Hypothyroidism? The Subtle Effect of Fruit Intake on Hormones

Now, let us examine this wisdom from the Donguibogam through the lens of modern medicine. Hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalance commonly experienced today are often not isolated issues of the thyroid gland alone. Looking at what the Donguibogam described as 'qi being blocked and heat being stirred' from the perspective of Western medicine, it can be understood as blood glucose variability, the resulting inflammatory response in the body, and an overload of stress hormones. Fruit is a healthy source of nutrition, but when consumed excessively or eaten in certain ways, fructose in particular exerts a larger effect on our body than expected. Unlike glucose, fructose is metabolized solely in the liver. In excess, it places a burden on the liver and can contribute to fatty liver. More importantly, the liver plays a critical role in converting the thyroid hormone thyroxine into active triiodothyronine. If liver function declines, this conversion process does not proceed smoothly, which can lead to reduced thyroid function. How fruit is consumed also matters. Eating fruit alone, especially on an empty stomach, can easily trigger a blood sugar spike. When blood glucose rises sharply, insulin secretion surges, and blood glucose then drops drastically into hypoglycemia. This blood sugar roller coaster stresses the body, prompting the adrenal gland to secrete excess cortisol. Cortisol interferes with thyroid hormone action and reduces hormone sensitivity, disrupting overall hormonal balance. Furthermore, fructose affects the gut microbiota. Some fructose is not absorbed in the small intestine and passes into the large intestine, feeding harmful bacteria and causing gut dysbiosis. Intestinal health is so closely connected to thyroid function that the term 'gut-thyroid axis' exists. An unhealthy gut affects the immune system, which can also influence autoimmune thyroid disease. Rather than assuming fruit is unconditionally beneficial, it is essential to listen to your body's signals and consume it in appropriate amounts and balanced ways. Because thyroid hormones regulate all metabolic activities in the body, wise choices that support hormonal balance are necessary when enjoying fruit.