HOW TO DEAL WITH THYROID PROBLEMS

The thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland below your Adam’s apple, and it pretty much rules your body.

It regulates your metabolism and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows everything down—from your pulse and temperature to your energy level and the rate at which you burn calories.

 An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), on the other hand, revs the body into overdrive.

Hypothyroidism—Worldwide, the most common cause is iodine deficiency, though autoimmune disorders ,radiation to treat cancers of the head and neck, and medications such as lithium can also be the reason.

Smptoms includes fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, heavier periods, dry hair and skin, mood swings, weight gain, intolerance to cold, hoarseness, and constipation.

If you have a number of these symptoms, you must undergo thyroid tests.

Depending on the results, you may need to take daily synthetic thyroid hormones. But you can also complement hormone therapy with the following key nutrients, all of which are necessary for healthy thyroid function. Even if you have normal thyroid levels, these essential vitamins and minerals can help keep your thyroid running smoothly.

Selenium. Before thyroid hormones can do their job, your body must convert them into an active form. This requires the mineral selenium.

people with thyroid problems—as well as those with healthy glands must have 200 mcg of selenium daily to promote thyroid health. 

Zinc. You also need an adequate amount of zinc for your thyroid hormones to function correctly. 

Taking 10 mg of zinc a day would be ok; and because zinc can block copper absorption, be sure to take 1 to 2 mg of copper daily as well.

L-tyrosine. Too little L-tyrosine, a critical amino acid, limits the amount of thyroid hormones the body can make, so taking L-tyrosine supplements can kick start a sluggish thyroid.,however “L-tyrosine supplements can be too stimulating for some people,” giving them the “jitters” and causing insomnia. 

Start with 200 mg or less a day and work up to 500 mg if you tolerate it well.

Iodine. Essential for many bodily functions, iodine also plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. “But it’s tricky,“because while iodine deficiency is a major risk factor for hypothyroidism, too much iodine can aggravate the thyroid and worsen existing conditions.” 

You need at least 150 mcg of iodine a day, most of which you can get through salt. 

However, if you use noniodized salt, you need to get iodine from other sources, such as seafood, seaweed, dairy, and eggs. 

If you eat any of these foods, you shouldn’t need to supplement. Problems from too much iodine arise when you take several milligrams daily.