Nutrition IV - Common Ailments - Hypothyroidism

Question 1

Hypothyroidism

Answer 1

A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. The thyroid governs body metabolism – low function has widespread effects

Question 2

Causes and risk factors

Answer 2

• Nutrient deficiencies – In particular iodine
• Autoimmune (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Addresses immune dysregulation and inflammation
• Thyroid surgery or radiation treatment (thyroid hormone replacement is generally necessary; support with good nutrition)
• Excess cortisol (stress) – depletes thyroid hormones

Question 3

Iodine

Answer 3

Iodine (150 – 400 mcg / day)
* Food sources:
o Sea vegetables
o Ocean fish
o Shellfish
* Function:
o An essential component of thyroid hormones T4 (contains four iodine atoms) and T3 (contains three iodine atoms)

Question 4

Zinc

Answer 4

Zinc (25 – 100 mg / day)
* Food sources:
o Sesame seeds
o Pumpkin seeds
o Cashews
o Lentils
o Brown rice
o Oysters
o Salmon
* Functions:
o Involved in a range of biochemical reactions in the thyroid – low levels are common in individuals with decreased thyroid activity
o Needed for the function of the enzyme that converts T4 to the more active T3

Question 5

Selenium

Answer 5

Selenium (200 mg / day)

• Food sources:
  o Brazil nuts
  o Sunflower seeds
  o Whole wheat
  o Rye
  o Corn
  o Garlic
  o Yellowfin Tuna
  o Swordfish
  o Pork
  o Chicken
  o Beef
• Functions:
  o Needed for the conversion of T4 two T3
  o Plays a role in activating and deactivating thyroid hormones
  o Acts as an antioxidant – protecting the thyroid

Question 6

Vitamin A

Answer 6

Vitamins A (25000 iu / day)
* Animal sources:
o Liver
o Fish liver oils
o Egg yolk
o Oily fish
* Plant sources:
o Carrots
o Sweet potato
o Squash
* Functions:
o Supports uptake of iodine by the thyroid
o Regulates thyroid hormone metabolism
o Deficiency is associated with hypertrophy of the thyroid with reduced uptake of iodine and decrease synthesis of thyroid hormone

Question 7

Coenzyme Q 10

Answer 7

Coenzyme Q 10 (100 – 300 mg / day)
* Food sources:
o Sesame seeds
o Nuts
o Olive oil
o Oranges
o Broccoli
o Avocado
o Cauliflower
o Meat
o Poultry
o Fish
o Eggs
* Functions:
o Required for energy dependent processes that support thyroid function
o Support mitochondrial function– increases energy
o Antioxidant – helps reduce oxidative stress associated with impaired thyroid function

Question 8

Tyrosine

Answer 8

Tyrosine (400 – 6000 mg / day)
* Food sources:
o Nuts
o Seeds
o Legumes
o Quinoa
o Oats
o Fish
o Meat
o Poultry
* Functions:
o An amino acid that is utilized in the formation of thyroid hormones T3 and T4

Question 9

Iron

Answer 9

Iron (100 – 300 mg / day)
* Food sources:
o Dark green vegetables
o Lentils
o Pumpkin seeds
o Quinoa
o Oats
o Chickpeas
o Clams
o Red meat
o Chicken
o Oysters
o Sardines
* Function:
o Iron is needed for the activity of the enzyme ‘thyroid peroxidase’, which is required to synthesise thyroid hormones