Are you one of the 58 million Americans’ currently suffering from a thyroid problem? If so, chances are your likely you are experiencing some of the unpleasant symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, sleeping disorders, anxiety, depression, allergies, skin problems and/or constipation problems which can greatly affect your everyday quality of life.
Hypothyroidism, or inadequate production of thyroid hormones, is the most common thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism occurs when you have an underactive thyroid gland that isn’t functioning properly. For those with hypothyroidism, their entire metabolism moves at a slower speed, thus requiring fewer calories than usual to maintain normal energy levels.
The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, produces hormones that affect a variety of metabolic processes in the body. If the body does not produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone T4, symptoms of underactive thyroid result. Among these symptoms are fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold often, constipation, brittle or splitting nails, memory problems, and dry skin.
Iodine’s role in the Thyroid Gland
Thyroid activity involves several hormones, including T4, T3, and TSH. When levels of T4 are low, symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland will become apparent unless hormone levels are regulated. Under normal circumstances, this regulation takes place when the pituitary gland produces TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to extract more iodine from the blood. The iodine is used to produce enough T4 to restore adequate hormone levels in the blood.
We have approximately 20 to 30 mg of iodine stored in our body, mostly in the thyroid gland. If iodine stores become depleted, the body will not be able to make enough thyroid hormone. In such cases iodine rich foods that help the thyroid gland produce T4 are important to help the body make adequate amounts of thyroid hormones.
If you have an underactive thyroid, there are foods you can incorporate into your diet that help support thyroid function by providing the minerals needed for a healthy thyroid.
Iodine-Rich Foods:
As a general rule, you should also avoid refined foods, refined sugar, wheat, caffeine and alcohol, and exercise regularly.
Additional vitamins and minerals are also important to keep your thyroid functioning properly. Proper thyroid function requires adequate amounts of B-vitamin compounds, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Molybdenum. The amino acid L-tyrosine is also required for the production of neurotransmitters that are associated with normal hormone production. If you feel your diet may lack proper amounts of these vitamins, supplementation may be helpful.
That’s where Healthy Choice Naturals Thyroid Essentials can help. Thyroid Essentials is a complete, all-natural, doctor formulated thyroid supplement containing 14 vitamins, minerals and herbs to support healthy thyroid function.
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