What Role Do Iodine, Selenium, and Zinc Play in Thyroid Health?

Your thyroid regulates everything, from metabolism and mood to energy levels and heart rate. Three key nutrients—iodine, selenium, and zinc—are essential for keeping this tiny gland in top shape. If you’ve been feeling tired, moody, or struggling with weight changes, your thyroid might be waving a red flag, indicating a deficiency of these nutrients. Let’s understand their roles. Iodine Iodine is a crucial building block for the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Without enough iodine, your thyroid can’t produce these hormones, which can lead to hypothyroidism—think fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. Selenium Selenium supports the conversion of T4 into the more active T3. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the thyroid from oxidative stress, kind of like internal rust prevention. Even mild selenium deficiency can throw your thyroid out of balance and has been linked to autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s. Zinc Z...