Hypothyroidism: Signs, Causes, & How to Support Your Thyroid Naturally

Feeling constantly cold or tired, struggling with weight gain, or dealing with brain fog?

These could be signs of hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid—located in the front of your neck—produces insufficient thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and body temperature, so when levels are low, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue and weight changes

Hypothyroidism Can Happen at Any Age

It’s important to note that hypothyroidism can affect anyone, at any age. While it is more common in women, especially as they age, it can occur in men and even children. In fact, up to 60% of people with thyroid disease may be unaware of it, as symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can present in many ways, often subtly at first. Because it affects the entire body, the symptoms can vary significantly.

• Fatigue and low energy

• Weight gain, even with no changes in diet

• Cold hands and feet or feeling cold all the time

• Brain fog, poor memory, or difficulty concentrating

• Hair thinning or hair loss

• Dry hair, skin and brittle nails

• Slow digestion, bloating, or constipation

• Low mood or depression

• Muscle weakness or joint pain

• Puffy face or swollen eyelids

• Low libido

• Menstrual problems

• Skin issues

• Shortness of breath

• Hoarse voice, sore throat, swelling in the neck, enlarged tongue and hearing problems

• and so many more

  
  

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting your thyroid checked to see if your levels are within the optimal range.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

There are several reasons why your thyroid may not be producing enough hormones. Some of the most common causes include:

• Autoimmune Disease (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis): The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body mistakenly attacks its thyroid tissue, impairing hormone production.

• Iodine deficiency – Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and is lacking in New Zealand soils.

• Nutrient deficiencies – Low levels of selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D can impact thyroid function.

• Chronic stress – Long-term stress increases cortisol, which interferes with thyroid hormone production.

• Poor liver function – The liver converts inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3).

• Gut health imbalances – Poor digestion or leaky gut can lead to nutrient deficiencies and inflammation that affect the thyroid.

• Heavy metal exposure – Toxins like mercury, lead, and cadmium can disrupt thyroid function by interfering with iodine uptake and hormone production.

• Excessive intake of goitrogenic foods – Overconsumption of raw cruciferous vegetables (such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower) can interfere with iodine absorption and thyroid hormone production.

• Tannins in tea and certain foods – High intake of tannins (found in black tea, coffee, chocolate, and some legumes) can reduce iodine absorption, which may negatively impact thyroid function.

• Medications or previous thyroid treatments – Some medications can interfere with thyroid function.

• Bacterial and viral infections – Chronic infections or viruses can trigger inflammation or disrupt immune function, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction.

The Role of the Liver in Thyroid Health

The liver is responsible for converting T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active thyroid hormone). If your liver is sluggish due to toxin overload, poor diet, or stress, it may struggle to make enough T3, leaving you with hypothyroid symptoms—even if your thyroid gland is functioning properly.

How to support your liver for better thyroid function:

• Eat liver-supportive foods like leafy greens, beets, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower).

• Reduce processed foods, alcohol, and excessive caffeine to lighten the liver’s workload.

• Stay hydrated and support bile flow with lemon water or apple cider vinegar.

• Get enough protein to help the liver detox effectively.

How Gut Health Affects the Thyroid

Your gut plays a huge role in thyroid health for a few key reasons:

1. Absorbing nutrients – If your gut isn’t functioning well, you may not be absorbing key thyroid-supporting nutrients like iodine, selenium, and zinc.

2. Housing beneficial bacteria – Healthy gut bacteria help convert inactive T4 into active T3.

3. Regulating inflammation – A compromised gut can trigger inflammation, which interferes with hormone production.

   
   

Ways to support your gut for thyroid health:

• Eat fiber-rich foods (vegetables, nuts, seeds) to support digestion.

• Include fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir) to promote good gut bacteria.

• Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can lead to gut imbalances.

• Support gut lining repair with bone broth and collagen.

Best Foods for Hypothyroidism

Eating the right foods can nourish your thyroid and help keep symptoms under control.

Foods to Include:

Selenium-rich foods – Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds (help thyroid hormone production)

Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts (reduce inflammation)

Zinc-rich foods – Pumpkin seeds, beef, shellfish (essential for hormone production)

Magnesium sources – Leafy greens, almonds (supports energy and metabolism)

Iodine sources – Seaweed, fish, dairy (key for hormone production)

Healthy fats – Avocados, olive oil, nuts (support hormone balance)

Foods to Limit or Avoid:

Processed foods – Can trigger inflammation and slow metabolism

Refined sugar – Can contribute to blood sugar imbalances and weight gain

Excess soy – Can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption

Gluten (for some people) – May contribute to inflammation, especially in Hashimoto’s

The Importance of Movement for Thyroid Health

While excessive exercise can stress the thyroid, gentle movement helps boost metabolism and energy levels.

Best options:

• Walking – Supports circulation and stress management

• Yoga – Helps balance hormones and reduce stress

• Strength training – Helps prevent muscle loss, which can be common in hypothyroidism

Testing for Hypothyroidism

If you suspect a thyroid issue, getting the right tests is key. Many people are told their thyroid is “normal” based on just a TSH test, but a full thyroid panel provides a much clearer picture.

Essential Thyroid Tests:

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – The standard test, but it doesn’t show the full picture.

Free T3 & Free T4 – Measure active and available thyroid hormones.

Reverse T3 (rT3) – Helps assess whether your body is properly converting hormones.

Iodine, Selenium, Zinc Levels – Important nutrients for thyroid function.

Vitamin D, Iron, and B12 – Deficiencies can worsen symptoms.

How to Get Tested

Ask your doctor for a full thyroid panel rather than just a TSH test. If you’ve been told your levels are “fine” but still have symptoms, deeper testing might be needed.

Bonus Tip: Check Your Basal Body Temperature

Low thyroid function can sometimes show up as a consistently low body temperature. Try this:

• Use a basal thermometer (oral or underarm)

• Measure first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed or drinking anything

• Do this for 3–5 days in a row

• A reading below 36.4°C (97.6°F) may suggest suboptimal thyroid function

This isn't a diagnostic tool on its own, but it can help spark a conversation with your practitioner—especially if your blood tests say you're "normal" but you still don’t feel well.

A Quick Note on Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to gradual thyroid damage. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s are very similar to hypothyroidism, but the approach to managing it includes gut and immune system regulation and inflammation control.

If you suspect Hashimoto’s, ask your doctor to check for thyroid antibodies (TPOAb & TgAb), as these indicate whether your thyroid issues are autoimmune-related.

Final Thoughts

Hypothyroidism is more than just a sluggish thyroid—it’s connected to gut health, liver function, and nutrient status. While medication may be necessary for some, the right nutrition and lifestyle changes can help boost energy, balance hormones, and support long-term thyroid health.

Feeling off and wondering if your thyroid is the culprit?

Book a Clarity Call and let’s create a plan to get you feeling your best!