Natural Thyroid Supplements: Unlock the Secret to Effortless Weight Loss!

Weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog are often associated with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland slows down or stops producing enough thyroxine, a crucial hormone for metabolism. While a doctor might prescribe levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, and generics) for diagnosed hypothyroidism, many individuals seeking weight loss and increased energy turn to supplements marketed as "natural" metabolism and energy boosters. However, experts warn against using these thyroid supplements, as they may not be effective and could even be harmful.

Understanding Hypothyroidism and its Symptoms

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, affects a small percentage of the population. While its symptoms, such as weight gain and fatigue, can overlap with natural aging, many people seek solutions to boost their metabolism and energy "naturally." It's important to note that less than 2 percent of people have hypothyroidism, according to endocrinologist Marvin M. Lipman, M.D.

The Problem with Thyroid Supplements

Despite their marketing claims, thyroid supplements pose several risks:

1. Unpredictable Hormone Content: It's difficult to determine if a supplement contains thyroid hormones just by reading the label. A 2013 study in the journal Thyroid revealed that a significant number of supplements marketed for thyroid health contained real hormones, even when only herbal ingredients were listed. This is concerning because precise thyroid hormone levels are essential for health, and supplements can disrupt these levels unpredictably. Even slight deviations can lead to health complications. Some supplements contain doses of thyroid hormone exceeding the lowest available prescription dose of levothyroxine.

2. Iodine Overload: The Institute of Medicine recommends only 150 mcg of iodine daily. However, many supplements contain more, and excessive iodine intake can cause health problems, especially for individuals with thyroid nodules. Even a slight excess of iodine can cause the thyroid to overproduce thyroxine. Conversely, too much iodine (over 400 mcg per day) can slow down or halt hormone production in some individuals, negating the intended effect. Kelp, a common ingredient in thyroid supplements, is particularly high in iodine.

3. Glandular Ingredients: Some supplements contain glandular organs like thyroid, liver, pancreas, heart, and spleen, often from bovine sources. Experts advise against ingesting such ingredients due to potential health risks. Supplements containing pituitary or brain products from cows theoretically pose a risk for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal brain disorder. Prions, the infectious agents behind mad cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, are commonly found in the brains of cows, and may also be present in their spleens, kidneys, and other glandular organs if the animal is infected.

4. Masking Thyroid Issues: Supplements can alter thyroid hormone levels in blood tests, potentially masking underlying thyroid problems. Furthermore, the unregulated nature of supplements means they can contain varying amounts of active ingredients. The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a dietary supplement industry trade association, acknowledges that thyroid supplements can interact with prescription medications.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid problems are easily diagnosed through blood tests. If you suspect a thyroid condition, consult a doctor instead of resorting to supplements. A well-informed physician would not advise a patient to purchase an over-the-counter thyroid support supplement.

Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) as an Alternative

Historically, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), derived from pig thyroid glands, was a common treatment for hypothyroidism. Even today, some individuals who are symptomatically unresponsive to levothyroxine find NDT effective. NDT contains both levothyroxine and liothyronine (T3), and emerging evidence suggests that liothyronine may be beneficial for those who don't respond to levothyroxine alone.

From the early 1890s through the mid-1970s, desiccated thyroid was the preferred form of therapy for hypothyroidism. In 1965, approximately 4 of every 5 prescriptions for thyroid hormone in the USA were for natural thyroid preparations.

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However, concerns about inconsistencies in potency arose, leading to a shift towards levothyroxine. Despite this, NDT remains available and is prescribed by some clinicians, particularly in cases where patients experience ongoing symptoms despite levothyroxine treatment.

Potential Benefits of NDT

Some studies and case series suggest that NDT may offer benefits for individuals who don't respond well to levothyroxine. Patients have reported alleviation of symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues, leading to improved energy levels and overall quality of life.

In a randomized controlled trial, NDT therapy did not result in a significant improvement in quality of life but was associated with a degree of weight loss. Nearly half of the study participants expressed a preference for NDT over levothyroxine, and those who preferred NDT lost 4lb during the treatment. Their subjective symptoms were significantly better while taking DTE as measured by the general health questionnaire-12 (23) and a bespoke thyroid symptom questionnaire (24).

Cautions Regarding NDT

It's important to note that thyrotoxic symptoms and thyroid storm have been reported with inappropriate use of thyroid hormone extracts, including NDT. In many countries, NDT requires a prescription and is not available over the counter.

