Supplements For Adrenal & Thyroid Help

Thyroid dysfunction affects up to 40 percent of the population, according to Dr. David Brownstein, medical director of the Center for Holistic Medicine and author of nine books on holistic health. Adrenal fatigue commonly accompanies thyroid problems; this seems more logical if you consider how these two glands work together to control the metabolic rate of the body. In this area, supplements that support both the adrenals and the thyroid hold major promise.

Kelp

Kelp is a brown seaweed found in many oceans across the world. Considered a nutritional powerhouse, many societies have prized kelp for its high iodine content. The thyroid requires iodine for the production of T4, also called thyroxine, and T3, also called triiodothyronine. More recent evidence shows that iodolactones, compounds formed when iodine binds with fats, can help maintain normal thyroid function. In his book, "Iodine: Why You Need It," Brownstein explains the almost universal link between thyroid dysfunction and iodine deficiency. He also points out that, due to seaweed consumption, the Japanese consume an average 92 times more iodine than Westerners and suffer from minimal thyroid disorders as a result.

Ashwaganda

Ashwaganda is an adaptogenic herb that demonstrates a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. More recent scientific evidence supports the herb's effectiveness in a wide variety of health conditions, especially those involving the thyroid and adrenal glands. Ashwaganda, also known as Withania somnifera, may lower cortisol levels when they are high but boost them when they are low. Both of these effects appear to have a positive impact on the performance of the thyroid gland, normalizing both the production of T4 and T3 as well as reducing the production of reverse T3, a compound shown to competitively inhibit the binding of thyroid hormones with its receptors.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng, also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is another adaptogenic herb prized by many cultures around the world. Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center have documented Siberian ginseng's use for many centuries in both Russia and China. The scientists believe the widespread action of the herb comes from eleutherosides. While traditional use includes the prevention of colds and flu, increasing athletic performance and increased energy, Siberian ginseng shows promise in the normalization of adrenal hormones and a balancing effect on the adrenal-thyroid axis.