The product Thyroid Support manufactured by Gaia Herbs is designed to support healthy thyroid functioning. Formulated with organic herbs and trace minerals, the product is intended to improve the symptoms of low thyroid function, such as fatigue, weight gain and dry skin. However, since impaired thyroid metabolism can be a sign of an underlying disease, consult a physician before using this product.
Description
Gaia Herbs Thyroid Support is formulated with organically grown botanicals and other natural substances that reputedly enhance thyroid metabolism, as well as support the immune and endocrine systems. These materials are encapsulated in a "veggie cap" made from chlorophyll vegetable cellulose, which lends the capsules a dark green appearance.
Ingredients
Thyroid Support contains Coleus forskholii, ashwaghanda, bladderwrack, kelp and schizandra berries. The product also contains a trace amount of iodine from seaweed and L-Tyrosine, a nonessential amino acid that plays a key role in thyroid metabolism. The product label displays the language, "standardized to full spectrum activity profile," which essentially means the manufacturer assures that it subscribes to production guidelines that guarantee consistent quality and minimum levels of active constituents.
Pharmacology
According to the manufacturer's product sheet, Coleus forskholii, a member of the mint family, provides forskolin, a compound that increases cellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Also expressed as simply cyclic AMP, this chemical messenger is required by certain types of hormones to transmit their relative signals, including thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.
Kelp and bladderwack are traditionally used in herbal medicine to promote healthy digestion. These natural seaweeds are also an abundant source of iodine, which is required to manufacture sufficient levels of thyroid hormones.
Ashwaghanda is considered an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body to cope with physical and emotional stress. This herb is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support immune function.
Schizandra berries provide a variety of compounds collectively referred to as lignans, phytochemicals with estrogenic properties. Together, these compounds reputedly enhance cognitive function, stamina, and physical coordination and performance. Like ashwaghanda, schizandra is also regarded an adaptogen. According to Gaia, schizandra may also promote normal hormone metabolism and enhance liver function.
Dosage
The dosage recommended by the manufacturer is one capsule taken with warm water between meals, twice per day. Each daily dosage provides the equivalent of 2700 mg raw herbs.
Safety
According to Gaia, you should not use Thyroid Support while pregnant or nursing. Due to the iodine content, you should not use this product if you have Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis or a history of hyperthyroidism. Potential side effects include diarrhea or stomach upset, anxiety and heart palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking this product, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner.
