The Throat and Thyroid Health

The throat area, specifically between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae, where the thyroid and parathyroid glands are located, symbolizes creativity, communication, and symbolic thinking on an unconscious level. It is particularly associated with the ability to speak one’s truth.

Hypothyroidism: An Overview

Hypothyroidism refers to low thyroid gland function and is more common than many realize, affecting 10–40% of the adult population.

The thyroid is located at the front of the neck, just below the voice box. Since the thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in every cell of the body, a deficiency in these hormones can impact nearly all body functions.

Hypothyroidism can result from either defective hormone synthesis or lack of stimulation from the pituitary gland, which produces TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). TSH stimulates the thyroid to make and release the hormones T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).

Manifestations of Hypothyroidism in Adults:

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Weight gain

  • Sensitivity to cold (cold hands and feet, feeling cold to the bone)

  • Increased varicose veins, broken veins, and spider veins

  • Slow lymphatic drainage

  • Swelling of tissue, particularly in the lower legs, ankles, feet, and hands

  • Bloating, indigestion, and constipation

  • Sore stomach and flatulence

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Flushed face

  • Glaring eyes

  • Ringing or whizzing in the ears

  • Muscle weakness, joint stiffness (rheumatism)

  • Shortness of breath, snoring, and sleep apnea

  • Bladder problems

  • Dry, rough skin with fine scales, coarse brittle hair, and occasional severe hair loss. Nails may tear or have grooves, and discoloration may occur.

  • Weakness and fatigue

  • Appetite changes (excessive or loss of appetite)

  • Hearing difficulty or blocked and itchy ears

  • Restless sleep

  • Headaches, often severe on one side of the head, typically worse in the morning and gradually improving throughout the day

  • Increased risk of osteoporosis due to interference with calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D metabolism

  • Feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and in some cases, thoughts of suicide or depression

  • Poor lymphatic drainage leading to cellulite and weight gain in the thighs, hips, and calves

  • Difficulty pulling in the stomach

Nightshades and Thyroid Health

Nightshades are part of the Solanaceae family and include foods like tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplants, and all types of peppers. These foods are often recommended to be avoided as part of an autoimmune Paleo diet, particularly for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

While not everyone with autoimmune conditions will react negatively to nightshades, these foods contain certain compounds that may cause inflammation, which is a key factor in autoimmune diseases. For individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions, it is a good idea to temporarily eliminate nightshades to assess their impact on symptoms. Some people can reintroduce them later without issue, while others may continue to experience negative effects.

Compounds in Nightshades That May Cause Problems:

• Lectins: These proteins, found in tomatoes, beans, and other foods, can damage the intestinal lining and contribute to leaky gut, a condition commonly associated with autoimmune diseases.

• Alkaloids (Capsaicin): Found in spicy peppers, capsaicin is a potent inflammatory compound that can cause issues in sensitive individuals.

• Glycoalkaloids (Solanine): Present in eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, solanine has fungicidal and pesticidal properties. It can impact the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to symptoms like hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and gastrointestinal issues.

Foods to Avoid:

For individuals with thyroid conditions, it is advisable to avoid the following nightshades:

• Tomatoes and tomato-based products (including sauces)

• All types of peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers, jalapeños, cayenne, paprika)

• Eggplants

• Most potatoes (except sweet potatoes)

• Goji berries and garden huckleberries

• Ashwagandha (considered a nightshade, though it may not affect everyone)

Who Should Avoid Nightshades?

• Individuals with Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions: People with Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis should consider eliminating nightshades for at least a month.

• Individuals with Symptoms Related to Nightshades: If you experience joint pain, skin issues (rashes or acne), digestive problems (e.g., bloating, acid reflux), or muscle pain, you might want to temporarily eliminate nightshades and assess any changes.

Reintroduction and Trial Periods:

If you don’t have an autoimmune thyroid condition but are experiencing symptoms like joint pain or skin issues, try eliminating nightshades for a month. Afterward, reintroduce them one at a time for three consecutive days to monitor your response.

While some individuals can successfully reintroduce nightshades without further issues, others may find that consuming them worsens their symptoms, even after a prolonged period of elimination. In such cases, it may be necessary to permanently avoid specific nightshades.

Conclusion:

While nightshades can offer health benefits, they may cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions or other sensitivities. A trial period of eliminating nightshades can help you determine whether they are contributing to your health issues. If symptoms improve, it may be beneficial to continue avoiding them. For those who can tolerate nightshades without negative effects, moderate consumption is generally acceptable.

For further reading on the topic, Dr. Loren Cordain’s paper on nightshades and autoimmune disease, as well as resources like “The Paleo Approach” by Sarah Ballantyne, provide a deeper dive into the science and effects of nightshades on autoimmune conditions.