Thyroid Hormones help to keep us lean and energetic
Thyroid Hormones
Updated Mar. 09th, 2022
This small gland, located around the throat, ultimately regulates digestion, the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein, temper-ature, nervous system function, heart rate, muscle and bone growth, fertility and skin health. A delicate balance needs to be struck between adequate metabolism for all of the body’s functions while allowing time for repair and rejuvenation of the body systems.
Low thyroid function is common in today’s society. This is due in part to stressful lifestyles, lack of nutritious foods and an increase in environmental pollutants. 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, bowel changes, muscle and joint aches, allergies and asthma are all typical signs and symptoms of low thyroid functioning.
Thyroxin is available only by prescription in Canada. A supplement called Thyroid or Armour thyroid contains both T4 and the more active T3. This is important for a small percentage of people that cannot convert T4 into T3. Most thyroid glandular supplements are certified thyroxin- free to eliminate the risk of sending its users into a hyperthyroid state. The best source for glandular extracts is New Zealand where they are free from pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and disease.
To enhance the body’s production of thyroxin without taking thyroxin itself there are several options. For specific information (dosing, safety issues, etc.) on each supplement follow the link.
Protein intake is important because it contains the amino acid tyrosine, a precursor to thyroxin.
A variety of vitamins and minerals are needed to produce and convert thyroxin into the more potent T3. These nutrients include iodine, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E.
Thyroid glandular is an extract of the thyroid gland of an animal, usually a sheep or cow. It supports the activity of the thyroid and regulates metabolism. It may provide its users with a mild increase in energy and stamina.
Dietary considerations for optimizing thyroid functioning include avoiding chlorinated and fluoridated water because they block iodine receptors in the thyroid. Also avoid broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, onions, spinach and turnips because they suppress thyroid hormone function.
Wow! There's a lot to think about when it comes to thyroid health. I wonder if most people who can't convert T3 to T4 are aware of this deficit? Also, thyroid glandular sounds useful but given it's extacted from animals, definitely not suitable for vegans-is there a vegan substitute? Finally, I didn't know that chlorinated and fluoridated water can block iodine receptors in the thyroid-I wonder if perscription high flouride toothpaste could have an adverse effect on the thyroid? Thank you so much for this article. It as very interesting and definitely got my mind turning on the topic of thyroid health!!
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your message. In response to your question, no, those who have trouble converting T3 to T4 are very unlikely to know, though they may suspect that if they have a lot of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
As far as thyroid glandulars, there really aren't any vegan alternatives, save for plant-based supplements that feature ingredients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and other nutrients that are essential for thyroid function. Other helpful options include seaweed, such as kelp, dulse, and nori, which are rich in iodine, as well as spirulina and chlorella both of which are nutrient-dense and contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including iodine. Incorporating these algae into your diet can help support overall health, including thyroid function. Medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, tulsi, ginseng, licorice root and rhodiola can also really help. You can learn more about each of these supplements benefits through our supplement articles here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/
Have a healthy day!