Thyroid function is powerful and far-reaching. It’s in control of our most vital functions and organs such as:
the heart, brain, liver, kidney, and skin.
It’s also responsible for healthy and balanced human growth and development.
The areas the thyroid covers are widespread, however, the causes and triggers of thyroid dysfunction lie much closer together. The main reasons you may fall out of balance in thyroid production are due to nutrient deficiencies, a build-up of toxins, infections, and a poor inner ecosystem. These reasons are all tied together in one way or the other ? nutrient deficiency leads to compromised immune systems which make the body more susceptible to infections which in turn lead to a lower resilience against stress which combines with all the other factors to create a poor inner ecosystem.
When problems and their root causes are so closely bunched together, so are their solutions. If you set out to solve one of these problems, there is a high chance there will be a chain reaction of benefit set into motion. Which is why you will want to maintain a thyroid-friendly diet by swearing off foods that make thyroid function go downhill and increase foods that help the thyroid do its job; what it was designed to do. In addition, there are critical nutrients that we should keep in mind when we make changes to support thyroid rebalancing.
Methylcobalamin
The body takes in food in forms that are essentially useless to the functions it wants to perform ? it must convert that food into useful bits and pieces. Methylcobalamin is one of the tools used to accomplish that. It?s a form of vitamin B12 which helps transform food into energy ? energy that is used for regeneration and creation of red blood cells, proteins, hormones, and new DNA.
However, as with any function being carried out, the work environment matters. Stomach cells must secrete a protein called the intrinsic factor in order to absorb vitamin B12, which cannot happen in a body with a poor internal ecosystem and underperforming gut health. Methylcobalamin is relatively low-maintenance and can get the job done without needing the intrinsic factor for absorption ? proving useful in the fight against thyroid-induced fatigue, which is most frequently reported by patients of thyroid dysfunction and Hashimoto?s, a form of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Selenium
Thyroid function produces two key hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). However, thyroxine needs to be converted into its biologically active counterpart, triiodothyronine, which is responsible for the regulation of your metabolism and other thyroid-related essentials. This conversion is brought to you by selenium. Selenium plays a dual role by also protecting your body?s normal cell function by supporting the body?s very own defense system and hunting down harmful free radicals. The recommended form of selenium for thyroid conditions is selenium methionine. Selenium is also found in a number of foods we eat: brazil nuts (1-2 per day is all that?s needed), eggs, tuna, sardines, mushrooms, spinach, avocado and beef to name a few.
Thiamine
It may surprise you to know the powerful effects nutrients create when intermingled. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is one such nutrient. It?s responsible for releasing the stomach acid HCL (hydrochloric acid). HCL is a prerequisite for the conversion of carbohydrates into usable energy as well as the breakdown of proteins and fats during digestion. Research has found that chronic fatigue that often accompanies inflammation and autoimmune diseases may result from depleted?thiamine levels. Sources of thiamine include rich protein such as beef liver, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and pork as well as dried milk and fortified grains. If you experience digestive issues that prevent you from living on a thiamine-rich diet, you may also take supplements that contain the fat-soluble thiamine vitamin called benfotiamine, as well as ascorbyl palmitate, which is vitamin C that is soluble in fat.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you’re struggling with energy issues or know you have a thyroid problem, please contact me. I’d be happy to discuss the natural options available to you!
Note: the content in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice given by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking medications when changing to a more natural approach. A plan needs to be put in place that will help you transition without negatively impacting your health.
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