Got Hypothyroidism? Eat this!

Why do I have a picture of Brazil nuts and Oysters?

• Brazil Nuts = High in Selenium

• Oysters = High in Zinc.

• The Pearls = good look, but don’t eat them!

Our thyroid gland, when properly stimulated by the brain will make T4 (the fancy word for that is Thyroxine). Interestingly the most commonly used form of thyroid replacement is a T4 support, the name brand being Synthroid. However, while Synthroid (or its equivalent) will help you make T4 — it does not help you make T3 (the fancy word being Triiodothyroine).

Why does T3 matter?
T3 that helps you feel better energy, grow your hair, improve your skin, and support depression.

How is T3 made?
From T4, and Zinc and Selenium are MANDATORY for this conversion! So now you see why these are super foods for you! If you do not have enough of these nutrients you will not convert, and if you do not have enough of these nutrients AND are pushing more T4 via something like Synthroid then you will continue to feel poorly despite your lab markers looking “Good”

What I recommend to most of my patients:
First: TEST YOUR LEVELS. A Plasma Zinc, and RBC Selenium are easy tests to assess your sufficiency.

If you cannot get tested, it’s safe to:

• Eat 1-2 Brazil Nuts a day

• Consume an Oyster Dinner once a week.

There are also some other, possibly unsubstantiated, benefits to oysters 😉

And, remember this is not medical advice, just education!