Best For Muscle Cramps
You may not know it, but muscle cramps are primarily an effect of the body not having enough Magnesium. It usually lasts for only a minute or two but increases in frequency as you age. Aside from waiting out the spasm, you can turn to Medi Cramp as a way to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Medi Cramp is billed as a natural anti-cramp solution with several functional components thrown in. The manufacturer believes that solving cramps is mainly a matter of plugging an individuals nutritional deficiency, primarily magnesium and B vitamins. To this end, MediCramp has 300 mg of elemental Magnesium combined with vitamins B1, B6, B12, B2, zinc sulfate and Bioperine. The cocktail is clinical-trial backed, researched, and not found in any other magnesium supplement.
The high-quality magnesium sulfate in this regard is magnesium citrate. While its advertised to fight muscle cramps, the supplement also addresses other health concerns such as insomnia, excessive stress, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and more.
What we like about Medicramp is how it works quickly and has that complementary mix of B vitamins to supplement your overall well-being. Bonuses include free USPS shipping and how its made in a US facility.
Favorable Influence On Lipid Metabolism
Thyroid problems can cause a chain of reactions that induce many other health concerns and complications.
For instance, hypothyroidism is also associated with higher cholesterol levels and higher diabetes risks. Cholesterol management is important because it protects us from heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases and events.
Magnesium can contribute to successful management of high cholesterol and thereby protect your health.
Baydas et al. carried out a study to investigate the effects of oral zinc and magnesium supplementation on serum thyroid hormone and lipid levels in diabetic rats.
For the purpose of the study, some rats received zinc and magnesium while others were in the control group and did not.
Scientists found that serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were higher, and serum T3 and T4 levels were lower in diabetic rats than in their counterparts from the control group. That being said, zinc supplementation had no effect on any of these parameters.
On the flip side, magnesium supplementation lowered the elevated total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of diabetic rats to control level. Scientists concluded that supplementation with magnesium could successfully decrease diabetes-induced disturbances of lipid metabolism.
Manage Your Magnesium Levels Through Diet And Supplements
Your diet is the primary way to boost your magnesium intake. If you wish to boost your magnesium intake through diet, try increasing your intake of the following foods:
- Leafy green vegetables
Recommended daily intake of magnesium
The average daily intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements is 400 mg for adult men and 310 mg for women ages 19 to 30. People over the age of 31 are recommended 420 mg daily for men and 320 mg for women.
Risks of Magnesium Supplementation
Typically the kidneys eliminated any excess magnesium in the urine. Hence, there is no real risk of getting too much magnesium from food. However, high doses of magnesium from supplements or medications may cause uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, accompanied by nausea or abdominal cramping.
Laxatives and antacids that contain magnesium may cause magnesium toxicity when taken in substantial doses . Symptoms of magnesium toxicity may include nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, urine retention, depression, and lethargy before progressing to worse symptoms.
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What Is Hashimotos Disease
Hashimotos disease also called Hashimotos thyroiditis, is when the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. As a result, the condition can damage your thyroid gland and interfere with its ability to produce hormones, causing a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism and affect virtually every organ and cell in your body. Hypothyroidism slows your metabolism and many of the bodys functions, potentially leading to severe health conditions, including heart disease, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Vitamin D3 With Or Without Vitamin K2
Vitamin D is something that we should all be concerned about but especially those with Hashimotos thyroiditis.
Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common in the world with as many as 1 billion people worldwide suffering from this very problem.
Research suggests that thyroid patients are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency for two big reasons:
The first is that the low thyroid state impairs intestinal absorption of vitamin D.
The second is that the low thyroid state impairs the activation of vitamin D that does make it into your body.
These two reasons explain why the deficiency is so common among patients with Hashimotos but they dont explain why its such a big deal.
The reason you should concern yourself with your vitamin D level has to do with how this deficiency impacts thyroid function, your risk for developing cancer, and its impact on your immune system.
For instance, vitamin D is necessary for immune system regulation.
And you will recall from our previous discussion that Hashimotos is primarily a disease of the immune system.
We know that people who are vitamin D deficient are at increased risk for developing autoimmune diseases such as Hashimotos thyroiditis.
Whether or not vitamin D deficiency is an actual trigger of Hashimotos or simply a risk factor is not well understood.
But in either event, we know its a good idea to optimize your vitamin D because some studies show that it can improve your thyroid hormone levels including your TSH !
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Specimen And Data Acquisition
Demographic data, smoking history , and income and education levels were collected via questionnaires. The heights and weights of all participants were measured by a single investigator using a standardized measurement method, and the BMI was then calculated. Fasting venous blood was collected from all participants in the morning, and blood was allowed to coagulate. Serum was separated within 6h and stored in a â80°C freezer the levels of TSH, TPOAb, TGAb, serum iodine, and serum magnesium were detected uniformly. Free thyroxine was also detected for participants with TSH elevation FT4 and free triiodothyronine were also detected in participants with decreased TSH levels. Fasting morning urine was collected from all participants and stored at â80°C for urinary iodine tests.
