Thyroid Supplements

You’re probably searching for thyroid supplements because you suffer from Hypothyroidism. Commonly known as thyroid dysfunction, this condition is caused by the thyroid gland’s low secretion of thyroid hormones that are important in stabilizing the body’s metabolism. Thus, people with this disorder often seek thyroid supplements to treat this condition. Individuals with thyroid problems often show signs and symptoms that are related to slow metabolism. Other symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, swollen eyes, croaked voice, coarse skin, fragile nails, etc. Because these symptoms are often connected with minor disorders, most people tend to ignore them. This is why thyroid disorders are one of the world’s most undiagnosed disorders. Many people live their normal lives everyday not aware of the reality that they could be suffering from a major disorder and be in need of thyroid supplements or treatment.

Supplements to Improve Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that secretes three types of hormones: T3 or iodothyronine, T4 or thyroxine and calitonin. T3 and T4 are produced by using iodine. It is responsible for metabolism and general vigor. The level T3 and T4 hormones are distinguished by evaluating the level of TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood. The level of thyroid hormone decreases as the level of TSH increases which means a bigger chance for the person to suffer thyroid dysfunction. The person’s level of TSH determines whether or not he needs thyroid supplements.

Thyroid supplements are either natural or synthetic. Natural thyroid supplements contain all the thyroid hormones and have no side effects. Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, contain one of either of the two hormones, T3 or T4, and may have side effects unlike the natural supplements.

Natural Thyroid Supplements

Natural ingredients are being used as treatment for thyroid problems for ages. The purpose of traditional natural medicines is to keep the thyroid gland healthy in order to function properly. This method reduces the need to add synthetic thyroid supplements. Current researches have confirmed the efficiency of natural thyroid supplements and are now prescribed as medication to treat hypothyroidism.

Herbal Thyroid Supplements

There are herbs rich in iodine that has a wide range of vitamins and minerals that nourishes the thyroid gland and assist in the normal secretion of thyroid hormones. The following are herbal supplements that can help improve the thyroid function:

• Licorice
• Shilajeet
• Makandi (Coleus Forskohlii)
• Kanchanara
• Green Oats (Avena sativa)
• Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

Final Word on Thyroid Supplements: Goitrogenic Natural Foods

Goitrogens are chemicals that obstructs with the normal function of the thyroid glands. It causes the swelling of thyroid gland with its synthetic mechanism. Cooking may reduce the efficiency of goitrogenic chemicals but, nonetheless, it is suggested that these foods be cooked before it is eaten.

Listed below is a list of goitrogenic natural thyroid supplements:

• Broccoli
• Rapeseed
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Lima Beans
• Maize
• Soya
• Pearl Millet

Adjustment in your diet and your eating habits can protect you from thyroid dysfunction. Using natural ingredients in the preparation of your meals can enhance the health of the thyroid gland. An example is coconut oil, a saturated fat, which contains triglycerides that control the metabolism and facilitate weight loss. Coarse sea salt and vegetable juices also help maintain the balance of thyroid gland. On the contrary is a long list if of food that a person suffering from thyroid function must avoid. Among the list includes potatoes, excess wheat flour, sugar, caffeine and other glycolic foods.

Natural thyroid supplements are absolutely helpful in treating thyroid dysfunction. Since it is entirely made from extracts from natural products, it is safe and with no side effects. People not suffering from thyroid dysfunction should consider including these supplements as part of their diet to prevent incidents of this disorder in the future.

Thyroid Support Supplements

These days, many folks suffering from Hypothyroidism look for thyroid support supplements as an alternative to prescription medications. The startling truth is that under active thyroid is one of the most common yet most overlooked health problems. Daily symptoms like exhaustion, difficulty waking up in the morning, skin dryness, cold extremities or continuously feeling cold, difficulty losing weight, weight gain and depression can be caused by low thyroid. In addition to medical treatments to counter these symptoms, there are other natural options which include thyroid support supplements like Thyromine, iodine supplementation, kelp or seaweed supplements and desiccated thyroid.

