Why You Need Copper for Better Thyroid Hormones
I want to take some time to highlight the unique and intimate relationship copper has with the thyroid health. Fair warning, this may get nerdy.🤓
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Our thyroid gland gets the most credit — and rightly so — for controlling our metabolism and energy levels. However, when we’re deficient in bioavailable copper, our thyroid hormones cannot work correctly and our energy production begins to fall apart.
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How so? I’ll break it down:
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🧠Copper is needed in the brain to make TRH (Thyroid Regulating Hormone) which is required to make TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). TSH is what tells the thyroid gland to make T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).
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🔁90% of T3 is made from T4, primarily in the liver. The enzyme that makes this conversion requires copper (in addition to a liver full of glycogen). T3 is 4X stronger than T4, so being able to convert it is pretty important!
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As you can see, copper plays a VERY important role in thyroid hormone production, which is absolutely essential for us to create energy — and for our overall health.
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Arguably, anyone with thyroid issues is deficient in copper. That said, this is one key piece of an oftentimes complicated puzzle.
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How can you boost your bioavailable copper?
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❌Minimize copper depleters (post coming soon!)
🍊Consume copper-rich foods (post coming soon!)
🥛Consume Vitamin A-rich foods to activate copper (see my “Retinol” post)
🩸Donate blood a few times a year to kick start your iron recycling (post coming soon!)
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Bernal, J. (2003). Deiodinase. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/deiodinase.
Sargis, R.M. (2019). How Your Thyroid Works: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works.
Sparre, A. (2020). 4Health: 255b: Morley Robbins – Thyroid vs. Mitochondria? Thyroid Conversations 1 (English). Retrieved from: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/255b-morley-robbins-thyroid-vs-mitochondria-thyroid/id907951009?i=1000473405313.
Tortora, J. Derrickson, B. (2015). The Human Body. Danvers, MA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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