Hypothyroidism And Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral; every organ in your body uses it. Magnesium is particularly important for the kidneys, muscles and heart. Magnesium is suggested by some, including nutritional counselor Dr. Raymond Peat, as a complementary treatment for an under-active thyroid caused by magnesium deficiency. An under-active thyroid, otherwise known as hypothyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland fails to make sufficient thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroid Disorder

Your thyroid is a gland in your neck, just below your voice box. This gland is responsible for production of the thyroid hormone, which is an essential hormone in metabolism. Some symptoms of this condition include fatigue, weight gain, headaches, muscle and joint pain, dry skin, early puberty, sensitivity to cold and difficulty concentrating. Hypothyroid disorder has many known causes such as autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, iodide levels, thyroid surgery or even certain medications.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of several minerals that are important to your health and wellness. Magnesium is used by every organ in your body, but is especially important in the functioning of your heart, kidneys and muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, magnesium activates enzymes, contributing to energy production. Magnesium also helps to regulate calcium levels as well as those of copper, potassium, zinc and vitamin D. Magnesium deficiency is rare, but can be caused by medical conditions that affect absorption of minerals, such as celiac disease.

Iodide and Magnesium Deficiency

Severe iodide deficiency is one of the known potential causes for hypothyroid. While some, such as Dr. Peat, also suggest magnesium deficiency may sometimes play a role in the development of hypothyroid disease. The Mayo Clinic advises, however, that there are very few people in the United States who are iodide deficient enough to cause the condition. The UMMC further indicates that instances of magnesium deficiency are quite rare, as well. The Mayo Clinic states that there is no diet to improve hypothyroidism, recommending you instead seek the advice of your physician regarding a hormone replacement treatment.

Magnesium and Levothyroxine

Taking a magnesium supplement without consulting your physician may be harmful to your health when you are taking medications that it could interact with. One of the medications magnesium interacts with, according to the UMMC, is levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism. You should not take magnesium supplements or antacids or laxatives containing magnesium in conjunction with levothyroxine except under the supervised care of your physician.