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Supplements for Good Thyroid Function

Good thyroid function is essential for maintaining the overall health of some of the most important systems of the body, including the cardiac and vascular system, the digestive system, and the reproductive system. There are a variety of dietary supplements and vitamins that, when taken on a regular basis, can keep the thyroid gland functioning at peak performance and promote whole body health.

  1. Responsibility of the Thyroid

    • The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the body's metabolic process, more simply explained as the way it processes and utilizes energy. Additionally, it manages the production of hormones across the body and also organizes the synthesis of proteins, making the thyroid an instrumental factor in an individual's weight, sleep patterns, digestive abilities, skin consistency, and mental function.

    Zinc

    • Zinc is a mineral that is used by the thyroid to assist in protein synthesis and the production of enzymes. The body does not have the ability to store zinc and, therefore, must consume adequate amounts on a daily basis. Taking a zinc supplement or increasing the amount of zinc-containing foods in your daily diet, such as red meat, can help maintain thyroid function.

    Selenium

    • Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to proper thyroid function because it helps convert inactive T4 thyroid hormone into the active T3 hormone. Selenium is also an anti-oxidant that reduces the amount of free radicals found in cells. It can be taken as a daily supplement or ingested through foods such as tuna fish, lamb, garlic, and several types of nuts.

    Vitamin B

    • Several vitamin Bs, such as B2, B6 and B12, are utilized by the thyroid to effectively metabolize energy into fuel for the body. Inadequate levels of B vitamins in the body can lead to low energy and depression, so taking a B Complex, which has high levels of several B vitamins, is a great way to promote thyroid function.

    Iodine

    • Iodine is one of the most important supplements for good thyroid function because it is the building block of the hormones the thyroid produces. The thyroid absorbs iodine directly, and the amount of iodine it absorbs determines how much thyroid hormone is produced. Iodine can be ingested through foods such as kelp, eggs, and strawberries, or applied topically to enter the bloodstream through the skin.

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