3 nutrients that help regulate thyroid hormones

When thyroid hormones are overactive, they can speed up metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.

To help regulate thyroid hormones, here are three important nutrients that will help support thyroid function and ensure good energy levels, according to Healthista.

Iodine

Iodine must be obtained from the diet. Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine, and without iodine, the thyroid gland does not have the building blocks it needs to ensure that it effectively produces its most active hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), to support all tissues in the body.

Seaweed provides iodine which is good for the thyroid.

It is worth noting that excess iodine can have a negative effect on thyroid hormone production and so it is best to avoid excessive iodine supplementation. Vegetarians may be more prone to low iodine intake, as iodine is not found in abundance in plant-based diets.

Sources of iodine include saltwater fish and other seafood, sea vegetables including seaweed, kelp, eggs, dairy products, unrefined sea salt, iodized salt as well as onions, turnips, watercress and other plants.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the diet and cannot be produced by the body. Iodine combines with this amino acid and converts it into the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Tyrosine is also involved in the production of several brain chemicals, including dopamine, which not only regulates the thyroid but also affects mood.

Sources of tyrosine include meat, fish, chicken, avocado, pumpkin seeds, almonds, white beans, and cheese.

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is the building block of several neurotransmitters in the brain, which help with communication between nerve cells and affect mood.

Selen

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that is important for thyroid health and helps protect the thyroid when we are stressed. Selenium also helps regulate the conversion of T4 to T3. We need small amounts of this mineral.

Selenium (Se) is a mineral found in the human body in very small amounts, but is extremely important. It is a miraculous detoxifier that specializes in "hunting and trapping" toxic heavy metals and eliminating them from the body. It has also been proven that Se plays a key role in the oxidation process, preventing the body from aging.

Sources of selenium include fish such as wild salmon or sardines and shellfish such as shrimp, nuts, dairy products, garlic, sunflower seeds and mushrooms as well as other protein sources such as eggs, chicken, turkey and lamb.

Selenium is easily destroyed when foods are refined or highly processed. Eating a variety of raw, unprocessed foods is also a good way to get selenium in your diet.

According to TNO