Thyroid Health, Metabolism & Stress: A Full Nutrition, Functional Medicine & Mind-Body Approach
ONLINE Nutritionist, Counsellor, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist and in-person one to one therapy in Limerick, Newcastle West Limerick, Youghal, Midleton East Cork and Cork City
As a Registered Nutritionist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, I work with clients experiencing fatigue, weight issues, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, and low mood—often symptoms linked to underlying thyroid dysfunction and chronic stress. This article offers insights into how the thyroid works, how lifestyle and emotional health affect its function, and what you can do—nutritionally and therapeutically—to restore balance.
Your Thyroid: The Metabolic Powerhouse
Your thyroid gland plays a central role in regulating your metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and mental wellbeing. It produces two vital hormones:
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Thyroxine (T4) – largely inactive until converted into
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Triiodothyronine (T3) – the more active form used by cells for energy.
If your thyroid isn’t functioning optimally, it can show up in many ways—even if your blood tests appear “within range.”
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
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Persistent tiredness and low energy
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Feeling cold, even in warm environments
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Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
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Puffy face or fluid retention
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Thinning hair or brittle nails
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Dry or dull skin
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Brain fog, low mood, anxiety, or irritability
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, your thyroid may be under-functioning, and you could benefit from nutritional, emotional, and lifestyle support.
How Thyroid Function Works
Your thyroid’s activity is regulated by a clever feedback loop involving the brain and endocrine system:
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When T3 and T4 levels drop, the hypothalamus releases TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone).
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TRH signals the pituitary gland to release TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).
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TSH then stimulates the thyroid to produce more T4 and T3.
Most of the T4 produced must be converted to T3 in the liver, kidneys, and even gut—a process that depends on key nutrients and a healthy, low-stress internal environment.
Common Thyroid Disruptors
Your thyroid is sensitive to several lifestyle and environmental factors, including:
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Chronic stress, PTSD, Trauma and high cortisol levels
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Deficiencies in iodine, selenium, zinc, B vitamins
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Exposure to toxins (e.g. fluoride, heavy metals, pesticides)
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Inflammation, poor digestion, and microbiome imbalances
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High-sugar, highly processed diets
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Gluten sensitivity or autoimmunity
Because thyroid hormones affect every cell in the body, dysfunction can show up not only in your metabolism but also in your mood, energy, digestion, skin, and immune system.
The Overlooked Link: Stress & Thyroid Function
Chronic stress is one of the most overlooked, yet significant, contributors to thyroid imbalance. When you’re under prolonged emotional or physical stress, your body produces high levels of cortisol. This stress hormone interferes with:
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TSH production
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Conversion of T4 to T3
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Blood sugar stability
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Gut health and liver detoxification
Over time, this stress-driven dysfunction can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, and even thyroid autoimmunity.
How Therapeutic Support Can Help
In my clinical practice, I combine nutritional therapy with psychological and emotional support. This integrated approach helps restore hormonal balance while addressing the root causes of stress and emotional overload.
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Counselling & Psychotherapy offer emotional space to process anxiety, burnout, chronic fatigue, grief, or lifestyle challenges often linked to thyroid dysfunction.
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Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy helps rewire chronic stress responses, improve sleep, reduce emotional triggers, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode).
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As a Registered Nutritionist, with a Functional Medicine approach I work closely with clients to optimise diet, nutrient intake, body requirements and gut health to support the thyroid at a physiological level.
This whole-person approach enables deeper and longer-lasting improvements in both physical and mental wellbeing.
What You Can Do: Nutritional & Lifestyle Support for Your Thyroid
Lifestyle Recommendations
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Get comprehensive thyroid testing: including TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibodies.
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Reduce stress levels: Stress management is crucial. Mindfulness, sleep hygiene, therapy, and hypnotherapy can all support your nervous system and hormone health.
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Minimise toxin exposure: Especially halides like fluoride and chlorine, which interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid.
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Stay active—but don’t overdo it: Gentle, regular exercise supports blood sugar balance and hormone regulation. Over-exercising, however, can suppress thyroid function.
Nutritional Recommendations
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Stabilise blood sugar: A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fibre, and low in refined sugar supports metabolic and hormonal balance.
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Support key thyroid nutrients:
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Iodine – found in seaweed and seafood
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Selenium – Brazil nuts, eggs, sardines
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Zinc – pumpkin seeds, shellfish, nuts
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B vitamins – whole grains, eggs, leafy greens
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Be cautious with goitrogens: Raw cruciferous vegetables, soya, and peanuts can impair iodine absorption in excess.
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Support gut health: A healthy microbiome enhances T4 to T3 conversion and nutrient absorption.
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Consider a gluten-free approach: Particularly helpful for individuals with autoimmune thyroid issues.
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Limit alcohol: It disrupts liver detox, gut health, and thyroid hormone metabolism.
A Final Thought: Support That Empowers the Whole You
Supporting your thyroid isn’t just about supplements or lab tests. It’s about reconnecting with your body’s natural rhythms, managing emotional and physical stressors, and giving yourself permission to heal.
Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight gain, hormonal shifts, or emotional overwhelm, I offer tailored support grounded in nutrition, psychology, and holistic therapy. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports both your body and your mind.
✨ To explore how I can support your thyroid and emotional health, feel free to book a discovery session or reach out for more information.
Contact Claire Russell Registered Nutritionist, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy
Phone or Text Claire directly to discuss your needs
