Some health signs should not be ignored. Feeling fatigued, gaining weight or having a bad mood may not be too critical if you are working later than usual, eating more without exercising or get cut off while driving. These symptoms become critical when there is no apparent cause or increase in severity, and could be a result of an underactive thyroid. The thyroid, a gland in the throat, regulates hormones necessary for metabolism and growth. Hypothyroidism, the medical term for an underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid stops or reduces its ability to make and normalize hormones. Natural supplements are available to help with underactive thyroid symptoms and with hormone production. However, consult with a physician first to determine the cause of fatigue, weight gain and mood swings.
Iodine
Iodine deficiency is one cause for an underactive thyroid. According to Thyroid.org, iodine is necessary for a healthy thyroid and reduces symptoms of both goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid, and hypothyroidism. Sources of iodine include eggs, shellfish or iodine supplements. Several herbal supplements such as bladderwrack and kelp also contain iodine. Bladderwrack is an herbal supplement beneficial for the thyroid. A seaweed, it contains varying levels of iodine, and according to MedlinePlus.com, stimulates the thyroid for proper functioning. MedlinePlus.com also says that not enough scientific evidence shows the benefits of bladderwrack on the thyroid. Bladderwrack is available in pill form. Kelp, another seaweed, contains iodine, calcium, iron and other vitamins. Known as an algae, kelp is easily assimilated into the body and is used as remedy for many illnesses, such as arthritis and hypothyroidism. Kelp is taken in either powder that can be added to juice or water or pill form. Consult a physician before taking any iodine product to determine your individualized dosage level and any potential side effects.
Hormone Supplements
Since the thyroid affects the production and maintenance of hormones, supplementation may be necessary for regulating hormones. Herbal remedies may provide relief from unbalanced hormone levels. Black cohosh, specifically for women sufferers of irregular hormone levels, reduces hot flashes and night sweats. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, black cohosh use is documented back to the 19th century. While black cohosh use is well-documented, not enough scientific evidence is available to determine true benefits of this particular herb. Ashwagandha is known for its stimulating effect as an erectile dysfunction herb. While ashwagandha promotes sexual arousal when combined with other herbs, its use to relieve thyroid symptoms is due to its anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha, an east Indian winter cherry, promotes a relaxed mental state and reduces agitation. Both black cohosh and ashwagandha act as blood thinners. Consult with your physician before taking either herb if you take blood-thinning medications.
Thyroid and Adrenal Powders
In addition to the natural supplements, several companies combine thyroid and adrenal powders with herbs into a thyroid supplement. Thyroid and adrenal powders come from either ox or cow thyroid. The thyroid and adrenal glands of the bovine animal are dehydrated and crushed into a powder. The thyroid and adrenal powders mimic human thyroid function and aid in regulation of hormone production. Thyroid and adrenal powders are mixed with hormone and blood pressure regulating herbs such as ginger and cayenne. In some formulas, L-tyrosine, an amino acid used for proper thyroid function, is added as well.
References
- BUPA: Underactive Thyroid
- MayoClinic.com: Hypothyroidism
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; David Heber, M.D., PhD., FACP, FACN; 2007
- Thyroid.org: Iodine Deficiency
- MedlinePlus.com: Bladderwrack
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
