Category: General Interest

Did you know your thyroid needs at least nine minerals to function properly?

Decades ago it was believed that iodine was the master mineral for the thyroid. But within the last several years it has become apparent, through research and anecdotal evidence, that there are multiple minerals involved with thyroid hormone production.

In today’s modern medical model, doctors treat hypothyroidism with hormone replacement therapy.. However, the patient is most likely lacking the building-block minerals that the thyroid needs to make perfect cells.

1.Iodine – T3 has 3 iodine molecules; T4 has 4. So it’s safe to say that the thyroid can’t function without iodine. T4 or (thyroxine) is 68 percent iodine by weight, and T3 (triiodothyronine) is 58 percent.

2.Selenium – A necessary cofactor in the production of thyroxine (T4), It also converts T4 to the more active form, T3. A total 11 selenium-dependent enzymes have been identified as necessary for thyroid function and thyroid hormone production. If you take iodine without selenium, you can cause selenium deficiency. If you take selenium without iodine, you can cause iodine deficiency.

3.Zinc – Required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Zinc deficiency can result in hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc. The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroid hormone replacement unless zinc supplements are added.

4.Molybdenum – Molybdenum-dependent enzymes function in the oxidative system of thyrocytes (thyroid epithelial cells). They also play an important role in T3 (thyroglobulin) release from the thyroid gland. Molybdenum also helps nitrogen metabolism.

5.Boron – Helps the conversion of the storage form of thyroid hormone, T4, to T3, the active form.

6.Copper – Plays an important role in the metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine, which is a precursor to T4 (thyroxine).

7.Chromium – Enhances insulin activity playing a major role in the regulation of insulin release and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Conversion of T4 to T3 is influenced by insulin, so in a roundabout way, chromium helps this conversion. Chromium also assists in metabolism of carbohydrates.

8.Manganese – Required to transport the hormone thyroxine into our cells. Manganese also helps bones, connective tissues, and fat/carbohydrate metabolism.

9.Magnesium – Calcium and magnesium must be balanced in the body to ensure proper thyroid function. If there is too much calcium, thyroid hormones can become diminished. Magnesium is the regulator of calcium absorption and utilization.

(Article from a Hippocrates Health Centre Newsletter.)