The thyroid gland is a critical part of the body’s endocrine system, producing hormones that help regulate metabolism, digestion, and energy production. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can have a serious impact on a number of the body’s systems: thyroid dysfunction can affect cardiovascular health, digestive health, the nervous system, cognitive processes, and more.
Thyroid dysfunction can have a number of different causes: thyroid disease can be caused by various inherited or acquired illnesses or conditions, autoimmune conditions, postpartum thyroiditis, too little or too much iodine, nodules or goiters, and more. While the treatment protocol for thyroid dysfunction may vary depending on the individual, there are some natural remedies that can help promote thyroid health.
What vitamins and herbs support thyroid health? We’ll cover a few below.
What Vitamins and Herbs Support Thyroid Health?
Wondering what vitamins and herbs support thyroid health? First, remember to talk with your doctor about any concerns about your thyroid functioning, and make sure to follow their recommendations. And when you’re looking for vitamins and herbs to also use as part of an overall way to support thyroid health, start with the four below.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for overall health, but it’s also been shown to play an important role in thyroid function. Studies have found that individuals with thyroid disorders often have lower levels of vitamin D, and that supplementing with the vitamin can help improve thyroid function. Specifically, vitamin D has been shown to regulate the expression of certain genes involved in thyroid hormone production and signaling. UVB rays from sunlight are the best source of vitamin D, and good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Many people also choose to supplement with vitamin D to ensure they’re getting adequate amounts.
2. Vitamin B12
Like vitamin D, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for overall health and energy production, but it also has a link to thyroid function. Studies have found an association between low levels of vitamin B12 and hypothyroidism. Low levels of vitamin B12 are generally caused either by inadequate dietary intake or by problems with malabsorption. Good food sources of vitamin B12 include beef, liver, seafood, and dairy products, but in some cases, supplementation with bioavailable forms of vitamin B12 may help improve thyroid function.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a natural remedy for a wide range of health concerns, including thyroid issues. Some studies have found that supplementing with ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks led to significant improvements in thyroid hormone levels in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism. Another study found that ashwagandha supplementation helped reduce stress and anxiety levels in individuals with chronic stress, which are known risk factors for thyroid dysfunction.
4. Black Cumin
Black cumin is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine traditions for centuries. Recent research has suggested that it may also have beneficial effects on thyroid function, with one study finding that black cumin supplementation may have beneficial effects for individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid, causing low thyroid hormone levels.
What vitamins and herbs support thyroid health? Vitamin B12, vitamin D, ashwagandha, and black cumin are just some of the vitamins and herbs that support thyroid health.
Ready to learn more? Read about selecting the best thyroid supplement. Then ask your healthcare provider about if a thyroid supplement may be right for you.
Learn about how to select the best thyroid supplement here.