Hypothyroidism is a disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, intolerance to cold, slowed heart rate, weight gain, muscle cramps and weakness, swollen eyes and dry skin. Certain food supplements can help to support your thyroid and may help to reduce hypothyroid symptoms. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of factors but before self-medicating, consult with your health care practitioner about the most appropriate supplement for you.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral found in many seafood products as well as iodized salt. It is required for the production of the thyroid the hormones T3 and T4. In fact, "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states that 65 percent of T4 and 59 percent of T3 is comprised of iodine. Goiter is the clinical term used to describe cases of iodine-deficiency-induced hypothyroidism and if you suffer from goiter an iodine supplement may be beneficial to you. You should not take an iodine supplement unless your doctor tells you to however, because too much iodine can actually cause hypothyroidism.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid found in foods such as almonds, bananas, dairy, spinach and seeds. According to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," tyrosine is found in high amounts in healthy thyroid glands and low plasma levels of tyrosine are associated with hypothyroidism. "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states that tyrosine is a precursor to thyroid hormones and preliminary research suggests that tyrosine supplements help to boost levels of thyroid hormones in your body.
Selenium
Hashimoto's disease is believed to be the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's is a disorder where the body becomes allergic to thyroid hormones and your immune system produces antibodies against its own thyroid tissue. Selenium is an essential mineral and clinical research suggests that 200 mcg of selenium daily in combination with the conventional hypothyroid drug levothyroxine can significantly reduce the production of the thyroid attacking antibodies. Selenium supplements were also found to increase quality of life in hypothyroid patients and improve mood and feeling of well being.
Guggul
Guggul is a plant resin that is derived from the mukul myrrh tree. It is a potent antioxidant and it has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Preliminary research suggests that a compound found in guggul called guggulsterone, helps your body to convert T4 into T3, and thereby increases T3 levels. A study done on rats and cited in the 1999 edition of "Life Science" journal, found that guggul extract, when taken for fifteen days, notably increased T3 concentration and promoted a healthy T3/T4 ratio, which is necessary for thyroid health.
References
- "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2003.
- "Life Science"; Gugulu (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine production: possible involvement of lipid peroxidation; Panda S et al; 1999
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