Supplements for Thyroid Support
Iodine, Seaweed, and Desiccated Thyroid Boost Hypothyroid
Jan 11, 2008
Hypothyroidism may be one of the most common - and most overlooked - health problems. Everyday symptoms including tiredness, difficulty getting started in the morning, dry skin, cold extremities or perpetually feeling cold, depression, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight may all be due to low thyroid. In addition to medical treatments, there are several natural options, including supplementation with iodine, kelp or seaweed, or desiccated thyroid.
Thyroid Drugs Aren’t For Everyone
Hypothyroid patients often feel pressured by medical experts who encourage them to use drugs, such as Synthroid (synthetic thyroxine), to boost or complement thyroid function. The problem with these drugs is that, for most people, they aren’t a solution:
- The drugs make up for some symptoms but in most cases they don’t completely restore vitality and energy.
- They are intended to be used for life. People don’t “heal” on thyroid medication – they make do.
In contrast, natural supplements may compensate for symptoms of low thyroid or, in some cases, improve the functioning of the thyroid itself. It can require some work to find the right one and it is generally a good idea to work with a naturopath or or other health care professional. Please note, as well, that not all supplements are created equal.
The following are some of the most popular natural approaches to treating low thyroid with supplements.
Supplements for Thyroid Support
Iodine
Iodine is a trace element. It is taken up by the thyroid and used as one of the essential building blocks for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Without enough iodine (usually due to dietary deficiencies), hypothyroid symptoms occur because a shortage of thyroid hormones slows metabolism, including body heat and energy levels.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends 150 micrograms of iodine daily. Supplementation is one way to ensure that adequate iodine is available for the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 at need.
In the Western world, iodine is added to conventional table salt to prevent hypothyroidism and thyroid-related development problems in children. Most natural health practitioners, however, do not advocate the use of chemically iodized salt, which does not react in the body the same way as natural iodine. Instead, they advise using natural sea salt in food, and adding an iodine supplement where necessary to support thyroid function.
Kelp & Seaweed
Almost any seaweed or sea vegetable is good for the thyroid. This is mainly because sea veggies are rich in iodine, chlorophyll, and vitamins and minerals that support balance in the body and improve thyroid health. Dried arame, sea veggie salads, and nori-wrapped sushi support the thyroid mainly because of seaweed’s high iodine content. Those dried at low temperatures are best because they contain more enzymes.
Desiccated Thyroid
Natural desiccated thyroid supplements are recommended by some MDs. It’s nothing more or less than dried pork thyroid – and for many people, it relieves the symptoms that synthetic thyroid doesn’t and may even improve thyroid function over time.
Many doctors are familiar with the brand names Armour Desiccated Thyroid or Pfizer Canada’s Thyroid, recommending them to their thyroid patients. These and other companies produce pure desiccated thyroid, while some brands (including NutriWest) have supplement formulations that support the thyroid, adrenals, and other glands with combinations of desiccated bovine thyroid, other organs, and herbs.
Desiccated thyroid may be used, under a doctor’s supervision, to replace synthetic thyroid hormone. Other supplement suggestions are normally used in conjunction with other treatment. Treatment of low thyroid should always be monitored by a medical professional.
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