From digestion to concentration, the thyroid is a small gland that plays a huge role in optimal performance of physical and cognitive functions in the body. By means of the hormones it produces, the thyroid regulates your health and quality of life. While an underactive thyroid can result in fatigue and clinical depression, an overactive gland can lead to osteoporosis and cardiac disorders. Several nutritional supplements will help nourish the thyroid gland and support thyroid functioning.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ridha Arem, author of "The Thyroid Solution," says omega-3 fatty acids are a must for thyroid care because these essential fats are key nutrients to the structure of cell membranes and for normal brain functioning. Thyroid hormone production starts in the brain when the pituitary gland senses a decrease in thyroid hormone levels in the blood and sends a message to the thyroid to produce more hormones. Richard and Karilee Shames, authors of "Thyroid Power," suggest flaxseed oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Amino Acids
The amino acid tyrosine is one of the raw materials that the body needs to manufacture thyroid hormones. In "Thyroid Power," the Shames say that increased amounts of tyrosine are a sensible recommendation for low thyroid patients. The Shames also say the amino acid glutamine supports brain functioning. They recommend supplementing daily with an amino acid complex.
Minerals
An inadequate amount of iodine, the other raw material the body needs to produce thyroid hormones, may lead to an underperforming thyroid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends 150 micrograms of iodine daily. In addition to iodine, the body needs selenium to convert the inactive thyroid hormone, thyroxine into the active hormone, thyronine. The Shames recommend 100mcg of selenium each day. Another essential nutrient for both low thyroid and overactive thyroid health is zinc, which nourishes the thyroid gland and helps thyroid hormones work more efficiently, Arem says. Thyroid patients should take a daily multiple vitamin and mineral complex that features 25mg of zinc, the Shames said.
Vitamins
As antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, especially for people experiencing symptoms of an overactive thyroid, Arem says. The Shames recommend a minimum of 10,000 IU of vitamin A, 1,000mg per day of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E daily. The B-vitamins also play a role in producing thyroid hormones and supporting brain functioning, Arem says. The Shames recommend 100mg of vitamin B complex daily.
References
- Women to Women: Thyroid Health
- "The Thyroid Solution"; Ridha Arem; 2007
- "Thyroid Power"; Richard and Karilee Shames; 2002
