Thyroid diseases are common worldwide. An underactive thyroid -- the condition of hypothyroidism -- is the most common form of thyroid dysfunction. Other potential problems include an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism; enlargement of the gland, or goiter; nodules; swelling; or cancer. Certain herbs may help support your natural thyroid function. But before taking herbs for your thyroid, consult your doctor.
About the Thyroid
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It produces thyroid hormones -- T4 and T3 -- which regulate your metabolism. Thyroid hormones influence all your tissues and organs, regulating their use of energy and oxygen. They affect your digestion, heartbeat, temperature tolerance, skin, hair and energy levels. The thyroid gland responds to thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, a substance that's produced by your pituitary gland, located at the base of your brain. When thyroid problems arise, they can occur at the thyroid gland, the pituitary gland or the body's other organs.
Thyroid Support Supplements
Nutritional supplements can support your thyroid by offering deficient nutrients, balancing your hormonal system, correcting cellular damage and stimulating your immune system. For hypothyroidism, Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," suggests kelp, L-tyrosine, B vitamin complex, selenium and zinc, as well vitamins A, C and E. Potentially helpful herbal remedies include bayberry, black cohosh and goldenseal. For the less common condition of hyperthyroidism, Balch recommends a multivitamin and mineral complex, vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids, lecithin and vitamin C.
Featured Supplement
Kelp is a seaweed that contains the mineral iodine, a basic constituent of thyroid hormone. If you don't have enough iodine in your body, your thyroid gland cannot produce the thyroid hormone T4. In turn, the pituitary increases its output of TSH, and over a period of time, the thyroid gland enlarges, known as goiter. Goiter can be a sign of hypothyroidism. If iodine is deficient in the body, supplementation helps reduce a goiter and may correct hypothyroidism, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Note, however, that if your thyroid function is low for another reason, such as an autoimmune condition, a different treatment approach may be more helpful.
Caution
Before addressing thyroid problems with supplements, it's important to understand the nature of the problem -- where in your body the dysfunction is occurring and why. This allows for a personalized and targeted treatment approach. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor or a nutritionally trained health care professional can then advise you on supplement combinations, forms and dosages that are suited to your individual needs.
References
- The Hormone Foundation: Thyroid Disorders Overview
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Iodine
