š¤šSelenium Lowers Antibodies!š„©š³
Selenium is one of the most powerful minerals for Hashimotoās, yet most women are deficient. Hereās why selenium is essential: ⨠It converts T4 ā T3 ⨠It protects thyroid cells from oxidative stress ⨠It lowers thyroid antibodies (TPO + TG) ⨠It reduces inflammation ⨠It helps regulate the immune system When youāre deficient, you may experience: š£ Higher antibodies š„ More inflammation š„± Fatigue šµ Anxiety and mood swings š§ Brain fog š„ Increased oxidative stress Inside your thyroid, selenium acts like a shield, protecting it from free radical damage caused by chronic inflammation. šæ Best ways to get selenium: ⢠Brazil nuts (1ā2 per day) ⢠Pasture-raised eggs ⢠Beef + lamb ⢠Sardines ⢠Tuna ⢠Chicken ⢠Supplements (only if needed, too much can be harmful) 𩸠Selenium Labs, What to Aim For If you test selenium in blood (serum or plasma) : š optimal range ~70ā110 µg/L ⢠Below ~70 µg/Lā Often considered suboptimal for thyroid enzyme activity and antioxidant protection ⢠~80ā100 µg/Lā Very commonly targeted in Hashimotoās protocols ⢠Above ~110ā120 µg/Lā Usually unnecessary š½ļø Daily Selenium Intake š¹Minimum intake (to avoid deficiency) š 55 µg/day (This is the official RDA, prevents deficiency, but is often not enough for Hashimotoāsā¼ļø) š¹Optimal intake š ~80ā150 µg/day This range is perfect for: ⢠Support T4 ā T3 conversion ⢠Help lower thyroid antibodies ⢠Support immune and antioxidant systems š¹Upper safe limit š 400 µg/day (long-term) Selenium has a narrow therapeutic window, so balance matters. š„š„© Best Food Sources of Selenium Animal foods are the most reliable sources, because plant selenium depends heavily on soil quality. š„š„© Approximate selenium amounts (per portion) ⢠1 large egg ā ~15 µg ⢠100 g beef steak ā ~40ā45 µg ⢠100 g tuna ā ~90ā100 µg ⢠100 g salmon ā ~40ā45 µg ⢠100 g shrimp ā ~45ā50 µg ⢠100 g chicken or turkey ā ~25ā30 µg ⢠1 Brazil nut ā ~50ā90 µg (varies a lot depending on soil) š” 100 g = 1 hecto ā ļø Brazil nuts are very potent, 1 nut is usually enough.