The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. It produces the hormones that regulate metabolism and affect growth. These hormones are so critical that the thyroid has the unique ability to store them so that it can ensure a steady supply regardless of deficiencies in nutrition. However, this balance cannot be maintained indefinitely. Illness, damage to the thyroid or other glands it relies upon and ongoing lack of nutrition can interfere with proper functioning.
Role of Nutrition
Specific nutrients are needed at different steps in the complex chemical processes that occur throughout the body, including the thyroid gland. Nutrition affects the production of thyroid hormones, helps to activate those hormones and even supports them at the cellular level. A variety of minerals and vitamins play important roles in the thyroid.
Minerals
Minerals that are critical to the thyroid include iodine, selenium, iron and zinc. Iodine is the key mineral needed for the thyroid to produce hormones. Selenium supports the production of thyroid hormone and helps the inactive form of thyroid hormone to be converted to the active form. It also protects the gland from too much iodine. Iron is required by the enzyme peroxidase, which participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormone.
The thyroid makes hormones after it is stimulated by the pituitary. The pituitary receives its chemical commands from the hypothalamus. In this chain, proper thyroid function depends on a healthy pituitary and hypothalamus. Zinc is needed in the hypothalamus to ensure the appropriate hormones are secreted to start the process.
Vitamins
Several vitamins are specifically required for a healthy thyroid. Vitamin D is an essential component in the production of thyroid hormone. Vitamin E works in the process that converts inactive hormone to active. Vitamin C also helps in the synthesis of the hormone thyroxin. Vitamin A is needed in the production of TSH---thyroid stimulating hormone---which comes from the pituitary.
Proteins
Along with iodine, an amino acid called tyrosine is necessary to manufacture thyroid hormones. This means that a deficiency in tyrosine impacts the thyroid's ability to do its job. Proteins consist of amino acids, so levels of tyrosine are maintained by dietary protein.
Supplements
While the nutrients needed by the thyroid can be obtained through a balanced diet, in times of stress, illness or if the thyroid isn't working correctly, supplements may be required. In addition to supplementing the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids already mentioned, extra B vitamins and essential fatty acids can help to support overall energy and hormone production. An appropriate balance---especially of iodine and selenium---must be maintained. Too much iodine increases the possibility of thyroid disease, which is why one of selenium's roles is to counteract high levels of iodine. These two minerals must work together to ensure a healthy thyroid.
Tags: thyroid hormone, production thyroid, amino acids, healthy thyroid, much iodine, needed thyroid