimmune reaction within the body that can lead to the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition leads to the thyroid gland getting inflamed, causing it to be damaged. It also triggers an increase in thyroid hormone production. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is usually coupled with depression, fatigue, and weight gain.
Graves’ disease which, in contrast is characterised by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excessive thyroid hormone. Drinking alcohol can increase the symptoms of Graves’ disease and cause complications, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Iodine deficiency and alcohol
Iodine is a mineral that is essential to the body that it requires to produce thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland will not produce enough thyroid hormonal, resulting in hypothyroidism, if it is not stocked with enough Iodine. Alcohol can affect the absorption and utilization of iodine within the body. The result is a thyroid disorder.
Drug interactions and alcohol
Thyroid patients are often prescribed medicines such as levothyroxine or liothyronine to supplement or replace thyroid hormones. The use of alcohol can affect the efficacy and absorption of these drugs, which can lead to inadequate treatment of thyroid problems. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with other medications that are commonly used for treating thyroid problems like beta-blockers, or anti-thyroid drugs.
Alcohol abuse may negatively affect the health of your thyroid. Alcohol misuse can have a huge effect on the thyroid’s health. It could cause the production of thyroid hormones to decrease which can trigger an autoimmune response and block the uptake of iodine and negatively affect thyroid medications. If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse and also experiencing symptoms of thyroid problems, it’s essential to seek assistance from an expert in healthcare. It is possible to examine your thyroid’s function and advised on appropriate treatment such as lifestyle changes and addiction treatment programs. With proper care and management, it is possible to restore thyroid health and overcome the addiction to alcohol.
Alcohol can cause thyroid dysfunction, as well as other health problems. According to research, over drinking alcohol can cause hypothyroidism or graves’s disease. A lower amount of alcohol may also reduce the body’s capacity to absorb certain thyroid medication. It is suggested that you drink moderately according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals with thyroid conditions who drink alcohol should be aware of any effects it can be having on their symptoms for example, depression and fatigue. Even a small amount of alcohol consumption can compromise the effectiveness of medication and can cause health problems. To make informed choices you must be aware of the effects that alcohol can have on your thyroid. Keep in mind that your health over the long term must always be top of mind in your agenda!
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