This article is part of a special report on Thyroid Disorders. To see the other articles in this series, click here.
A healthy thyroid is a critical component of one’s overall health, and many people are struggling with thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, specifically Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis. In this autoimmune condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, with the resulting inflammation leading to an underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common form of hypothyroidism and was the first condition ever to be classified as an autoimmune disease.
I’ve written extensively about thyroid health, focusing on a multitude of environmental factors that may affect thyroid function, including gluten, gut health, stress, excess iodine, and vitamin D deficiency. I’ve also discussed why dietary changes are always the first step in treating Hashimoto’s, and why replacement thyroid hormone is often necessary for a successful outcome.
There Is yet Another Nutritional Factor That May Play a Role in Thyroid Health: Selenium.
Selenium deficiency is not thought to be common in healthy adults, but is more likely to be found in those with digestive health issues causing poor absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn’s or celiac disease, or those with serious inflammation due to chronic infection. (1, 2) It is thought that selenium deficiency does not specifically cause illness by itself, but that it makes the body more susceptible to illnesses caused by other nutritional, biochemical or infectious stresses, due to its role in immune function. (3) Adequate selenium nutrition supports efficient thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism and protects the thyroid gland from damage from excessive iodine exposure. (4)
One study found that selenium supplementation had a significant impact on inflammatory activity in thyroid-specific autoimmune disease, and reducing inflammation may limit damage to thyroid tissue. (6) This may be due to the increase in glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase activity, as well as the decrease in toxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides which result from thyroid hormone synthesis. (7)
Another study followed patients for 9 months, and found that selenium supplementation reduced thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in the blood, even in selenium sufficient patients. (8) While these studies show promise for the use of selenium supplementation in preventing thyroid tissue damage, further research is needed to determine the long-term clinical effects of selenium treatment on inflammatory autoimmune thyroiditis.
Additionally, selenium is also essential for the conversion of T4 to T3, as deiodinase enzymes (those enzymes that remove iodine atoms from T4 during conversion) are selenium-dependent. As I’ve explained before, T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone, and low T3 can cause hypothyroid symptoms. A double-blind intervention study found that selenium supplementation in selenium deficient subjects modulated T4 levels, theoretically by improving peripheral conversion to T3. (9) In cases of severe selenium deficiency, conversion of T4 to T3 may be impaired, leading to hypothyroid symptoms. As T3 conversion is not performed by the thyroid, the dependence on selenoproteins for this conversion demonstrates how significant selenium deficiency could lead to hypothyroid symptoms.
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So the Question Is, Should You Start Supplementing with Selenium If You Have Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, or Low T3 Levels?
As the answer often is, it depends.
While it seems that selenium supplementation would be an obvious solution to poor thyroid function, long term consumption of high doses of selenium can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal upsets, hair loss, white blotchy nails, garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage. (10) Additionally, supplementing selenium in the context of low iodine status may actually aggravate hypothyroidism. Mario Renato Iwakura discusses this particular topic extensively on Paul Jaminet’s Perfect Health Diet blog.
Moreover, a large clinical trial examining the effects of selenium supplementation on prostate cancer risk in over 35,000 men found that those with normal to high selenium levels at baseline experienced a significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer after supplementing with 200 mcg/d of selenium. For more details on this study, see my article “Important Update on Selenium Supplementation“.
For now, the best option for most people may be to include selenium-rich foods in the context of a healthy Paleo diet. Great sources of selenium include: brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, scallops, chicken, eggs, shiitake mushrooms, lamb, and turkey. Brazil nuts are particularly rich in selenium; it only takes one or two per day to improve your selenium status and boost immune function. (11)
Making sure your selenium intake is optimal may give your immune system and thyroid the boost it needs to help it function better. It is especially important for those managing thyroid conditions to ensure their selenium status is adequate.
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I find it puzzling that Chris is not a fan of glandulars, when he actively promotes a paleo approach to eating? Surely, a correct paleo approach (the way our grand parents ate, essentially, and how most indigenous people still do today) includes liver, kidneys, and various organ meats. Glands are a part of an animal’s body, and adrenal glands are part of the kidney. Many cultures drink the blood, eat the heart and consume the most vital parts of an animal after the kill – including the adrenal glands. These glands contain vital peptides, RNA/DNA, fatty acids and many nutritional contingent factors that help to significantly promote health. I’ve found that most all 21st century Paleo enthusiasts mainly eat the muscle meats, and forgo any other body part of the animal, how weird is that. For example, the organs in fact contain considerably more of the fat soluble vitamins than the muscle meats, is it any wonder we are all deficient in such nutrients today?
