A healthy thyroid plays an important role in energy, mood, metabolism and overall well-being through the production of regulatory hormones. It also controls the rate at which the body uses energy. Imbalances may occur, resulting in periods of underactivity known as hypothyroidism or overactivity known as hyperthyroidism. Along with healthy, balanced eating habits, certain supplements have been shown to balance and improve thyroid function as well as overall health.
L-Tyrosine
Benefits of L-Tyrosine supplementation include increased energy, mood and concentration. The thyroid uses the amino acid tyrosine along with the trace mineral iodine to produce two primary hormones, triiodothyronine known as T3 and thyroxine known as T4 to regulate metabolism. Low levels of tyrosine may contribute to low thyroid function resulting in low energy, low mood and weight gain. Because the body produces tyrosine naturally, it should only be supplemented if a deficiency exists. Check with your doctor before adding it to your health regimen.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid that reduces inflammation by limiting the release of histamine, which contributes to allergies. Household chemicals, pesticides used on conventionally-grown food and autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, may irritate and inflame the thyroid, hindering its function. Quercetin may also be beneficial for hyperthyroid conditions by limiting the body's uptake of iodine, thereby reducing its ability to become overactive. Consult your doctor if feel you would benefit from quercetin supplementation.
Z-Guggulsterone
Extracted from the Indian Guggul tree, Z-Guggulsterone is a plant sterol believed to promote healthy thyroid functioning by increasing the body's uptake of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), which the body uses to regulate metabolism. Like Quercetin, Guggulsterone also has the ability to regulate inflammatory responses. Benefits include reduced allergies, increased energy and metabolism.
Coconut Oil
Medium chain fatty acids, such as coconut oil, stimulate the thyroid and improve thyroid function by readily being converted by the body to thyroid hormones DHEA, pregnenolone and progesterone. Adequate levels of these hormones are beneficial to balancing mood, energy, weight and overall well-being. Benefits of coconut oil supplementation include increased metabolism, libido, energy and mood and lowered cholesterol. Though coconut oil is readily available in many health food stores, discuss supplementation with your health care provider.
Vitamin B12
Sufficient levels of B12 are necessary for the thyroid to utilize the hormones it produces, otherwise thyroid hormones float around in the bloodstream unused. For this reason, thyroid tests may indicate normal thyroid function in the presence of low thyroid symptoms such as fatigue and low mood. Beneficial effects of B12 supplementation include a boost in stress tolerance, stress related fatigue and increased endurance. Benefits have also been observed in those whose tests indicate normal levels.
