| A malfunctioning thyroid can create many health | | | | considered a trace mineral and is only required in small |
| problems. The thyroid gland itself, while unimpressive in | | | | amounts, but a lack can be devastating to your health. |
| size or appearance, is a major player in health. Many | | | | Selenium is also considered important in detoxifying the |
| people are vaguely aware that thyroid hormones are | | | | body. |
| important in regulating metabolism. We have all heard | | | | Iodine |
| someone say that their weight is related to their | | | | As this trace mineral is ingested, either through iodized |
| thyroid. A thyroid that is not functioning properly can | | | | salt or by use of a daily multivitamin, 75% of this |
| cause someone to become overweight. This is true. | | | | mineral makes its way to the thyroid gland. Once there, |
| However, many do not realize how important the | | | | iodine will up with two important hormones that are |
| thyroid is to other functions of the body as well. | | | | produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine and |
| Thyroid hormones assist the body in making use of | | | | thyroxine. Working together, these will help the thyroid |
| vitamins, the proper growth of body tissues, the use of | | | | regulate energy and metabolism. |
| other hormones of the body, and the regulation of | | | | Zinc |
| energy. Various diseases can affect the thyroid gland. | | | | One of zinc's most important responsibilities is to help |
| Most commonly, the results are either the production | | | | ensure that the various stages of growth occur along |
| of too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), or not | | | | normal guidelines. This begins with pregnancy and |
| enough (hypothyroidism). | | | | continues through childhood and adolescence. It is also |
| Even a normally healthy thyroid can begin to | | | | needed to ensure that your reproductive system |
| malfunction, producing, among other things, weight gain | | | | develops normally. Zinc is another trace mineral which |
| and loss of energy. Other difficulties related to the | | | | helps the thyroid function properly. As with any part of |
| body's inability to effectively make use of vitamins can | | | | the body, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and rest |
| also occur. One way to help keep the thyroid healthy | | | | can be important to thyroid health. A healthy lifestyle |
| is through supplementation with these three minerals. | | | | can help offset some of the effects of a |
| Selenium | | | | malfunctioning thyroid as well. |
| Probably one of the most important characteristics of | | | | While taking the three mineral supplements of selenium, |
| selenium, in addition to its value for thyroid health, is that | | | | iodine, and zinc can help with thyroid health, do not |
| it acts as an antioxidant, protecting the cells inside the | | | | expect drastic or overnight results. However, using |
| body from the damaging and potentially dangerous | | | | these three nutrients over a long period, in combination |
| effects of free radicals. Over time, damaged cells can | | | | with a healthy lifestyle, can contribute effectively to |
| lead to the development of many illnesses and | | | | thyroid health. |
| diseases including heart disease and cancer. It is | | | | |