The relationship between zinc and thyroid hormone production

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The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones play an essential role in the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment by regulating metabolism, energy, and temperature. Various nutrients, like zinc, play an essential role in the proper metabolism and action of these thyroid hormones.

Zinc is sometimes referred to as “the catalyst” when it comes to thyroid hormone production. It plays a role in both the formation and metabolism of these hormones.

Zinc helps produce thyroid hormones

People who have hypothyroidism produce too much TSH. Consequently, people with hypothyroidism are at an increased risk of depleting zinc in the body. Thus, it is essential to stabilize your TSH to keep zinc levels steady in your body. If you have an underactive thyroid, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication to decrease your TSH.  

Zinc helps restore immune function

Zinc plays a crucial role in optimizing the immune system. It helps to mediate innate immunity, which is the first line of immune defense intended to prevent infection and attack invading pathogens. (Note: the  innate immune response is different from the adaptive immune response, which targets against a previously recognized toxin.) Additionally, zinc can function as an antioxidant, which may help prevent harm caused by free radicals released during the inflammatory response. 

When zinc levels are in balance, your body may better protect itself against autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, illness, and allergies. Because zinc performs such an influential role in the immune system, many common cold flu remedies contain zinc to help fight off infection.

Zinc helps heal the gut

One of the more plausible theories behind autoimmune thyroiditis and autoimmune diseases is intestinal permeability—also known as leaky gut. Leaky gut is where the cellular junctions between intestinal cells are not tight enough to prevent pathogens and toxins from entering your bloodstream. 

When harmful substances escape the digestive tract and circulate throughout the body, they can lead to chronic inflammation over time. Inflammation affects not only the tight junctions in your intestines, but it can wreak havoc on other organs as well, including the thyroid. 

Taking zinc supplements, and ensuring you get enough zinc in your diet, can help support immune system and help tighten the intestinal junctions.

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How to increase your zinc intake

Aside from taking a zinc-containing supplement, you can boost your zinc intake through your diet. Meat is an excellent source of zinc, which is why people who eat meat-free diets are more likely to have zinc deficiencies. Eating red meat and shellfish can naturally boost your zinc levels.

Aside from meat products, zinc is also in:

• Legumes
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Whole grains

Some foods can block zinc absorption. For example, although legumes are high in zinc, they also contain phytates, which block zinc absorption. However, soaking and heating legumes can increase zinc bioavailability, which is beneficial for people who do not get their zinc intake from meat. 

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