Natural Support Options for Hypothyroidism

June is Canadian Thyroid Awareness Month! In this article by Clinical Herbalist Petra Sovcov, we explore natural support strategies for hypothyroidism and discuss what it is and some of the symptoms and complications involved.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat, regulating the temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. If the thyroid secretes too little thyroid, hypothyroidism results. It is estimated that up to 5% of the population in the US are influenced by hypothyroidism, and it is more common in women between the ages of thirty and fifty than in men.
 
Because thyroid gland hormones regulate metabolism in each body cell, a deficiency of thyroid hormones can affect virtually all body functions. The degree of severity of symptoms in an adult ranges from extremely mild deficiencies (pre-clinical hypothyroidism) to severe deficiency states that are life threatening (myxedema).
 
Deficiency of thyroid hormone may be because of deficient hormone synthesis or lack of stimulation by the pituitary gland, which secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary secretes TSH. If thyroid hormone levels are decreased and TSH levels are elevated in the blood, it usually indicates defective thyroid hormone synthesis. This is termed primary hypothyroidism. If TSH levels are low and thyroid hormone levels are also low, this indicates the pituitary gland is responsible for the low thyroid function. This is termed secondary hypothyroidism.
 
The thyroid itself is a small gland, measuring about two inches across, that lies just under the skin below the Adam’s apple in the neck. The two halves (called lobes) of the gland are connected in the middle (this is called the isthmus), giving the thyroid gland the shape of a bow tie.

The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, which control the speed at which the body’s chemical functions proceed (metabolic rate). Thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate in two ways:

• By stimulating every tissue in the body to produce proteins.
• By increasing the amount of oxygen that cells use.

Thyroid hormones affect many vital body functions such as heart rate, the respiratory rate, the rate at which calories are burned, skin maintenance, growth, heat production, fertility, and digestion.
 
The two thyroid hormones are T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine). T4, the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland, has only a slight, if any, effect on speeding up the body’s metabolic rate. Instead, T4 is converted into T3, the more active hormone. The conversion of T4 into T3 occur in the liver and other tissues.
 
To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland needs iodine, an element contained in food and water. The thyroid gland traps iodine and processes it into thyroid hormones. As thyroid hormones are used, a small amount of the iodine contained is recycled to produce more thyroid hormones.

Causes:

​Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormone. Thyroid problems can cause many recurring illnesses and fatigue. The thyroid can be affected by poor diet, fluoride exposure in water, excessive consumption of unsaturated fats, endurance exercise, pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, radiation from x-rays, alcohol, and drugs/certain medications. In some cases, it can also be genetic.

Symptoms and Complications:

Symptoms and Complications include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to tolerate cold
• Low body temperature
• Slow heart rate
• Easy weight gain
• Elevated cholesterol
• Painful menstruation in women
• Heavy menstruation in women
• Milky discharge from breasts in women
• Fertility issues
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Dry and scaly skin
• A yellow-orange coloration to the skin (particularly on the palms of the hands)
• Yellow bumps on eyelids
• Hair loss (including the eyebrows)
• Recurrent infections
• Migraines
• Hoarseness
• Respiratory infections
• Constipation
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slow speech
• Goiter
• Drooping/swollen eyelids

Supplement Options for Hypothyroidism:

• L-tyrosine – This supplement is for low plasma levels which have been associated with hypothyroidism.
• Vitamin B Complex – B vitamins improve cellular oxygenation and energy and are needed for proper digestion, immune function, red blood cell formation, and thyroid function.
• Brewer’s Yeast – Rich in basic nutrients especially B vitamins.
• Selenium – A vital antioxidant that protects the immune system.
• Vitamin E – An important antioxidant that improves circulation and immune response. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.

Herbal Support for Hypothyroidism:

Commonly Used Herbs:

• Bladderwrack (Fucu vesiculosus)  – one of the most commonly used herbs for hypothyroidism as it contains Iodine. Iodine is the basic substance of the thyroid hormone. Consult with your healthcare professional before using this if you are diagnosed with thyroid problems.
• Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) – this herb is considered to be lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, detoxifier, and hepatic (acts upon the liver and assists with detoxification and cleansing). It is used specifically where lymphatic or endocrine issues may be involved, it is also traditionally regarded as a specific for enlarged thyroid and hypothyroidism.
• Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus) – most commonly used in women’s health. Chaste tree berry is the great balancer when it comes to hormones, and since the thyroid is part of our endocrine/hormonal system, it has a very important role to play.
• Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) – an Ayurvedic herb, Ashwaganda is considered to be a potent adaptogen and general tonic for all body systems. It is a traditional rejuvenator and restorative herb and acts upon the immune system as a modulator. It is also considered anti-inflammatory and restorative to the adrenals. It is an excellent foundational base and support for all systemic issues.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – Cleavers is a slow but deep healer. Traditionally used in issues with lymph or detoxification. Cleavers helps to open all channels of elimination. It is considered to be tonic and adaptogenic, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, detoxifier, and has anti-obesity actions. In regard to hypothyroidism it is considered to be specific in the presence of a nodular goiter.
• Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) – This herb is a power house!  Often used in cancer and tumor protocols, it is the green hull that is used when it comes to black walnut. Traditionally considered to be tonic, anti-septic, anti-viral, blood tonic, and rich in natural iodine. It is considered specific for cases of hypothyroidism and/or for swollen glands throughout the body. This herb is not appropriate with certain medications and conditions, please see an appropriate practitioner before use and never self dose.

Dietary and Lifestyle Suggestions:

• Include in your diet apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, prunes, raw seeds and whole grains.
• Eat the following in moderation: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach, and turnips. If you have severe symptoms, omit these foods entirely. They may further suppress thyroid function.
• Avoid processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar.
• Drink steam-distilled or filtered water.
• Begin a moderate exercise program – 30 minutes minimum per day. Exercise is particularly important in hypothyroidism. It stimulates thyroid gland secretion and increases tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone.

The Importance of Basal Body Temperature

​The basal body temperature is perhaps the most sensitive functional home test of thyroid function. Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The function of the thyroid gland, therefore, can be determined by simply measuring your basal body temperature. All you need is a Basal Thermometer and these simple steps:
 

1. At night before going to sleep set your thermometer next to your bed. If you are using an old fashioned thermometer, make sure that it has been shaken down to zero and place it on your bedside table.
2. When you awake, place the thermometer in your armpit for a full 10 minutes. It is important to make as little movement as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes closed is best. Do not get up until the 10 minute test is complete.
3. After 10 minutes, read and record the temperature, date, and time.
4. Record the temperature for at least three mornings (preferably at the same time each day) and give the information to your physician. Menstruating women must perform the test on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of menstruation. Men and postmenopausal women can perform the test at any time.

 
Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit or 36.4 to 36.7 degrees Celsius. Low basal body temperatures are quite common and may reflect hypothyroidism. 

Article References:

• The Merck Manual of Medical Information Second Home Edition – Published by Merck Research Laboratories 2003
• Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2015 – Published by McGraw-Hill Education and Cenveo Publisher Services – By Maxine A. Papadakis, Stephen J. McPhee and Edited by Michael W. Rabow
• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine 22nd Edition – Published by Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing 5th Edition – By Phyllis A Balch, CNC – Published by The Penguin Group 2010
• Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine- By Thomas Bartram – Constable and Robinson Ltd 1998
• Medical Herbs Quick Reference Guide Revision 7 by Julieta Criollo DNM, CHT – Self Published 2017
• Graphic from MedicineNet.Inc 2004
• Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements The Essential Guide to Improving Your Health Naturally by Michael T. Murray ND – Three Rivers Press New York 2001