What are the Best Thyroid Supplements?
If you’re struggling to find correct thyroid supplements, let us help
you solve the thyroid puzzle! Be mindful that certain thyroid dis-ease
is suspected to be caused by many factors such as genetics, stress or a
compromised immune system.
A vital part of self-care regimes
should focus on strengthening your immune system. Suffering from an
underactive or overactive thyroid is no walk in the park. Your first
line of defense should be a compassionate thyroid doctor. After
diagnosis there are tried and true thyroid supplements to help you stay
healthy and feeling well.
Vitamin D3
Latest reports from the National Center for Health Statistics show about eight percent of Americans are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Statistics rise rather dramatically, to about 25%, when looking at vitamin D inadequacy.
You maybe aware that vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin”. What you might not know is that once you are suntanned, vitamin-D production through the skin stops. You will get small amounts of vitamin D in your diet if you eat tuna, eggs, salmon or products which are fortified such as milk, orange juice, yogurt or cheese. Of course this is the best way to get these supplements into your body.
When taken orally, Vitamin D3 is assimilated in the body as vitamin D. This is among the correct supplements to seriously consider, especially if you have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
An estimated 90+ percent of people with this condition are deficient.
This supplements and regulates your immune system function and retards
autoimmune diseases. Studies suggest that deficiency in this supplement
can trigger thyroid attacks. I take 1000 units three times a day of Vitamin D3 as advised by my doctor.
Multiple Daily Supplements
Buy only quality multiple daily supplements that contain the entire complex of B vitamins. B vitamins support immune function and are responsible for producing the thyroid hormone.
For most women an iron free vitamin is the best option. You may want to
have your doctor check your iron levels to see if you are need of
additional iron. This can especially be the cause with patients
diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.
Calcium
The human body contains more calcium than any other mineral. It is almost all in the bones and teeth. If adequate calcium (1200-1500 RDA) isn’t consumed, the body robs it from our bones.
You, as a thyroid sufferer, are at heightened risk for bone density loss. However, those with an underactive thyroid should be cognizant when calcium is used as a supplement, it may interfere with proper absorption of your prescribed medications.
Recent studies suggest taking calcium and thyroid meds 6-12 hours apart. Specifically, the drug thyroxine was tested, but in this small study, definitive proof was lacking. It would do no harm to stagger your meds to be safe and discuss this with your doctor.
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the necessary supplements for metabolizing calcium and vitamin C. Chronic Hypothyroidism calls for more magnesium because of deficiency risk. Spinach is a great source of magnesium and can be incorporated in your food intake if possible. Women should get 320 mg daily and men 420 mg daily.
B12
A properly functioning thyroid gland helps maintain B12 absorption. Note that it may take up to five years for a B12 deficiency to show up in your body.
Studies suggest that individuals with Hypothyroidism are particularly lacking in B-12. Most people aren’t aware that the body does not absorb B-12 in supplement form, unless they are sublingual (dissolved under tongue) and enter directly into the bloodstream.
L-tyrosine
Consider extra supplementation of L-tyrosine as it fires-up the production of thyroid hormones. Our body creates L-tyrosine from the amino acid, phenylalanine. However, some people lack the correct enzyme for metabolizing phenylalanine. You can increase your levels of L-tyrosine by adding chicken and turkey into your diet as well.
Your doctor should check your levels of L-tyrosine and supervise dosage. An excess can lead to diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting.
You are Unique
Just as we are all individuals with different shapes, sizes, likes and dislikes, your body will have unique needs for correct thyroid supplements. Let your physician be your guide and listen to your body. Vigilant awareness of symptoms of deficiencies could be a culprit in feeling unwell and experiencing ongoing symptoms.
Using thyroid supplements in a correct and safe way can improve your symptoms. As always you must discuss the options with your doctor first.