A healthy thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck, produces hormones responsible for controlling chemical reactions to the body. When the gland produces less than it should, it is considered hypothyroidism. A health practitioner can evaluate symptoms, which include low energy, weight gain and slow heart rate. There are many variables when treating hypothyroidism, but the disease in early stages responds well to the use of certain vitamins.
B Vitamins
Hypothyroidism is linked to poor diet, fluoride consumption from water and pesticides on fruits and vegetables, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" author Dr. James Balch. Chronic stress also will destroy thyroid function. Building the immune system is one treatment for early stages of hypothyroidism. B vitamins, especially B3 and B5, can boost immunity and regulate the thyroid. B3, or niacin, metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins while B5, pantothenic acid, reduces stress. A B-complex supplement three times daily can benefit the the thyroid, according to Balch.
Selenium
The two hormones released by the thyroid are thyroxine and triiodothyronine, T3 and T4, respectively. Selenium converts the T4 into the active T3. The mineral is responsible for fat metabolism with the thyroid hormones. Selenium protects the immune system. Balch recommends taking the supplement as directed on the label. It is best to communicate with a health practitioner on all supplements. Selenium can be found in certain foods such as tuna, chicken and zucchini.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid that aids in the production of the thyroid hormones. When attached to iodine, it forms the active thyroid hormone thyroxine, according to Dr. Shames, author of "Thyroid Power." Tyrosine is also helpful for reducing stress. Supplements of tyrosine should be taken on an empty stomach, according to Patrick Holford, author of "The Optimum Nutrition Bible." He recommends supplementing 1000 mg of tyrosine to help the thyroid and also lift the mood.
Iodine
Lack of iodine is one cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine produces T3 and T4. The dosage of iodine is critical, so before taking any iodine supplements there should be a test for iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is rare. Obtaining iodine through kelp or sea salt is an easy way to ensure that iodine is getting into the diet, according to Natural-Cure-Remedy.com.
Testing for Hypothyroidism
Evaluation is always recommended for people with hypothyroidism. Functional testing is one approach that can be done through a health practitioner to identify nutritional needs, stress tests and assessing adrenal glands. Even allergies should be tested, according to Holford, because sometimes the immune system can become sensitive to food and attack the thyroid tissue by mistake.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch; 2000
- "The Optimum Nutrition Bible"; Patrick Holford; 2004
- Natural Cures and Remedies: Hypothyroidism
- "Thyroid Power"; Dr. Richard Shames; 2001
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