When you take a close look at the health problems that have started to skyrocket in this country, an underproducing thyroid gland shows up as a common denominator in a surprising number of them.

Based on the research I've seen and conducted myself over the past decade, there are three primary reasons for the growing number of people with an unbalanced thyroid: iodine deficiency, selenium deficiency, and estrogen-like compound pollution.

If your thyroid gland function needs support, I recommend the following methods for improving your thyroid health.

Vitamins and minerals

Iodine

The most effective way to maintain thyroid gland function is to supply it with the proper iodine levels necessary for an increase in hormone production.

The mineral iodine is essential for the thyroid gland's production of the hormone thyroxin. The thyroid uses this hormone to regulate numerous functions, most importantly metabolism.

Note: Under no circumstances should you ingest antiseptic or topical iodine. Iodine food supplements are widely available. Start with four drops (dissolved in a large glass of water) for the first two weeks, and then reduce the dosage to two drops a day.

Zinc

A common mineral that improves thyroid health in middle-aged and elderly men and women is zinc.

Adequate levels of zinc are required for proper thyroid hormone metabolism.

As we age, thyroid problems and zinc deficiencies both become more common.

Recommended dosages in this case generally range from 30 - 50 mg of zinc (elemental) per day. Keep in mind that it may take months for oral zinc supplementation to affect a chronic thyroid problem.

Multinutreints

Finally, a good multinutrient will include proper levels of important trace materials, such as selenium (200 mcg daily) and zinc (20 mg daily).

Diet

Selenium-rich Foods

Because selenium deficiency is a major factor in low thyroid function, you should regularly include selenium-rich foods in your diet. The thyroid produces several hormones, and must produce them in a somewhat balanced ratio. Without selenium, this balancing process is hindered.

Good sources of selenium in your diet, include: wheat germ, tuna, herring and other seafood and shellfish, beef liver and kidney, eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, mushrooms, garlic, onions, and kelp.

Soy

Soy products like tofu and soymilk can help mildly stimulate thyroid function. Certain other foods have a tendency to lower thyroid function and need to be avoided by those with underactive thyroids: turnips, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, brussels sprouts, bok choy, cress, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi.

Environment

Reduce your exposure to estrogen-like compounds. These compounds make their way into the body through respiration, ingestion of contaminated food, and skin contact. Once in the body, they block thyroid hormone production and contribute to low thyroid function.

I recommend that you use organic cleansers, pesticides and other household products. And make the switch once and for all to distilled water.