Am I saying eat organ meats from conventionally raised animals containing growth hormones, antibiotics, etc? NO, I’m saying eat certified organic, and watch your health sky-rocket. Have bone broths and watch your hair and nails look amazing, have kidney and liver and watch your organs flourish too.
I’m a huge fan of glandulars, and have seen amazing recoveries and complete turn-arounds in patient’s lives, many who were chronically fatigued. I agree the the adaptogenic herbs (like Siberian Ginseng, etc) are great – but they are and should be used as an adjunct to help modulate the stress response and should not be used as a stand alone (or with some vitamins) to aid in the recovery of deep-seated thyroid and/or adrenal fatigue. After having treated patients for 26 years I’ve come to the conclusion that ancestral eating is certainly very good, but please keep it into context and understand that an animal is much more than just muscle meat and skin.
I agree with Eric that glandulars are very important for overall nutrition. We should respect the life that was given up for our survival and use every part of the animal. Glandulars provide important essential nutrients that often cannot be provided by just the meat or through other food sources.
For the last 100 hundred years, people in America have been raised away from the farm and, unfortunately, we have lost and forgotten a lot of nutritional knowledge.
Now, in the “enlightened” 21st century, we are trying to piece back together what our ancestors knew.
Traditional Eskimo skills included sharing the adrenal glands from a kill so that the Vit-C needs could be met on an all meat diet. Though do note that some animals (such as bear) have very high Vit-D levels in the liver. So much so that eating bear liver can be toxic.
Yes, we are forgetting (have forgotten?) much of the old knowledge, but realize that loss also included what not to eat… Many parts are toxic to eat, so be careful and look up what history remains.
Also realize that some animals can have diseases that are pretty bad. “Rabbit Fever” shows up as blisters under the skin. You can get it just skinning an infected rabbit (and it can be lethal). It is not a rare disease in wild rabbits. Similarly both wild pigs and bear meat have trichinosis risks. It isn’t simple to just ‘eat like they did in the old paleo days’ and stay healthy and alive. Farming really is a big leap forward. Even there, though, anthrax was called “wool sorters disease” when I was a kid (long ago…) as folks who sorted sheep pelts were likely to get the tell-tale black spots on the skin. It is a common infection in grazers (as skin spots, not systemic).
So eat healthy and enjoy what you like; but remember that some care is needed and a bit of time ‘hitting the books’ can save you from eating a part that isn’t so good after all…
Dr. Eric Bakker,
I am glad to read your comment. I look for organs of the organic chicken and grass-fed beef. They are good for my vitamin D and anemia. I am sure they are good for other things as well. I would like to learn more about what you know in this matter.
Shui
We – except for aboriginals – have changed in our constitution since paleolithic days. We are not the same biologically. It is fine for paleos to point out that “we” have been eating paleo-style for 70,000 years and then say that we have been eating grains/legumes etc. for “only” 9,000 years, so some version of paleo diet must good for us and we should all go for it.
Those 9,000 years have changed us. 9,000 years = 400+ generations. We (except for aboriginals) have adapted to grains, legumes, dairy and all those things the paleos avoid so studiously. As the Weston Price folks point out, it is an issue of properly grown and prepared grains, legumes, dairy, etc. This old knowledge is necessary for dealing with anti-nutrients in certain plant foods.
If some people do well on the paleo diet, I’d suggest it is because they are infusing themselves with plenty of minerals that they have been missing for so long, as well as avoiding anti-nutrients. In other words, they may have been born with weak constitutions or made that way through poisoning with vaccines, medicines, grossly unnatural treatments, and so on.
Drink the blood, eat the heart? LOL. I don’t think even the rabidest carnivores will do that. We need to stop pretending that our culture doesn’t count. It is an insult to think that 400+ generations of dietary history just magically don’t matter.
Then there’s the little matter of our 7 billion+ human population. Where are all those animals going to come from that you think we should gorge on? Even if you are talking only about the USA, can you see 300,000,000 eating paleo?
It comes down to: what do we do about the excessive human population that seemingly makes it necessary for so many to gorge on carbs in the first place?
