Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism by controlling cellular energy use. Although sodium levels may affect the function of your thyroid, too little sodium is associated with hypothyroidism, not too much. However, too much sodium can cause serious problems, so it is important to not consume excessive amounts of sodium.
Hypothyroidism Physiology
The thyroid gland produces two different hormones that control the rate at which your cells burn energy. If you do not produce enough thyroid hormone, you have a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause you to feel chronically fatigued or sluggish because your cells are not using energy effectively. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, pale or dry skin, brittle hair and nails, cold intolerance and depression.
Sodium and Thyroid Function
In order to work properly, your thyroid gland has to get enough iodine, because iodine is one of the main components of thyroid hormone. Sodium is important for allowing the thyroid to get iodine because the thyroid gland transports iodine using a protein known as a sodium/iodide symporter. This protein transports sodium and iodine molecules simultaneously into the thyroid gland. As a result, changes in sodium levels could affect the function of this protein, impairing the function of the thyroid gland, though this problem has never been studied.
Hypothyroidism and Hyponatremia
Historically, low sodium levels, also known as hyponatremia, have been associated with hypothyroidism. It is thought that the hypothyroidism could cause the body to lose sodium, resulting in hyponatremia. However, there is some controversy about this theory. According to an article published in a 2006 issue of the "British Medical Journal", people with hypothyroidism do not have any difference in their sodium concentrations compared to people with normal thyroid function.
Considerations
Although excess sodium is unlikely to cause hypothyroidism, too much sodium in your diet can cause health problems, including increased blood pressure. Hypothyroidism can be a serious disease and should not be self-diagnosed. Instead, if you are concerned that your thyroid is not functioning properly, talk to your doctor. Medical tests that measure the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood can diagnose hypothyroidism, which can then be treated with thyroid hormone supplements.
