The thyroid is a crucial gland in the body which regulates energy metabolism. Various thyroid disorders exist, and they can be accompanied by complications. Here, we take a brief look at thyroid disorders, and discuss four beneficial supplements which can help work against them.
Thyroid & Thyroid Disease
The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck which is part of the endocrine system. It is responsible for producing crucial hormones that control the body’s energy metabolism. Various types of thyroid disorders exist, and they can disrupt cellular energy production throughout the body and cause other complications.
There are two main types of thyroid dysfunction; both of these usually result from an underlying medical condition. Hypothyroidism involves an underactive thyroid and can be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, iodine deficiency, or it can occur as a congenital disorder. Conversely, hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid, and it can be caused by Graves’ disease (an autoimmune condition) or the formation of thyroid nodules on the gland itself.
Thyroid conditions can cause a variety of symptoms. An underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain, depression, a slowed heart rate, and other symptoms. An overactive thyroid, on the other hand, produces symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, irritability, an increased heart rate, and other symptoms. Thyroid conditions usually necessitate medical treatment, such as prescription medications. Lifelong habits to manage thyroid conditions are usually necessary for most people who have a thyroid condition.
Supplements to Stymie Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid disorders require steps to manage them, but certain nutritional supplements could be of help. Consider how these supplements could help with the symptoms and conditions related to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Iodine in supplement form could prove very beneficial for people with hypothyroidism, as well as for women who are pregnant. Although iodine deficiency is relatively rare because of the ubiquitousness of iodized salt, research has shown that pregnant women could be deficient in iodine. Iodine is necessary for the production of two crucial hormones produced by the thyroid, which are known as T3 and T4. It is vitally important for sound physiology in a woman who is pregnant.
Selenium is an essential trace mineral. Studies have shown that supplementing with selenium could be helpful for those with Hashimoto’s disease, a primary cause of hypothyroidism. It could help improve mood, and help in other ways as well. The recommended intake of selenium per day is 200 mcg.
Zinc could also prove helpful for those with Hashimoto’s disease. Research shows that taking zinc could improve thyroid function, especially when taken alongside selenium. Zinc is important because it is necessary for the thyroid to produce hormones, and a zinc deficiency is strongly correlated with hypothyroidism.
Myo-Inositol is a type of sugar that is available in supplement form, and it could help improve thyroid function. A dosage of 600 milligrams (or more) of myo-inositol could help those with Hashimoto’s disease, especially when combined with selenium.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common in those with Graves’ disease. Supplementing with it could improve some milder symptoms where B12 deficiency and thyroid dysfunction overlap.
Magnesium: Deficiency in magnesium is associated with Hashimoto’s disease and thyroid dysfunction. Supplementing with magnesium could help remedy Hashimoto’s symptoms in some people.
If you experience thyroid disorder, consider how these could help you. Some of these interact with certain medications, so always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement to improve your thyroid’s health, or for any other purpose as far as that goes.