6 Best Supplements For Thyroid

Introduction

In this article, we have listed down the best supplements for thyroid.

Let us first and foremost understand everything about the thyroid gland and how essential its functions are. Shaped like a butterfly, the thyroid gland is present in the front portion of the neck. The thyroid gland releases essential hormones into the body that facilitate metabolism, maintain high energy levels, and keep a check on your moods. Even your breathing and heart rate are linked to your thyroid levels.

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What happens when our Thyroid is not right?

It is vital that our body produces thyroid hormones in the right quantities. In case your body produces thyroid hormones in excess quantities, it gives rise to a condition known as “hyperthyroidism.” Likewise, when thyroid hormone levels are low in the body, the condition is termed “hypothyroidism.”

Improper thyroid levels can cause many issues in the body. You may experience a sudden weight gain or weight loss. Thyroid problems can give rise to bowel-related issues, muscle problems, and even hair and skin-related problems.

The American Thyroid Association claims that around 12% of the American population is likely to suffer from thyroid-related issues. So in case, you are suffering from a thyroid disorder, you may consider taking some supplements so that the issues are not aggravated.

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6 Best Supplements For Thyroid

Thyroid supplements do their bit to keep the thyroid gland healthy. Thyroid supplements are meant to boost your energy levels and keep your weight in check. These supplements are a support system for the thyroid gland when it is unable to perform its functions efficiently.

Let us check out a few supplements that are beneficial for the thyroid. Research states that the following vitamins and minerals are good and are found in many thyroid supplements.

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Supplements for General Thyroid Health

Zinc

Zinc is vital to produce thyroid hormones. If you are deficient in zinc, you could have low thyroid levels, also termed hypothyroidism. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) needs zinc for its existence. Likewise, zinc is vital for the production of T3 (triodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones, both of which are needed for energy regulation in the body.

Other than supplements, there are some foods that are high in zinc. These include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, beans, and legumes.

Iodine

The main function of iodine is to generate thyroid hormones in the body. When you suffer from an iodine deficiency, your body finds it difficult to make thyroid hormones, thereby giving rise to conditions like goitre and hypothyroidism. Hence, iodine is very important to prevent thyroid disorders.

Animal protein foods and sea vegetables contain plenty of iodine. Iodized table salts contain iodine. Likewise, you can even find it in seaweed, beef liver, dairy products, chicken, eggs and so on. You may need to take iodine supplements in case your doctor suggests.

Selenium

Selenium is essential to protect your thyroid from oxidative stress. It is also vital for the metabolic activity of the thyroid hormone. A good level of selenium helps to balance the T4 or thyroxine levels in some people.

Some people suffer from a condition termed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, wherein your own body cells attack the thyroid. This leads to selenium deficiency in the body.

If you are deficient in selenium, you can consume Brazil nuts, seafood, and meat.

If you are taking selenium supplements, make sure you are consuming the right dosage. High levels of selenium can result in issues like fatigue, hair loss, and nausea.

Vitamin D

Studies have revealed that low levels of Vitamin D can give rise to thyroid problems like hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Grave’s disease (an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland). Studies have revealed that people who were put on 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements for 12 weeks showed a great improvement in their TSH levels.

The most natural form of Vitamin D is morning sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is quite common these days since not many people expose themselves to sunlight. Surveys have revealed that a significant American population is Vitamin D deficient. Hence, many people are advised Vitamin D supplements.

High levels of Vitamin D (though this is extremely rare) can cause some issues like appetite loss, fatigue, stomach pain, weakness, and vomiting.

Iron

Iron is vital for regulating the production of T4. Some studies have even linked iron-deficiency anemia to hypothyroidism.

Iron supplements are bound to cause constipation. Hence, it is important to follow the RDA for iron correctly as per the age. It is also different for men and women.

Magnesium

If you are deficient in magnesium, may be at a risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease. Covering up this deficiency could ease the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.

Apart from these nutrients, your thyroid gland will also need B Vitamins, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E in appropriate quantities for it to function smoothly.

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What are the supplements for Hashimoto’s disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that results in hypothyroidism. In this disease, your body’s own immune attacks the thyroid which can give rise to multiple thyroid-related issues.

For individuals suffering from Hashimoto’s disease, supplements like selenium, Myo-inositol, zinc, Vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, curcumin, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C would be a great help.

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What are the supplements for Graves’ disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder just like Hashimoto’s disease. This can lead to hyperthyroidism. Your thyroid could even become large in size if you happen to suffer from this condition.

If you are diagnosed with Graves’ disease, you can take supplements that are rich in selenium, Vitamin D, L-carnitine, and Vitamin B12.

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Are thyroid supplements beneficial?

When you supply your body with thyroid supplements, you are correcting your thyroid disorder. Hence, it would benefit you by nullifying all those effects that occur due to improper functioning of the thyroid gland. These include improved energy levels, better skin, good cognitive function levels, reduced inflammation levels, and much more.

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How safe are thyroid supplements?

Avoid taking thyroid supplements unless approved by a medical practitioner. There are chances that some of these supplements could interfere with other medications, hence you need to follow the correct dosages to avoid any further complications. Moreover, the thyroid gland is extremely delicate, hence utmost care needs to be taken while you are treating it with supplements.

However, in case you follow your doctor’s advice correctly, your thyroid will work for the better.

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Do thyroid supplements promote weight loss?

Hypothyroidism is a condition that can lead to weight gain. If you are on supplements that can treat this particular disorder, you could lose weight. However, you need to follow your doctor’s prescription correctly to achieve the desired results.

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Conclusion

We have listed out supplements that can help you with certain thyroid conditions. Remember that the thyroid gland is extremely important and any damage would only invite loads of health issues. Hence it is extremely vital to protect the thyroid gland.

Thyroid supplements are considered safe, provided they are taken in the right doses. Overdose of any medication may harm your thyroid, rather than help it. We have also seen that thyroid issues can vary, and every condition could require different supplements.

And finally, if you are facing any sort of thyroid issues, your doctor would be the best person to suggest the right supplement for you, in case you need it.