Hypothyroidism: How Selenium & Zinc support T4 and T3 synthesis in the thyroid.
#Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. It is when many of your body’s functions slow down.
#Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With this disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid. The thyroid becomes inflamed and can’t make enough thyroid hormones.
The gland needs to make TSH & T4 which then converts to T3 in its active form so that the body can use it. Most of this conversion happens in the liver, but also takes place in cells of the heart, muscle, gut, and nerves. These cells convert T4 to T3 with an enzyme called tetraidothyronine 5' deiodinase, which removes one molecule of iodine.
If the conversion of T4 to T3 is poor, then you may experience some of the common #hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, difficulty in concentrating etc
This poor conversion can occur even if your TSH levels appear to be normal. So, it’s important to assess the conversion of T4 to the active form of T3 to find the root cause of your symptoms and optimize thyroid function.
It has been observed through research that, vitamin & mineral deficiencies can affect Hypothyroid patients and inflammation.
To reduce inflammation an anti-inflammatory diet can help. You should limit processed foods, added sugar, and gluten. Instead, you should consume mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
More specifically, two minerals are required for the conversion of T4 to T3 in its active form. In fact, one of the main enzymes that makes this conversion relies on #selenium in order to function!
Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to many of the body’s regulatory and metabolic functions. It is a critical component of “selenoproteins,” enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and the thyroid gland’s antioxidant defense. Selenium deficiency may be an environmental trigger for Hashimoto’s disease. Consistently meeting your selenium needs is incredibly important for Hashimoto’s patients.
Great selenium sources are Brazil nuts, tuna, shellfish, pinto beans, and spinach.
According to some research on selenium, supplementation may reduce thyroid antibodies in people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
In some studies, taking 200 mcg of selenium on a daily basis has been proven effective in reducing TPO antibodies by 50 percent within three months. Other research does not offer similar clarity related to supplementation in thyroid patients.
Zinc fights free radical damage, helps prevent poor concentration, assists in hormone production and helps in the conversion of T4 to T3.
Great sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, salmon, cashews.
The takeaway
Consuming 200 mcg of selenium on a daily basis for a period of time can help with reducing TPO antibodies along with reducing the
For #Zinc,
The average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals — is 11 mg for adult men and 8 mg for adult women.
References
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism
https://drknews.com/conversion-t4-t3-important-consideration-low-thyroid-function/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/selenoprotein
https://www.americanintegrative.com/top-nutrient-deficiencies-in-thyroid-disease-patients/
