1 in 8 women experience thyroid issues in their lifetime. In this episode, Jen shares one simple step you can do to support your thyroid, eating brazil nuts.
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SHOWNOTES
Brazil nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack that not only satisfy your taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits, particularly for individuals with thyroid conditions. These nuts are a rich source of selenium, a mineral that plays a fundamental role in supporting thyroid function.
The thyroid gland, situated in the neck, plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and growth and development in the body.
Thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, can occur when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
Selenium is an essential mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant and is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones.
It helps to regulate the activity of enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and also assists in protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative damage.
Selenium deficiency decreases the synthesis of thyroid hormones, as it decreases the function of selenoproteins, in particular iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs), which are responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3.
In addition to selenium, zinc plays a role in the conversion of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Selenium and zinc are beneficial in improving thyroid function and hormone levels. According to a study, zinc improves T3 levels significantly.
The great news is that Brazil nuts contain significant quantities of both selenium and zinc.
It’s important to note that while selenium is crucial for thyroid health, it’s also important not to consume excessive amounts of this mineral, as too much selenium can be harmful. Consuming Brazil nuts in moderation, typically one to three nuts per day, can help individuals maintain optimal selenium levels without the risk of overconsumption.
Furthermore, incorporating other selenium-rich foods such as sunflower seeds, fish, and beef into the diet can provide a well-rounded approach to supporting thyroid health.
When addressing thyroid conditions, it’s essential to consider the multifaceted nature of these disorders. In addition to consuming selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, individuals with thyroid conditions should also work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle modifications, and dietary strategies.
While Brazil nuts and selenium can be beneficial for supporting thyroid health, they should be integrated as part of a holistic approach to managing thyroid conditions. It’s important for individuals to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to their diet or supplement regimen, especially if they have pre-existing thyroid conditions or are taking medication.
One Brazil nut contains about 97 mcg per
We need 200mcg of selenium to help your body for thyroid.
So, a simple snack of 2 Brazil nuts a day can be helping to support your thyroid.
Don’t get excited and have more. It does not work that way you can get too much selenium.
HEALTHY LIFE HACKS
The Healthy Life Hacks I want to share with you today are:
- Share this podcast episode with those you feel may benefit.
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