Wholistic Jen

By Jennifer Whitmire, MS, MEd, MH, CHES, NEP 

Have you ever felt off, not quite yourself, but couldn’t put your finger on the problem? Fatigue, weight changes, mood swings – these symptoms can be frustrating and confusing. It’s not uncommon for people to wonder, “What’s going on? Where do I start?” 

The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster

Let’s start with blood sugar. This is the glucose that fuels your body’s cells, and it needs to be well-regulated for you to feel your best. When your blood sugar levels spike and crash, it can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and hungry – the dreaded “hangry” feeling.

How is the Thyroid Connected to Your Blood Sugar?

Now, let’s introduce your thyroid gland, that butterfly-shaped organ in your neck. It’s the mastermind behind your metabolism, controlling how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are crucial for this process. When your thyroid isn’t working correctly, you might experience fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings – symptoms that also show up with blood sugar issues.

The thyroid gland itself doesn’t directly use sugar (glucose) as a source of energy, unlike some other organs or tissues in the body. Instead, the thyroid gland orchestrates the body’s overall metabolism, which encompasses how it processes and uses glucose for energy.

First, the thyroid gland produces two key hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are then released into the bloodstream. 

Of these hormones, T3, the more active form, assumes a major responsibility in governing the body’s metabolism. Its influence extends to nearly every cell within the body, where it dictates how these cells use energy and nutrients.

In the context of glucose metabolism, T3 exerts an effect on how cells, particularly those in muscle and adipose (fat) tissues, take up glucose from the bloodstream which influences the body’s sensitivity to insulin. 

T3’s reach also extends to the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the rate at which the body expends energy, measured at rest. A higher BMR implies that the body is using more energy, including glucose, even during periods of rest.

However, it’s important to note that while the thyroid hormones, especially T3, have a significant impact on glucose metabolism, the thyroid gland itself doesn’t participate in gluconeogenesis. This process involves the creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, primarily occurring in the liver, with a smaller contribution from the kidneys.

The thyroid hormones, particularly T3, determine how the body manages sugar (glucose) by governing overall metabolism. Any imbalance in these thyroid hormones can potentially disturb glucose metabolism, leading to issues such as insulin resistance or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It is critical to maintain thyroid health for your overall metabolism and glucose regulation throughout the body.

Your thyroid affects your liver, and your liver affects your thyroid.

Think of your thyroid and liver like a dynamic duo in your body’s metabolic system. Your thyroid produces hormones called T4 and T3, which are metabolic superheroes. T3, the potent one, is mostly made outside the thyroid, with a lot of help from your liver. The liver has these enzymes called deiodinases that help convert T4 into active T3. But that’s not all – your liver also acts as a hormone courier service, shuttling these thyroid hormones around your body.

Now, why does this matter? Well, these hormones play a role in your liver’s job too. They help manage things like cholesterol and triglycerides, and they even have a say in how your liver handles insulin. So, it’s a two-way street: your thyroid affects your liver, and your liver affects your thyroid.

But here’s the twist: liver issues, like fatty liver disease or cirrhosis, can mess with this perfect balance. They might slow down the thyroid hormone conversion or throw things out of whack. This can lead to thyroid problems and even make conditions like fatty liver disease worse.

So, long story short, your thyroid and liver are buddies on a metabolic adventure, and they need to work together for you to stay healthy. When one of them isn’t happy, it can affect the other, and that’s something worth keeping an eye on for your overall well-being.

How is the Liver Involved with Sugar?

The liver plays a crucial and highly dynamic role in the regulation of sugar (glucose) within the body. Acting as a metabolic hub, it finely tunes blood sugar levels to maintain equilibrium. One of its primary functions is the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen. Whenever you consume carbohydrates, your body transforms them into glucose. This glucose can either be used immediately for energy or stashed away in the liver as glycogen for future use. The liver’s ability to swiftly break down stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream provides a ready energy source between meals or during physical activity.

Moreover, the liver is in charge of gluconeogenesis, a process in which it generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This comes into play during fasting or when the body needs more glucose than it gets from dietary sources. Substances like amino acids (derived from proteins) and glycerol (from fats) can be converted into glucose by the liver to ensure stable blood sugar levels.

The liver is also involved in blood sugar regulation. It closely monitors blood sugar levels and adjusts its glucose production and release accordingly. This meticulous control helps prevent dangerous spikes or drops in blood sugar. 

Hormones like insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glucagon, which raises it, are crucial players in this regulation. Insulin encourages the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen, while glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the blood.

Detoxification is another vital role of the liver concerning blood sugar. When blood sugar levels become excessively high, it can lead to the production of harmful byproducts. The liver steps in to remove surplus glucose and these byproducts from the bloodstream, safeguarding the body from potential harm.

Finally, the liver can convert excess glucose into triglycerides, a form of fat, when blood sugar levels are elevated and the body doesn’t require immediate energy. These triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue (fat cells) for later use.

The liver is a regulator of blood sugar levels, performing tasks such as storing glucose, releasing it as needed, generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, and ensuring blood sugar remains stable. This intricate orchestration is vital for overall metabolic health and energy regulation. Any disruptions in the liver’s ability to manage glucose can result in various metabolic disorders.

