Several vitamins offer vital thyroid support. While eating a balanced diet is beneficial for everyone, if you have a chronic disease, your diet is crucial. Autoimmune thyroid disease, like all autoimmune diseases, depletes nutrients from the body, leaving it stressed and poorly supported.
The best diet for hypothyroidism is to follow a balanced, healthy, and calorie-controlled diet. This diet focuses on consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of iodine-rich foods(more information on iodine later). Limiting processed foods and avoiding sugary beverages, caffeine, and alcohol are also recommended.
Focus on eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to help maintain steady energy levels. A hypothyroidism diet should include nutrient-rich foods, such as iodized salt, cod liver oil, sardines, garlic, seaweed, spinach, almonds, and Brazil nuts. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, and flaxseed can also benefit people with hypothyroidism.
However, consuming enough food to meet your body’s nutritional needs will be impossible if you have autoimmune thyroid disease or hypothyroidism. The disease depletes many nutrients that are difficult to replace without supplementation.
Nutrition and supplements also play an essential role in helping to manage the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Eating a balanced, healthy diet helps to ensure that the body has the vital nutrients it needs to function correctly.
Supplements, such as iodine and Selenium, can help to replace any deficiencies and support the health of the thyroid gland. Increasing dietary intake of vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E can also be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium, have also been found to benefit thyroid health. Herbal supplements such as ashwagandha, licorice root, and Schisandra may also help to reduce inflammation and balance hormones in people with hypothyroidism.
My suggestions are based on testing done when I started treatment with a functional medicine doctor. My doctor tested my blood, saliva, and urine to reveal all deficiencies I needed to address. This doctor was the first to tell me how important it is to support your body with nutrition.
All the previous doctors told me diet has very little to do with my Graves’ disease or the management of my hypothyroidism symptoms. Most of them told me supplements are useless.
While it’s essential to speak with a doctor before introducing any supplements into your diet, as it’s crucial to get the correct dosage and ensure no potential interactions, keep in mind that most conventional doctors would rather prescribe you another pill or two rather than recommend supplements or a diet plan.
Plus, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of testing for nutritional deficiencies, so you may have to pay out of pocket.
Getting tested and a new detailed treatment plan started my healing and was somewhat costly. Unfortunately, the doctor visits and two of the three tests done were not covered by insurance.
However, I will tell you it was the best money I have ever spent. This April marks the sixth year since my treatment with my functional medicine doctor began, and I feel better every year. Not saying I don’t have flare-ups because I do, but they are less frequent and not as severe.
I will also add that supplements from a grocery store, Target, Walmart, or similar stores, are not the quality needed to rebuild your health. My doctor stressed that you must take high-quality supplements, or it wastes time and money.
As for supplements, my doctor recommended Designs for Health, which are excellent quality but expensive. I discovered I could save by purchasing Designs for Health supplements on Amazon. Then I tried buying from Wellevate, where a doctor must refer you. Those supplements were also high quality but also expensive.
I ran across an online ad for Vita Living, a supplement company with good reviews, a wide variety of products from several companies, and reasonable prices. Their products are good quality, I have had no problems, and I recommend them to everyone!
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Vitamins Most Beneficial For Hypothyroidism
I will add that I also included some trace minerals and herbal supplements that thyroid patients add to their regimen to help ease their symptoms. Finally, my functional medicine doctor recommended many of the supplements I suggested, but only after testing was done to identify when I was deficient.
I will add that the supplements I have listed are not ones everybody needs—this is why testing is vital. For instance, I don’t take iodine because I have Graves’ disease, which causes hyperthyroidism. FTI- I have had radioactive iodine treatment (RAI), so I’m now hypothyroid, but too much iodine in my diet will trigger symptoms. Taking iodine increases the production of thyroid hormones, making hyperthyroidism symptoms worse. I also get my vitamin A and Selenium from my multivitamin. But for some, that is not enough.
My doctor said four supplements on the list may or may not help. Many patients find relief with ashwagandha, licorice root, Schisandra, and tyrosine, but I didn’t notice any benefits. I do take turmeric; it helps with inflammation and joint pain.