I have had pneumonia for 2mnths now. I have shortness of breath, very Low b12, borderline ceoliac, IBS, never smoked, I have csyacosis, from pigeons, iam so tired all the time my doctor is very good, iam on strong medication for lungs & sinusitis, I have no energy, & can’t eat very much at all, as my stomach hurts sometimes, iam booked in to see a gastroligist, in August, however, I feel iam getting weaker everyday and not wanting to eat. I do drink plenty of water, which I always have. Iam though just really exhausted all the time.
Jenny, this web site may provide some insight on what you are experiencing.
http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenalexhaustion.asp?page=1
Quit eating gluten!
Not eating gluten is not the right answer for everyone. I tried it… my metabolism dropped fast and made me too tired to get out of bed in the morning.
In the Bible: Joseph stored up wheat and corn for seven years to feed the world during the following seven year famine. And Jesus broke bread to feed his followers.
The wheat and corn today has been modified and is not the same as what Joseph used in Biblical times.
Take homoeopathic Phosphorus 30c for the pneumonia and chest. Have a regular intake of Olive leaf (Olea Europea) herbal medicine. If you feel or know your suffering acidity issues then look to Phos Acid homoeopathic remedy.
Could someone please answer Yousef’s important question – just HOW do we determine our selenium levels? What is the best way to test? Blood, urine, etc.
Is there a way to test ourselves at home?
Thank you.
Hi Lucy, Selenium levels are tested through a blood test. I do not know of any home test you can do to check it. You can try asking for it when you go for your next blood work.
I have been researching selenium [Se] 15 years. Medilabs
can measure Se levels in a blood sample.It costs $35 in NZ. You need to know that the level must be between 1.6-2.0 micromol/lt. This is about 60% higher than the ‘normal range’ quoted in NZ. on lab reports. This shows everybody in NZ and a lot of other places is well below the ideal level. The benefits don’t occur until the 1.6 level is reached. iherb.com is best source of Se.
Dear David,
What form of selenium do you use? And what brand name do you recommend?
Thank you
Yousef, I have replied to your email request which came to my mail box. Tell me if you didn’t receive it. David
Dear David,
I am sorry I did not recieve your e-mail. I also checked the junk with no success. You can post it here in the comments if it is OK with you, or try sending it again.
I really appreciate your help.
It is very hard to find someone who is knowledgable in selenium and is willing to help.
Thank you very much.
Dear Yousef, iherb.com is a good source of selenium[Se] . 200 mcgs/day is a good dose. It takes about 2 months for our NZ levels to reach the optimum range which is 1.6-2.0 mcrml/lt. Nothing seems to change prior to this level being reached.Check your level at a medilab sometime. I have written a book on this.Cost NZ.$15.
Hi David
“Otago University, (N.Z.) trials have shown that two Brazil nuts per day will get you to the required level of 1.6 to 2 mcrmls/lt. blood plasma, (which any medi-lab can measure), in 2-3 months, the same as 200mcgms. of organic selenium tablets or capsules.”
If the U of O study says that the action of 2 Brazil nuts daily for 2-3 months equate to taking 200mcg of Se. as an organic supplement daily for 2-3 months, then why is it preferable to take organic selenium as a supplement rather than in the whole food form of a nut?
the best kind of selenium is a vegetable whole food base….remember (whole food)containing at least 200 mg per day……after using the selenium for the past 3 months my thyroid eyes are back to normal…i had a radio active iodine treatment over 3 months ago for hyperthyroidism…and had excellent results reversing it….now i have hypothyroidism cause my thyroid numbers were lower…so i just started taking synthroid which is suppose to be a natural hormone to balance it out …but i feel so much better than 3 months ago I’m sure it was the selenium…my doc gave me to the ok to take one pill a day………
Thanks to David Walpole for this information. I came across it when Internet searching to find out if a selenium blood test is available in NZ. I have Graves Disease (over active thyroid, not under active) and associated opthalmic issues, and have been recommended to take selenium supplementation. I started this two days ago but I have since considered the value of getting a blood test first to ensure I do in fact have a deficiency. I’ve also read that there may be as much / more value in two or three walnuts each day rather than selenium pills (if the walnuts come from a selenium rich soil, which we don’t have in New Zealand).
2 Brazil nuts NOT walnuts will get you to the required level of 1.6-2.0 mcrml/lt in about 2 months. iherb.com Se capsules 200 mcgm. are an alternative good source. Brazil nuts do have enough Se to get your level up however.
Brazil nut consumption is unreliable as you do not know how much selenium is in each nut. Some have more, some have less and very dependent upon the soil the trees are grown in.
