Natural Alternatives to Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid gland affects every tissue in your body. Positioned at the front of the throat over the windpipe, this wing-shaped gland regulates the body's metabolism and calcium balance, according to UMM.edu. The gland secretes iodine-containing hormones, T4 and T3, which actively bind to receptor sites on cells all over the body. If you have a thyroid disorder, it is typically from an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism. There are medications as well as natural options for thyroid function; talk to your doctor about your specific needs. Vitamins and alternative options can impact your current thyroid medication, and require diligent monitoring.
Dessicated Thyroid Gland
One alternative to a synthetically made medication is a natural medication made from the dessicated, or dried, thyroid gland of an animal, usually pig. Used in cases of hypothyroidism, this type of medication contains both thyroxine and triiodothyronine, hormones needed by the thyroid gland. Traditional synthetic medications only contain thyroxine, states mayoclinic.com. Dessicated thyroid medications still require a physician's prescription, and should not be confused with glandular concentrates found in grocery stores. Talk to you doctor about your condition, and what type of medication is best for you.
- One alternative to a synthetically made medication is a natural medication made from the dessicated, or dried, thyroid gland of an animal, usually pig.
Selenium
Iodine & Selenium Dosage for Thyroid Problems
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Selenium is a mineral that plays an important role in thyroid function. It is used to convert the T4 hormone into the active T3 hormone, a biochemical process that is fundamental to adequate thyroid function. Low levels of selenium can lead to thyroid issues like goiter, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 1993 2. Another study found that supplementation of selenium helped to restore normal levels of thyroid hormones. Published in "Acta Biologica Hungarica" in June 2010, Dr. IB Amara and colleagues found that providing selenium to rats with hypothyroidism was beneficial 3. Talk to your doctor about selenium, as too much in your diet can be toxic.
- Selenium is a mineral that plays an important role in thyroid function.
- Low levels of selenium can lead to thyroid issues like goiter, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 1993 2.
Niacin
According to the June 1995 issue of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," niacin, or vitamin B3, may actually lower thyroid hormone levels 4. The patients in the study were given nicotinic acid, or niacin, and had their thyroid hormone levels evaluated 4. Dr. K.M. Shakir and colleagues discovered that the nicotinic administration lowered thyroid hormone levels, but did not induce hypothyroidism. Niacin may be beneficial for cases of hyperthyroidism, although results are not guaranteed. Talk to your doctor about niacin before using.
- According to the June 1995 issue of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," niacin, or vitamin B3, may actually lower thyroid hormone levels 4.
- Dr. K.M.
- Shakir and colleagues discovered that the nicotinic administration lowered thyroid hormone levels, but did not induce hypothyroidism.
Iodine
Niacin & Thyroid Disease
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The thyroid gland needs iodine to make the T3 and T4 hormones 2. According to "The Thyroid Sourcebook" by M. Sara Rosenthal, Ph.D., the body only requires a small amount of iodine per day, approximately 150 micrograms. However, many countries around the world have standard diets that are deficient in iodine, making even that small amount difficult to obtain. Low levels of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism and an enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter. Too much iodine, according to the book, can also cause goiters; therefore, it is important to discuss your dietary needs with your doctor before supplementing with iodine.
- The thyroid gland needs iodine to make the T3 and T4 hormones 2.
- Too much iodine, according to the book, can also cause goiters; therefore, it is important to discuss your dietary needs with your doctor before supplementing with iodine.
Related Articles
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroid: Alternative Medicine
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The epidemiology of iodine-deficiency disorders in relation to goitrogenic factors and thyroid stimulating hormone regulation; CH Thilly et al; February 1993
- "Acta Biologica Hungarica"; Effect of selenium on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups; IB Amara et al; June 2010
- "Mayo Clinic Proceedings"; Nicotinic acid decreases serum thyroid hormone levels while maintaining a euthyroid state; KM Shakir et al; June 1995
- American Thyroid Association. General Information/Press Room.
- Pirahanchi Y, Jialal I. Physiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Updated April 25, 2019.
- AACC. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Lab Tests Online. Updated October 18, 2019.
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- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- Brent GA. Environmental exposures and autoimmune thyroid disease. Thyroid. 2010;20(7):755-61. doi:10.1089/thy.2010.1636
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- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Grave’s Disease. Published September 2017.
- Stagnaro-Green, A., Abalovich, M, Alexander, E. et. al. Guidelines of the American thyroid association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Thyroid. 2011(21)10. doi:10.1089/thy.2011.0087
- Liu G, Liang L, Bray GA, et al. Thyroid hormones and changes in body weight and metabolic parameters in response to weight loss diets: the POUNDS LOST trial. Int J Obes (Lond). 2017;41(6):878-886. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.28
- Bahn R, Burch H, Cooper D, et al. Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: Management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Endocrine Practice. 2011;17(3). doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0417
- Braverman L, Cooper D. Werner & Ingbar's The Thyroid, 10th Edition. WLL/Wolters Kluwer; 2012.
- Garber J, Cobin R, Gharib H, et. al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocrine Practice. 2012;18(6). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0205
- Haugen A, Alexander K., Bible K, et. al. 2015 American Thyroid Association Management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2016;26(1):1-133. doi:10.1089/thy.2015.0020
- Smallridge R, Ain K, Asa S, et. al. American Thyroid Association guidelines for management of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2012;22(11). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0302
- Wells, S, Asa S, Dralle H, et. al. Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid. 2015;25(6). doi:10.1089/thy.2014.0335
Resources
- "The Thyroid Sourcebook"; M.S. Rosenthal, Ph.D.; 2009
Writer Bio
Christy Callahan has been researching and writing in the integrative health care field for over five years, focusing on neuro-endocrinology. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, earned credits toward a licensure in traditional Chinese medicine and is a certified Pilates and sport yoga instructor.