The thyroid gland produces hormones that control a number of biochemical processes in the body. It is known that people with Hashimoto's or other diseases are found to have deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals. The most commonly mentioned are iodine, selenium and zinc.
Less is said about the importance of certain amino acids. And they are crucial for the synthesis of sufficient hormones in the gland. Also for these hormones to perform their tasks in the body as they should. Amino acids are also important for protecting the gland from damage.
What processes does the thyroid gland control in the body?
Most people who have ever had any problems or illnesses related to the thyroid gland are already aware of how important it is. Let's first recall which vital processes in the body it controls:
- heart rate
- body temperature control
- metabolism and calorie burning
- skin and hair condition
- growth and fertility
- digestion
- mental health
These biochemical processes are disrupted if the thyroid gland begins to secrete too much or too little hormones.
With an overactive gland (hyperfunction) the symptoms often include:
- weight loss
- high blood pressure
- profuse sweating
- insomnia
Insufficient function (hypofunction) is characterized by:
- weight gain
- apathy
- depressive mood
- hair loss
- sleep problems
Thyroid dysfunction can be easily detected with a simple blood test and ultrasound. However, it is not so easy to make an accurate diagnosis, especially in some intermediate conditions.
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T4 and T3 – what do the two hormones mean?
The main hormone produced by the thyroid gland is T4 (thyroxine). On its own, it is inactive and must be converted to the active form T3 (triiodothyronine) in order to exert its effect on metabolism.
This conversion occurs mainly in the liver and for its normal course it is necessary for the body to have a sufficient amount of iodine. However, many other nutrients are also important – amino acids are among them. Even if you take them with food, you may not absorb them well enough. Absorption occurs in the intestines, and many people with a disease of the gland also have problems with the gastrointestinal tract – leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
Sometimes this means that you need to take in much more of the nutrients important to the thyroid, including amino acids, to get the necessary amounts.
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Why is taking hormones alone not enough to restore thyroid health?
When thyroid hormone deficiency is diagnosed, doctors often prescribe hormone replacement therapy. But many patients continue to struggle with symptoms such as fatigue, susceptibility to infections, and difficulty concentrating. Hormone levels may be normal and a person may still feel unwell and get sick frequently.
It is now clear that in addition to medication, nutrition also matters, although there is no specific diet for hypothyroidism.
The reception of amino acids, along with other important thyroid substances (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals), is an essential factor in the remission of Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism. This means that you can stop the progression of the disease and overcome fatigue and other symptoms.
Unfortunately, most endocrinologists are not familiar with dietary approaches. Selenium (which is not an amino acid) is usually the only recommended supplement.
If we return to amino acids, we will add that they participate in:
- hormone production;
- protecting cells from oxidative stress;
- the normal function of metabolic processes.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins
The human body needs 20 different types to function properly. Among them are essential (non-essential), conditionally essential, and non-essential amino acids. But when it comes to thyroid health, some of them are especially important.
There are essential, conditionally essential and non-essential amino acids. Nine of them are very important for health – histidine; isoleucine; leucine; lysine; methionine; phenylalanine; threonine; tryptophan; valine.
The body cannot produce essential amino acids, they must be obtained from food. Animal proteins such as meat, eggs or dairy products are often recommended as the best source. Soy products contain all the essential amino acids.
Why is the amino acid tyrosine so important for glandular health? It is the main component of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. It is used together with iodine to produce these hormones.
Phenylalanine is converted by the body into the amino acid tyrosine and thus indirectly promotes thyroid health.
Methionine is involved in the production of cysteine and glutathione, which help reduce oxidative stress that damages the gland.
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in the production of nitric oxide (NO). Its action improves blood circulation and promotes the delivery of important nutrients to the thyroid gland.
Glutamine is important for a strong immune system, which in turn is necessary for normal thyroid function.
Selenocysteine is an amino acid form of selenium, required for the conversion of T4 to T3. Adequate selenium is critical for the regulation of hormonal activity.
Foods that contain amino acids important for the gland
The diet should contain enough protein-rich foods. Here are sources of amino acids important for the thyroid gland.
Tyrosine: poultry, fish, dairy products (yogurt, cheese), nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), soy products.
Phenylalanine: meat (beef, pork), fish, eggs, legumes (soybeans, lentils), nuts (walnuts, peanuts).
Methionine: eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, parmesan.
Arginine: poultry, meat, nuts and seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds), legumes (chickpeas, lentils), dairy products.
Glutamine: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes (beans, lentils).
Selenocysteine: Brazil nuts, fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, whole grains (whole grain bread, oatmeal).
You can provide your body with essential amino acids by using appropriate nutritional supplements, but it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Editor Ina Dimitrova
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