Canterbury Health Laboratories does plasma selenium level measurement, urine selenium level measurements (used in the occupational setting to detect a sudden exposure during the work shift) and whole blood selenium measurements which are inferior to the plasma measurements but handy when other minerals are being tested for.
http://www.labnet.health.nz/testmanager/index.php?fuseaction=main.DisplayTest&testid=309
Go to http://www.spectracell.com/patients/get-tested/
The Spectracell analysis includes selenium. It is a unique, patented blood test. You can order the test and when you get the kit, you go to a lab to have your blood drawn,. However, it’s not advisable to interpret any labwork yourself unless you are a trained healthcare professional. Also (cut/pasted) “for info call: 800-227-5227. PLEASE NOTE: If you are ordering lab tests without going through a physician, you can not submit to insurance for payment or reimbursement. Specimens can not be collected and lab results can not be mailed to MD, MA, NJ, NY and RI residents.” Hope this helps.
Hello Chris,
This article is really informative..Thanks!
My husband has chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and he has been put on L-Throxin, but there’s recommedation for Selenium, ofcourse, no test was done to check that…anyway, your advice of including selenium through food is really helpful and I hope it works well for my husband..!
Deep
Can anyone answer a question for me? Whenever I take selenium for more than a week or two, I start to gain weight. Has anyone else observed this effect? Does anyone know why this happens? Others have commented about this both here and on other forums, but no one ever gives a plausible explanation why selenium leads to weight gain in some of us. Thanks for any info you can provide.
So I had a doctor tell me my thyroid was just slightly under-performing. She wanted to prescribe me Synthroid, and due to the risk of side effects (the types it is most known for are types that I have had from other medicines) I didn’t really want to try it. Since she didn’t want to consider any prescription other than Synthroid, she told me it wasn’t a bad enough case to -require- treatment, and told me to just ignore it.
Instead I decided to do some research, and have decided to add two Brazil nuts a day to my diet for the selenium to see if that helps. If it does, cool. If it doesn’t, two nuts a day can’t hurt me too much.
My question is, if my fatigue and slow metabolism *is* being caused by a slightly sluggish thyroid, and *if* that slightly sluggish thyroid is being caused by a selenium deficiency (and I realize that’s a lot of ifs) how soon could I expect to notice any improvement in energy levels if the Brazil nuts do help?
Hi Jon, If the sluggishness is from selenium deficiency, you should be starting to see a difference by now – it’s been about 4 weeks since your post.
If you are eating other foods with selenium you will only need 1 Brazil nut a day.
I always have Brazil nuts on hand as one of my selenium sources.
I am not part of Chris’ team. I am an independent health coach who works with people who want to correct thyroid dysfunction through dietary management.
If you have any other food questions related to thyroid, feel free to email me back.
Seriously annoyed right now. I have Hashis (diagnosed about 4 years ago), but fully diagnosed with hypo for 15 years. Feel awful right now, have been reading about supplementing with iodine, and now selenium. Understand if I do this, I need to start slow. Even understand there are differences in proper types of selenium depending upon persons health issue. I’ve been on Armour for a good 4 years now as well, but see that Joni posts above that Armour has iodine and selenium in it. So is this, or is it not true? Too much contradicting from people above. Would love it if you could clear out some of the bogus information, or respond to it so it doesn’t lead us astray. At this point, not sure if I should supplement or not, because there’s too much contradictory information. Also, I don’t put much store into anything the FDA recommends. I’m not a conspiracy theorist by any means. They just don’t have the best track record. Can we have more hard science like was posted at the top of this, more comments from the site owner, and more debunking of bad information? Thank you.
Rachel
Rachel, Call Forrest Pharmaceuticals, they manufacture Armour, and ask them exactly how many micrograms of selenium and iodine are in a grain of thyroid. Then multiply that times how many grains you take. Please post their answer.
I called them, Forest labs do not assay for selenium content in their formula..no answer. They give the iodine compounds as T3 and T4. Naturethroid does assay for both. That is where I got my info, as that is what I take. I found that taking the naturethroid as soon as I woke up, chewing it thoroughly with a tall glass of water, and not consuming anything that interferes with it’s absorption for a couple of hours allowed me to reduce my dosage a bit. Milk in coffee will interfere with absorption, (calcium). I read somewhere that coffee alone interferes, but I’ve not found this to be true. I mention this because you say you feel awful. Best wishes.
