The thyroid gland is important to the endocrine system. This gland is located just beneath the Adam's apple. According the American Thyroid Association, the main function of the thyroid is to secrete hormones, which are distributed into the bloodstream. These hormones become messengers that tell the body what to do, such as regulating body temperature or energy levels and keeping the organs working like they are supposed to. There are a variety of vitamins and herbs that can help maintain good thyroid health.
Iodine
According to the American Thyroid Association, iodine, which is a trace mineral, is important for thyroid health. It is a necessary component that facilitates the thyroid gland to manufacture thyroid hormones. People require appropriate amounts of iodine for proper thyroid functioning, which, in turn, aids in regulating the way we burn calories and maintain energy levels. Iodine can be found in herbal supplements such as kelp, bladderwrack, and foods such as low-fat yogurt and 2 percent cow's milk. You can buy iodine tonics and supplements at health food stores.
L-Tyrosine
The natural health organization, Progressive Health, states that low levels of L-tyrosine might weaken the thyroid's ability to manufacture hormones. Low levels of iodine can wreck havoc on the thyroid function. There are some people with thyroid disorders and they do not respond very well to iodine supplements and, if that is the case, they might be lacking L-tyrosine. A supplement or foods such as fish, seaweed, cottage cheese, egg whites, wheat and oats can be included in the diet.
Selenium
The "Lancet," which is a British international medical journal, suggests that the mineral selenium is vital for thyroid function. Selenium is essential in the production as well as the conversion of thyroid hormones. Selenium can be taken in a supplemental form or there are certain foods that contain selenium such as Brazil nuts, tuna, shiitake mushrooms, cod, salmon, turkey and barley.
Other Vitamins and Herbs
Bugleweed is an herb that can be used to help lower overproduction of thyroid hormones. Vitamins B and C can aid in sustaining and keeping the thyroid functioning at an optimal level because they help maintain the immune system. Zinc and copper are both important for growth and development and can help hormones. The zinc can also help with the absorption of the copper. Finally, vitamin E assists the body to better absorb iodine, according to Progressive Health.