An Update On Magnesium And Thyroid Health
All of the minerals in the body are important for optimal health, but if I were to prioritize the importance of each mineral, magnesium might be on top of the list. This mineral is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, and while many people with both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions are deficient in magnesium, many other conditions are also associated with a magnesium deficiency. In this article Im going to talk about the importance of magnesium with regards to thyroid health, as well as other conditions that are commonly associated with a magnesium deficiency. Ill also discuss some of the different forms of magnesium, including magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and a few other forms.
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, magnesium plays a role in hundreds of enzymatic reactions. Although this may sound impressive, I still dont think most people realize how critically important this mineral is. Here is a list of some of the more important roles of magnesium :
- Adenosine triphosphate metabolism
- Nerve transmission
- Neuromuscular conduction
How Does Magnesium Relate To Thyroid Health?
What Other Conditions Are Commonly Associated With A Magnesium Deficiency?
Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency
Food Sources of Magnesium
Different Types of Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium glycinate. This is a chelated form of magnesium that has a high level of absorption and bioavailability.
Checking Magnesium Status
What Causes Excessive Magnesium Levels?
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What Other Vitamins And Supplements Can Help With Hashimotos Disease
Research shows that several nutrients are needed for your thyroid to function optimally. Some of the most vital ones for thyroid health may also benefit people with Hashimotos disease.
These include the following:
Selenium
Selenium supplementation is associated with a significant decrease in antithyroid antibodies and often improves mood and general well-being in people with Hashimotos disease.
Evidence suggests that selenium supplementation³ in patients with Hashimotos thyroiditis and known selenium deficiency may be helpful.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a role in your metabolism and immune system and is vital for thyroid function. Zinc helps regulate the production and metabolism of your thyroid hormones.
Iron
People with Hashimotos disease have an increased risk of developing anemia. Iron supplements can often improve symptoms and may be necessary to correct iron deficiencies.
Curcumin
Curcumin, a turmeric extract, is a strong anti-oxidative with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, curcumin may play a crucial role in preventing and treating Hashimotos disease and can help protect the thyroid gland.
Magnesium
Low magnesium levels are linked to an increased risk of Hashimotos disease and thyroid antibodies. Magnesium supplementation may benefit people with severely low blood magnesium and improve symptoms in people with thyroid disease.
First Signs Of A Magnesium Deficiency
Before people even know they have a magnesium deficiency, they may start to notice other things that their body is doing that is out of the ordinary. Some of these signs include vomiting, no appetite, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Furthermore, worsening conditions can include bowel disease and renal issues.
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Ingredients & Potential Interactions
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Some thyroid supporting nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine are combined with other vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Unless you have a known deficiency or additional need for other nutrients found in a supplement, its best to choose a supplement that contains just the nutrient you are looking for to avoid potential interactions with medications or over-consuming nutrients.
Some iron supplements also contain vitamin C, as vitamin C aids the absorption of iron. For most people, this is considered safe as long as youre not exceeding the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C, which is 2,000 mg for adults.
How Do Thyroid Support Supplements Work
Thyroid supplements work by providing the vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that your body needs to support optimal thyroid function. Since thyroid conditions are so common, there’s a lot of research to support many of these nutrients. Still, it can be overwhelming to sort through what actually works versus what doesn’t.
I’ve simplified it for you by sharing the best thyroid support supplements that I recommend to my patients. As I’ll describe in more detail below, certain nutrients are more commonly low for people with hypothyroidism. Sometimes, you can have a lower nutrient status which contributes to the problem. Or you can also need more nutrients because your thyroid needs a little extra love.
Supplements can also support other areas of health that play a role in thyroid function that may not seem an obvious connection. Gut health is a big example. If you have gut inflammation or an imbalance of gut bacteria, it increases your risk of intestinal permeability .
Leaky gut is closely linked to autoimmunity and plays a big role in Hashimoto’s. So addressing any gut imbalances with nutrients and probiotics can support your thyroid function.
I created the Thyroid Support supplement with essential thyroid nutrients like iodine, vitamin A, and seleniumplus other supportive nutrients like zinc, copper, and l-tyrosine to provide comprehensive thyroid support.
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Your Thyroid And Cortisol Balance Affect Sleep
In addition, your thyroid hormones and cortisol could be affecting your sleep. Your thyroid and adrenal glands are a dynamic duo. When one is out of balance, the other can be, as well. Your adrenals produce the stress hormone cortisol. Usually, your body produces cortisol in the morning and it gradually tapers throughout the day. However, an imbalance in adrenals could mean cortisol is telling your body to rise and shine, even if its only 2 a.m.
One in four women report insomnia-related symptoms. Women, especially those with type A personalities, are more common than men to deal with insomnia and stress. If you find yourself rehearsing stressful conversations of the day or your a seemingly never-ending to-do list as soon as your head hits the pillow, youre activating your HPA axis. This means more night-waking and lesser amounts of restorative sleep.
