A study has shown that if your thyroid gland is mildly under active due to autoimmune disease, taking a selenium supplement can bring your hormone levels back up to normal. This is so significant because autoimmune disease is the most common cause of an under active thyroid (Hashimoto’s disease). Many parts of the world have selenium deficient soils. That means the food supply is low and many people aren’t getting the level of selenium required for a healthy thyroid gland.

In this particular study, patients received 83mcg of selenium for four months. At the end of the trial, one third of patients achieved normal hormone levels. I normally recommend higher levels of selenium supplementation; usually between 150 and 300 mcg daily. Selenium helps the thyroid gland in several ways; it reduces the production of thyroid antibodies, which are produced by the immune system and attack the thyroid. Selenium reduces inflammation in the thyroid, helping to improve the ability of thyroid cells to manufacture hormones. Selenium is also required by the enzyme that converts T4 thyroid hormone into the active form called T3.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disease in the world. People with this condition actually have an immune system problem. Their thyroid gland is the specific part of the body their immune system chose to attack. Both selenium and vitamin D help reduce inflammation and reduce auto antibody production. Iodine is required for thyroid hormone production and a fast metabolism. I have combined these nutrients in Thyroid Health capsules. For more information about keeping your thyroid gland healthy, see my book Your Thyroid Problems Solved.

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