Thank-you Chris. I am 46 and Hypothyroid for 28 years following Radio Active iodine. Whatever dose of Thyroxin that I took, it never seem to ‘really work’ until a Kinseologist suggested I have a selenium deficiency. Within weeks of taking selenium cysteine my symptoms improved and most notably, my bowels started working absolutely correctly so to speak. If I stop or slow the 200mcg of selenium, my bowels ‘slow down’. Bowel efficiency in someone Hypothyroid can be a good pointed as to whether you are a) on correct dose of T4 or b) If that T4 you are taking is converting to T3!. My selenium is supplied by Metabolics Ltd on 01380 812 799
I was informed that selenium would be beneficial for my thyroid however I am hypo but subclininal levels. I am iodine deficient after 6 months on iodine I feel my symptoms reducing and multiple nodules shrinking but after reading this it seems selenium may decrease my iodine levels is this correct? I don’t want to counteract the iodine benefits by taking selenium.
I bought a high quality selenium (Innate) and I still get mouth and chin numbness when I use any selenium. What would cause this?
Dr. Kresser,
I recently made many lifestyle changes, and started taking thyroid protomorphogens which are supposed to REDUCE antibodies. I have been feeling great, and my thyroid swelling disappeared. I was disappointed when I found out last week that despite feeling great, my antibodies have DOUBLED? What gives? Can healing cause an antibody spike?
Thank you.
I had thyroid cancer and it was removed. Did 2 years of radiation treatments. Then I became depress and now I am on anti-depressant and 20 pds heavier. I was talking to a co-worker and she told me to take Selenium. I went out and purchase a bottle of 200 mcg. Will be ok to take with my Thyroid meds? If this meds work with people with Thyroid problems. Why doesn’t the Dr. mention this drug to the patient?? I am also taking Vitamin B-6, B-12, Zinc, vitamin D along with a Multi-Vitamin. I also have asthma so I do a inhaler 2 a day. I guess my question is. Is it ok to take Selenium 200 mcg 1 tablet daily? Thank you! Debi D.
Dear Debi, I’ve been taking Se 15 years. I take 200 mcgs/day and my level measured by a blood test yearly is at the correct level of 1.6-2.0 mcrmol/lt. I have put many people onto Se and there have been no complaints. An asthmatic tells me Se has “turned his life around”
I now take 12 drops 2% iodine [lugols type} too. This is another
trace element missing almost universally
Hi Chris,
I read Paul’s article regarding selenium and iodine.
It concludes in part 1 that our selenium levels should be optimal in order to tolerate a wide range of iodine. Any excess or deficiency should cause harm.
In part 2, it concludes the same.
Now the question is..
What level of selenium is optimal?
And how do we test it? blood? serum? plasma? urine? hair? nails? intracellular white blood cells?
What levels are considered toxic (seleniosis)?
These are really important questions that I have been looking for an answer for a very long time. I would appreciate your kind reply.
I asked him on his blog but he did not reply. So I would like to listen from you.
Thank you
As a natural health coach, I have found that in the correction phase an average of 200 mcg/day of selenium works the best. I use only foods and diet to correct low thyroid function. This has been found whether it is just low TSH, Hashimoto’s or hypothyroid. In the maintenance phase, an average of 75 mcg/day is the range to be in. There are plenty of food sources of selenium that have balanced nutrients for bioavailability. When taking a supplement, you have the added challenge of making sure you are getting the other nutrients the body needs to utilize the selenium. Also, selenium doesn’t work alone, there are other thyroid nutrients needed to create the correct synergy of thyroid function.
I have had hypothyroidism for 7 years now thanks to a doc who gave me thyroid meds and metaformin when I had a normal functioning thyroid and I was not diabetic. My hair started falling out and I just felt very ill so I stopped taking both. A couple of months later I began having severe anxiety attacks, heart racing, shaking etc.. He literally burned up my thyroid.
I have never felt right since then and I’m always trying to figure out where the imbalance is coming from. My family doc says if I’m taking the levo the symptoms shouldn’t be noticeable… I’ve went to him several times in attempt to help me with anxiety. He prescribed xanax.. 0.5 mg. After taking xanax for 3 years it seems my body is becoming immune to it also so it isn’t helping like it use to.
Long story short, I did research and asked my doc to request all the thyroid tests instead of the usual T4 t3 … Everything came back in normal range except my selinium. It’s HIGH.
when the nurse called with the results she said my doc has no idea what that means so he’s referring me to an endocrinologist, which I already found one and already planned on having my results faxed to them.