Thyroid Thyroid Support Supplements Are Not For Everyone

Hypothyroid patients are often forced by medical experts to use drugs like Synthroid (synthetic thyroxine) instead of thyroid supplements, in order to enhance thyroid function. But, the dilemma is that, for a large number of patients, this drug is not the solution. In most cases, this drug does not fully restore energy and vitality but works only for some symptoms. Also, it is intended as a long term medication. Patients don’t nurse back to health on thyroid medication, but drugs make it.

On the contrary, natural thyroid support supplements improve thyroid functioning and may compensate low thyroid symptoms. It entails a lot of work to find the exact supplement for each patient. Always keep in mind that all supplements are not the same, so, the best thing to do is coordinate with a naturopath or other health care professionals. Some more popular and natural approach to treat low thyroid is through supplements.

Common Thyroid Support Supplements

Iodine

Iodine is a trace element. It is absorbed by the thyroid and is utilized as one of the essential elements for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Not enough iodine, which is generally due to dietary deficiencies, hypothyroidism happens. Low thyroid hormones slows down metabolism, lessens body temperature and levels of energy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend 150 micrograms of daily iodine intake. This is one way of ensuring that sufficient amount of iodine is available for the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.

In most parts of the West, iodine is added to the usual table salt to avoid hypothyroidism and thyroid-related problems in children during its development stage. However, most natural health practitioners do not promote the use of chemically iodized salt because it has no effect in the body the same way as natural iodine. Instead, the use of natural sea salt in food plus iodine supplement is necessary to maintain the thyroid function.

Kelp & Seaweed

All seaweeds or sea vegetables are good for the thyroid glands. This is generally because sea vegetables are rich in iodine, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals that sustain balance in the body and improve thyroid health. Eating foods high in iodine content like dried arame, sea vegetable salads and nori-wrapped sushi help support the thyroid. The best source of iodine is foods that are dried at low temperatures because they have more enzymes.

Desiccated Thyroid

Natural desiccated thyroid support supplements are suggested by some medical doctors. Sometimes referred to as pork thyroid, it relieves the symptoms of hypothyroidism that synthetic supplements can’t and may eventually improve thyroid function.

Many doctors recommend familiar brands manufactured by Pfizer Canada like Armour Thyroid and Desiccated Thyroid. This and other companies manufacture pure desiccated thyroid while other brands, including NutriWest, have formulation for supplements that maintain the adrenals, thyroids and other glands combined with desiccated bovine thyroid, other organisms and herbs.

Desiccated thyroid may be used under a doctor’s supervision in order to substitute synthetic thyroid hormone. Other suggested thyroid support supplements are normally used in combination with other treatments. Treatment for low thyroid should be closely monitored by medical experts.

The thyroid plays a very important role in our body’s functions. The hormone it secretes helps maintain a healthy skin, normalizes the heart rate and plays a critical part in the body’s metabolism. If the gland is slow-moving (hypothyroidism), it consumes your energy, dries your skin, your joints ache and you start to gain weight. All these may lead to depression. On the other hand, if the gland is working too hard (hyperthyroidism) and produces more hormones, it causes heart palpitations, sleep disorders and undesired weight loss. That is a lot of work for a gland with the shape and size similar to that of a buckeye butterfly.

It is surprising to know that despite all the negative possibilities, 27 Million Americans with thyroid disease remain undiagnosed, according to the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. This is apparently due to symptoms not related to thyroid problems. People spent years trying to get the accurate diagnosis from specialists or internists but ends up with prescriptions like antidepressants and skin creams. What these patients really need is thyroid medication.

Hypothyroidism
80 percent of people with thyroid disease are suffering hypothyroidism or the hypo version. When the situation demands that you to seek medical attention, one of the first questions your doctor will ask you are your family’s medical history since thyroid disease tends to be hereditary. The risks involved increases when the patient is a female since this disorder is eight times more common in women. Older patients and those that have an autoimmune disorder like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis aggravate the condition.