The Interplay Between All 3

Thyroid hormones possess the ability to regulate glucose metabolism by affecting the sensitivity of body tissues to insulin. When thyroid hormone levels are elevated, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, cells tend to become more responsive to insulin, potentially leading to lower blood sugar levels. Conversely, in the case of hypothyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels are insufficient, cellular sensitivity to insulin can decrease, potentially causing elevated blood sugar levels.

The liver is a central hub in the web of glucose regulation. It acts as a reservoir for surplus glucose, storing it as glycogen and releasing it as needed to maintain steady energy levels. Moreover, the liver actively contributes to gluconeogenesis, the process of generating glucose when the body requires additional glucose, typically during fasting or between meals.

The interaction between thyroid hormones and the liver is pivotal in the realm of glucose regulation. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can disrupt insulin sensitivity, potentially giving rise to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

In the broader context of metabolic health, the dynamic interplay between the thyroid gland, the liver, and blood sugar regulation is fundamental. Dysregulation in either thyroid hormones or liver function can perturb glucose metabolism, potentially paving the way for conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Thus, the thyroid-liver-blood sugar connection underscores the intricate nature of metabolic processes and their far-reaching impact on our health.

Here’s where it gets interesting: these three players – blood sugar, thyroid, and liver – are interconnected. Your thyroid hormones influence how your cells use glucose, affecting blood sugar levels. At the same time, your liver plays a significant role in converting thyroid hormones into their active form, which your body needs.

Getting to the Bottom of It.  Where should I focus?

So, how do you figure out if it’s your blood sugar, thyroid, or liver causing those nagging symptoms? 

The first step is to know your numbers. Get some tests to assess your blood sugar levels, check your thyroid function, and evaluate your liver health.  I like to see a Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin, and Hemoglobin A1c, a FULL Thyroid Panel, and a CBC and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel with liver enzymes.

Determining whether to focus on the thyroid, blood sugar regulation, or the liver primarily depends on your specific health concerns, symptoms, and any underlying conditions. 

1. Thyroid Health: Consider focusing on your thyroid if you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, changes in your hair, like your hair is thinning or your eyebrows are dissappearing on the outside of your eye, and skin condition, like your skin is always feeling dry, and irregular menstrual cycles (for women). Thyroid function can be assessed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormones (T3, free and T4, total and free, and Reverse T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, as well as thyroid antibodies, BOTH TPO and Antithyroglobulin). 

2. Blood Sugar Regulation: If you have symptoms like frequent thirst, hunger, urination, unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or a family history of diabetes, you should pay attention to your blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, or HbA1c tests can help determine if you have impaired glucose metabolism. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, stress management, and exercise, are often the first line of defense in managing blood sugar levels. 

3. Liver Health: Liver-related issues may manifest as abdominal discomfort, fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and unexplained weight loss. Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests can also indicate potential liver problems. 

In many cases, these three aspects—thyroid, blood sugar, and liver health—are interconnected. Thyroid dysfunction can affect both blood sugar regulation and liver function, and vice versa. Similarly, blood sugar irregularities can impact thyroid function and liver health. 

Lifestyle Matters

Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, often play a crucial role in optimizing overall health and addressing these interconnected issues.

Dietary Choices: The food you consume exerts a profound impact on thyroid function, blood sugar stability, and liver well-being. A balanced diet featuring an assortment of fruits, vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids found in seeds, cold water fatty fish and algae, and lots of leafy greens provide vital nutrients for thyroid hormone production and support liver function while helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Reducing your intake of processed foods and foods and drinks with added sugars can prevent blood sugar irregularities and the accumulation of fat in the liver. Emphasizing complex carbohydrates like leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables,  fiber-rich foods helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with diabetes or insulin resistance. Additionally, incorporating iodine and selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and sea vegetables is essential for thyroid health.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise brings multifaceted advantages to your overall health, encompassing thyroid function, blood sugar management, and liver health. It is necessary in maintaining a healthy weight, crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Physical activity can also stimulate thyroid hormone production, thereby enhancing metabolism. Furthermore, exercise boosts insulin sensitivity, facilitating the efficient uptake of glucose by cells. As a result, it aids in preserving liver health by reducing liver fat content and inflammation.

Stress Management: Prolonged stress can detrimentally affect thyroid functionality, blood sugar equilibrium, and liver condition. Integrating stress management techniques into your daily life is vital. Relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can effectively reduce stress hormone levels.

Prioritizing adequate and restful sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and overall well-being. Striving for a balanced lifestyle that includes leisure activities and hobbies you enjoy can alleviate stress. Additionally, maintaining strong social connections with friends and family provides essential emotional support.

Customizing lifestyle changes to suit your specific requirements and health conditions is crucial. We are all unique and so are your individual needs

Understanding the connections between these systems is the first step in taking control of your health. So, if you’re wondering, “Is it my blood sugar, my thyroid, or maybe my liver?” – remember, you don’t have to solve this mystery alone. 

To combat fatigue, frustration, and perplexing symptoms that often accompany issues in these areas, take the next proactive steps. 

Join “The Jen Twins 14 Day Liver Cleanse,” commencing on October 23rd. This cleanse program is tailored to help you regain your vitality and address those unsettling symptoms.

If you’re experiencing fatigue, mood swings, or blood markers that seem normal but leave you feeling less than your best, joining “The Jen Twins 14 Day Liver Cleanse” could be your path to renewed health and well-being. Don’t miss out on this chance to revitalize your body and take charge of your health. 

Sign up today!