The Importance of Antioxidants in Thyroid Health: How R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Fights Oxidative Stress and Promotes Cellular Protection
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, controls metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and hormonal balance. Despite its modest size, it affects most physiological systems. Due to its high metabolic activity and continual exposure to hormone-production free radicals, the thyroid is vulnerable to oxidative stress. Unchecked oxidative stress can impair thyroid function, cause autoimmune thyroid illnesses like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, and lower body health. Oxidative stress arises when ROS generation exceeds antioxidant neutralization. Oxidative stress is concentrated in the thyroid because it produces hydrogen peroxide during the synthesis of T3 and T4. Oxidative damage to thyroid cells can lead to inflammation, hormonal disruption, and tissue damage in the absence of adequate antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidants Protect Thyroid Function Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species to prot...