The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, sort of like an internal bowtie. Part of the endocrine system, your thyroid produces and secretes the hormones T4 and T3. These essential hormones regulate growth, development, and metabolism.[1] (more…)
Maintaining healthy hormone levels can be a challenge but it is possible. Following a diet that supports the thyroid is a good place to start. It should provide certain nutrients, like iodine and selenium, that naturally support normal thyroid health. Additionally, it's important to be mindful of other types of food that can actually interfere with hormone balance and thyroid function. Let's take a closer look at how you can use the power of nutrition to support your thyroid and encourage normal hormone balance. (more…)
Thyroid hormones are chemical substances, made in and secreted by the thyroid gland. They are essential for normal metabolism and development. There are three types of thyroid hormones — thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. (more…)
Selenium is an essential nutrient that the human body requires in order to function normally. And, like all nutrients, selenium can reach a point where enough becomes too much and it begins to hurt rather than help. Your body needs what it needs; more isn't necessarily better. In fact, if you consume too much selenium, you can experience selenium toxicity, also known as selenium poisoning. As you might guess, this is the presence of too much selenium in the body.[1] (more…)
The thyroid is essential to some of the body’s most critical processes, including the development of the nervous and skeletal systems.[1] For the thyroid to function normally, it must receive the right nutrition, and that means getting enough selenium. Selenium is an essential mineral[2] and being deficient can lead to serious health concerns such as Keshan disease[3], myxoedematous cretinism[4], Graves’ disease[5], and even thyroid destruction.[6] (more…)
