do your genes determine or affect your thyroid?

Great question — this dives deeper into the “why” behind thyroid dysfunction, especially in cases that seem stubborn or autoimmune in nature. And the answer is a resounding YES! Here's how poor GSTM1 function and methylation issues can make thyroid conditions worse:

🧬 First, What Are GSTM1 and Methylation?

• GSTM1 (Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1) is a key enzyme in your phase 2 liver detoxification pathway. It helps neutralize harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and excess estrogens using glutathione, your body's master antioxidant.

• Methylation is a biochemical process that involves adding a "methyl group" to DNA, hormones, neurotransmitters, and toxins. It’s crucial for detox, DNA repair, neurotransmitter balance, immune function, and hormone regulation.

🚫 What Happens If These Are Impaired?

❌ Poor GSTM1 Function

• Around 50% of people have a genetic deletion of the GSTM1 gene — meaning they don't produce this enzyme at all.

• This leads to a build-up of toxins (like mercury, PCBs, and endocrine disruptors), which stress the liver and disrupt thyroid function.

• The thyroid is very sensitive to toxins — especially halogens like fluoride, bromine, and chlorine, which compete with iodine and interfere with hormone production.

• Toxins also trigger or worsen autoimmunity, making conditions like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ more aggressive.

❌ Poor Methylation

• If your body can't methylate efficiently (due to MTHFR gene variants, B12/folate deficiencies, or chronic stress), you’ll have:

  • Reduced detox ability

  • Poor regulation of homocysteine (high levels = inflammation = thyroid damage)

  • Weakened immune modulation, which increases the risk of autoimmunity

  • Estrogen dominance (which interferes with thyroid hormone binding and function)

  • Sluggish conversion of T4 to T3, the active thyroid hormone

🔁 The Vicious Cycle

1. Poor GSTM1 = toxic overload

2. Poor methylation = poor detox and immune control

3. Toxins + inflammation = increased thyroid damage

4. Thyroid dysfunction = worsens metabolism and detox even further

5. Round and round it goes...

🛠️ How to Support GSTM1 & Methylation Naturally

🌱 Support for GSTM1:

• Glutathione (liposomal or IV)

• Sulfur-rich foods: broccoli sprouts, garlic, onions, cruciferous veg

• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – glutathione precursor

• Milk thistle & dandelion root – gentle liver detox

• Infrared sauna & dry brushing – support detox pathways

🌿 Support for Methylation:

• Methylated B vitamins: B12 (methylcobalamin), Folate (NOT folic acid), B6

• Choline & betaine (TMG) – help with methyl donation

• Magnesium – cofactor in many methylation processes

• Avoid alcohol and processed foods – both wreck methylation

• Use bioresonance or DNA testing to identify your unique genetic needs

💡 Final Takeaway

If you're dealing with chronic thyroid problems, especially autoimmune types, and feel like “nothing’s working,” your detox and methylation pathways might be the missing link.

Supporting these foundational processes can reduce inflammation, remove hormone disruptors, and restore immune balance — giving your thyroid the break it so desperately needs.

So how to figure out if genetically your genes are causing you issues? Well look no further!!! We can definitely help you because we are also DNA lovers!!!! Book your appointment to do a gene test and we will take your swab (just a little prick of blood), send it off to the lab and wait for around 6 weeks for a reply. When all your amazing information returns we then book an appointment with you and we discuss how we can assist the little genes that are struggling.

so either way WE GOT YOU!!!

Ready to start your personalized healing journey?Let’s create a herbal plan that fits you — your blood type, your condition, your life.

📞 083 654 9943 | 📧 lee.essentialhealth@gmail.com🌐 www.essentialhealthsa.com#healingwithpassion | Premium Health. Exceptional Care.