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends further research on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of liothyronine/levothyroxine combination therapy compared with levothyroxine alone.

The Role of Liothyronine (T3)

Emerging evidence suggests that liothyronine (NDT contains a mixture of levothyroxine and liothyronine) may account for its efficacy in people who are symptomatically unresponsive to levothyroxine. Free T3 is the endogenous thyroid hormone, converted from Free T4 predominantly by local de-iodination in tissues. Polymorphisms in the genetic coding of the deiodinase-2 (DIO2) enzyme, present in 13% of the population, have the potential to reduce T3 levels in many tissues, including the brain, without affecting serum levels.

Prescribing and Monitoring NDT

Initiation of NDT therapy typically involves low doses, with gradual increments based on the patient's cardiovascular status. The usual starting dose is 30 mg of eg Armour Thyroid (31) with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks. A lower starting dosage, 15 mg/day, is recommended in patients with long-standing myxedema, particularly if cardiovascular impairment is suspected, in which case extreme caution is recommended. The appearance of angina is an indication for a reduction in dosage. Most patients require 60 to 120 mg/day. Failure to respond to doses of 180 mg suggests lack of concordance or malabsorption. Maintenance dosages 60 to 120 mg/day usually result in normal serum T4 and T3 levels.

Lifestyle Changes for Thyroid Health

While there's no direct way to "boost" thyroid health, lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve general well-being. These include:

Lowering and managing stress
Getting enough sleep
Regular exercise (cardio and strength training)
Restorative activities like yoga and meditation

Dietary Considerations

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in supporting thyroid function. Focus on:

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, oranges, and spinach
Fish, lean meats, legumes, and nuts containing omega-3s, selenium, and zinc
Avoiding excessive iodine-rich foods like kelp, seaweed, and dairy products

The Role of Specific Nutrients in Thyroid Health

Several nutrients are vital for optimal thyroid function. Deficiencies in these nutrients can negatively affect thyroid health and increase the risk of thyroid disease.

Selenium: This mineral is essential for thyroid hormone production and protects the thyroid from oxidative stress.
Iodine: Iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Zinc: Optimal zinc levels are needed for healthy T3, T4, and TSH levels.
Iron: The thyroid needs iron to convert T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone.
Other Nutrients: B vitamins and vitamins A and E are also important for thyroid function.

Supplements for Specific Thyroid Conditions

While thyroid-specific supplement blends are generally not recommended, certain supplements may benefit individuals with specific thyroid conditions, such as Hashimotoâs disease and Gravesâ disease.

Hashimotoâs Disease

Studies suggest that the following supplements may be beneficial for individuals with Hashimotoâs disease:

Selenium: Supplementing with 200 mcg of selenium per day may help decrease thyroid antibodies and improve mood.
Myo-Inositol: Inositol plays a role in thyroid function.
Zinc: Zinc is needed for thyroid hormone production. When used alone or in combination with selenium, 30 mg of zinc per day may help enhance thyroid function.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in people with Hashimotoâs disease.
Magnesium: Correcting magnesium deficiency may improve Hashimotoâs symptoms.
Iron: An iron supplement may be necessary to restore iron to optimal levels.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency can have an adverse effect on thyroid function.
Curcumin: Curcumin may help protect the thyroid against oxidative damage and reduce the size of thyroid nodules.
Vitamin C: Taking a vitamin C supplement may help reduce thyroid antibodies.

Gravesâ Disease

The following supplements may help individuals with Gravesâ disease:

Selenium: Selenium supplements in daily dosages of 100â300 mcg led to improved thyroid function at 6 months in people with Gravesâ disease, but this effect was lost at 9 months
Vitamin D: Correcting vitamin D deficiency may improve thyroid function.
L-Carnitine: Taking L-carnitine may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Vitamin B12: Taking a high quality B12 or B complex supplement can help maintain healthy B12 levels.

Thyroid Cancer

Some research suggests that omega-3 fats, curcumin, L-carnitine, quercetin, melatonin, resveratrol, selenium, inositol, zinc, and vitamins C, E, A, and D may benefit those with thyroid cancer. Additionally, correcting iodine deficiency can help protect against the development of more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. However, more human studies are needed before these supplements can be routinely recommended.

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