The thyroid is a small butterfly gland located in the front of the neck that controls your metabolism. This important gland produces thyroid hormone which delivers energy to the body and helps the nervous system function. If thyroid dysfunction occurs, usually in the form of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, you can feel psychologically and physically ill. Medication is usually necessary to replace the missing thyroid hormones that are not be produced. Many wish to first try dietary supplements to address nutritional deficiencies that may stimulate or "jump start" the thyroid before committing to medication for life.
Please consult your doctor before using any diet supplement or making dietary changes.
Iodine
The element iodine can help to restore normal thyroid function if there is a deficiency. If your body does not have enough iodine, it cannot make enough thyroid hormone leading to hypothyroidism. According to thyroid.org, an iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Our bodies do not make iodine, so it is must be consumed from an external source such as table salt or shellfish. The website notes, however, an iodine deficiency is uncommon in the United States. Iodine can be found as a standalone supplement, but also is usually the main ingredient in thyroid complexes.
Guggul
Guggul is a lesser known supplement that can increase thyroid activity. A study in Plant Medica detailed the "Thyroid-stimulating actions of Z-guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul." Researchers observed increased iodine uptake from guggul supplementation. This may be especially helpful to those in a hypothyroidic state who have difficulty processing iodine rather than a deficiency. Like iodine, guggul is available as a standalone supplement, but also present in many thyroid complexes.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that may boost thyroid activity. The thyroid hormone produced in our bodies contains L-tyrosine. A deficiency in L-tyrosine can lead to a reduction in how much thyroid hormone is actually used, even if an adequate amount is being produced. L-tyrosine may be helpful if you do not respond to iodine supplements due to a tyrosine deficiency rather than an iodine inadequacy.
Kelp
Kelp is available in supplement form and may naturally increase thyroid hormone production. Sea plants are very high in iodine, and consuming them similar to taking an iodine supplement. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutrition consultant, suggests a high quality kelp supplement for treating thyroid disorders in her book "Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal." She believes the body may process the iodine from kelp better than a standalone iodine supplement.
