the rapid rise in cancer that we have seen over the last 50 years, a period during which iodine levels have fallen dramatically,” Brownstein says. The reasons for the decline are
many. Modern farming techniques and overfarming have produced soil that is depleted of iodine, which in turn produces crops low in iodine. And iodine used to be added to
salt, but many brands today have stopped adding this critical mineral. All of which means today, you
must either get it in the foods you eat or in supplement form. Aim for 300-400 mcg daily.
SELENIUM Selenium is a vital component of your body’s chemistry necessary to help iodine produce thyroid hormones in the proper balance. Plus, selenium acts as an antioxidant to protect your thyroid gland and your immune system. It’s so important, the NIH says, “Maintaining a physiological concentration of selenium is a prerequisite to prevent thyroid disease and preserve overall health.” You’ll fi nd selenium in seafood,
Brazil nuts, and organ meats. Your body needs about 50 mcg daily.
L-TYROSINE Tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. It’s important for
neurotransmitters — the messengers of your body — to help the body produce chemicals that support your thyroid, for energy and mood. In turn, this amino acid can help speed up your metabolism.
You’ll fi nd it in nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, and grass-fed meats. A great place to start is with about 500 mg per day.
ASHWAGANDHA ROOT EXTRACT
This herb has been used for centuries to
Is It Your Thyroid? H
ere’s how to determine if your thyroid if functioning properly.
Have your energy levels dropped suddenly? Has it become harder than ever to lose weight? Is it tougher to retain your focus? Have you experienced new feelings of anxiety?
If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to check your thyroid.
help gently balance out the body’s functions, including those of the thyroid. Modern studies back this up.
In 2017, a study of 50 participants was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that showed after just eight weeks, “signifi cant improvement was seen in the Ashwagandha group . . . improved overall thyroid function to an ‘eff ectively normalized’ level.” Most supplements come in
concentrations of about 300 mg. Suggested intake is about two per day.
GUGGUL GUM This funny-sounding herb’s scientifi c name is a mouthful — Commiphora myrrha. It comes from the same tree that produces myrrh, found in the Bible. But it’s becoming well known for another reason — its benefi cial eff ects on the thyroid. Guggul gum supports the
thyroid’s ability to properly absorb iodine — to keep your thyroid fi t. As an added benefi t, guggul gum may help with proper blood sugar control, which can lead to a healthier weight. A daily dose is about 500 mg.
ASHWAGANDHA Preliminary research shows it may improve thyroid levels in those with hypothyroidism.
shows it may improve thyroid levels in those with hypothyroidism.
SUPPLEMENT DIET Don’t wait until the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid kick in. They tend to creep in over a long period of time and sometimes are dismissed as conditions of nonspecifi c illnesses like the fl u. If you are not getting the
nutrients you need from your diet, a quality supplement is best. Ideally, fi nd a supplement with these thyroid-boosting nutrients to be sure your thyroid is getting what it needs to keep your body strong. You’ll want to choose one that
also contains an arsenal of common thyroid-boosting vitamins, such as vitamins D, A, E, and B, including ribofl avin and niacin. Look for essential minerals too, like zinc and copper. Even if you watch your diet
very carefully, health professionals agree that many people do better with higher-than-normal doses of vitamins and nutrients. Just remember — all supplements
are not created equal. Choose one with high-quality, natural ingredients, based on solid research. As with any new regimen, see your doctor fi rst. The good news is that you help avoid thyroid problems — if you know what to look for. A quality supplement may help shed pounds, speed up your metabolism, fi ll your body with energy, and lift the fog you may have been feeling.
Just don’t accept that it’s simply “your age.”
APRIL 2023 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 95
THYROID/MOHAMMED HANEEFA NIZAMUDEEN©ISTOCK / ASHWAGANDHA/ESKYMAKS©ISTOCK
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