If you have a thyroid disorder, supplements may help you feel better. Here are seven supplements that, when combined with a healthy diet, can help your thyroid function properly.
1. Iodine
The thyroid gland uses iodine in the body to produce the important hormones that regulate metabolism. If you are iodine deficient, your thyroid doesn’t have what it needs to function.
According to Everyday Health, good sources of iodine are dairy products, eggs, and sea vegetables. However, there is evidence that if your thyroid condition is due to the autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine could actually make the problem worse,
says Natural Endocrine Solutions. To be safe, consult with your physician about your specific case and whether iodine is recommended.
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2. Selenium
Good sources of this nutrient that supports a healthy thyroid are sardines, tuna, shrimp, scallops, lamb, chicken, and shiitake mushrooms, says Everyday Health. Natural Endocrine Solutions says that eating one or two Brazil nuts every day will also supply adequate selenium.
3. Vitamin B
Everyday Health says that if the B vitamin is in pill form, it must include the entire B vitamin complex to be effective. Otherwise, good dietary sources include meat, fish, whole grains, legumes, yogurt, and dark leafy greens.
4. Vitamin D
Dr. Andrew Weil recommends taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily for thyroid health. Natural Endocrine Solutions also advises that sun exposure is a great source for vitamin D, and they recommend getting it daily.
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5. Zinc
This nutrient plays a similar role as selenium in proper thyroid function. In supplement form, 30mg is sufficient, says Everyday Health. Other sources include meat, legumes, shellfish, and nuts.
6. Magnesium
Natural Endocrine Solutions says many people are magnesium deficient and magnesium helps with iodine absorption in the body. It is available as a supplement, but it also can be found in green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics play an important role in overall health, but especially for those with thyroid disorders, says Everyday Health. When selecting the right probiotic, look for one with a high diversity of bacteria rather than one with a high number of bacteria.
It is important to discuss a treatment plan with your physician before starting a new diet or new supplements.
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