Short Answer: Zinc is good for hypothyroidism. Because it has an enzyme that helps convert T4 to T3 and they can increase thyroid function and metabolism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression, and menstrual irregularities.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and avoid goitrogenic foods like soy, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Now, zinc is a mineral that is essential for many biological processes, such as immune function, wound healing, and growth.
People usually get zinc from their diet, but some may need supplements if they have a deficiency or a higher demand.
Zinc is good for hypothyroidism because it contains an enzyme that helps convert the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3.
This conversion is crucial for maintaining normal thyroid function and metabolism.
Zinc is beneficial for both primary and secondary hypothyroidism, as it can increase the levels of T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in the blood.
One oyster can give you about 74 mg of zinc, which is 673% of your daily needs.
One ounce of beef can give you about 5 mg of zinc, which is 45% of your daily needs.
One ounce of pumpkin seeds can give you about 2 mg of zinc, which is 18% of your daily needs.
Zinc can positively affect hypothyroidism by enhancing the production and conversion of thyroid hormones, as well as improving the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Furthermore, zinc is a trace element and trace elements are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they are involved in many enzymatic reactions and cofactors that regulate thyroid function and metabolism.
You can eat up to 40 mg of zinc per day safely.
More than that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, and reduced immune function.
Also, you shouldn’t take zinc supplements if you have hemochromatosis, a condition that causes excess iron in the body, to prevent iron overload.
Because, zinc can interfere with iron absorption and worsen the condition.
You can buy fresh oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose oysters that are alive, have a fresh smell, and close tightly when tapped.
Because, dead or spoiled oysters can cause food poisoning.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
You can buy zinc supplements online as well as offline.
To buy them online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.
But as a nutritionist, I recommend Nature’s Bounty Zinc 50 mg from Amazon in US.
Because, it has a high potency, a good quality, and a reasonable price.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.