Malfunctioning thyroid can cause a lot of problems even though it is a small unassuming gland in your neck. There are several vitamins and other supplements that can be good for your thyroid health. Tyrosine, probiotics, iodine, and vitamin D among others are considered helpful in terms of thyroid support.
These are a few of the top supplements for thyroid support.
1. Iodine
Iodine is considered a primary raw material and building block for production of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland procures iodine from your diet to create the thyroid hormone.
A significant portion of the American public consumes an iron deficient diet. This places them at a great risk of developing thyroid associated conditions.
You should have your iodine deficiency evaluated by taking a urinary iodine clearance test. Consult with your doctor if the test shows that you are iodine deficient. Your doctor could recommend iodide or iodine supplements, such as Lugol’s solution or Iodoral tablets.
It is important to be careful with iodine supplements. You could create more trouble than good if you supplement when not deficient.
Research indicates that long term exposure to high levels of iodine can trigger conditions worse than regular thyroid problems. You could suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, nodules, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.
2. Vitamin D
Studies show that vitamin D deficiency has been directly linked with an increase in the risk of developing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is one of the reasons why all practitioners recommend vitamin D level tests in thyroid patients.
Vitamin D deficiency is characterized as a condition in which vitamin D-25 levels are less than <25 nmol/L. In the case of patients with thyroid-related conditions, it is believed that the threshold should be set at a higher level of <60 or 70 nmol/L. Many people believe that a combination of balanced diet and regular sun exposure is enough to get adequate amounts of vitamin D. However, that is not always the case and supplementation is often required. Experts recommend taking vitamin D supplements with dinner or the highest-fat meal of the day to increase absorption. 3. Selenium
Selenium is directly related to the production of thyroid hormone. It assists the thyroid in converting T4 to T3. Selenium can also help in lowering thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
Deficiency of this mineral is often linked to an increase in the risk of postpartum thyroid issues and worsening of thyroid related eye disease.
It is important to have selenium levels evaluated in patients at risk or with thyroid. It is difficult to get selenium…
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