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Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) Suppress Thyroid Function

pufas thyroid

We’ve talked about how polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) act like estrogen in the body and suppress immune function...today let’s talk about how they impact thyroid function.
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There are a few ways PUFAs do this:
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〰️Block the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormone, interfere with thyroid hormone circulation and inhibit cellular receptivity to thyroid hormone. “Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone.”
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〰️The more unsaturated, the stronger the impact on thyroid function. “...the functions of the thyroid hormone are all inhibited by unsaturated fats, with the inhibition increasing in proportion to the number of unsaturations (double bonds) in the fat molecule.”
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〰️PUFAs also increase serotonin, which signals to the body that it’s time for hibernation, during which thyroid function slows to conserve energy.
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〰️As we’ve talked about before, PUFAs promote estrogen and vice versa, further decreasing thyroid function. “Estrogen, by activating phospholipase A2, acts to amplify the toxic effects of PUFA in the tissues…”
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〰️PUFAs also interfere with the absorption of protein, an important building block required for thyroid hormone. “The enzymes which break down proteins are inhibited by unsaturated fats, and these enzymes are needed not only for digestion, but also for production of thyroid hormones, clot removal, immunity, and the general adaptability of cells.”
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If you’ve got #thyroidproblems , it may be worth taking a look at the amount of PUFAs you’re consuming. While there’s no way you can fully remove PUFAs from your diet (and that’s just ridiculous anyway), avoiding over-consuming them may provide some benefit.
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Something as easy as swapping cooking oils like refined nut, seed and vegetable oils for more stable saturated FATS like butter, ghee, tallow, coconut oil can make a big difference.
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Not medical advice. All quotes by Dr. Ray Peat.

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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Amanda’s Health Journal. Ray Peat on Diet and Avoiding PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). Retrieved from: https://www.amandashealthjournal.com/blog/ray-peat-on-diet-and-avoiding-pufas-poly-unsaturated-fatty-acids.

East West Healing. (2015). Fish Oils And Other Polyunsaturated Fats. Retrieved from: https://eastwesthealing.com/fish-oils-and-other-polyunsaturated-fats/.

Functional Performance Systems. Ray Peat, PhD on Thyroid, Temperature, Pulse, and TSH. Retrieved from: https://www.functionalps.com/blog/2012/03/25/ray-peat-phd-on-thyroid-temperature-pulse-and-tsh/.

Peat, R. (2007). Unsaturated fatty acids: Nutritionally essential or toxic?. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/unsaturatedfats.shtml.

Peat, R. (2006). Unsaturated Vegetable Oils: Toxic. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/natural-estrogens.shtml.

Rubin. R. Rubin, R. (2014). Saturated Fact. Retrieved from: https://eastwesthealing.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2016/04/Saturated-Fact-Final-PDF.pdf.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.