If you have thyroid symptoms that are not improving with medication, it may be time to look beyond the thyroid. One of the most overlooked connections in thyroid health is the gut. In fact, the health of your digestive system can have a major impact on how your thyroid functions.
The thyroid and the gut are closely connected.
Poor gut health can affect thyroid hormone levels, cause inflammation, and make it harder for the body to absorb key nutrients. For people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid condition, gut health is even more important because much of the immune system is located in the gut.
Several gut issues can interfere with thyroid health:
- Leaky gut or intestinal permeability
- Low stomach acid
- Food sensitivities
- Bacterial imbalance
- Poor nutrient absorption
Leaky gut allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger the immune system and increase inflammation, which may worsen autoimmune activity and make Hashimoto’s harder to manage.
Low stomach acid can reduce the absorption of important nutrients like iron, zinc, and selenium, nutrients that are essential for thyroid hormone production and conversion. Without them, even a healthy thyroid can begin to underperform.
Gut infections or bacterial imbalance can also slow down the metabolism and make it harder for thyroid medication to work properly. If your body is not absorbing nutrients well or is inflamed from the inside, your thyroid will likely struggle to do its job.
Standard care usually does not address these issues.
Most thyroid treatment focuses on medication alone. While medication can help replace missing hormones, it does not solve the root cause of thyroid dysfunction, especially when that cause begins in the gut.
Functional medicine takes a more complete approach. It looks at gut health as a key part of thyroid recovery. Testing may include digestive function, food sensitivity panels, and inflammation markers. Care plans often include removing dietary triggers, restoring healthy digestion, and supporting the gut lining.
When gut health improves, the thyroid often responds with better energy, improved mood, and fewer symptoms. If your thyroid treatment is not working, your gut may be the missing link.
If you are struggling with stomach issues, contact a functional medicine provider. They will help you get to the root cause of what is triggering your symptoms.