My questions, how is my selenium so high? I eat low carb, I walk 3 miles a day 5 times a week.. And I read is toxic to have high levels?? Now my anxiety is through the roof because my appointment with the endocrinologist isn’t until March 20 and I can’t find the culprit. 🙁
Something even more disappointing?? I even asked the endocrinologist nurse what high levels of selinium means and she couldn’t tell me! Is there ANYONE who can help me please?
I just want my life back. Thank you for any info.
Wonderful website. I’ve been losing my mind trying to research what is happening to me. The most I can get from my doctor is that I am vitamin D deficient and slightly hypothyroid. I underwent gastric bypass surgery 10 years ago and since then have suffered from episodes of reactive hypoglacemia. I am self diagnosing myself based on this as Hashimoto’s. Not one MD that I’ve seen so far has been of any help, but I will look for a ND as my last resort. I tried supplimenting with iodine, starting with 6.5 mg and slowly reaching 50 mg’s and the results were not good. I was always tired and felt like i was constantly coming down with something. The weirdest part was the crazy, uncomfortable itching sensation in my throat. I was also supplimenting with selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C. I am currently on just the last three and feeling fine. I’m hesitant to go back on the iodine, but I may give it a second chance.
Liz, the reactive hypoglycemia is most likely something else. Hashimoto’s is diagnosed by thyroid antibodies. An endocrinologist will do the correct blood work and give you an accurate diagnosis. If you slightly hypothyroid, with a TSH over 3.8, this can be corrected by the foods you eat. Most doctors will recommend thyroid supplement to treat hypothyroidism.
Hypo.,.hashimotos. , Vit D Def., High calcium., Liver off.
What ive been told is good for Hypo.. Is bad for Hashimotos.. And if high calicum, more than likely Parathyroid..
So take iodine for Hypo. But if you take idoine with Hashimotos. Its adding fuel to fire.
vit D def with with Hypo, you take Vit D supplements..but if you have High Calcium in blood and possible Parathyroid…taking Vit D supplements. Is Extremely. Dangerous.
Im told im complex, ive had bad reactions to Armour. And Synthroid..
Ive been used as a pin cushion for 9 months, being stuck a few times a month. Just being monitored. 5 doctors in 9 months. Endo doc have never mentioned a diet of gluten free.
No one does anything. My joints are enlarged , i hurt , my fingers crack, my toes are turning, My Goiter is growing.
I will write a book… DOCTOR DO LITTLE, lack of knowlegde too many college partys ..
Hi Chris,
can I ask your opinion please?
I’ve just been diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease, (thyroid anti-bodies positive back in April but Doctors would do nothing) now being referred to an Endocrinologist but in the meantime the eye clinic have prescribed me 2 x 200mc selenium a day, does that seem a high dose to you?
regards,
Linda
I have been playing with my selenium supplementation with Now Brand at 200 mcg. When I am gluten free and supplementing I have noticed that when I take it at night along with my T3/T4 sublingual I wake up hot a lot and perhaps that is why my hair seems to fall out more. However, when I checked my labs, I do have a suppressed TSH, my FT3 was so high it was out of range for the first time ever but my FT4 was so low it was out of range? The only thing I can figure is that I was over converting and had too lost all of my T4 to conversion? No one seems to understand it but when I back off and take selenium a few days a week, I can tell as I am not “hot” at night and my weight will change in a day or two…. Not sure what works best for me with selenium yet.
Kris, I’ve been having trouble regulating the amount of selenium I take, too. Do you notice weight gain or weight loss? When I take too much, I get palpitations, my heart seems to race and I get hot, but I also gain weight. I’m really confused by this. I feel like it makes me hyper but then why the weight gain? If FT3 is the most important for metabolism, why do I feel worse with a higher FT3? Just wondering if your situation is the same or if you have any insights. Thanks!
I supplemented with selenium 200mcg when first diagnosed and also became a paleo eater, after 4months the TPO antibodies had halved and then after 8 I no long needed selenium as my gut was restored and began absorbing efficiently from food. My selenium was very high on last test and causing hair loss and brittle nails and a few other things that seemed o have subsided. Any supplementation should be monitored.
Where is the best place online to get selenium levels checked?
I just has my selenium level checked as part of a work up testing thyroid levels and my selenium was high at 213 with the normal range stated as 120-200. I see a lot of reference in the comments to having too much selenium but not what the symptoms of it are. Can anyone elaborate? I do not supplement selenium. I figure this must be due to the amount of eggs I consume.
Hi Tara, where did you get your test done? An online service?