Zinc Improves Low Thyroid Condition

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), nearly 10 percent of Americans suffer from thyroid related diseases. Low thyroid condition is often a result of hypothyroidism, which is caused due to insufficient synthesis of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing T3 (triidothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Patients suffering from hypothyroidism usually have abnormal amounts of these metabolic hormones.

Some of the common causes of low thyroid levels are congenital defects, thyroid destruction due to radiations, pituitary or hypothalamic malfunction, reactions to medication, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, high levels of Fluoride and Chlorine, severe deficiency of Iodine, Selenium, Omega 3 Fatty acids, Vitamin B12 and A, Tyrosine and Zinc. Also, patients suffering from chronic kidney disease often experience a mild reduction in thyroid function.

Zinc Can Increase Thyroid Function

Zinc in combination with copper can help to maintain a healthy thyroid gland and prevent thyroid diseases. Zinc promotes the secretion of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. Also, it plays a key role in the process of converting the inactive hormone T4 in active T3.

According to a study conducted at the University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy, zinc therapy can significantly improve thyroid and thymic function. The researchers studied 52 patients and found a high incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism. It was found that 9 patients with reduced zinc levels, who were kept on zinc supplementation, showed improved thyroid function. They also showed reduced incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Another study was conducted at the same university to evaluate the role of zinc deficiency in causing subclinical hypothyroidism and changes in thyroid function among the subjects supplemented with zinc sulfate. The researchers studied patients affected by Down's syndrome. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrinological deficit found in such patients. Improved thyroid function was observed among the subjects who given 6 mo of zinc supplementation.

If you or someone you know currently suffers from a dysfunctional thyroid, even if a doctor has assured them of having 'normal' tests, they should be tested again. Too many times the 'standard of practice' that drives insurance company motivation, results in incomplete testing which leaves you, the patient feeling like there is still something wrong, no matter how many times they tell you that your tests fall within the normal range.

You need to remember that you deserve the very best, this problem is not in your head. You have a life to live and you can look better, get active and feel good.