Five Ways to Support Conversion of T4 to T3
The only way to determine how your thyroid is functioning is through testing - and for anyone looking to optimize their thyroid function, getting the right thyroid tests is ESSENTIAL.
If you haven’t already done so, read my previous blog to get caught up.
T4 and T3 Hormones
Your thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone in the form of T4, which is then converted into the more active T3 hormone in other areas of the body—especially the liver.
What you need to know is that T3 hormone is far more potent and active than T4 hormone in your body.
If this conversion of T4 to T3 is sluggish, you may feel the effects of low thyroid function even if T4 levels are within the normal range.
Five Ways to Support Conversion of T4 to T3
🥗 Liver Support
Since conversion of T4 to T3 happens primarily in the liver, supporting healthy liver function also supports healthy thyroid function.
🌱 Gut Support
The enzyme needed to convert T4 to T3 is also present in the gut wall, so gut health may influence T3 levels.
💊 Nutrient Optimization
T4 to T3 conversion depends on selenium and zinc, found mainly in meats, nuts, and seeds.
🧘♀️ Stress Management
Anything the body perceives as stress triggers the release of cortisol. Higher levels of cortisol are associated with more conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (inactive form) rather than the active T3.
🍭 Blood Sugar Balance
Similar to the effect of stress, insulin resistance is associated with more conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (inactive form) rather than the active T3.
Understanding your thyroid function is the first step to better health, and testing is the only way to determine your levels. To optimize your thyroid function, focus on liver and gut health, ensure you're getting key nutrients, manage stress, and maintain blood sugar balance. By taking these steps, you can support the crucial conversion of T4 to T3 and enhance your overall well-being.
If you suspect thyroid issues but feel your concerns haven't been fully addressed, I can help! As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I can help you “think outside of the box and dig deeper with a variety of laboratory testing to help uncover the underlying root causes of your symptoms and create a plan personalized for you that goes beyond the prescription pad to incorporate diet/lifestyle change, nutritional supplements, holistic therapies, health coaching and more! Contact us to get started!
Reference:
Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-76. [link]
Knezevic J, Starchl C, Tmava Berisha A, Amrein K. Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1769. Published 2020 Jun 12. [link]
Sinha SR, Prakash P, Keshari JR, Kumari R, Prakash V. Assessment of Serum Cortisol Levels in Hypothyroidism Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2023;15(12):e50199. [link]