The thyroid produces hormones that regulate growth and development, metabolism, and energy levels. It also helps control blood pressure and heart rate.
When your thyroid gland isn’t working right, you’re likely to have a host of symptoms – from fatigue to weight gain and mood swings. If this sounds like you, why not check your nutrition to start doing something about it? Read on to find out the nutrients your thyroid needs to work correctly.
Iodine and selenium: minerals to improve thyroid function
What nutrients do you need to improve thyroid function? Most likely iodine and selenium (1).
Iodine
This mineral is a component of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Your body needs iodine to function correctly and prevent hypothyroidism.
Selenium
When thyroid hormones are produced, the process generates free radicals. Selenium is incorporated in antioxidant enzymes that protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress.
Is nutrient deficiency a common cause of thyroid disease?
The short answer is yes. Nutrient deficiency causes hypothyroidism and is a concerning issue in some countries. In Algeria, there is a high prevalence of goiter, an overgrowth of the thyroid gland due to hypothyroidism. A study in Bordj BouArreridj reported an impressively high prevalence of 51%. Other problems triggered by thyroid disease include weight gain, depression, sleep problems, and low energy levels (2).
Iodine deficiency is the most likely cause of such a high incidence of goiter. That's why iodine-rich salt started distributing in these areas in 1967 (2). More than 50 years later, the Association for the Protection and Promotion of Consumers and their Environment (APOCE) reports that most salt brands in the Algerian market are poor in iodine (3). Moreover, we all know that consuming salt is not healthy by itself and causes cardiovascular disease. So, is it a good idea to increase our iodine intake through salt?
That’s why many people resort to synthetic supplements. But is your body really using iodine from these sources?
Are synthetic iodine and selenium supplements enough to improve thyroid function?
Oral iodine supplements are commonly recommended to people with hypothyroidism. They may increase thyroid function but are nothing compared to the actual iodine-rich food.
What is the difference between synthetic supplements and iodine or selenium-rich foods? About iodine, the actual food contains this nutrient bound into fibers. It won't release everything at once. Instead, the fibers are slowly broken down, resulting in a sustained nutrient release. This gives more time to handle iodine and utilize the nutrient more efficiently.
It's like refined sugar and complex carbohydrate. The latter is healthier because they come from natural sources, and your body is prepared to get the best out of it.
Selenium is similar because there are organic and inorganic forms of selenium. Organic forms such as selenomethionine and selenocysteine are easier to absorb. But supplements sometimes contain inorganic forms. To spare you the trouble of finding out which one you’re consuming, natural sources will always be preferred.
A natural nutrient source for thyroid disease
Don't worry if you can't include seaweed in your diet to increase iodine intake. You don't have to consume salt or resort to synthetic iodine sources. We have a better option for you.
Enter Alfaiza.
Alfaiza includes various options, all made of dates with a natural source of iodine and selenium.They are all made with our farm dates, and they are exceptionally high in iodine and selenium due to the richness of these minerals in our soil and water.Iodine and selenium in Alfaizaare unadulterated and in their natural form, making them easier to absorb and utilize to improve thyroid function.
Alfaiza has the product you need if you're facing any of the problems mentioned above. The best part is the variety from which you can choose and all of the recipes you can prepare with them. So buy yours now and start trying our suggested recipes.
References
1. Kvicala, J., & Zamrazil, V. (2003). Effect of iodine and selenium upon thyroid function. Central european journal of public health, 11(2), 107-113.
2.Akdaber, S., Zohra, H., Djamila, M., & Zimmermann, M. (2017). Sentinel surveys in northern Algeria assess iodine intake in women. IDD Newsletter, 45(4), 6-7.
3. Le sel non iodé en Algérie l'APOCE met en garde les consommateurs