Minerals for Treating Hyperthyroidism Naturally: 3 Powerful Benefits for Thyroid Health

Treating hyperthyroidism naturally is possible with the right nutrition and lifestyle support. Minerals play a key role in thyroid overactivity and excess thyroid hormone production, which characterizes hyperthyroidism. Minerals are an essential piece of the hyperthyroid puzzle, particularly for how they stabilize thyroid function, reduce oxidative stress, and ease downstream effects of an overactive thyroid. This is especially important for women, who are five times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men.

Hyperthyroidism 101

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms including anxiety, irritability, poor focus, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, heat intolerance, muscle weakness, twitching, diarrhea, excessive thirst, heart palpitations, hair loss, increased appetite, even an enlarged thyroid gland (known as a goiter). 

Beyond these symptoms, hyperthyroidism also disrupts reproductive hormones and the menstrual cycle. It often raises prolactin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, decreasing the amount of available estrogen and testosterone, which can lead to irregular or missed periods.

Identifying hyperthyroidism begins by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which has an inverse relationship with thyroid activity. TSH levels below 0.5 mIU/L suggest hyperthyroidism. To get a full picture of thyroid activity and hormone production, we also want to test Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3. This provides critical insight into actual thyroid hormone production, and how much active thyroid hormone (Free T3) is available for use. With hyperthyroidism, Free T4 and/or Free T3 may be elevated (above 1.8 ng/dL and 4.2 pg/mL, respectively).

Treating hyperthyroidism naturally requires a better understanding of the root causes or drivers of thyroid dysfunction. Common culprits include Graves’ disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodules, certain medications, or oxidative stress. Many individuals can restore healthy thyroid function using functional nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation strategies. 

Minerals in particular play a vital role in restoring balance to the thyroid gland. They are required for our body to create and activate thyroid hormones. Minerals are depleted in times of stress, and also in the case of hyperthyroidism, given that the body is using a tremendous amount of resources to keep up with thyroid overactivity. Let’s dive deeper into the role of minerals for treating hyperthyroidism naturally.

#1. Minerals Stabilize Thyroid Cells

Selenium, zinc, and iodine are among the most crucial minerals when it comes to regulating thyroid hormone production and protecting thyroid cells, especially in cases of thyroid overactivity, or hyperthyroidism. The highest concentration of selenium in the body is in the thyroid gland. Selenium is used to produce antioxidant proteins and enzymes like deiodinases, which help convert inactive T4 to active T3.

Zinc helps stabilize thyroid activity and regulate thyroid hormone production by influencing selenium-containing deiodinase enzymes, which are essential for converting T4 into T3. Zinc also is required to produce thyroglobulin (TG), the protein responsible for storing thyroid hormones. 

Iodine, meanwhile, is the fundamental building block of T3 and T4. However, it’s a bit of a “goldilocks” mineral, in which too little or too much can disrupt thyroid balance. Because too much iodine (and iron) can further drive oxidative stress, we don’t recommend supplementing with large amounts unless we have lab values to support the need for additional supplementation. That being said, small amounts of iodine throughout the day (150mcg) is essential and works synergistically with other thyroid minerals like selenium and zinc to help stabilize thyroid cells naturally in hyperthyroidism.

#2. Minerals Help Combat Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress arises when free radicals, or oxidative stressors, outnumber antioxidants. Oxidative stress causes damage to cells, including the cells of the thyroid.

This is especially important in hyperthyroidism. The thyroid naturally generates free radicals during hormone production, and this process is happening faster in hyperthyroidism than if the thyroid was functioning normally. This in itself can produce more oxidative stress and can lead to inflammation and even thyroid autoimmunity. 

Key minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium support antioxidant activity and reduce inflammation, helping to reduce oxidative stress and protect thyroid cells from further damage.

Selenium boosts antioxidants like glutathione, helping neutralize harmful free radicals and combat oxidative stress and thyroid cell damage that can come about from an overactive thyroid. Selenium deficiency is a risk factor for Grave’s disease, or autoimmune hyperthyroidism. 

Zinc supports immune balance and antioxidant defenses against oxidative stress. Similarly, magnesium helps lower inflammation and oxidative stress while improving mitochondrial function and increasing glutathione production. Together, these minerals strengthen the thyroid’s resilience and calm overactive thyroid function naturally.

#3. Minerals Support Downstream Effects of Hyperthyroidism

Minerals play a critical role in all other aspects of health, but they especially help support the immune system and bone health, both of which are significantly impacted by hyperthyroidism.

In a hyperthyroid state, the immune system is often overstimulated, which can trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. As discussed, selenium, zinc, and magnesium are vitally important for boosting antioxidant defenses and fighting oxidative stress. Magnesium, in particular, is the MVP for hyperthyroidism, supporting T4 to T3 conversion, helping thyroid cells use iodine, and calming the immune system and inflammation.

Hyperthyroidism can also lead to low bone density, namely due to the way that thyroid overactivity alters how minerals are used in the body. Elevated thyroid hormone levels increase calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the blood, which raises the risk of bone loss, fractures, and osteoporosis. Magnesium helps balance calcium and phosphorus levels through its interaction with vitamin D, making it essential for maintaining healthy bones. 

Adequate intake of all of these minerals is crucial in supporting muscle and bone integrity, as well as supporting the immune system and inflammation levels in those with hyperthyroidism.

How to Get Enough Minerals Every Day

In treating hyperthyroidism naturally and managing its effects, from oxidative stress and immune dysregulation to compromised bone health, minerals play an essential and often underappreciated role. While a nutrient-rich diet is the first step, many individuals may find it difficult to meet their mineral needs through food alone. 

A thyroid-supportive mineral complex supplement like Mineral Magic helps replenish and maintain critical mineral levels for those navigating thyroid dysfunction. Not sure if your thyroid is functioning optimally, or suspect you may have an overactive thyroid? Check out our Complete Thyroid Hormone Testing Package for deeper insight.

Written by Romana Brennan, MS, RD