16 Vitamins Crucial for Thyroid Support
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1. Iodine
Since your thyroid needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, it makes sense that the amount of iodine available will affect your hormone levels.
Pros: – Iodine is an essential dietary mineral the body needs to produce thyroid hormones. It helps the body’s conversion of thyroxin (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3). – Iodine supplements can help restore normal thyroid hormone levels in individuals with hypothyroidism. – Iodine may help protect against goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland due to lack of iodine.
Cons: – Iodine can interact with certain medications, including some blood pressure and heart medications. – Excess iodine can cause thyroid problems and other health issues, including goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. – Excess iodine can also increase the risk for autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that benefits people with hypothyroidism. In addition, vitamin C helps reduce inflammation in the body, a common symptom of hypothyroidism.
It can help improve energy levels, as people with hypothyroidism often experience fatigue. Additionally, vitamin C can help to improve immune system function, often weakened in those with hypothyroidism.
3. Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral for people with hypothyroidism as it helps to convert the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3). Selenium also plays a role in helping the body to make and utilize thyroid hormones. Certain types of Selenium have been shown to improve symptoms of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, and weight gain. Additionally, Selenium can help boost the immune system, which is vital in managing autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with hypothyroidism.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps to strengthen the body’s immune system, which is essential for those with hypothyroidism, as an underactive thyroid can weaken the immune system.
Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy skin and for normal growth and development of the skin. Inadequate vitamin A levels can lead to dry, scaly skin and may increase the risk of dermatitis.
Vitamin A helps to prevent infection by maintaining the integrity of the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts, making it easier to fight off infections. This vitamin also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body.
It’s also an essential vitamin for optimal vision and eye health. It helps protect and maintain the inner parts of the eye and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration, a common condition in those with hypothyroidism.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation associated with hypothyroidism. In addition, this vitamin has been shown to improve mood due to its effect on serotonin levels.
This vitamin helps improve energy levels in those with hypothyroidism due to its ability to reduce muscle weakness and fatigue, plus vitamin D’s ability to enhance the metabolism of thyroid hormones helping to regulate the body’s hormones and maintain proper functioning.
Vitamin D helps to strengthen the immune system, which is vital for those with hypothyroidism as they are more likely to develop infections due to their weakened immune systems.
Adequate vitamin D levels are also linked to less severe symptoms from Covid-19.
6. Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps reduce thyroid antibodies in those with autoimmune thyroid diseases and hypothyroidism by improving the body’s ability to regulate thyroid hormones.
Vitamin E is vital for proper immune system functioning. Since hypothyroidism can affect how your body responds to infections, getting enough of this vitamin may aid your battle against diseases.
Vitamin E has been linked as a potential mood booster as it helps combat fatigue and depression; it’s also an anti-inflammation agent helping to reduce the inflammatory symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Vitamin E is vital for healthy skin and hair growth, so getting enough of this vitamin may help prevent thinning and hair loss.
7. Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be beneficial to those with hypothyroidism in several ways. In particular, vitamin K helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which are often out of balance in those with hypothyroidism. Vitamin K also helps transport calcium to the bones and helps regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Additionally, it is thought to increase energy levels in those with hypothyroidism and may even help reduce inflammation in the body.
Another benefit of vitamin K is how it helps prevent osteoporosis. Asian women rarely develop osteoporosis due to their high intake of vitamin K and iodine in their diet.
My functional medicine doctor suggested I start taking Vitamin K. He said I had the three risk factors linked to developing osteoporosis. I’m on the small side (5’3″), I’m Caucasian, and I used to smoke.
The B vitamins
B vitamins are essential for thyroid health, and people with hypothyroidism may benefit from B vitamin supplementation. B vitamins play a role in many metabolic processes, including the function of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). B vitamins may help support the body’s production of T3 and T4 and their conversion into active forms. B vitamins help support healthy energy levels and cognitive function in those with hypothyroidism. Additionally, B vitamins may help reduce symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, hair loss, and depression.
