Dr. Izabella Wentz,
PharmD
Guest
Thyroid Nation
Dr. Izabella Wentz shares her thoughts on Nutrient Extraction.
Nutrient depletions are a common issue in Hashimoto’s . Often, people with Hashimoto’s will become deficient in nutrients required for proper thyroid function. Why is that?
Hypothyroidism, in itself, will lead to poor extraction of minerals and vitamins from our food sources. Thyroid hormones determine our metabolism throughout the entire body. As such, the digestive tract is not spared, particularly the intestines. Lack of sufficient thyroid hormones makes nutrient extraction more difficult and less efficient, and can in itself lead to nutrient deficiencies.
A lack of thyroid hormone leads to low temperatures that not only make us uncomfortable in breezy situations, but can also have an impact on hormone synthesis and other important body processes such as digestion, hair growth, skin turnover and regeneration, wound healing, etc.
Most people with thyroid conditions and adrenal fatigue will have low stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl), which is necessary to break down protein. This is known as “achlorhydria.” The lack of adequate digestive enzymes leads to a depletion of amino acids, iron, zinc and other nutrients obtained from protein. Symptoms include gas, heartburn, bloating, and heaviness in the stomach after eating a protein meal.
Achlorhydria, constipation, and incomplete digestion of fibrous plant materials have been associated with hypothyroidism.
Liver function tests may be disturbed in up to 50% of people with hypothyroidism, leading to reduced output of bile, which helps us digest lipids. Notably, bile stones and gallstones are also more common in Hashimoto’s.
People with Hashimoto’s are also five times more likely to be diagnosed with Celiac disease. Recently, gluten intolerance has been described as a spectrum, with only the most severe cases of damage being diagnosed with Celiac disease. Additionally, some people with Hashimoto’s may present with a celiac-like intolerance to milk proteins (whey and/or casein), egg proteins (ovalbumin), or soy proteins.
Many of these cases are undiagnosed, and when people continue to eat these foods, they are damaging their intestines and robbing themselves of vital nutrients. It sounds surprising, but even people who are overweight may be completely malnourished and nutrient depleted because of the foods they eat. Food intolerances will be discussed in greater detail in future posts or can be found in my book if you would like the information sooner.
ADDRESSING DEPLETIONS
Low Stomach Acid
The use of digestive enzymes, probiotics, as well as supplemental acid may be needed to help digest protein. Betaine with Pepsin is a supplement used to raise stomach acid levels and is available for purchase in capsule forms.
Dose: Betaine with Pepsin should be taken after a protein-rich meal, starting with one capsule per meal. The dose should be increased by one more capsule at each meal, until symptoms of too much acid are felt (burping, burning, etc.). At that point, you will know that your dose is one capsule less than what resulted in symptoms.
Betaine with Pepsin Titration Example:
Meal No. 1: One capsule, no symptoms
Meal No. 2: Two capsules, no symptoms
Meal No. 3: Three capsules, no symptoms
Meal No. 4: Four capsules. felt slight burning in throat
Correct dose is: Three capsules per meal
Many people will be amazed how much more energy they have after they start taking digestive enzymes with their meals. I know I felt like a brand new person after starting Betaine with Pepsin.
The digestive enzymes should stimulate your body’s own production of acid, and help you extract nutrients from your food. After some time, you should be able to get off the enzymes as your own body begins to produce enough digestive acid. Alternatively, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can also help to produce more digestive acid.
Correcting the bacterial imbalance in the intestines will also help with producing enough digestive enzymes.
PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift . You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.
About the Author
Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD., FASCP is a pharmacist who was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. Surprised at the lack of knowledge about lifestyle interventions for Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions, she decided to take on lifestyle interventions as a personal mission in an effort to help herself and others with the same condition. Her passions include: nutrition, research, safe medication use, writing and yoga. More information about lifestyle interventions can be found on my blog Thyroid Root Cause, website Thyroid Lifestyle, Facebook, and in my book “Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause”. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to Thyroidpharmacist.com/gift . You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.
Questions or anything to add about nutrient depletions? We want your thoughts in the comments section–Please!
References
1. Daher R, Yazbeck T, Bou Jaoude J, Abboud B. Consequences of dysthyroidism on the digestive tract and viscera. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15(23): 2834-2838 Available from: URL: http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/15/2834.asp
2. Wada L, King JC. Effect of low zinc intakes on basal metabolic rate, thyroid
hormones and protein utilization in adult men. J Nutr 1986;116:1045–53.
3. Sategna-Guidetti C, Volta U, Ciacci C, Usai P, Carlino A, De Franceschi L, Camera A, Pelli A, Brossa C. Prevalence of thyroid disorders in untreated adult celiac disease patients and effect of gluten withdrawal: an Italian multicenter study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Mar;96(3):751-7.
