Drugs Or Herbs That Boost Thyroid & Metabolism

The thyroid is a small gland located in your throat. This gland secretes hormones that help regulate metabolism, which is the rate at which your body burns calories from food sources. Insufficient production of these hormones may slow your body's metabolism, causing your to gain weight. This condition, medically termed hypothyroidism, may also cause fatigue, infertility, depression, muscle weakness and hair loss, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Certain herbs and drugs may stimulate thyroid hormone production and speed metabolism.

Talk to your doctor before taking any drug or herb to address hypothyroidism.

Kelp

Kelp is a variety of seaweed that grows in coastal waters of North America, Japan and Europe. British physicians in the 1700s recommended kelp as a remedy for goiter, a condition characterized by severe enlargement of the thyroid gland. Kelp is a rich source of iodine, a primary component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Kelp may stimulate thyroid function and improve your body's ability to metabolize proteins and fats from food sources. Check with your physician if you plan to use kelp to treat a thyroid problem. This herb may interfere with blood pressure medications.

Black Cohosh

Algonquian Indians boiled the roots of black cohosh, an herb native to the Ohio River Valley of the midwestern United States, as a treatment for sore throat, rattlesnake bites and arthritis. American herbalists in the 19th century marketed black cohosh as a remedy for menstrual cramps. The chemical compounds in black cohosh may speed metabolism and boost thyroid function, according to Balch. However, this herb may also cause vertigo, diarrhea and headaches. Talk to your physician if you plan to boost thyroid function with black cohosh.

Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is the generic name given to a synthetic drug used to mimic the activity of natural thyroid hormones. It is marketed under several brand names, including Synthroid, Unithroid and Levothroid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Levothyroxine may treat hypothyroidism and boost metabolism. Your doctor will determine the necessary dosage of levothyroxine--only take this drug under the supervision of a physician or medical specialist.