Important Dietary Supplements
for Your Thyroid
Although the thyroid gland is a relatively small organ, it plays a major role in our overall health. It is not just an organ, but an importantregulator of our metabolism and vitality. Without it, many basic bodily functions would come to a standstill.
Its main function is to produce hormones. These hormones regulate our energy balance and control numerous processes in our bodies. From a steady heartbeat to an efficient metabolism—the thyroid gland plays a role in virtually every bodily function.
To perform all these functions, the thyroid gland needs certainmicronutrients. That’s why, in addition to a balanced diet, taking dietary supplements can be very beneficial. Here you’ll find all the dietary supplements that are important for your thyroid health.
Thyroid & Nutrients: The Importance of Iodine and Selenium
Iodine and selenium, in particular, are essential for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. They play the following roles:
- Iodine for the thyroid: A large portion of your daily iodine intake is used by the thyroid gland, because the essential trace element iodine—as found, for example, in Pro Jod—is an indispensable component of the two thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This means that if there is an iodine deficiency, the thyroid cannot produce enough hormones and its function is severely impaired. Taking iodine tablets for the thyroid can therefore help stimulate hormone production.
- Selenium for the thyroid: Just like iodine, selenium is an essential trace element and plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. In addition, as a powerful antioxidant, it protects the thyroid from harmful oxidative stress and can thus help counteract inflammatory reactions.
Treating Hyperthyroidism and
Hypothyroidism Naturally
Among the most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too few hormones, whereas in hyperthyroidism, it produces too many.
For both conditions, you can support your thyroid—in addition to medical treatment—by adopting a healthy lifestyle and consuming certain nutrients. Specifically, this means:
- Abalanced dietrich in fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and plenty of fluids is essential for people with thyroid disorders.
- Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, can help you reduce stress and support thyroid health.
- Acircadian sleep rhythmwith at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night is essential for your entire body—including your thyroid gland—to rest and recover.
- Regular exercisecan boost your metabolism and stimulate your thyroid gland.
- Natural dietary supplementscan support thyroid health. Selenium, iodine, vitamin D3, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important as dietary supplements for people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The Right Dietary Supplements for Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This leads not only to chronic inflammation but also to hypothyroidism—that is, a reduced production of thyroid hormones.
Just as with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you can also support your thyroid with micronutrients if you have Hashimoto’s disease, in addition to conventional medical treatment. The following are particularly important:
- Seleniumsupports thyroid function and counteracts the oxidative stress caused by the autoimmune reaction.
- Vitamin D3, as found inPro Vitamin D3 Öl 1.000, contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and can thus help fight inflammation.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found inPro Omega Ultra, are also associated with anti-inflammatory properties that may support thyroid health.
- B vitamins:Vitamin B12, in particular, contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and can thus help prevent anemia associated with hypothyroidism. You can find a high-dose B-vitamin complex containing all 8 B vitamins inthe Pro Vitamin B Komplex.
Sources
- Robert Koch Institute:Iodine Intake, accessed on April 29, 2024.
- Chaudhary, S. et al.: Vitamin D supplementation reduces thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: An open-label randomized controlled trial. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016; 20(3):391-8.
- van Zuuren, E.J. et al.: Selenium Supplementation for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Summary of a Cochrane Systematic Review. Eur Thyroid J. 2014;3(1):25-31.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For hypothyroidism, food supplements that support the thyroid and help compensate for potential nutrient deficiencies are particularly suitable. The most important food supplements for hypothyroidism include, above all:
If you have hyperthyroidism, it’s important to regulate your metabolism and lower hormone levels in your body. The following food supplements can help:
Iodine is the basic building block of thyroid hormones and is therefore essential for their production. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce hormones.
Selenium plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones—specifically, in the conversion of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) into thyroxine (T4). As a result, a selenium deficiency can have a very negative effect on thyroid function.
In Hashimoto’s disease, the thyroid gland is chronically inflamed, which also leads to hypothyroidism. Unlike “ordinary” hypothyroidism, taking iodine supplements for Hashimoto’s disease should always be discussed with a doctor beforehand. The following dietary supplements are recommended for Hashimoto’s disease:
- Selenium
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin B
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids