The Thyroid & Metabolism: Hidden Disruptors | with Diane Pascoe

The thyroid is often seen as the master controller of metabolism, but in truth, it’s just one piece of a beautifully intricate puzzle.

The Hidden Disruptors of Thyroid Health

If you’ve been feeling stuck, it’s important to look beyond the thyroid gland itself and consider the broader metabolic landscape:

• Undereating & Metabolism Suppression: Not consuming enough carbohydrates or calories can signal the body to slow down energy production, leading to a sluggish metabolism and persistent fatigue.
• Muscle Mass & Metabolic Rate: More skeletal muscle equals a higher metabolic rate. Resistance training and adequate protein intake can help support both muscle and thyroid function.
• Dietary Fat & Thyroid Demand: A diet too high in fat increases the body’s need for thyroid hormones, which can create added strain on an already struggling system.
• Sex Hormone Imbalances: Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all influence thyroid function—particularly in women during perimenopause, postpartum, or times of hormonal transition.
• Viral Infections & Thyroid Inflammation: Respiratory viruses have been shown to impact thyroid health, sometimes triggering autoimmune responses or disrupting hormone production.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Key nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and iodine are essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and activation. A deficiency in any one of these can hinder metabolism.
• Stress & Cortisol: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog.
• Bile Flow & Thyroid Conversion: The gallbladder plays an underestimated role in thyroid health—supporting bile production can enhance thyroid hormone activation.
• Environmental Toxins & Heavy Metals: Endocrine disruptors found in beauty products, perfumes, plastics, and even medications can interfere with thyroid function.
• Cruciferous Vegetables—Friend or Foe?: While cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale are packed with nutrients, excessive daily consumption may slow metabolic rate in those with existing thyroid issues.

Healing the Thyroid—A Holistic Approach

With so many factors at play, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: your thyroid is resilient, and with the right support, balance can be restored. The key lies in taking a holistic, bio-individual approach—one that considers not just lab results but the unique needs of your body.

Comprehensive thyroid testing, careful case assessment, and strategic nutritional and lifestyle shifts can provide powerful support. There isn’t a single magic supplement or one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right guidance, you can reignite your metabolism, reclaim your energy, and feel like yourself again.

Love Diane.

Ready to explore your thyroid health in depth? Book a consultation with Diane Pascoe here - she can help guide you toward vibrant, sustainable wellbeing.

Diane is a naturopathic clinician with more than two decades of experiencing helping men and women achieve optimal wellbeing through evidence-based natural medicine.