Is Selenium Good for Hyperthyroidism? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Selenium is good for hyperthyroidism. Because it has antioxidant properties and they can help reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid function.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland.

In hyperthyroidism, your body produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

This can lead to various health problems, such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety.

One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.

What you consume can affect your thyroid hormone levels, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume foods rich in selenium like Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, and ham, and avoid iodine-rich foods like iodized salt, fish, and dairy products.

Now, selenium is a mineral that is important for thyroid function and metabolism.

People usually consume selenium through their diet or supplements.

Selenium is good for hyperthyroidism because it contains antioxidant properties.

Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce thyroid peroxidase antibodies and the severity of hypothyroidism symptoms.

It is beneficial for various types of thyroid conditions, including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

The recommended daily amount of selenium for adults is 55 micrograms (mcg), and one ounce of Brazil nuts can provide about 544 mcg, which is nearly 989% of the daily value.

Selenium can positively affect hyperthyroidism by enhancing the conversion of T4 to T3, which is crucial for thyroid function.

However, too much selenium can lead to side effects such as bad breath, hair loss, and nausea.

Furthermore, selenium is a trace mineral, and trace minerals are good for hyperthyroidism because they support thyroid health.

Because, maintaining the right amount of selenium is vital not just for preventing thyroid disease, but for your overall health.

You can consume a few Brazil nuts per day safely. More than that can cause selenium toxicity.

That’s why I suggest you limit your selenium intake to avoid potential health risks.

Stick to no more than 400 micrograms of selenium a day to minimize side effects.

Also, you shouldn’t consume high amounts of selenium if you have selenium sensitivity to prevent toxicity.

Because excessive intake can lead to selenosis, a condition caused by too much selenium.

You can buy selenium supplements online as well as offline.

To buy it online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.

But as a nutritionist, I recommend brands that are third-party tested for quality assurance.

Because it’s important to ensure you are getting a safe and effective product.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing/dealing with hyperthyroidism effectively.

I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.

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About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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