The thyroid gland depends on several factors in order to work properly. Among these factors is the presence of certain micronutrients (including iodine and selenium), which are required for the manufacture of thyroid hormone. Although most people know iodine plays a crucial role in thyroid health, the trace element selenium is often overlooked, despite its importance. Although it has an influence on immunological responses and cell growth, selenium is mostly used by the body in the production and function of thyroid hormones. A slight deficiency can be enough to slow the production of thyroid hormones. Your immune system also depends on selenium in order to work properly. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation is an effective way to improve the immune system and help the body fight off infections. Patients with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis may have low selenium levels. Low selenium concentrations can also trigger autoimmune reactions in the thyroid gland, thus playing a significant role in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Selenium also works as an antioxidant in your body, protecting cells against damaging chemicals known as free radicals. These free radicals are capable of damaging cell membranes and DNA and are believed to contribute to heart disease, cancer, and age-related conditions. Thyroid imbalance contributes to these conditions by promoting the accumulation of damaging free radicals in your system and depleting the antioxidants that neutralize them. In addition to the protection of healthy cells, selenium may also help in the process of eliminating tumor cells. Together, these factors explain the impact of decreased selenium levels on the development of cancer, including thyroid cancer. Although you can’t control every factor contributing to thyroid disease, you can take steps to keep your thyroid gland as healthy as possible. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, taking birth control pills, etc...; all of these decrease your selenium levels. For these reasons, supplementing your diet with 100-150 mcg of selenium daily is highly recommended.
Thyrolife Optima; a complete, comprehensive, and well-balanced thyroid supplement will provide the right daily amount of selenium that your thyroid and body need to function properly. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/selenium
Hoffmann PR, Berry MJ. The influence of selenium on immune responses.
Molecular nutrition & food research. 2008;52(11):1273-1280. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700330. Roderick C. McKenzie, John R. Arthur, and Geoffrey J. Beckett. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. April 2002, 4(2): 339-351. doi:10.1089/152308602753666398
