{"id":12327,"date":"2024-06-17T02:39:39","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T10:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/?p=12327"},"modified":"2024-08-02T18:40:21","modified_gmt":"2024-08-03T02:40:21","slug":"the-thyroid-and-the-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/the-thyroid-and-the-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"The Thyroid and the Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12327\" class=\"elementor elementor-12327\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c01a372 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c01a372\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3a65349\" data-id=\"3a65349\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-149ceb1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"149ceb1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors_20076404.htm#fromView=search&#038;page=1&#038;position=3&#038;uuid=06d43d29-0c8d-4fc5-9759-48bbc59fc576\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1024x681.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-12329 lazyload\" alt=\"The Thyroid and the Immune System\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1024x681.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-12329 lazyload\" alt=\"The Thyroid and the Immune System\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/medium-shot-women-doing-sport-outdoors-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">\u00a9Freepik<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-83ed052 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"83ed052\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4fba1d7\" data-id=\"4fba1d7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf21a66 elementor-position-left elementor-vertical-align-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"cf21a66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-10432 lazyload\" alt=\"Dr. Minako Abe\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-10432 lazyload\" alt=\"Dr. Minako Abe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h6 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Medically reviewed by<\/h6><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\"><b>Dr. Minako Abe, M.D.<\/b>, Board-certified emergency medicine physician researching the relationship between lifestyle and disease onset in relation to the immune system and cancer, Japan<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-faa348e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"faa348e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-00e395e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"00e395e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0d8aa67\" data-id=\"0d8aa67\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0bd5f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b0bd5f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ever wondered why you sneeze when pepper tickles your nose? The truth is sneezing isn\u2019t just an everyday nuisance. This reflex is actually a physiological response. Think of it as your body\u2019s way of kicking out irritants and pathogens (germs) from your nasal passages to prevent a potential infection.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The function of the immune system goes far beyond just hypersensitivity reactions (which include what we typically think of as allergies). One of the things that makes the immune system so fascinating is how it works constantly to keep us healthy in many ways that we are not consciously aware of.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, what does your body\u2019s \u201cdefense system\u201d have to do with your thyroid? Is there even any connection between the two?<\/span><\/p><p>In this article, we will look at the following:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What the <a href=\"#thyroid\">thyroid gland<\/a> and <a href=\"#immune-system\">immune system<\/a> are\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#thyroid-and-immune-system\">The bidirectional relationship between the thyroid gland and the immune system<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#thyroid-health-immune-function\">How to support both thyroid health and immune function<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-58494b2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"58494b2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4e9b660\" data-id=\"4e9b660\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ef79fa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2ef79fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"thyroid\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is the thyroid?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bad1de7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bad1de7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck. <\/span><b>Thyroxine (T4)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>triiodothyronine (T3)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the two main thyroid hormones produced by this gland. These hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other vital bodily functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The production of T4 and T3 is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland through a feedback mechanism involving <\/span><b>thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus releases TRH, which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce TSH. TSH then signals the thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormones. When thyroid levels of thyroid hormone levels are high, they signal the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to reduce their production of TRH and TSH, respectively. This reduction in TRH and TSH\u00a0 decreases the stimulation of the thyroid gland.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal thyroid hormone levels are commonly classified by thyroid activity: <\/span><b>hyperthyroidism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where the thyroid is overactive, and <\/span><b>hypothyroidism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where the thyroid is underactive.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-72aedef elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"72aedef\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ab5aa72\" data-id=\"ab5aa72\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-895aaf2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"895aaf2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"immune-system\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is the immune system?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-161d291 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"161d291\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The immune system is a complex network of cells (your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/publications\/dictionaries\/cancer-terms\/def\/white-blood-cell\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">white blood cells<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It has two main pathways: the innate and adaptive immune systems.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>innate immune system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> acts as the body\u2019s first line of defense against any invading pathogens and is active from the moment of exposure. It includes physical barriers like the <\/span><b>skin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>mucous membranes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as immune cells such as <\/span><b>neutrophils<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>macrophages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>natural killer cells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The innate immune response is not specific to a particular type of pathogen; it aims to stop all pathogens similarly. This response is also immediate, with reactions occurring within minutes to hours after exposure to a pathogen.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>adaptive immune system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, on the other hand, is highly specific to the pathogens it has encountered before. The adaptive immune response is slower to activate, taking days to develop, but it is more precise in its action against pathogens. This system also has the ability to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK27158\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remember<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> specific pathogens, which makes future responses to the same pathogen faster and more efficient. This adaptive immune system includes <\/span><b>T cells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can directly kill infected host cells or help other immune cells, and <\/span><b>B cells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which produce antibodies that target and neutralize pathogens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our immune system also has this remarkable ability called <\/span><b>immunosurveillance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As the name implies, certain immune cells are constantly on the lookout for and getting rid of foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, as well as precancerous and cancerous cells within the body.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-eddafbf elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"eddafbf\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2f1e996\" data-id=\"2f1e996\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1b9d96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d1b9d96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"thyroid-and-immune-system\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How do the thyroid and immune system influence each other?