Blood Tests
The doctor’s may prescribe TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test depending on your risk profile. TSH is released by the pituitary gland so that, when the thyroid fails to produce hormones, the pituitary gland will discharge more TSH. A normal TSH level has a test score from 0.4 to 2.5. A score between 0.0 and 0.4 means a patient has hyperthyroidism while a score between 2.5 and 4 means a patient has hypothyroidism and should undergo the same test within 1 year. A score test above 4 means a mild case of hypothyroidism and doctors usually refuse treating patients belonging to this category since clinical hypothyroidism starts at 10. But in a British study, conducted in 2007 reported in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, treatment is recommended in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and reducing the risk of clogged arteries and at the same time increasing energy. If your symptoms require you to undergo TSH test and you scored above 4, you and your doctor must discuss treatment.

Thyromine Review

Thyromine is a natural supplement that aids the body’s production of sufficient thyroid hormone to suit its daily needs. Manufacturers of this product claim that Thyromine can stop cases of hypothyroidism, a situation wherein the thyroid gland produces low thyroid hormones. It uses natural ingredients like herbs in order to supply the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to treat hypothyroidism. The natural ingredients of Thyromine includes: Bovine adrenal powder, Bovine thyroid powder, Guglipid, Ginger, Nori, Piper Longum, Bovine thyroid powder and L-Tyrosine.

How Thyromine Works

The ingredients of Thyromine are taken from herbs like nori and bovine powders of adrenaline. These ingredients are meticulously chosen to boost the performance of the thyroid gland by giving the body the nutrients it needs. As a part of the endocrine structure, the thyroid gland transforms heat from the calories into energy. The thyroid gland can be affected when the body is under stress or is exposed to pollutants that may lead to decrease in health. An ideal diet that is rich in iodine helps the thyroid gland function properly.

Where to Buy Thyromine

Thyromine can be bought online and is available for delivery right into your doorsteps. One bottle of Thyromine costs $39.00 only, containing 30 capsules good for one month packaged with a 90-day money back guarantee.

Symptoms of thyroid diseases are mostly overlooked. This is why thyroid dysfunction is one the most undiagnosed diseases in the world and its conditions becomes worse because the symptoms are not initially attended to. Numerous herbs and natural thyroid supplements that are relatively safe and easy are now available making natural remedies for thyroid dysfunctions available worldwide. These natural thyroid supplements support and maintain the optimum health of the thyroid. One remedy commonly used is Licorice. The same licorice used in ice creams and jelly beans, but may differ in concentration and intensity. Its roots are used by health industries as a flavoring in herbal remedies.

Licorice
Licorice is a natural medication for thyroid disease. It assists the thyroid to help it function correctly and maintain its effectiveness. It gives you the energy you need to stay fit and healthy. It improves muscle protection that is vital for the thyroid gland and enhances the cell’s life and the action of various secreting cells. The protection it provides gives you the necessary treatment to defeat thyroid disease and supply the needed energy to support a healthy balance within the gland. Along with an improved thyroid condition, Licorice is also used as treatment to prevent throat inflammation. Licorice together with natural thyroid supplements is not harmful even if the thyroid is a very sensitive gland. Studies have shown that Licorice, a major component in herbal formulas and some thyroid supplements, is the most effective treatment for symptoms of thyroid dysfunctions.

Licorice Benefits
Gland dysfunction and energy loss resulting from thyroid disease is the focus of Licorice. Licorice is considered an exceptional hormonal and balancing growth component in foreign countries. It may be added to other medications, supplements and therapies for thyroid disease but must fit the specific need of every individual because of these various thyroid treatments. Combined with a supportive and preventative diet, it is very important in the improvement of thyroid health.

Many aspects of the body may be affected with serious health problems if symptoms of thyroid disease are ignored. The inclusion of natural thyroid supplements or herbs in remedial treatments supports or activates functions of the thyroid glands that will ultimately lead to balance of the body functions. It can be achieved by combining Licorice with other medications. Thyroid treatment may be recommended to maintain hormonal and metabolic growth, but are sometimes avoided even when there are no harmful side effects. Therefore, it is always practical to consult your doctor or healthcare professionals before trying on any remedial program.

