What Environmental Factors Cause Thyroid Problems
Written by Brandon Ruse
Do you know someone who has a problem with their thyroid gland? If you stop and think about, you probably know at least one person living with a thyroid condition but most likely far more.
Thyroid issues are a common health concern that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly millennials. In fact, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating various bodily functions, such as metabolism and growth. (View our award-winning thyroid animation to learn more.)
While the exact cause of thyroid issues is unknown, risk factors, including environmental causes of thyroid cancer and lifestyle choices, are thought to play a significant role in developing these chronic conditions.
YMyHealth asked Occupational and Environmental Medicine Resident Physician, Max Blumberg, MD, for his recommendations for how millennials can identify and lower their risk factors for thyroid conditions.
Exposure to Radiation
Exposure to certain chemicals in the environment may potentially be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, but Blumberg told me that the research performed on these chemicals to date has been conflicting and inconclusive.
“By far the biggest risk factors for thyroid cancer are radiation exposure and family history,” Blumberg said.
Radiation exposure refers to having exposure to ionizing radiation, a type of energy that has enough force to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, causing damage to cells and tissues. Exposure to certain chemicals, as well as radiation, can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. Radiation exposure can come from various sources, including medical procedures, nuclear accidents, and occupational hazards.
It can come from natural sources as well, including cosmic rays and radon gas, as well as human-made sources, such as medical imaging procedures, nuclear power plants, and industrial processes. You must always protect yourself by using sunscreen and following your doctor’s advice when undergoing any medical tests involving radiation.
Other environmental causes of thyroid cancer may include exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins. It is important to be aware of potential environmental risks and take steps to reduce exposure to harmful substances to protect your thyroid health.
Max Blumberg, MD, is a resident physician specializing in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
How radiation exposure affects the thyroid
The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to radiation, and exposure to ionizing radiation can increase your risk of thyroid problems, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. Ionizing radiation can damage the DNA inside thyroid cells, leading to mutations that may cause abnormal growth and function of the thyroid gland.
One of the most significant risks of radiation exposure to the thyroid gland is the development of thyroid cancer. The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer, which is often slow-growing and highly treatable. However, in rare cases, radiation exposure can cause more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Sources of radiation exposure
There are many sources of radiation exposure in our daily lives. Some sources of radiation are natural, such as cosmic radiation, radon gas, and radiation from the sun. However, we are also exposed to human-made radiation sources, including medical procedures, nuclear power plants, and consumer products.
Medical radiation procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy, can expose the thyroid gland to ionizing radiation. However, the risk of radiation-induced thyroid cancer from medical procedures is generally low.
Consumer products that contain radioactive materials, such as tobacco, uranium glass, and vintage luminous watches, can also expose us to radiation. In addition, some common household substances, including perchlorate, nitrates, fluoride, and bromine, have been linked to thyroid problems.
Prevention and management of radiation exposure
Preventing radiation exposure is critical for protecting the thyroid gland and reducing the risk of thyroid problems. However, radiation exposure is unavoidable in some cases, such as medical procedures or living near a nuclear power plant. In these cases, managing radiation exposure and protecting the thyroid gland is essential.
“There have been advances in radiation safety that reduce exposure, and therefore reduce risk in medical procedures,” Blumberg said. “For example, many cancers are treated with radiation, and the radiation therapy can now be done in a more localized way that decreases the area of the body that is affected.”
Radiation protection measures include limiting exposure time, increasing the distance from the radiation source, and using shielding materials like lead aprons. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management, can help support thyroid health and reduce the risk of thyroid problems.
If you’ve been exposed to radiation, monitoring your thyroid gland's function regularly is necessary. This may involve blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, thyroid imaging studies, or even a biopsy to evaluate any nodules or growths on the thyroid gland.
Chemical Exposure
Have you ever had a burn on your skin after being in the sun too long or having someone accidentally splash bleach on your arm? You might have been exposed to a harmful chemical.
Chemical exposure refers to contacting or ingesting harmful chemicals that can cause adverse health effects. Chemicals can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and prolonged exposure to these chemicals can seriously affect our health.
Chemicals known to impact the thyroid
Several chemicals have been linked to thyroid problems, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to chemical exposure, and exposure to certain chemicals can interfere with the production and regulation of thyroid hormones.
Perchlorate, a chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks, has been shown to inhibit iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Nitrates, commonly found in processed meats and fertilizers, can also interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland.
Chemicals that have been associated with thyroid problems include:
Certain pesticides
Flame retardants
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phthalates. (PCBs were used in the past in many different industries but were banned in the 1970s due to their health hazards. Phthalates are used to make plastics more durable.)
In some studies, fluoride, a chemical added to drinking water and toothpaste, has been linked to hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. Bromine, found in certain flame retardants and plastics, can also interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and lead to hypothyroidism.
