Thyroid Support

A Look At The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It is an integral part of the endocrine system and regulates many bodily functions. Above and beyond anything else, the primary function of the thyroid is to produce and release hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and development. Indeed, it produces two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both hormones regulate the body's energy, heat, heart rate, digestion, and other vital functions. Thyroid hormones also help maintain the body's metabolic rate and are essential for normal growth and development during pregnancy and beyond, which is why thyroid supplements may be recommended. They are especially critical during infancy and childhood.

Functions Of Thyroid Hormones In The Body

Thyroid hormones have a wide range of effects on the body, including regulating heart rate, body temperature, weight, energy levels, and mood. They also play a crucial role in the development and functioning of the nervous system.

A hyperfunction of the thyroid gland can cause various symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, goitre (visibly enlarged thyroid gland) or thyroid nodules, hair loss, hand tremors, heat intolerance, increased appetite, increased sweating, irregular menstrual periods, nail changes (thickness or flaking), nervousness, pounding or racing heartbeat (palpitations), restlessness, sleep problems, and weight loss (or weight gain, in some cases).

On the other hand, hypothyroidism can result in symptoms like anxiety, depression, dry skin and hair, extreme fatigue and weakness, fertility problems, heavy or irregular menstrual period, high cholesterol, hoarseness and voice changes, joint muscle pain, sensitivity to the cold, slowed heart rate, swelling and puffiness, thinning hair, and weight gain, among others.

Causes Of Thyroid Imbalance

While a complete exploration of the causes of thyroid imbalance is beyond the scope of this article, it's important to highlight a few common factors at cause. These include:

Autoimmune conditions – The most common cause of thyroid hormone imbalances is autoimmune thyroid disease, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In Hashimoto's, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and gradual destruction of thyroid tissue, and eventually, hypothyroidism.

Iodine deficiency or excess – Adequate levels of Iodine are necessary to produce thyroid hormones. A deficiency or excess of iodine in the diet can disrupt the thyroid's ability to produce the right amount of hormones, so iodine supplements may be beneficial for thyroid health.

Thyroid nodules – Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that develop within the thyroid gland. These nodules can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Depending on their function, nodules can cause an underactive or overactive thyroid. 

Thyroiditis – This condition involves thyroid gland inflammation and can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune processes, or certain medications. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, it can lead to temporary hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

Certain medications – Certain medications can interfere with thyroid hormone production or affect how thyroid hormones are utilized. For example, lithium, anti-seizure drugs and certain cancer treatments may affect thyroid hormone levels.

Pituitary or hypothalamic disorders – The thyroid gland's function is regulated by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. If there are issues with these control centres, such as tumours or dysfunction, they may disrupt the normal production and release of thyroid hormones.

Genetic factors – In some cases, thyroid hormone imbalances can be caused by genetic factors such as familial thyroid disorders, which can lead to abnormalities in thyroid hormone production and metabolism.

How To Support Your Thyroid

To give your thyroid a little TLC, you should start by optimizing your lifestyle hygiene. This includes eating a healthy, varied, fresh, and colourful diet rich in essential nutrients for the thyroid, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Good dietary sources of these nutrients include seafood, seaweed, Brazil nuts, eggs, dairy products, lean meats, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Managing stress is also essential since chronically high levels of stress can harm thyroid function. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and engaging in activities you enjoy to help reduce stress levels. Prioritizing sleep is also essential to support thyroid function, as is limiting exposure to toxins. Thyroid support supplements can also be highly beneficial.

Thyroid Support Supplements 

Dietary supplements specifically formulated to support the health and function of the thyroid gland, metabolism, growth, and development are widely available on the market. These often feature thyroid essentials such as iodine (a common deficiency,) selenium, zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, and L-tyrosine. Desiccated thyroid is another option for treating a hypo-functioning thyroid gland. It is derived from the thyroid glands of animals, usually pigs, and contains both the T3 and T4 hormones naturally produced by the human thyroid gland. 

Supplementation with desiccated thyroid has been shown effective for individuals who do not produce adequate thyroid hormones on their own (hypothyroidism). Moreover, desiccated thyroid is especially effective in patients who do not find relief from synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine/Synthroid), the gold standard therapy in conventional medicine. A word of note, however, desiccated thyroid requires a prescription from a doctor/naturopathic doctor in Canada.

Final Thoughts On Thyroid Support Supplement

If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, or are living with some of the characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism, like fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, change in voice, and dry skin, consider adding a thyroid support supplement to your daily regimen. Some of the most reputable thyroid support supplements on the market include:

• Thyroid-Pro from CanPrev
• ThyroSet from Douglas Labs
• Thydracut from Life Choice
• Thyrodine from Life Choice
• ThyroSmart from Smart Solutions
• Thyrosol from Metagenics
• Thyroid Energy from Now Foods
• Thyrosyn from New Roots
• Thyroid Support Complex from Pure Encapsulations

If diet, lifestyle interventions, and supplementation do not provide adequate relief from your symptoms, make an appointment with a qualified naturopathic physician to discuss if desiccated thyroid might be right for you.