7 and Older – 110 – 150 mcg; (5) Pregnant Women – 125 mcg (if even only moder- ately iodine deficient, pregnant women are at high risk of giving birth to infants with cognitive impairment and learning delay) ; and (6) Lactating Women – 150 mcg.


5. L-Tyrosine: The thyroid gland


produces TH from iodine and this amino acid. Studies have shown that tyrosine can improve sleep, combat fatigue, enhance mood, and relieve anxiety, by playing a role in the production of melatonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. However, patients taking any prescription thyroid medication, and those with high blood pressure, should not take tyrosine (or at least without guid- ance from a knowledgeable practitioner).


6. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids:


Found abundantly in wild, cold-water fish, omega-3 fatty acids support thyroid func-


tion by combating inflammation and taking part in cell respiration and metabolism.


7. Selenium [Brazil nuts (6-8 or 1 oz = 544mcg), halibut, sardines): After iodine, selenium is the mineral most critical for proper thyroid function because it is a com- ponent of the enzymes that convert T4 to T3 and thus is necessary for the activation of TH. Ideally, selenium should be taken as organic selenomethionine, the form in human tissues. The upper tolerable limit is 600 mcg/day and experts generally recom- mend 50-200 mcg/day. Selenium is part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which speeds the activity of the powerful antioxi- dant glutathione against damaging free radi- cals, particularly hydrogen peroxide (which it converts to water). This mineral thus also protects the thyroid gland from the oxida- tive damage caused when its cells generate hydrogen peroxide to make TH. Where se-


lenium deficiency exists (common in celiac patients), high iodine levels often lead to the destruction of thyroid gland cells.


Other Beneficial Nutrients and Herbs


include: (1) Vitamin C/ascorbic acid [pep- pers, citrus fruits, strawberries, cruciferous vegetables]; (2) Vitamin D3; (3) Vitamin E; (4) Iron (deficiency lowers TH produc- tion; iron deficiency anemia decreases the beneficial effects of iodine supplementa- tion, but iron supplementation improves it); (5) Zinc (moderate amounts) with copper; (6) Ashwaganda (studies suggest an effective dose of standardized 500mg/day) – lowers cortisol levels and may decrease TSH and increase T4 and T3 levels; and (7) Rhodiola rosea (not for hypertensive patients) – since stress impacts thyroid status, this adap- togenic herb can support the thyroid by managing the body’s stress response.


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The bottom line? There is no single correct approach to treating hypothyroid- ism. Regular blood testing and symptom monitoring generally will produce the best result for each patient.


The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administra- tion and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice.


Submitted by J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator, and Nutrition Consul- tant and owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www. cthealthshop.com), trusted since 1956. Erika is available to speak to groups. All state- ments in this article are research-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 5.


34 Natural Nutmeg - September 2017


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