Raise Your “Master
Hormone” With Zinc
Did You Know….that supplementing with zinc can boost thyroid levels so that you no longer
suffer from weight problems, sexual dysfunction and low-to-no energy?
Fifty-nine million Americans suffer from some form of
thyroid dysfunction. Symptoms include
unexplained weight gain, an increased risk of obesity, depression, anxiety,
hair loss, lagging libido, infertility and decreased energy.
It is imperative that abnormal levels of thyroid hormones be
stabilized so that thyroid-related health conditions do not become chronic,
incurable problems. Supplementing with
zinc is a safe and natural way to boost thyroid levels and help your form of
thyroid dysfunction.
The Master Hormone
Dr. Oz refers to the thyroid as the “Master Hormone” because
it controls virtually everything in the body. This 2-inch, butterfly-shaped
hormone is located in the front of your neck beneath your voice box.
Small, but mighty, the thyroid regulates metabolism, calcium
balance and the reproductive system…and promotes the use of oxygen and the
production of protein.
A properly functioning thyroid owes it all to zinc. It
starts with the hypothalamus—the part of the brain that produces hormones that
control weight and body temperature among many other bodily processes.
The hypothalamus releases what’s called the TRH hypothalamus
hormone (a hormone that requires zinc). The TRH hormone stimulates the
pituitary gland to secrete the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH. Once the
thyroid gets the go ahead from TSH, it releases the hormones T3 and T4, which
control a multitude of bodily functions.
Without zinc to trigger the release of TRH, the thyroid
remains sluggish, resulting in an under-active thyroid and a condition known
has hypothyroidism. When zinc levels
are too high, the thyroid becomes over-active, resulting in hyperthyroidism. The key is to keep
those zinc levels in check.
Zinc: An Essential
Trace Mineral
After iron, zinc is
the most crucial trace mineral in the body. It strengthens the immune system,
accelerates wound healing, prevents blood clotting, and regulates reproduction,
growth and sense of smell.
Unfortunately, as we age, zinc deficiency and subsequent
thyroid dysfunction conditions tend to flare up. Watch out for the following
signs that your zinc levels are low:
Slow wound healing
Reduced appetite
Unexplained weight loss
White spots on nails
Supplementing
Safely with Zinc
****Supplementing
with zinc does come with a word of caution:
Studies have indicated that increased zinc levels lead to a drop in
serum ferritin concentrations—an indicator of low iron levels. It’s important to monitor your iron intake while supplementing with zinc.
Too much zinc has also been linked to copper deficiency—a condition that leads to health issues such as
too much T4 hormone in the blood stream, which then activates an
over-stimulated thyroid.
Always consult a healthcare practitioner before adding zinc
to your supplement regimen.
The recommended dose
is typically 30-50 mg of zinc per day. Keep in mind that supplementing with
zinc is not a quick fix, especially if you currently have a compromised immune
system. If after a few months symptoms aren’t improving, consult your doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment