Short Summary: Biology of the thyroid gland, offering insights into its role in metabolism, development, and longevity, making it a fascinating listen for those interested in how our bodies manage energy and health across the lifespan.
About the guest: Diana van Heemst, PhD is a biologist at Leiden University Medical Center, specializing in gerontology and geriatrics. Her research focuses on the neuroendocrine biology of aging and longevity in humans, particularly involving thyroid functions.
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Episode Summary: Dr. Diana van Heemst explores the thyroid's critical role in metabolism, growth, development, and transitions across life stages. It discusses the thyroid's evolutionary history, its location in the neck, and how it functions through hormone secretion, specifically T3 and T4. The conversation covers the importance of nutrients like iodine and selenium, the impact of thyroid hormone on various bodily functions, and the implications for health conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, it touches on how thyroid activity might relate to longevity, drawing parallels with studies in model organisms.
Key Takeaways:
Thyroid Hormones: T3 and T4 are crucial, with T3 being the active form that regulates metabolism, heart rate, and cognitive functions.
Iodine and Selenium: Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis; iodine is unique to thyroid hormones, while selenium is vital for the enzymes that regulate hormone availability.
Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: Hypothyroidism is more common, especially in older age due to autoimmune issues, leading to symptoms like fatigue and cold sensitivity. Hyperthyroidism can result from iodine excess or autoimmune conditions like Graves' disease.
Developmental Role: Thyroid hormones are vital for major developmental transitions, from birth to puberty, impacting brain development and metabolic adaptation.
Longevity Connection: While clear differences in thyroid hormone levels weren't observed in longevity studies, higher TSH levels in the offspring of long-lived individuals suggest a complex regulatory balance might play a role in healthspan.
Environmental Influences: Diet, iodine intake, and exposure to endocrine disruptors can significantly affect thyroid health. The timing of food intake and daily rhythms also influence thyroid function, suggesting a need for lifestyle synchronization with natural circadian cycles.
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*Not medical advice.
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