What you need to know about your Pets’ Thyroid!
First a quick idea of what the thyroid is and does:
The thyroid gland is a vital hormonal gland at the front of the neck, under the voice box. The thyroid regulates the metabolism of cells and plays an important role in general health.
The Thyroid dynamically releases hormones into the bloodstream. If the body needs more energy in certain situations the thyroid gland produces more hormones.
The thyroid gland produces hormones called T3 and T4, to build them the body needs Iodine.
To regulate how much of these hormones are released at any given time, the thyroid gland needs to communicate with another gland in the brain which is called the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland communicates by releasing hormones into the bloodstream that stimulate the thyroids’ production of T3 and T4.
Nowadays a lot of pets face an issue with the thyroid called Hypothyroidism - let’s look at what that is now.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid is not producing enough T4 (one of the hormones needed to regulate your pets’ metabolism), thus lowering your pet’s metabolic rate.
The majority of Pets nowadays struggle with Primary Hypothyroidism which is an autoimmune disease.
Auto immune means that your pet’s body mistakes its own thyroid gland and hormones as foreign threats and triggers a reaction to destroy them. This is called excessive inflammation or an auto immune disorder. It also causes scarring of the tissue which can lead to loss of thyroid function eventually.
The big question is why this happens and how to heal it.
There are different factors such as leash pulling or a tight collar, over-vaccination or exposure to other toxins but the most important and common reason for Thyroid issues is the Diet!
Hypothyroidism affects dogs and cats on inflammatory or imbalanced diets in almost all cases.
If the Diet is lacking Omega 3 (from whole fish and shellfish!), Vitamins and Minerals (from organs and bones) or you are feeding a completely commercial diet the gut flora of your pet can not function right.
This in turn will lead to Leaky Gut and an inflammatory build up.
Foods to add to your Pets Diet to help their Thyroid
Avoid carbohydrates, lentils and kibble as much as possible!
- A real food source of Omega 3 is essential for its anti-inflammatory effect and healing impact on the gut. Whole Fish (dried), Fish Broth or boneless cooked fish or shellfish are great ways to supply this
- Detoxing herbs and seaweeds like Kelp, Parsley or Spirulina
- Duck Eggs are a fabulous addition for Protein and anti inflammatory impact
- Add a source of iodine such as Liver, Fish / Shellfish or Eggs
- Liver or Raw minced fruit such as Papaya, pomegranate or Berries have antioxidants
- Soil based probiotics to heal the gut
- Bone Broth or Bones to chew to supply minerals among plenty other benefits
- Organ meats such as Liver for Minerals and essential Vitamins for proper nervous system function and seamless communication between glands
Adding real foods has many benefits, let’s keep your furry fit and nourished!
