Dr. Westin Childs Podcast: Thyroid | Weight Loss | Hormones

Today is episode #20 and it's all about supplementing with Selenium and how it may boost your thyroid. Selenium is a nutrient which is involved in several key proteins in your body. As it relates to your thyroid, selenium helps your body produce thyroid hormone and protect it from cell damage. Many people with hypothyroidism may have sub-optimal selenium levels which may impact how they feel and contribute to hypothyroid symptoms. Deficiency is common due to nutrient depletion and also from behaviors which can increase metabolism which cause your body to burn through your stores more quickly. Symptoms of deficiency include: - Thyroid dysfunction - Hair loss - Weakened immune system - Muscle pain - Fatigue - Slow metabolism - Other nutrient deficiencies As humans we need at least 50-70mcg of selenium each day but if you have thyroid disease you may benefit from using 50mcg to 200mcg per day in supplement form. Look for supplements which contain selenomethionine and do not exceed doses of 400mcg per