Thyroid problems are a huge issue throughout the world, especially low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. Every day millions of people struggle with the common symptoms of low energy, weight gain and hormonal problems. However, a large percentage of these cases could be helped, if not completely resolved with some simple nutrition.

The key nutrient for good thyroid function and one of the most common deficiencies in hypothyroidism is iodine. Thyroid hormones are built around a molecule of iodine in a similar way that red blood cells are built around iron. If we are lacking this vital nutrient in our diet then there is no way for the thyroid gland to create the hormones we need to regulate how much fat we store and how much we burn for energy.

The most abundant natural source of iodine is kelp, a form of seaweed. Although this is eaten in countries like Japan it is generally not part of the western diet. Many people in western countries used to get their iodine requirements from residue in dairy products, as it was used to sterilize dairy equipment, however many countries have now switched to chloride-based sterilizers. This has led to a measurable drop in iodine levels in the general population.

Many countries also have soils that are low in iodine (especially Australia), leading to deficiency even when the diet contains things that would normally be high in iodine.

Taking a kelp supplement is one way to naturally boost your iodine levels. This is beneficial for many people, although there are some people who are not able to absorb iodine well in this form. Often those people respond much better to a pure natural organic iodine supplement.

The next vital nutrient for a healthy thyroid gland is selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant with many roles in the body, including the activation of thyroid hormones in the liver. Without sufficient selenium it is like the body is unable to "switch on" the thyroid hormones.

Selenium is another nutrient that is low in many soils, and has been shown to be deficient in many people. Studies have linked low selenium levels to increased cancer rates, as well as other chronic diseases.

Selenium is naturally found in brazil nuts, cashews, alfalfa, eggs, fish, garlic, kidney, liver, oysters, peanuts, tuna, wholegrain cereals, broccoli and onions.

While adding these foods to your diet is beneficial, if you want to boost your thyroid function fast then also taking a supplement would be the best approach. There are many forms of selenium supplements available, and all forms probably have some benefit, but the specific form that most boosts the activation of thyroid hormones is Selenium Cysteine.

Zinc is another nutrient that has a beneficial effect on thyroid function, as well as digestion, immunity, healing and many other vital functions. Again, zinc deficiency has been found in a large percentage of the population.

Zinc can be found in the following foods- beef, egg yolk, ginger, liver, milk, lamb, oysters, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, whole grains and yeast. In addition taking a zinc supplement can be a great way to boost general health, as well as thyroid function.

Although there are many other important factors and nutrients involved in thyroid health, just increasing your intake of the three key nutrients mentioned- iodine, selenium and zinc, can improve or resolve a wide variety of thyroid dysfunctions and imbalances.


For more on how to balance your thyroid, lose weight and regain your energy, check out: Thyroid Problems & Solutions. You can also find Andrew's clinic here: Chiropractic & Kinesiology Castle Hill.


Characters: 3491
4shared Premium

mongofiles_125x125