Levothyroxine is a medication with the purpose of replacing hormones that are produced normally by the thyroid gland to regulate the body’s metabolism and energy. Levothyroxine is prescribed when the thyroid glands no longer produce enough hormones on its own. Since this is a natural process, levothyroxine can be taken by anyone.


How it Works
Levothyroxine is a treatment for low thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism. It is also a treatment to prevent goiter or enlarged thyroid gland, caused by hormonal imbalance, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer. Levothyroxine is not recommended for use if you had a heart attack, thyrotoxicosis (a thyroid disorder), or an adrenal gland problem not controlled by treatment. Before you take this medication, inform your doctor if you have a coronary artery disease, heart disease, anemia or lack of red blood cells, problems with your adrenal or pituitary glands, a history of blood clots or if you are diabetic. If you are using insulin or taking oral medicine for diabetes, ask your doctor if your dosage needs adjustment.

Levothyroxine is not a treatment for weight problems like obesity or purposes other than those enumerated in this medication guide.

Drug Interactions
Some medicines may not work well with levothyroxine so do not start using it without informing your doctor. Inform him about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently using including herbal products, vitamins, minerals and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Levothyroxine come in different brands but may not have the same effect. If you received a new set of prescription and it appears different, refer it with your doctor or pharmacist.

It may take a while or weeks before your body reacts to this type of treatment so, do not stop right away even if you feel well, you may still need it every day to replace the thyroid hormone that your body did not produce.

Side effects of Levothyroxine
Discontinue using levothyroxine and seek immediate medical assistance if allergic reactions occur like: hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Contact your doctor immediately if you noticed any serious side effects like: headache, sleep problems (insomnia), nervous or irritable feeling, fever, hot flashes, sweating, change of menstrual periods, change of appetite and weight. Among the less serious side effects include mild hair loss.

Iodine is like a bladed sword for people with thyroid problems, they need it, but not too much of it. In a study conducted in 1999 by Lee, Bradley and Dwyer reported in the Nutritional Review, 30% of the human population is suffering from iodine deficiency of which 10% is male and 20% is female. However, for majority of the remaining 80-90%, additional iodine can lead to thyroid problem.

If you are a person who do not eat instant food, avoids salt as if it were a plague, does not eat lots of seafood, or if you live more than 100 miles away from the coast, you might as well consider taking iodine supplement, an essential mineral in the production of thyroid hormones. But, if you do not belong to any of these categories, iodine from natural sources like iodized salt, fish and sea vegetables will suffice.

Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is one the major nutritional problem worldwide. It is a deficiency disease accounted for an incalculable suffering in the form of goiter, miscarriage and infertility, a dreadful sickness affecting over one billion people which is a large portion of the human population. In the US, however, this problem was believed eliminated by an extensive distribution of iodine starting from bread dough to salt. Recently, even if iodine deficiency is identified for a specific group, there is still resurgence of the problem even in our country.

Research
At present, researchers are working on an effective and reliable test for iodine, but turned out not very convincing. On the other hand, thyroid specialists suggest that approximately 100 mcg (micro-grams) of iodine per day will be helpful if you are too low and will not be harmful if you are sufficient. However, you may avoid this nutrient if you feel uncomfortable after consuming iodized foods.

Iodine and Kelp Supplements
While some herbal and vitamin advocates recommend the use of iodine tablets or kelp supplements that are rich in iodine, people with thyroid problems must be very careful in deciding whether or not to take these supplements especially when you are on a thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Taking this supplement is based on the idea that thyroid diseases like goiters are related to iodine deficiency. This deficiency, however, is no longer common in other developed countries and in the US because of the use of iodized salt and other food products. What now has become a frequent thyroid disease are autoimmune thyroid diseases like Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis that has no connection with iodine deficiency.