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd7c8b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd7c8b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has shown that the relationship between your thyroid and immune system is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9010816\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bidirectional<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This means that:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-755a380 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"755a380\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Thyroid hormones influence the immune system\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0351c71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0351c71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating immune function by influencing the production and activity of your immune cells. These immune cells produce proteins known as cytokines. Cytokines are like the \u201cmessengers\u201d of the immune system. They serve as signals that tell other immune cells where to go and what to do, such as speeding up the maturation of more immune cells, calling for reinforcements to a site of infection, or helping heal damaged tissue.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As far as the effects of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on the immune system go, it\u2019s a complex matter. Although this topic has been extensively researched, according to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/endocrinology\/articles\/10.3389\/fendo.2019.00350\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">review article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frontiers in Endocrinology <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">journal, the data can be challenging to interpret or appear inconsistent.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, hypothyroidism has been associated with a weakened immune response and an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/ejendo\/article\/186\/5\/R65\/6853680#:~:text=Interestingly%2C%20hypothyroidism%20has%20been%20associated%20with%20increased%20susceptibility%20to%20infectious%20diseases\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased susceptibility to infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but this doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s always true for every single case of hypothyroidism. Research shows that the exact impact can vary depending on factors like the individual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/ejendo\/article\/186\/5\/R65\/6853680#:~:text=Local%20action%20of%20THs%20in%20innate%20immune%20cells\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">specific immunological phenotype<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and severity of the thyroid disorder (in this case, hypothyroidism). According to an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7886534\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southern Medical Journal<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which describes the case of a severely hypothyroid 71-year-old man, uncontrolled hypothyroidism might impair immune function, but proper treatment with levothyroxine can restore normal immune function.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, research suggests that hyperthyroidism may be associated with an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased activity of some parts of the immune system. People with hyperthyroidism might have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fcell.2020.614030#:~:text=Hyperthyroidism%20correlates%20with%20increased%20humoral%20and%20immune%20cell%20responses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more active B cell response<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (also known as humoral immune response), leading to the production of more antibodies. While this may sound like a good thing, it really isn\u2019t. This is because a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0008874906000189\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyper-responsive immune system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may lead to hypersensitivity (an exaggerated immune response to a particular substance, often causing allergies) and autoimmune reaction (a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body).<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cc1c1a1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cc1c1a1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-63b2302\" data-id=\"63b2302\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf305b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf305b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. The immune system can also affect the thyroid<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c06f76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8c06f76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immune system activity can trigger inflammation, which triggers the release of cytokines. High levels of certain cytokines can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9183517\/#:~:text=They%20are%20produced%20in%20the,enhance%20the%20autoimmune%20process%20(Fig.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">impair<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> thyroid hormone production and activity. Not only does inflammation <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4802023\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interfere with the conversion of T4 to the more active T3 hormone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it can also lead to autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis and Graves\u2019 disease.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis, the immune system produces <\/span><b>anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that target the thyroid, leading to chronic\u00a0 inflammation and eventual destruction of thyroid tissue. Symptoms of Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and cold intolerance.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Graves\u2019 disease, the thyroid is stimulated by the immune system. In this condition, antibodies known as <\/span><b>thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bind to thyroid receptors, leading to excessive hormone production. This disease presents symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, it\u2019s worth noting there are a number of contributing factors to the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Some of these include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, stress, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/hashimotos-and-leaky-gut\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gut health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Did you know that about 70-80% of your immune cells are in your gut? It then comes as no surprise that <\/span><b>dysbiosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a term referring to the imbalances in gut bacteria) has been linked to autoimmune conditions, including those affecting the thyroid.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-19c0bc0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"19c0bc0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-abb3293\" data-id=\"abb3293\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2cf297 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c2cf297\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"thyroid-health-immune-function\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What are some strategies to maintain thyroid health and support immune function?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c2644d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9c2644d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Balanced Diet\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef86c4a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ef86c4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it doesn\u2019t directly \u201cboost\u201d the immune system, a balanced diet can support both immune function and thyroid health. <\/span><b>Vitamin C<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>vitamin D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>zinc<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>iron<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are all essential for immunological activity. <\/span><b>Protein<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is needed to build and repair immune cells. <\/span><b>Omega-3 fatty acids<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for a healthy immune response. Make sure to also include enough <\/span><b>fiber<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your diet as it can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in regulating the immune system. For your thyroid, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/iodine-deficiecy-disorders\/#:~:text=Iodine%20and%20the%20Thyroid%3A%20A%20vital%20connection\"><b>iodine<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/selenium-benefits-for-thyroid-diseases\/\"><b>selenium<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are among some of the essential nutrients you should absolutely have in your diet. Including iodized salt and seafood in your diet can help ensure you get enough iodine. Brazil nuts, seafood, and whole grains are good sources of selenium. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b931d26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b931d26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Stress Management\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e4bae8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8e4bae8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In response to chronic stress, cortisol (the primary stress hormone) is prolongedly released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid\u00a0 (HPT) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the conversion of inactive T4 to active T3. