Acai & Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The excess hormones cause the metabolic rate to go up, requiring more oxygen and food to produce energy. When the body uses oxygen to metabolize the components of food, a toxic waste product called free radicals is produced. Acai berries have antioxidant abilities that can prevent the excess quantities of free radicals in hyperthyroidism from causing cell damage.

About Hyperthyroidism

In healthy individuals, the thyroid gland functions as a thermostat. If the body needs extra energy, the hypothalamus, a deep-brain structure, stimulates the pituitary gland, which then produces the thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH. TSH signals to the thyroid gland that it needs to make more of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. When the blood levels of T3 and T4 are too high, the pituitary gland secretes less TSH. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland does not respond properly to messages from the pituitary gland. Despite low levels of TSH, it produces more T3 and T4 than the body needs to maintain its current metabolic state. The hyperactivity is usually due to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid tissue.

Oxidative Stress

You need oxygen to metabolize food. Oxygen, however, is a reactive molecule. The interaction between oxygen and food molecules produces free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules lacking an electron. To increase stability, free radicals steal electrons from other molecules, which then become unstable. If uncontrolled, this chain process can cause cell damage, a condition known as oxidative stress. Antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, can normally prevent cell damage by providing an electron for the free radicals. In hyperthyroidism, however, the frequent interactions between oxygen and energy sources produce an excess amount of free radicals.

About Acai

Acai berries are the fruit of the acai palm tree, which grows in Central and South America. They are similar in appearance to small grapes but with less pulp. One of the most notable features of acai berries is their high content of antioxidants. According to a study published in the November 2006 issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” the berries have a higher scavenging capacity for the free radicals superoxide and peroxyl than any other fruit or vegetable ever tested. The researchers also tested the ability of the antioxidants of acai berries to enter human cells and found that they can enter human cells and exert their function at very low doses.

Acai Effects

Superoxide is an extremely toxic free radical. Cells normally contain superoxide dismutase, which prevents superoxide from causing cell damage. In hyperthyroidism, however, the normal amounts of superoxide dismutase may not be able to disable the toxicity of superoxide. Peroxyl derives from superoxide and is also very toxic. It furthermore may be involved in the initiation and promotion of cancer. Sufficient amounts of superoxide dismutase can immobilize peroxyl. As acai berries contain a high amount of superoxide dismutase, these berries may help prevent cell damage in hyperthyroid individuals.