The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Though it is small – the thyroid gland is responsible for several functions within the body including energy, mood, metabolism, and more. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can cause a list of problems –
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Depression/anxiety
- Digestive upset
- Unstable mood
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
Unfortunately, the list goes on. Medications commonly mask symptoms and provide temporary relief – however, we have found that nutrient deficiencies are a leading cause of unmanageable thyroid symptoms. Let’s look at a list of 10 critical nutrients that can be added to your diet to naturally support symptom relief:
10. Zinc
Zinc is an essential element in creating your thyroid hormones. A deficiency in zinc can lead to hypothyroidism – meaning your thyroid is underactive. Zinc can be naturally sourced in turkey, chicken, and beef.
9. Fiber
Constipation can be a tricky & common symptom when thyroid levels are imbalanced. Fiber can naturally help relieve this constipation and can be found in avocado, chia seeds, and sweet potatoes.
8. Glutamine
Your digestive system also plays a huge role in keeping your thyroid balanced – a disrupted digestive system can lead to poor absorption of these critical thyroid supporting nutrients. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body – seafood, beef, and chicken are great sources of Glutamine.
7. Tyrosine
Thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, depends on Tyrosine to form. If you have too little or not enough Tyrosine, your thyroid levels can start bouncing between too high and too low. Beef, pork, and salmon are great sources of this thyroid hormone-producing nutrient.
6. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is critical to helping your thyroid produce enough thyroid hormones for your body. Vitamin D is also one of the most common vitamin deficiencies across the country. If your bloodwork shows low vitamin D levels, you can find this vitamin naturally sourced in salmon, tuna, and eggs.
5. Magnesium
This nutrient is the balancing act in your thyroid – too little magnesium can throw your thyroid into a frenzy. To help keep magnesium levels stable, add spinach, tuna, and avocado to your dietary routine.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a huge role in regulating thyroid hormone metabolism – including TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.) Without proper levels of this vitamin, thyroid hormone production can become imbalanced. Vitamin A can be naturally sourced in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
3. Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals (particles that can cause damage to your cells.) When antioxidant levels become too low, inflammation, cell damage, and thyroid imbalance can begin to source in the body. Antioxidants can be found in blueberries, cranberries, and artichokes.
2. Selenium
This nutrient provides defense against the free radicals (particles that can cause damage to your cells) produced during the creation of thyroid hormones. Selenium helps to keep your thyroid in balance as it creates hormones. Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, tuna, and shellfish.
1. Iodine
Your thyroid gland utilizes Iodine to make thyroid hormones. Being deficient in Iodine can impact your thyroid – and in turn your metabolism. Cod, shrimp, and seaweed are all great natural sources of Iodine.
When medications alone are not sufficient in relieving your thyroid symptoms, turning to the nutrients found in whole foods can be a new way to naturally support your symptoms.