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/cphy.c150027\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The HPT axis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulates thyroid hormone production and release. The HPA axis\u2014among its many other functions\u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1567744307002013\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">modulates immune responses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help keep cortisol levels in check and reduce the negative effects of stress on the thyroid and immune system.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-021c329 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"021c329\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Regular Exercise\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5992667 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5992667\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond being a well-known stress reliever, regular exercise promotes circulation and can help <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1359610121000708#:~:text=Exercise%2Dinduced%20cytokines%20have%20a,concentration%20by%20improving%20gut%20health.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce chronic low-grade inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which weakens the immune system over time). Physical activity also triggers the release of endorphins, which have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7796446\/#:~:text=%CE%B2%2DEndorphins%20both%20attenuate%20the,with%20the%20mu%2Dopioid%20receptor.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can improve overall well-being. What\u2019s more, regular exercise also helps with weight management, which is important for thyroid health. For individuals with Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis and insulin resistance, regular physical activity has been shown to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/physiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2022.809669\/full#:~:text=Physical%20activity%20(PA)%20improves%20insulin,et%20al.%2C%202013).\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve insulin sensitivity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For most days of the week, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fec4656 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fec4656\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Adequate Sleep\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09eb7b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"09eb7b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/your-thyroid-and-your-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has so many benefits for the human body, but when it comes to the immune system, one key advantage of adequate sleep is that it promotes the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/insomnia\/expert-answers\/lack-of-sleep\/faq-20057757#:~:text=During%20sleep%2C%20your%20immune%20system,production%20of%20these%20protective%20cytokines.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">production of cytokines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In fact, sleep deprivation has been associated with a decreased production of protective cytokines. Sleep also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2451965020301034\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influences the HPT axis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, specifically by influencing the production and release of hormones such as TSH and thyroid hormones. The exact amount of sleep needed can vary depending on individual factors, but most adults require around 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e96c64c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e96c64c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Limited Exposure to Environmental Toxins \n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-843304a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"843304a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental toxins, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/common-chemicals-harming-your-thyroid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interfere with thyroid function<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/016561478990031X\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune regulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Realistically speaking, it\u2019s not always possible to completely eliminate exposure to environmental toxins, but there are some practical steps you can take that can go a long way in significantly reducing your overall intake or exposure. For starters, as much as possible, choose organic produce. This can help reduce your intake of pesticides and herbicides, for instance. You should also avoid plastic wrap and containers whenever possible. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers for food storage. Also, if you usually handle thermal paper receipts with bisphenol A (BPA), consider using digital receipts or washing hands after handling receipts.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bb0a96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2bb0a96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">6. Medical Treatment<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75a8cb3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75a8cb3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or immune-related conditions, such as fatigue, weight changes, or recurrent infections, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management. While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8987166\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immunosuppressive drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be prescribed to manage some autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or Crohn\u2019s disease), they are generally not the first line of treatment for autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis or Graves\u2019 disease. Instead, treatments usually focus on managing thyroid hormone levels. Treatment for thyroid disorders typically involves hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism, or anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery for hyperthyroidism. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61d5f10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"61d5f10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">7. Nutrient Supplementation<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-098cc78 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"098cc78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc are commonly studied for their potential immunostimulating effects, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/ImmuneFunction-HealthProfessional\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their benefits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are most evident in people with deficiencies or during times of stress or illness. In cases of nutrient deficiencies, it\u2019s best to take the specific supplements you need under the guidance of your healthcare provider. If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, always remember that supplements are not a replacement for your medications.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-aa9b51d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"aa9b51d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f64ab01\" data-id=\"f64ab01\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a581a4e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a581a4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a4ccef8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a4ccef8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fb7fdc0\" data-id=\"fb7fdc0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d30b129 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d30b129\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dafe8ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dafe8ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The relationship between thyroid health and the immune system is complex and bidirectional.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid hormones influence the activity and development of immune cells, as well as\u00a0 their ability to fight off infections.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid dysfunction can either overstimulate the immune system, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases, or weaken it, making the body more susceptible to infections.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and stress can all influence thyroid function and immune function.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While thyroid issues can affect the immune system, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean everyone with a thyroid condition will have a weakened immune system.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support both thyroid health and immune function. This includes regular exercise, stress management techniques (such as meditation or yoga), adequate sleep, and a diet rich in essential nutrients.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any concerns about your thyroid health or immune function, consult your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a9Freepik Medically reviewed by Dr. Minako Abe, M.D., Board-certified emergency medicine physician researching the relationship between lifestyle and disease onset in relation to the immune system and cancer, Japan Ever wondered why you sneeze when pepper tickles your nose? The truth is sneezing isn\u2019t just an everyday nuisance. This reflex is actually a physiological response. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,31,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-body","category-healthy-living","category-thyroid-conditions"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Thyroid and the Immune System<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thyroid hormones influence the activity and development of immune cells, as well as their ability to fight off infections.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/the-thyroid-and-the-immune-system\/\" \/>\n<meta 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