Sources of chemical exposure
Chemicals can be found in our food, water, air, and everyday products. Chemical exposure can occur through the use of certain consumer products, such as cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care items. In addition, chemical exposure can also occur in the workplace, where workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Environmental pollution is also a significant source of chemical exposure. Air pollution, for example, can expose us to harmful chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins, which have been known to cause cataracts, kidney and liver damage, and jaundice.
Below is a short list of chemical substances which have been shown to be carcinogenic:
Oil
Gas
Wood
Burning coal
Garbage And Tobacco
Prevention and management of chemical exposure
Preventing chemical exposure is critical for protecting our health, and there are several steps we can take to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals. First, we can avoid the use of chemical-laden products and opt for natural alternatives. For example, we can use natural cleaning products or switch to organic produce to reduce our exposure to pesticides.
In addition, we can reduce our exposure to environmental pollutants by supporting policies and practices that promote clean air and water. This may include advocating for stricter environmental regulations, reducing our carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable practices.
Dietary Factors
Have you ever eaten something that didn’t sit right in your stomach? Have you felt uneasy or drained of energy for days on end? What you eat can often play a central role in how your body, including your thyroid, functions.
Impact of diet on the thyroid
The thyroid gland requires specific nutrients to function correctly. The two main thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are made from iodine and the amino acid (building blocks of proteins) tyrosine. Therefore, a diet deficient in iodine and tyrosine can impair thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism. Additionally, certain foods can interfere with the absorption of iodine and lead to iodine deficiency.
On the other hand, some dietary components can stimulate thyroid function, such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Selenium, in particular, is necessary for converting T4 to T3, the active thyroid hormone. Low levels of selenium in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism.
Foods that promote thyroid health
You’re a busy millennial and always on the go? Don’t worry, your thyroid will thank you once you’ve eaten a few of our recommended foods. Many foods go a long way in helping promote optimal thyroid health (so skipping them might be more difficult than you might expect.)
A diet rich in iodine, tyrosine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D can promote optimal thyroid health.
Foods high in iodine include seaweed, iodized salt, dairy products, and eggs.
Tyrosine-rich foods include meat, fish, and legumes.
Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, tuna, and organ meats (pork, beef, turkey, chicken, and fish).
Zinc is found in seafood, meat, and nuts, while vitamin D is found in fatty fish and fortified foods.
Foods that can harm the thyroid
Just like some foods can help you improve your thyroid health, there are also a few food choices that can do harm and inhibit how well your thyroid functions. These include goitrogenic foods, which can hinder iodine uptake and interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables such as:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage and soy products.
Excessive consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can also contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, excessive alcohol and caffeine can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Stress
Ever felt your heart racing or your mind seemingly running a thousand miles a minute? Stress has real health effects on millennials. Stress is a common experience that affects most individuals at some point in their lives. While it is a natural response to specific situations, prolonged and chronic stress can lead to various health problems.
The negative impacts of stress on physical and mental health are well-documented, and chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Stress also significantly impacts the thyroid gland, which can lead to thyroid dysfunction and related health problems.
How stress affects the thyroid
The thyroid gland is a critical component of the endocrine system responsible for regulating metabolism and hormone production. Chronic stress can impair the function of the thyroid gland and lead to thyroid dysfunction. Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with converting T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, resulting in various symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Prevention and management of stress
It is essential to manage stress to prevent its adverse effects on physical and mental health, including thyroid function. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. Regular exercise is also an effective way to manage stress, releasing endorphins and improving mood.
Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can also help manage stress and lower the risk of having heart palpitation. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish and nuts, can reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Adequate sleep is also essential for managing stress, as lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels and interfere with thyroid function.
In some cases, professional help, such as counseling or therapy, may be necessary to manage stress. It is essential to recognize the signs of chronic stress and seek help when needed to prevent its adverse effects on health.
The Importance of Being Aware of Environmental Factors
Staying vigilant and aware of environmental causes of thyroid cancer is essential for reducing the risk of developing this type of cancer. This includes reducing exposure to environmental toxins, such as avoiding radiation exposure and minimizing exposure to chemicals and pollutants.
“Environmental toxins can get sensationalized in the media and it can be overwhelming because at times it can feel like everything around us could be slowly poisoning us. One good thing is that in general, the potential for these things to affect thyroid function as an adult is much less concerning because there are feedback loops in place within the mature endocrine system,” Blumberg advised.
That said, he shared with us that these toxins can have a larger impact on pregnant individuals and infants or children because the thyroid is integral in normal growth and development.
No matter how old you are, it’s important to undergo regular thyroid screenings and consult with a healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as a lump in the neck or difficulty swallowing. Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.
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