The Role of Selenium in Thyroid Health

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Amita has always been an active and energetic woman. However, lately, she has been feeling tired and low on energy.  She had recently put on weight and consulted her doctor to find out the reason behind it. The doctor advised her to get a blood test  and check her thyroid function. Her test result indicated an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. This discovery made Amita curious about thyroid function and how she could maintain her thyroid health. To optimise her  health, she decided to learn more about hypothyroidism.

She found that hypothyroidism is more common in women as compared to men. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a deficiency of iodine and selenium. In this article, let’s delve deeper into the connection between selenium and thyroid. 

What is Selenium?

Selenium is a micronutrient  required for  making selenoproteins that help the thyroid gland work properly. This mineral helps convert iodine into thyroid hormones, which are crucial for many body functions and for regulating thyroid hormone metabolism. The thyroid gland  stores the most selenium in the body. People with low selenium levels, such as pregnant women, infants, alcoholics, or people with eating disorders, are at risk of developing thyroid disorders. 

What are the Benefits of Selenium?

Selenium is only needed in small amounts by our body, but  it is important for many other functions. Here are some selenium benefits for both men and women.

Essential for Thyroid Health

Selenium is important for the production of thyroid hormone. It activates the thyroxine enzyme to make the thyroid gland release iodine, which is converted into thyroid hormone. Hence, selenium deficiency can result in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Powerful Antioxidant

Selenium is an antioxidant that protects your body from chronic conditions by fighting cell damage. Cell damage happens due to excess free radicals in the body, and selenium keeps a check on these radicals. 

Lowers Risk of Cancers

Selenium reduces the risk of certain cancers, like breast, lung, and prostate cancer. It is known to destroy cancer cells and also reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. 

Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Selenium lowers C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker in the body, and a risk factor for heart disease. It reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the body which are linked to heart diseases.

Improves Immunity

Selenium has anti-inflammatory properties and helps lower the risk of infection. Many studies  suggest that selenium is associated with high amounts of lymphocytes that fight infections. Hence, having optimum selenium levels boosts immunity.

Reduces Asthma Symptoms

Many studies suggest that people suffering from asthma have low levels of selenium. Asthmatic people with high selenium have better lung function compared to those with low selenium. Selenium supplements also help relieve the symptoms of asthma due to their anti-inflammatory properties and reduce inflammation in the airway. 

Sources of Selenium

The recommended dietary intake of selenium is 55 microgrammes (mcg), which can be obtained through food or supplements. Selenium is naturally present in some foods, like: 

• Brazil nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Eggs
• Chicken breasts
• Yellowfin tuna
• Sardines
• Halibut
• Oysters
• Shrimp

Please note that selenium is important for good thyroid health and many other benefits, but only in smaller and recommended amounts. Its tolerable safe limit is 400 mcg. Consuming a higher dose may cause toxicity and prove to be fatal. 

Selenium Supplement for Thyroid

Selenium supplements can help improve thyroid function in patients suffering from auto-immune thyroid disorder, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which cannot be cured using thyroid replacement therapy.  However, selenium supplements should be taken as per your doctor’s advice. A selenium dose of not more than 200 mcg per day is usually recommended by doctors. 

Benefits of selenium 200 mcg include reduced levels of TSH, better heart health, and immunity, and a lower risk of chronic diseases. 

Also Read: The Role of Fluoride in Dental Health

Wrapping Up! 

The thyroid gland is important for many chemical reactions in the body. Thyroid benefits include regulating the body’s metabolism, growth, and development. Hence, when the thyroid does not function properly, it affects the entire body. This explains Amita’s symptoms and the reason behind her low energy and sudden weight gain.She finally learnt about the connection between selenium and thyroid, and that selenium not only plays an important role in maintaining thyroid function but also protects your body against, infection, critical illnesses, cognitive decline, and heart disorders. 

Therefore, it is important to monitor your health regularly and undergo regular health checkups for your overall well-being. Also, to ensure that your medical  bills are covered, invest in a health insurance policy to protect against any medical emergency. Care Health Insurance offers a wide range of comprehensive health insurance policies to cater to different types of family needs. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.