Optimizing Your Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland is your body's gas pedal, regulating how many calories you burn for energy. When it is underactive, it can cause any or all of the following:

• Fatigue
• Achiness and pain
• Cold intolerance
• Brain fog
• Constipation
• Infertility
• Weight that we can't lose

Unfortunately, current blood testing often fails to diagnosis the majority of people who need thyroid hormone treatment. Sadly, many physicians aren't aware that current thyroid testing by itself is unreliable, and continue to treat only what the tests show instead of also assessing the person holistically to determine appropriate treatment. Holistic physicians (visit www.IFM.org to find one) are often better at considering both your lab tests and your symptoms when in comes to thyroid issues.

If you have even as few as two of the symptoms listed above, I believe it's worth considering a trial of natural prescription thyroid medication, such as desiccated thyroid, even if your lab tests appear normal. Because listening to your body is just as important, sometimes more so, as looking at the numbers.

(You can read more articles on hypothyroidism and other thyroid issues at the section in my blog, Articles on Hypothyroidism By Dr. T, in particular the article Thyroid Hormone Deficiency — An Overview.)

Thyroid Support From Nutritional Supplements

Below are nutritional supplements that support keeping your thyroid healthy.

For Hypothyroidism – Desiccated Thyroid

I tailor the dose of prescription desiccated thyroid (such as Armour Thyroid) based on what feels best for the patient, while ensuring that Free T4 levels stay within the normal range for safety. TSH levels, often used to assess thyroid function, are not a reliable indicator on their own. For the best treatment approach, you may need to work with a holistic practitioner who understands the importance of balancing both symptoms and lab results.

Supplements That Support Healthy Thyroid Function

Iodine, Selenium, Tyrosine

These three nutrients promote healthy thyroid function. They can be found in a single daily multinutrient mix called the Energy Revitalization Drink Mix. This combination of 30 key nutrients in a single drink is, imho, the best multivitamin/multinutrient in the world.

High-Dose Iodine

Taking a high-dose iodine supplement, such as Tri-Iodine™ (6.25 mg or 12.5 mg daily), can promote better energy levels while supporting both thyroid and breast health. Many people find that adding iodine in this form helps them feel overall better in general.

Iron (If Low)

Low iron levels can prevent your thyroid hormone from functioning effectively. I recommend supplementing with iron if your ferritin level is below 60, even if you don’t have anemia, as iron deficiency is common.

NOTE: If you’re taking thyroid medication, be sure to take iron supplements at a different time of day. Otherwise, iron can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption, reducing its effectiveness.