The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate numerous bodily functions. For example, thyroid hormones control your heart rate, your metabolic rate, brain development, digestive health, muscle development, and bone health. Thyroid gland dysfunction can lead to a myriad of symptoms, both physical and emotional. A person with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and thyroid-related eye disease may experience a rollercoaster of emotional challenges, including mood swings, depression, and anxiety. This emotional rollercoaster can be challenging to understand. At one minute, you may be feeling fine, and then the next minute, you are crying or anxious.

Thyroid Imbalance

Thyroid Imbalance Can Affect Your Mood

Thyroid imbalances can affect your mental health. Many of the symptoms of thyroid problems can mimic the symptoms of mood disorders. There are many treatment options available for treating thyroid conditions; however, when a thyroid condition begins to affect mood, it becomes even more critical to address mental health concerns as well.

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can result in unbalanced thyroid levels. Each of these conditions causes different symptoms.

  • Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, impatience, a short temper, panic attacks, tenseness, and sleeping difficulties.
  • Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include decreased appetite, decreased motivation, depression, mood swings, overwhelming stress, concentration issues, sleep disturbances, and a short temper.
Signs of Thyroid Problems

Nourish Your Thyroid and Improve Your Mood

The first thing to do if you suffer from a thyroid problem that has affected your mood is to talk with your functional medicine practitioner. Several strategies can help balance your mood, as well as specific nutrients and herbs that can support your body’s adaptation to changing hormone levels. It is beneficial to consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

  • Selenium – Selenium deficiency can increase the risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease. The thyroid gland contains more selenium than any other organ in the body. Selenium offers anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits neuroprotective effects. Selenium is involved in antioxidant activity in the body, helping to reduce free radical damage. It also helps prevent depression and improve your mood.
  • Iodine – The thyroid gland converts tyrosine and iodine into T3 and T4. If you are not consuming enough iodine, your thyroid gland cannot produce these thyroid hormones. That said, taking excess amounts of iodine can overproduce thyroid hormones and lead to hyperthyroidism. Consult with your integrative practitioner to determine whether you will benefit from iodine supplements.
  • Omega 3 – Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that fight inflammation. Grass-fed butter, cod liver oil, olive oil, and coconut oil nourish the thyroid gland. Furthermore, the body transforms medium-chain triglycerides into energy for immediate use.
  • Magnesium – Your body needs magnesium for health. Magnesium helps convert the T4 thyroid hormone into the active form of thyroid hormone, T3. Additionally, taking a magnesium supplement can help the thyroid gland produce more thyroid hormone. Finally, magnesium can help counteract the effects of thyroid-related insomnia, aiding in both falling and staying asleep.
  • Adaptogenic Herbs – Adaptogenic herbs support the thyroid and increase thyroid hormone production. The most common thyroid-stimulating adaptogenic herbs include Ashwagandha, Gotu kola, and Siberian ginseng. In addition to these herbs, American ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Licorice, Spikenard, and bonnet bellflower can improve thyroid health. Reishi mushrooms, five-flavor berry, and Chinese foxglove also provide thyroid support.
Thyroid Rollercoaster

What to Eat and What to Avoid

Certain foods provide nutrient support, while others can block the body’s ability to utilize iodine. Consuming foods that contain tyrosine, such as velvet bean seeds, oats, spinach, sesame seeds, butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, and snow peas, helps to enhance the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone and reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland.

Foods that contain goitrogens should be limited. If you decide to include these foods in your diet, cook them as cooking inactivates goitrogens. Goitrogen-rich foods include soybeans, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, turnips, broccoli, and kale, as well as peanuts, millet, and pine nuts.

If possible, opt for organic foods whenever available. Choosing grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish ensures that you ingest the maximum amount of omega-3 fatty acids and reap the benefits they offer. Avoid high-glycemic index foods and those containing gluten, as they can increase the risk of inflammation in the thyroid gland.

Holistic Treatment of Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland is a small organ located at the front of the neck. Although small in size, it can have a significant impact on your health. If the thyroid gland is not functioning correctly, you can experience physical problems as well as sudden and severe mood swings. To regulate your thyroid hormones and moods, consider consulting a thyroid specialist. You will benefit from an integrative medicine practitioner who focuses on treating various aspects (body, soul, and spirit) rather than just treating the symptoms.