Understanding How Thyroid Supplements Help Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks thyroid hormone. The main function of the thyroid hormone is to stabilize the metabolism. People with this hypothyroidism will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.

To diagnose your condition a blood test will need to be done. The blood test can determine if you have low thyroid levels and what can be done to increase them. There are several ways to treat hypothyroidism such as prescribed medication, change in diet, exercise and natural thyroid supplements.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty in weight loss
• Coarse, Dry hair
• Dry, Rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory Loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Medical treatment of hypothyroidism consists of prescribing synthetic thyroid or desiccated thyroid hormone. The most common treatment of hypothyroidism is to prescribe synthetic thyroid. The goal is to bring the TSH level to a normal range.

This can be effective for some people, however some do not feel better even after achieving normal TSH levels. You will need blood tests done to see if you have low thyroid levels or if they have come back to a normal range.

Changing your diet will help with your hypothyroidism. Eating goitrogenic foods such as:

• rapeseed
• cabbage
• brussels sprouts
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• sweet potatoes
• maize
• lima beans
• soya and pearl millet should be limited.

These foods contain natural goitrogens, which are chemicals that cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. Cooking is known to make the goitrogens elements less effective but it would be wise not eat these foods raw. Foods that contain iodine such as kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas should be kept in the diet. In the treatment of underactive thyroid, fats, sugars, sodium chloride, red meat and egg intake should also be restricted.

Another important factor in the treatment of hypothyroidism is exercise. One of the effects of hypothyroidism is weight gain. To help weight loss while having a thyroid condition a healthy diet and exercise along with the understanding of hypothyroidism is important. Exercise increases tissue sensitivity to the thyroid hormone and stimulates thyroid gland secretion. This is especially true in people who are dieting; this is because when dieting the metabolic rate decreases but exercise prevents this decline.

An exercise regime of between 15-20 minutes per day will be beneficial with hypothyroidism. This exercise needs to be strenuous enough to raise the heartbeat, an exercise such as walking, swimming, running and cycling.

Thyroid Supplements and Thyax

There are also natural thyroid supplements that can be taken to help the thyroid function normally. Some herbs can help combat hypothyroidism, nettle will balance the thyroid with both under and over activity. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a type of brown seaweed that contains iodine. Hypothyroidism due to small intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation; also kelp has been linked to helping with hypothyroidism.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Hypothyroidism.

• B vitamins complex - These B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status.
• L-Phenylalanine - As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism.
• Multivitamin and multiminerals -Vitamin C (1,000 mg per day), vitamin A (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day), B complex [(50 - 100 mg/day), augmented with vitamins B2 (riboflavin, 10 mg), B3 (niacin, 10 - 25 mg), and B6 (pyridoxine, 5 - 15 mg)], selenium (200 mcg per day), vitamin E (400 IU per day), and zinc (30 mg per day) can help promote normal thyroid hormone production.
• Vitamin C - Helps to promote normal thyroid horomone production.
• Tyrosine - L-tyrosine (500 mg two or three times a day) is a precursor to thyroid hormone and may help boost levels in the body. If you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, it is important not to take L-tyrosine without direction from your doctor. Do not take L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure.
• Iodine - Iodine is a trace element that is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency of iodine causes goiter, thyrotoxicosis and developmental disorders in children (8,9). Even mild iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism and thyroid disorders, especially in at risk populations. However, excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, and combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day.

Thyax, from Progressive Health contains some of the helpful herbs listed above.

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