Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and can result in an inflammation of the thyroid. When the thyroid becomes inflamed, the thyroid then produces less hormones and begins to interfere with the body’s normal metabolism. Hashimoto’s progresses slowly and can often go undetected. Listed below are the 3 supplements you should consider taking if you have Hashimoto’s.

Zinc Deficiency. Without the existence of zinc in the body the thyroid cannot convert the less active hormone T4 to the active hormone T3. The hypothalamus also depends upon zinc to make the hormone it uses to cue the pituitary gland to switch on the thyroid. Too little zinc may lead to a low functioning thyroid. In fact, zinc is a cofactor in over 100 reactions in the body. Chronic zinc deficiency can weaken your immune system.

Selenium Deficiency. The mineral selenium is very important for your general health, as well as for your thyroid gland and thyroid hormones to function properly in your body. A deficiency in selenium can affect the conversion process of T4 to T3. Selenium deficiency can be rare; however, it can develop under certain conditions. Some conditions include: foods that are grown on poor selenium soils, malabsorption, and severe gastrointestinal disorders. Selenium is found mainly in high-protein foods such as meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and Brazil nuts.

Vitamin D Deficiency. Growing research is beginning to show how important optimal vitamin D levels can be for our health. Many people may not even know they are vitamin D deficient. Low levels of Vitamin D may interfere with the thyroid functioning properly. If you are suffering from an autoimmune thyroid condition, you can benefit from being tested for a deficiency in vitamin D. Besides taking daily vitamin D supplements, daily exposure to the sun can be beneficial.