Thyroids are overly sensitive to iodine so you have to be extra careful in taking too much iodine into your diet as it might aggravate or irritate the thyroid. Most doctors say that eating iodized salt or foods with iodine like sushi is okay. Stephen Langar, an alternative nutritional doctor and author of Solved: The Riddle of Illness, a follow-up to Broda Barnes’ book entitled Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, do not advise that people with autoimmune thyroid disease should take iodine or kelp supplements.

Hypothyroidism, also called Under Active Thyroid, is defined as a condition where secretion of thyroid hormones in the body is diminished (hypo=less). Many people who suffer from this condition seek a homeopathic thyroid treatment instead of prescription medications. The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in the midline and base of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones that are very important in maintaining harmony of various body functions. Thyroid hormones speed up the body’s chemical function that has positive influence in both the physical and mental development of an individual. Reduced secretion of these hormones can produce a myriad of symptoms that may vary from one person to another especially of the person’s age. The symptoms of hypothyroidism including signs of sleepiness, deafness, hoarseness of voice, excessive tiredness, weight gain, intolerance to cold, dry flaky skin, dry hair, hair loss, body swelling, depression, constipation, etc., are common in women.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a constitutional disorder affecting multiple body systems that entails a thorough approach to manage it. The low production of thyroid hormone is due to the deficiency of raw materials like dietary iodine, although it is not always the case, it is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the body’s immune system where its defense mechanism starts to attack its own organs and tissues.

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the science founded on the theory that disease is the affliction of the body and may manifest at the level of certain organs. Thus, homeopathy medicines take into consideration complaints presented together with an individual’s genetic structure, emotional and physical aspects.

Homeopathic Thyroid Treatment
Homeopathic thyroid treatment is often recommended for hypothyroidism cases. This treatment is able to stimulate the production of enough hormones by the thyroid glands especially during its early 2nd to 3rd years. Patients using thyroid supplements for about two years may opt to use homeopathic thyroid treatment to check the possibility of tapering thyroid supplement. We do not recommend homeopathic thyroid treatment to patients using thyroid supplements for more than 3 years.

Since under active thyroid is still incurable, patients suffering from these problems still have options to reduce its effects. Some options include taking prescription medicines or herbal supplements to replace the thyroid hormones.


Side Effects of Prescription Medications
One of the treatments common for hypothyroidism is prescription medications. These medicines intend to replace the T4 hormone, which is naturally produced by the body, with synthetic thyroid hormones. Many physicians point out that the lack of T3 in these medicines has little or no effect to some patients suffering from hypothyroidism. These prescription medications have several side effects including chest pains, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, cramps and other allergic reactions. Because of these side effects, a growing number of individuals within the medical community have now supported the use of natural or alternative treatment for hypothyroidism.

Benefits of Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatment for hypothyroidism has benefits that conventional drugs can not provide. It provides a more natural solution, safe and with less side effects. On top of that, cost of herbal supplements is much lesser compared to prescription medicines, giving you the best alternative solution at a low price.

Where to Buy Herbal Thyroid Supplements
On this site you will find the herbal supplement products we have reviewed for thyroid problems to assist you in making your choice. We don’t sell the products on this site but links of official online stores and websites are provided.

Armour Thyroid is a hormone replacement therapy. Unlike the other types of therapy, it is made of a natural product without any synthetic compound and it provides the two important thyroid hormones: Levothyroxine (T4) and L-trjjdothyronine (T3). Some doctors may prescribe this therapy to patients who are allergic to the components of synthetic therapy and to patients who prefer natural products. Whether a patient is still beginning to undergo treatment against hypothyroidism or opted to continue treatment using another product, basic information about Armour Therapy is very helpful.

Armour Thyroid is safe to use. It is made from porcine thyroid glands and from grain-fed pigs inspected and approved by USDA. Since the amount of thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland may differ from one person to another, the content of T4 and T3 are measured in the raw materials and the actual tablets. Because Armour Thyroid’s primary function is to replace thyroid hormones, most common side effects generally resulted from underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Other than the effects of hyperthyroidism, negative reaction on the use of the product is rare, either initially or during the maintenance period. If you experience nervousness, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, palpitations, increased pulse rate or chest pain, please see your doctor; your dosage may need adjustment.