What Nutritional Supplements And Vitamins Are Suitable For Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto 's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that occurs mainly in women and is characterized by the production of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (MAT antibodies) and against thyroid thyroglobulin (TAT antibodies). Characteristic of the condition is that it manifests itself with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, depression, increased drowsiness, hair loss, increased appetite, etc., which in a large percentage of cases can be attributed to stressful everyday life and go unnoticed.

Having considered what may be the main causes of Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis and what tests are appropriate in the diagnosis, let's see what supplements and vitamins are appropriate in the presence of a deficiency or to improve the function of various organs and systems in the body .

It is important to introduce nutritional supplements smoothly, one by one, monitoring the effect and reaction of the body in each of them. Nutritional supplements and vitamins should not replace a balanced diet, but should be a helpful way to improve thyroid function, reduce inflammation and improve the activity of the digestive system. Some of the food supplements have the so-called. "Admission window" - a period of the day when it is most appropriate to take them, for the absorption of others it is necessary to take them in combination, etc.

1. Nutritional supplements to improve the activity of the digestive system - it is recommended to take pre- and probiotics. Probiotics are supplements containing live beneficial bacteria - Lactobacillus acidofilius , bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium and others. Probiotics help maintain intestinal homeostasis and improve the activity of the digestive system. In order for a probiotic to be effective, it is recommended that it be taken on an empty stomach, at least a 3-hour interval between antibiotics and, if possible, with a prebiotic.

Prebiotics are the fibers contained in plant foods that improve the absorption of probiotics, and the combination of pre- and probiotics is called a synbiotic .

To improve the activity of the digestive system, it is recommended to take digestive enzymes, e.g. enzymes that help digest proteins - betaine with pepsin. They are taken with every meal of protein foods and improve the feeling of bloating and gas after eating.

2.  Supplements that improve the activity of the thyroid gland and the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into active triiodothyronine (T3)  - such are the antioxidants selenium, vitamin E, glutathione and zinc. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals and promote normal cellular function.

The positive properties of selenium (in the form of L-selenomethionine) on thyroid function and the conversion of T4 to T3 are not unknown. Prolonged intake of selenomethionine has been shown to lower MAT antibodies, and symptoms of overdose - garlic shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness - should be monitored. It is recommended that selenium, along with other antioxidants such as vitamin E, be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, along with thyroxine.

Zinc is recommended to be taken in the form of zinc picolinate, which is its best digestible form, in doses not higher than 10-15 mg / day. Zinc overdose leads to depletion of copper and iron levels and the development of anemia, unresponsive to iron supplements.

3.  Vitamins - the most common are deficiencies of vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Lack of vitamin B12 affects the activity of the digestive system. The deficiency can be filled by taking sublingual tablets and syrup or by injection. The dose and regimen should be prescribed and monitored by a specialist.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, responsible for many functions in the human body - supports bone metabolism, reabsorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, is important for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and good mental health.

The daily requirement of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) for adults is about 600 IU / day, but in deficiency the doses are higher. It is important to take the vitamin with a fatty food to absorb it, and at doses higher than 2000 IU / day, it is recommended to combine it with vitamin K2 . It prevents the accumulation of calcium in soft tissues and blood vessels and transports it to the bones. For the good absorption of vitamin D it is necessary to take magnesium , preferably in the evening.

4. Supplements for anemia and hair loss - Iron deficiency anemia and hair loss in patients with Hashimoto's are due to low levels of iron and ferritin. Therefore, supplementation with liquid iron or intake of foods rich in heme iron (red meat)is recommended. Unlike heme iron, non-heme iron, found in plant foods, is not well absorbed by the body. For better absorption of iron, it is recommended to be taken in combination with vitamin C.

Of course, taking such a large amount of supplements and vitamins is not mandatory in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis who do not have deficiencies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Before taking any supplement, it is correct to consult a specialist who will prepare a regimen and determine the appropriate daily dose for you.