The Power 3 Nutrients for Healthy Thyroid Function
Thyroid function is powerful and far-reaching. It is in control of our most vital functions and organs such as the heart, brain, liver, kidney, and skin. It is also responsible for healthy and balanced human growth and development. As widespread as the areas where the thyroid reigns are, the causes and triggers of thyroid dysfunction lie much closer together. The main reasons you may fall out of balance in thyroid production are due to nutrient deficiencies, a build-up of toxins, infections, and a poor inner ecosystem. These reasons are all tied together in one way or the other – nutrient deficiency leads to compromised immune systems which make the body more susceptible to infections which in turn lead to a lower resilience against stress which combines with all the other factors to instate a poor inner ecosystem.
When problems and their root causes are so closely bunched together, so are their solutions. If you set out to solve one of these problems, there is a high chance there will be a chain of collateral benefit set into motion. Which is why you must maintain a thyroid-friendly diet by swearing off foods that make thyroid function go askew and increase foods that help the thyroid in doing what is supposed to do. In addition, there are nutrients that must be kept in mind while making any changes to help thyroid growth.
Methylcobalamin
The body takes in food in forms that are useless to the functions it wants to perform – it must convert food into useful bits and pieces. Methylcobalamin is one of the tools used to accomplish that. It is a form of vitamin B12 which helps transform food into energy – energy that is used for regeneration and creation of red blood cells, proteins, hormones, and new DNA. However, as with any function being carried out, the work environment matters. Stomach cells must secrete a protein called the intrinsic factor in order to absorb vitamin B12, which cannot happen in a body with a poor internal ecosystem and gut health. Methylcobalamin is relatively low-maintenance and can get the job done without needing the intrinsic factor for absorption – proving useful in the fight against thyroid-induced fatigue, which is most frequently reported by patients of thyroid dysfunction and Hashimoto’s, a form of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Selenium
Thyroid function produces two key hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). However, thyroxine needs to be converted into its biologically active counterpart, triiodothyronine, which is responsible for the regulation of your metabolism and other thyroid-related essentials. This conversion is brought to you by selenium. Selenium plays a dual role by also protecting your body’s normal cell function by supporting the body’s very own defense system and hunting down harmful free radicals. The recommended form of selenium for thyroid conditions is selenium methionine.
Thiamine
It may surprise you the intermingled effects that nutrients create. Thiamine, also known as B1, is one such nutrient. It carries the responsibility of releasing the stomach acid HCL, which is hydrochloric acid. HCL is a prerequisite for the conversion of carbohydrates into usable energy as well as the breakdown of proteins and fats during digestion. Research has found that chronic fatigue that comes in tow with inflammation and autoimmune diseases may result from thiamine levels depleting. Sources of thiamine include rich protein such as beef liver, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and pork as well as dried milk and fortified grains. If you experience digestive issues that prevent you from living on a thiamine-rich diet, you could talk to your health professional about taking enzymes for awhile to see if absorption is improved.
Always consult your health practitioner before starting any supplement regime.
Fiona is a Degree accredited Naturopath practicing online worldwide and in clinic at Dynamic Health Kensington Park South Australia.