8. Vitamin B6
This vitamin is essential for proper thyroid functioning, as it is needed to convert the inactive form of the thyroid hormone T4 into its active form, T3. Deficiencies in B6 can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms such as depression, weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance.
Vitamin B6 is essential for the immune system to function correctly. Therefore, a deficiency in B6 can cause a weakened immune system. In addition, it may increase the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
B6 is necessary to produce certain hormones such as melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones regulate mood, appetite, memory, and sleep. Low levels of these hormones lead to depression, anxiety, and other cognitive issues, common in people with hypothyroidism.
Vitamin B6 helps reduce inflammation in the body which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms. Inflammation is linked to many chronic health conditions, including heart disease and arthritis.
9. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is used to create energy, and people with hypothyroidism may find that supplementing with B12 helps to boost their energy levels.
Vitamin B12 is vital in keeping the immune system healthy and running optimally. In addition, those with hypothyroidism are more susceptible to illnesses, so a good source of B12 can help keep them healthy.
This vitamin is essential in maintaining healthy brain functions. Healthy levels will help reduce common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as depression, anxiety, and foggy thinking.
Some patients are so deficient in B12 they need injections to maintain proper levels.
10. Vitamin B2
B2 helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy, which can help to reduce fatigue in those with hypothyroidism. B2 plays a role in how the brain uses fuel, and low levels of B2 can lead to poor concentration and memory loss. In addition, B2 helps the body break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which can help improve metabolism in people with hypothyroidism.
B2 is essential for an adequately functioning immune system and can help boost immunity in those at risk for infections.
Studies have found that sufficient levels of B2 can help reduce anxiety, which can be very beneficial for those with hypothyroidism who often struggle with depression, fatigue, and low mood.
11. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have many beneficial health effects, and evidence suggests they may help manage hypothyroidism. For example, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation in an overactive thyroid gland. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids may help restore the correct balance of hormones produced by the thyroid, which could improve symptoms related to hypothyroidism. Finally, omega-3 fatty acids may also help to reduce symptoms of depression, which is common in those with hypothyroidism.
12. Zinc
This mineral is vital in many aspects of health, including thyroid metabolism and hormone production. For example, in people with hypothyroidism, zinc may play a role in helping to balance thyroid hormones and improve thyroid symptoms.
It also helps reduce inflammation and improve immune function. In addition, zinc can help improve symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, depression, and constipation. It may also benefit heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce other hypothyroidism-related complications.
13. Tyrosine
Tyrosine has been found to improve mood by increasing the production of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to reduce fatigue and depression, which are common symptoms of the condition.
Tyrosine can help to improve cognitive performance in those with hypothyroidism and can help to improve memory, focus, and concentration.
Tyrosine is effective at improving energy levels in those with hypothyroidism, as it helps to increase the synthesis of catecholamines in the body, thus increasing alertness, focus, and overall energy levels.
Tyrosine effectively reduces stress and anxiety levels in those suffering from hypothyroidism, as it helps to balance out the levels of the hormones cortisol and epinephrine in the body, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
14. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that can help the body manage stress. Studies show that taking ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha improves memory and reaction time. In one study, those who took ashwagandha performed better on cognitive tests than those who did not.
Studies show ashwagandha was found to lower fasting blood sugar levels and reduce symptoms of diabetes. The adaptogen helps balance HDL (good) cholesterol levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In addition, it may also help reduce triglyceride levels, a type of fat found in the blood.
In men, ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels and improve sperm quality. In women, it may regulate hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause.
15. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial for those with hypothyroidism. They may enhance the absorption of thyroid hormone medications and improve overall digestive health. Probiotics can also reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve metabolic function. In addition, they can reduce symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, depression, and constipation.
16. Turmeric
Turmeric may help manage hypothyroidism symptoms, though additional research is necessary to understand its full effect. It may help reduce inflammation and improve thyroid hormone levels. It could also help enhance the absorption of other medications to treat hypothyroidism.
Remember that several additional supplements benefit those with thyroid disease; it depends on your body’s needs.
Please use this information as a guide to help improve your health.
Take care,
Corri
References