Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce or release enough hormones, which can slow metabolism, cause weight gain, make you feel cold and lead to hair loss, among other problems.
Understanding the thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just in front of the trachea. It is essential because it produces hormones (T3, T4, Calcitonin) that control many aspects of metabolism, such as food digestion, heart rate, respiration, body temperature, and bone mineralization.Vitamins and supplements
When the thyroid malfunctions or does not release the correct amount of hormones, various symptoms may appear:
Thinning hair, especially on the outer parts of the eyebrows
Difficulty tolerating the cold
widespread weight gain
Feeling depressed or constantly tired
Deep vertical dorsals on the nails
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to the formation of nodules and goiters, giving the appearance of a lump on the neck. In advanced stages, this can lead to myxedema, a life-threatening condition in which internal organs begin to slow down and fail to function properly.
In 90% of cases, hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy thyroid tissue. This often occurs when the intestinal lining is damaged, allowing undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and an overactive immune system.Thyroid diseases
The 5 essential vitamins for hypothyroidism
Selenium (200 µg)
Selenium is an essential trace element for the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3). Taking a 200 µg daily supplement may accelerate this process in people with an underactive thyroid. Studies show that selenium can also reduce thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TgAb), thus preventing the immune system from attacking the thyroid.
Bile salts
Approximately 80% of thyroid hormones are actually converted in the liver, not in the thyroid gland itself. Taking bile salts (2 capsules before each meal) can help thin bile in the liver, promote the conversion of T4 to T3, and eliminate toxins like mercury from the body.
Vitamin C complex
True vitamin C contains bioflavonoids that help strengthen collagen and heal the intestinal lining. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C in the form of acerola capsules. Foods rich in vitamin C include cabbage, sauerkraut, strawberries, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables.
Iodine and zinc are essential minerals for the production of thyroid hormones. Consume seafood such as kelp, nori, kombu, Irish moss, mussels, clams, crabs, and oily fish two to three times a week. You can also take trace element supplements (20 drops per day) and kelp capsules to increase your iodine and zinc intake.Diseases
