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THYROID GLANDULAR
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
The thyroid gland sets the body's metabolic rate ...
What is it?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland encircling the front of the wind-pipe in the lower neck. This gland is extremely important because the hormone it releases ultimately regulate our entire body's metabolic rate. Some examples of its effects are: digestion and the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein, regulation of body temperature, nervous system function, heart rate, muscle and bone growth, fertility and skin health.
Although we all often fall into the mindset that more is better, there is actually a delicate balance between sufficient metabolism for all of the body's functions and allowing time for repair and rejuvenation of the body systems. |
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Thyroid Glandular |
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| A healthy Thyroid is critical for energy levels, healthy metabolism and normal weight management. |
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Always running at a high metabolic rate, although great for weight loss, would not allow us sufficient sleep. Thyroid glandular extract is a supplement created from animal thyroid, which supplements a range of hormones released by the thyroid to benefit those with low thyroid function.
Subclinical and Clinical Hypothyroidism
Clinical hypothyroidism is a condition where there is a distinctive alteration in blood levels of certain thyroid hormones, namely a rise in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and a drop in free-T3 and free-T4 (unbound thyroid hormone). These lowered levels of available thyroid hormone result in physical symptoms such as: weight gain, frequent infections, hair loss, dry skin, lowered body temperature, poor nail growth, high cholesterol, swelling of the hands and feet, menstrual irregularities, goiter, fatigue, an increased need for sleep, decreased initiative, lack of concentration, poor memory, constipation, as well as muscle and joint aches. Interestingly, many people suffer from a myriad of these symptoms with normal or borderline-normal lab results, and this condition is generally referred to as "subclinical hypothyroidism". Whether clinical hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism, low thyroid function is a common condition in today's society. This is due in part to stressful lifestyles, lack of nutritious foods, and an increase in environmental pollutants.
T3, T4, and Synthetic Hormones
Thyroid hormone (thyroxine) comes in a less active T4 form, which is generally converted in the liver and kidneys to the more active T3 form. Some people lose the ability to produce sufficient T4, and some are poor converters of T4 to T3, resulting in the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Recently in the medical community, hypothyroidism has been treated with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine (synthetic T4). Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is available only by prescription from a Medical Doctor in Canada. More recently, levothyroxine has been combined with liothyronine (synthetic T3) to create a more natural balance of hormones as would be found in the body in a medication generically called liotrix. These synthetic hormone preparations are also only available by prescription.
Dessicated Thyroid
Prior to the production of synthetic thyroid hormones, physicians used dessicated thyroid to treat many thyroid conditions. Dessicated thyroid is a preparation of dried porcine (pig) thyroid that contains not only natural T3 and T4, but other lesser-known thyroid hormones as well (T1, T2, etc). Interestingly, dessicated thyroid (Armour Thyroid, or Thyroid) has been making a comeback in current times as research reveals that the balance of hormones is more important than one particular hormone when seeking to relieve hypothyroid symptoms. In Canada, dessicated thyroid still requires a prescription by a medical doctor. For over-the-counter support for those suffering from hypothyroid symptoms, there are thyroid glandular supplements.
Thyroid Glandulars
Similarly to dessicated thyroid, these glandular extracts are made from dried animal thyroid, whether it be porcine (pig), sheep (ovine), bovine (cow), or another source. The major difference is that most thyroid glandular supplements are purified to remove thyroxine (T3 and T4) and must be certified thyroxine-free to eliminate the risk of sending its users into a hyperthyroid state. Instead, thyroid glandulars contain only the thyroid hormone precursors and lesser-known thyroid hormones such as T1, T2, T0, and calcitonin. The best source for glandular extracts is New Zealand where they are free from pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and disease. Because of the variation in concentrations and preparation practices of different companies, there is no generally agreed upon dose. In general, using the suggested dosage listed on the label of each supplement is recommended.
Other Thyroid Support
Protein intake is important because it contains the amino acid tyrosine, which is a precursor to thyroxine. A variety of vitamins and minerals are needed to produce and convert thyroxine into the more potent T3. These nutrients include iodine, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E.
Dietary Considerations
Dietary considerations for optimizing thyroid functioning include avoiding chlorinated and fluoridated water because they block iodine receptors in the thyroid. Also avoid excessive intake of: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, onions, spinach and turnips because they contain substances that may suppress thyroid hormone function.
Important Information
Thyroid hormone maintains a delicate balance in the body. Too little results in a sluggish metabolism, while too much can result in nervousness, tremors, sleeplessness, palpitations, sweating, fever, diarrhea, and increased appetite with paradoxical weight loss. The dosing of any thyroid hormone supplement should be carefully monitored by your physician. |
Thyroid Hromone - QUICK FACTS |
SOURCES |
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Animal thyroid, prescription synthetic medication |
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
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Weight gain, frequent infections, hair loss, dry skin, cold skin, poor nail growth, high cholesterol, swelling of the hands and feet, menstrual irregularities, goiter, fatigue, an increased need for sleep, decreased initiative, lack of concentration, poor memory, constipation, muscle and joint aches |
WORKS WELL WITH |
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Iodine, kelp, protein supplements, L-tyrosine, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E. |
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· A balance of thyroid hormone must be maintained. Excess levels can lead to nervousness, tremors, sleeplessness, palpitations, sweating, fever, diarrhea and increased appetite with paradoxical weight loss. Food and supplement intake can alter the uptake of nutrients that are necessary for thyroid health. Thyroid balance should be carefully monitored with your physician. |
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