21 Jan Nutrition For The Thyroid
If you’re been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, you’ve probably thought about what nutrition for the thyroid looks like. We want to walk you through that, so you know what nutrients play a key role in thyroid function.
Supporting your thyroid journey with food as medicine is an incredible choice for you to make! Let’s get started!
Nutrition for the Thyroid
Tyrosine
Tyrosine an amino acid that is found in high protein foods, such as beef, eggs, chicken, and seafood. Tyrosine is one of the MAIN pillars in the thyroid hormone itself. Tyrosine combines with iodine to make thyroid hormone. Supplementation is usually not necessary because deficiencies are rare. Make sure you assess that you are getting enough protein in your diet, so you’re exposed to this amino acid!
Iodine
Since we already gave you a hint when we talked about tyrosine, iodine is another big nutrient since it’s a foundational part of thyroid hormone! Since the body doesn’t make iodine, it’s important we get it from our diet. Seaweed, iodized salt, and seafood are the top foods that carry iodine.
Iron
Iodine deficiency is actually exacerbated when there is an iron deficiency. Iron plays a part in two different steps in thyroid hormone creation. Iron deficiency lowers an enzyme called thyroperoxidase. This enzyme is crazy important because it brings together the iodine and tyrosine of thyroglobulin. Therefore, not having enough iron will decrease your T4 and T3 levels (these are thyroid hormone!).
You’ll find high quality bioavailable iron within animal meats + the best source is grass-fed beef or venison!
Selenium
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep oxidative stress in check, but it’s really important for the conversion of T4 (thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). If you’re deficiency in selenium, you’ll actually have hypothyroid symptoms!! Selenium is often recommended for autoimmune thyroid patients due to studies that show how it protects the thyroid (as I stated earlier by being an antioxidant) and can decrease inflammation!
One of our favorite ways to get selenium in is brazil nuts. 3/day keeps the doctor away!
Zinc
Zinc is involved in helping bind T3 (active thyroid hormone) to the receptor on the cell AND for the conversion of thyroid hormone to ACTIVE thyroid hormone T3. Animal protein is rich in zinc, especially oysters!
Does this mean you should supplement all of these into your diet? NO! But, this is a reason why testing {+ NOT GUESSING} is going to be vital to give your thyroid the love it needs. Nutrition for the thyroid, specifically, your thyroid should be targeted for you personally!
If you want to order a micronutrient test + get the 1:1 nutrition care you deserve, book a free 15 minute call with our team! Our certified nutritionist can help!
