Supplements to Improve Thyroid Function: Natural Thyroid Supplement

Hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunction is the disorder caused due to under secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones are essential for stabilizing the metabolism. Hence, people suffering from hypothyroidism exhibit the symptoms that are associated with slow metabolism. The symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, swollen eyes, fragile nails, coarse skin, croaky voice etc. Interestingly, these symptoms are often associated with minor disorders, hence people tend to ignore them. This is the reason why thyroid disorders are one of the most under-diagnosed disorders in the world. Millions of people walk the streets unaware of the fact that they could be suffering from a major disorder.

Supplements to Improve Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland which is responsible for secreting three types of hormones, iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calitonin. T3 and T4 are produced by using iodine and are responsible for metabolism and general vigor. The levels of T3, T4 hormones in the body are detected by measuring the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood. As the level of thyroid hormone increase, the level of TSH decreases. Thus, more the level of TSH, the more the chances of a person suffering from thyroid dysfunction. The level of TSH determines if the person is in need of supplement or not.

Thyroid supplements are of two types - natural and synthetic. Synthetic supplements comprise only one of the two thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. Whereas, natural extracts include the entire range of thyroid hormones. Additionally, natural supplements do not induce any side effects unlike their synthetic counterparts.

Natural Supplements
Natural ingredients have been used for treating thyroid problems since ages. The traditional natural medicines aim to make the thyroid gland healthy so that it functions efficiently. This mechanism alleviates the need of additional synthetic thyroid supplements. Recent researches have affirmed the effectiveness of natural supplements, which are now prescribed medications for treating hypothyroidism.

Herbal Supplements
There are certain herbs which are rich sources of iodine and contains a range of vitamins and minerals. These herbs nourish the thyroid gland and facilitate the normal secretion of thyroid hormones. Following are the herbal supplements that help in improving thyroid function:

• Shilajeet
• Kanchanara
• Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
• Licorice
  
• Green Oats (Avena sativa)
• Makandi (Coleus forskohlii)

Goitrogenic Natural Foods
Goitrogens are the chemicals that bring about the enlargement of thyroid gland by interfering with its synthesis mechanism. Although, cooking reduces the effectiveness of goitrogenic chemicals, it is still recommended that such foods be consumed in cooked form only. Following are the goitrogenic natural thyroid supplements:

• Rapeseed
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes
• Maize
• Lima beans
• Soya and pearl millet

Changes in your diet can help you protect against thyroid dysfunction. There are some natural ingredients that you should incorporate in your daily meal. Coconut oil is believed to enhance the health of the thyroid gland. It is a saturated fat and contains triglycerides, which control the metabolism and help in losing weight. Vegetable juices and coarse sea salt also help in maintaining the balance of thyroid gland. Along with this, there is a long list of food that are to be avoided by people suffering from thyroid dysfunction. It includes caffeine, sugar, potatoes, excess wheat floor and other glycolic foods.

Natural supplements are definitely useful in curing thyroid dysfunction. Since, they are the extracts of entirely natural products they have no side effects. Even people with normal thyroid function should include these supplements in their diet so as to prevent the occurrence of this disorder in future.