Minerals are chemical elements necessary for the normal body functioning. They can be free ions, or they can be found as a component of certain organic compounds (such as hormones and enzymes).
For most patients that have a problem with the thyroid gland, the prescribed therapy is usually in the form of a drug that relieves the state of hypothyroidism (substitution therapy) or hyperthyroidism (anti-thyroid therapy) in the patient.
However, patients are often given nutritional guidelines about the importance of vitamins and minerals which can also improve thyroid health. Basically, it is best if you could take your vitamins organically through food and healthy eating, but if you are not used to eating healthy (yes, we are looking at you :), introducing  supplements into your diet can be a good alternative.
Iodine helps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is especially recommended in cases of goiter and hyperthyroidism.
Minerals for Thyroid
Minerals are chemical elements necessary for the normal functioning of the body. They can be free ions, or they can be found as a component of certain organic compounds (such as hormones and enzymes).
Selenium (Se): Selenium is great for thyroid health. It also can protect against cancer and heart disease. It can be found in mushrooms, sea crabs, shrimp, cod, tuna, calf liver, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, and other sources.
Iodine (I): Iodine participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and can also be found in thyroid hormones. It is  recommended in cases of goiter and hyperthyroidism. Sea salt is a great source of iodine as is seafood and fish (shrimp, salmon, and tuna), milk and dairy products, turkey, garlic, spinach, beets, cabbage, potatoes, seaweed, and other sources.
Iron (Fe): Iron deficiency is associated with decreased thyroid function so it can be helpful in these cases. However, those who take iron supplements need to be careful because it can create the impression that the body requires a higher dose of substitution therapy. Natural sources of iron are red meat, liver, fish, eggs, nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, spinach, cabbage, and many others.
Calcium (Ca): Thyroid hormones can contribute to the loss of calcium in the body. After few months of taking substitution hormone therapy for thyroid conditions, it is advised to check the concentration of calcium in the urine. Calcium
Zinc (Zn): Zinc plays a role in the synthesis of Thyrotropin hormone (TSH), and the conversion of Thyroxin (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). Zinc is highly recommended for autoimmune thyroid because it normalizes the ratio of concentrations of thyroid hormones and lowers the amount of antibodies of the thyroid. Natural sources of Zinc include liver, red meat, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, asparagus and other sources.
Vitamins for Thyroid
Vitamins are substances that cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities in the body, so they are best off when consumed in food. They are essential for the normal functioning of the body.
Vitamin D: plays an important anti-proliferative, differentiation and immunosuppressive role. Because of the important roles in the immune system, vitamin D is an important supplement for an autoimmune against thyroid disease. When the sun is out, the human skin can synthesize all the daily needs for vitamin D in about 15 minutes, but in the winter, you might want to take a Vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin E: This vitamin is an antioxidant and has a beneficial effect on the human health. It is found in wheat germ, palm, castor oil, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, asparagus, tomatoes, avocados, green leafy vegetables and other sources.
Due to a large number of fat-soluble vitamins, the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids is essential. Excellent sources are oily fish (sardines, anchovies, salmon, tuna), algae, flax and olive oil, and nuts.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms (i.e. the “good” bacteria). Probiotics are recommended for patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Probiotics can be found in fermented dairy products.
These vitamins and minerals mentioned above are all great sources for thyroid healthy, and a healthy diet in general. Though they are best absorbed when consumed in food, they can also work when taken as a supplement. Talk to your medical professional to find out what vitamins and minerals should be added to your diet!
Like what you read?
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.
Thank you for subscribing on Thyroid Central.
Something went wrong.
