Thyroid disease is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t function properly. This happens when your body either doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone resulting in hypothyroidism, or produces too much resulting in hyperthyroidism. Both conditions develop symptoms over time and can become serious if not treated in a timely manner. Hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems including obesity, infertility, joint pain, and heart disease. Hyperthyroidism can result in heart problems, bone brittleness, eye problems, and red, swollen skin. Treatment for thyroid disease includes medication and sometimes surgery.
Are There Natural Ways To Treat Thyroid Disease?
While thyroid problems are commonly treated with medications, these medications may cause irritating or harmful side effects. Medications also do not treat the root of thyroid disease which can sometimes be caused by poor diet, lack of proper nutrients, or stress. Some research shows that there are natural vitamins and minerals that may help treat thyroid disease and its symptoms.
Selenium
Selenium is a natural mineral found in water and some foods such as tuna, grass-fed beef, turkey, and Brazil nuts. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), selenium may play a part in thyroid health. Selenium is found in highest concentrations in the thyroid gland compared to any other organ in the body. Like iodine, selenium plays an important role in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism function. Low levels of selenium seem to have an effect on thyroid production, thus supplementing with selenium may help to improve its function.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential element needed for thyroid hormone production. Our body does not make iodine, meaning we must obtain it from our diet. Seafoods, iodized salt, and dairy are some of the main sources of iodine in our diets. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, where our bodies can’t make enough thyroid hormone. It can also lead to intellectual problems in children whose mothers do not get enough iodine while they are pregnant. If you do not get enough iodine in your diet, a supplement may help to increase your iodine intake.
Vitamin B-12
B vitamins play important roles in the normal function of many bodily processes. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is fairly common, especially in people with hypothyroidism. Anemia is a condition caused by lack of B12 that is closely linked to hypothyroidism. Both anemia and hypothyroidism sufferers experience symptoms such as fatigue, sluggishness, and impaired cognitive function. Increasing B12 levels can help to reduce symptoms by increasing the number of red blood cells that deliver oxygen-fresh blood to your tissues. This will help to increase your energy level.
Magnesium
Magnesium is found naturally in the body and is an important mineral for numerous bodily functions such as muscle and nerve function as well as blood pressure regulation. Magnesium supplementation may help with symptoms associated with hypothyroidism like fatigue, high blood pressure, constipation, insomnia, and migraines.
Zinc
Zinc is an important vitamin for maintaining a healthy immune system along with over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body. Zinc doesn’t occur naturally in the body, meaning we must obtain it through diet. Sources of zinc include oysters, meat, poultry, and some fortified whole grains. Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause zinc deficiency and alternately, zinc deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism. Zinc is needed for the thyroid stimulating hormone TSH, and the hormones T3, and T4.
Copper
Copper is a natural mineral in the body that can also be found in foods like meat and vegetables. Copper works with iron in the bloodstream to make red blood cells. A deficiency in copper can lead to thyroid problems, as copper helps to regulate the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. You may have a copper deficiency if you notice you have more of a sensitivity to cold. Because copper helps to regulate thyroid hormones that regulate your metabolism and heat production, a drop in thyroid hormones may make you more sensitive to the cold.
Can Supplements Improve Thyroid Problems?
Based on the collective scientific evidence, certain vitamins and minerals do indeed play a role in thyroid disorders. As deficiency in some of these vitamins and minerals increases your chance of developing a thyroid disorder, it’s safe to say that increasing your intake of these vitamins and minerals may help in prevention. Nutrient deficiency leads to a number of health conditions including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. By consuming more of the proper nutrients in your diet or by taking supplements, you may be able to prevent and ease symptoms of thyroid disorders. Thyroid Support by Hot Bod Nutrition (HBN) is an all-in-one thyroid support supplement made from natural vitamins and minerals. It contains 14 different potent ingredients, including the ones mentioned in this article, that are scientifically backed to support thyroid health. If you’re suffering from troublesome thyroid disorder symptoms, Thyroid Support may provide you with safe and effective relief.
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