Zhou Nutrition Thyroid Support
Zhou Nutrition supplements maintain healthy thyroid functioning for optimal metabolism and energy levels.
As a natural alternative to thyroid medications, these support supplements are full of B vitamins with 100mcg of vitamin B12 to help with energy, mood, and focus.
Every serving also has 300mg of L-tyrosine, 200mcg of copper, and 150mcg of iodine to support ideal thyroid hormone levels.
These vegetarian capsules also contain natural ashwagandha root, bladderwrack, cayenne pepper, Schisandra, and magnesium to help you wake up feeling rested with sustained energy throughout the whole day.
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Who Shouldnt Take Selenium
Most people dont need to supplement with selenium because the nutrient is present in many foods, including nuts, fish, meat, and eggs.
Generally healthy people who consume a well-rounded diet should not supplement with high doses of selenium, as this can lead to excessive selenium intake, which can harm health.
If youre interested in learning more about selenium and whether a selenium supplement may be appropriate for your health needs, get advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as a doctor or registered dietitian.
Best Magnesium And Calcium Combo
You may be interested in adding Magnesium to your diet, but you wont give up on calcium. What should you do? Thankfully, NOW Supplements has the answer- a single product that combines Magnesium and Calcium in one neat package.
The Magnesium in question is Magnesium Oxide and Citrate at 500 mg, or 119% of your DV, and 1,000 mg of calcium in the form of Calcium Carbonate and Citrate, which is 77% of your DV. Plus, the manufacturer has added 10 mg of zinc and 15 mcg of Vitamin D3 to cover 91% and 75% of your recommended DV, respectively.
With a low price tag, you can get essential calcium alongside Magnesium. We like how each bottle is free of ingredients that can prove to be harmful, such as shellfish, egg, milk, gluten, and wheat. NOW is a trusted brand so you know youre getting your moneys worth.
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Does Magnesium Supplements Interfere With Thyroid Medication
Magnesium can affect the absorption of thyroid medications, so its best to space out magnesium from your thyroid medications.
In other words, if you take your thyroid medication when you wake up each morning, then I recommend taking magnesium at bedtime.
If you are taking a larger dose of magnesium, and do not want to take all of it at one time, I suggest taking one half of your dose in the afternoon and the rest at bedtime.
If you have concerns about how magnesium supplements will interact with your medications, you should consult with your practitioner.
What Vitamin Is Not Good For Thyroid
While it’s not technically a vitamin, high-dose iodine is not great for thyroid health and can actually be harmful. Iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid function, but you want to make sure you’re getting it from food or a supplement in the right dosage. Too much iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction and even autoimmune disease.
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Thyroid Supplements We Do Not Currently Recommend
Combination thyroid supplements: There are many supplements marketed to support thyroid health that combine a variety of vitamins and minerals and sometimes herbs and other ingredients. There is no research to support combining multiple nutrients, and, in many cases, more is not better. Because some thyroid-supporting nutrients like selenium and iodine have narrow optimal ranges , its best to understand which nutrients you need and can benefit from and choose supplements that meet your specific needs.
Vitamin B12: Research on the relationship between vitamin B12 and thyroid health is conflicting. Some studies suggest that people with hypothyroid are more likely to be deficient in B12 whereas others suggest no relationship. More research is needed to understand if supplements can support thyroid health. If you have a known B12 deficiency, talk to a healthcare provider about a supplement to support repletion. To better understand if you should be supplementing with B12, and, if so, which supplements to choose, take a look at our article covering the best B12 supplements.
Inositol: Inositol is a precursor to a messenger that helps produce thyroid stimulating hormone . Preliminary research suggests that inositol supplements may improve TSH and thyroid antibody levels. However, more research is needed to understand the safety and efficacy of supplementing with inositol in relation to thyroid health as well as proper dosing.
Benefits Of Optimizing Magnesium Levels For Thyroid Health
Relieves sleeplessness or insomnia
Getting a quality night of sleep affects everything from how the body processes food to how it regulates blood sugar, remembers information, controls inflammation, and more. However, a magnesium deficiency may cause occasional sleeplessness or insomnia. A research study shows that people who received 500mg of magnesium daily experienced improved sleep efficiency and increased concentrations of renin, cortisol, and melatonin compared to the placebo group.
Reduces migraine headaches
One symptom of hypothyroidism may be headaches or migraine headaches. A research study of 50 migraine-sufferers and a control group of 50 people without any history of migraines shows that magnesium levels are much lower in patients with migraines than in the healthy group. Another study shows that supplementing with magnesium may help lower the frequency of migraines.
Lowers blood pressure
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another medical condition. When the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, high blood pressure can result. An article in an American Heart Association journal summarized results from over 30 different clinical trials to establish the effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure. Results show that supplementing with magnesium for one month helps to elevate magnesium levels in the body and reduce blood pressure.
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