The Vital Gallbladder-Thyroid Connection
Research studies show that there is evidence linking hypothyroidism to gallbladder attacks, gallstones, delayed emptying, i.e., biliary dyskinesia or low-functioning gallbladder, sluggish and reduced bile flow. The thyroid hormone thyroxine relaxes the Sphincter of Oddi, which controls the dumping of bile into the small intestine. When the sphincter is tense due to lack of this hormone, less bile is allowed into the small intestine. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction may also promote gallstone formation. People with gallbladder dysfunction also tend to have other co-existing symptoms with the gut, be it constipation, diarrhea, leaky gut, food allergies, or parasites. Since 20% of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine or T4 is converted into its usable counterpart T3 in the gut, you can see that resolving our digestive disorders and the good gut flora flourishing is paramount to optimal thyroid function.
- Fatigue
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair thinning/hair loss
- Depression
- Morning headaches that get better throughout the day
- Foggy brain
- Loss of memory
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intolerance to cold
- Low body temperature
- Poor circulation/numbness in hands and feet
- Muscle cramps with no exertion
- Weight gain and difficulty losing it
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Gallbladder diseases such as gallstones
- Chronic digestive problems such as low stomach acid
If you add some of the following symptoms to the above list, consider the autoimmune disease attacking the thyroid called Hashimoto’s Disease.
Hypothyroidism And Gallbladder Attacks