Today, I’m going to tell you why two Brazil nuts each day may help with hypothyroid conditions. Most hypothyroid conditions are really Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune condition.
14 million people are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s each year in the US alone. Hashimoto’s puts you at risk for developing other types of autoimmune disease.
Selenium is a trace mineral needed in very small amounts. It’s involved in over 25 different genes related to antioxidants. It also has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Selenium-rich foods include seafood, shellfish, organ meats, and Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts have the highest concentrations of selenium. Two Brazil nuts each day give you 200 mcg of selenium. Several randomized controlled trials found that selenium reduces the antibodies that attack the thyroid.
When thyroid-stimulating hormone increases, it does not connect with the thyroid, leading to a hypothyroid condition. Selenium can also help with this condition.
If you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, lots of hydrogen peroxide is generated. Selenium helps to neutralize hydrogen peroxide. Selenium helps control the T helper cells, which orchestrate your immune response. It also feeds the T-reg cells, which help prevent autoimmune diseases.
Your brain, immune system, and reproductive system depend heavily on selenium, so sometimes, there’s not much left for the thyroid to function correctly. This may lead to Hashimoto’s symptoms, which include feeling tired, cold, weight gain, hair loss, and brittle hair.
Try eating two to four Brazil nuts daily to support your thyroid gland's health. Don’t do more than that because it’s possible to overdo it with selenium. In addition to selenium, ensure you’re getting enough sunlight or consume high doses of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 can help regulate an overactive immune system.
Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast