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Newsletter #118 --- Natural approach to Suboptimal Thyroid Function

 

Thyroid gland is the small, butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam's apple. It produces thyroid hormones that control our body's metabolism. Optimal thyroid function is required for healthy function of every cell within our body and plays a critical role in both maintaining the quality of life and decreasing the risks of diseases.

Hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland) is a disease in which the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormone (Triiodothyronine (T3) & Thyroxine (T4)). The result is a "slowing down"of many bodily functions. While decreased thyroid function is commonly associated with weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance and depression, suboptimal thyroid function has also been associated with increased frequency of heart failure, coronary heart disease, dementia, insulin resistance, dilated cardiomyopathy and increased risk of breast cancer. If left untreated, decreased thyroid function can also cause elevated cholesterol levels, infertility, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, coma and death.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) above the upper reference limit of 4 mIU/L with normal levels of free T4. Subclinical hypothyroidism can have significant effects on peripheral target organs and there is a high rate of progression towards overt hypothyroidism, deterioration in quality of life and increased risks of diseases.

 

Known causes of hypothyroidism

Risk factors

Age over 65 years, female, caucasian, family history of hypothyroidism, genetics,

History of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus,  Type 1 diabetes.

Pernicious anemia, underactive adrenal or parathyroid glands

Symptoms

Includes fatigue, Weakness, Coarse, brittle hair; hair loss, Facial puffiness, Dry skin, Swollen hands or feet, Cold intolerance, Weight gain, Constipation, Achy feeling all over, Depression and irritability, Memory loss, Menstrual abnormalities or infertility. Symptoms of severe or prolonged cases include: Stupor, coma, Slow heart rate, Depressed breathing, Hypothermia (low body temperature), hoarseness

Prevention

Individuals over 50 years old should have a screening test (TSH) every five years.

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes or depression should be regularly screened.

Infertile female and individuals taking Medications such as lithium, iodine, alpha-interferons, thiourea, amiodarone, interleukins should be screened regularly.

Natural approach to Suboptimal Thyroid Function and Subclinical hypothyroidism

The followings are bio-chemical key steps leading to optimal thyroid health.

  1. The presence of Bio-available iodine for thyroid cells - Proper function of thyroid hormones begins with adequate and consistent intake of dietary iodine.
  2. Iodine uptake by thyroid cells through interactions with sodium-iodide-symporter (NIS) proteins under the influence of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) - The proinflammatorycytokines, IL-i alpha, IL-i beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha have each demonstrated the ability to decrease TSH induced expression of NIS proteins. Thus inflammation reduces uptake of iodide by thyroid cells.
  3. T3 & T4 production and secretion from thyroid cells
  4. Conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the more bioactive triiodothyronine (T3) by liver cells;
  5. Heterodimerization of thyroid receptors on target cells throughout the body
  6. Binding of thyroid hormone receptors to DNA by heterodimers throughout the body
  7. Affect of T3 on target gene expression within receptor cells throughout the body.

Phytotherapeutics

The following phytotherapeutic agents have demonstrated in both human and animal studies, the ability to provide supports throughout the above seven steps, from providing dietary iodine to thyroid Receptor Coupling and Expression in Target Genes.

Iodine and Iodine Uptake

T3 & T4 Production and Secretion from Thyroid cells

Optimal Conversion of Thyroxine (T4) to the more active triiodothyronine (T3)

Thyroid Receptor Coupling and Expression in Target Genes

The final steps in proper thyroid function involve the coupling of membrane receptors to allow thyroid hormones to enter target cells and affect the hormone/receptor complex on target genes.

Introducing Thyro-Mend

Thyro-Mend

  1. Increase bio-available iodine for thyroid cells
  2. Increase iodine uptake by thyroid cells through interactions with sodium-iodide-symporter (NIS) proteins -
  3. Increase T3 & T4 production and secretion from thyroid cells
  4. Increase conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the more bioactive triiodothyronine (T3) by liver cells;
  5. Increase heterodimerization of thyroid receptors on target cells throughout the body
  6. Increase binding of thyroid hormone receptors to DNA by heterodimers throughout the body
  7. Increase affect of T3 on target gene expression within receptor cells throughout the body.

Thyro-Mend is a unique combination of phytotherapeutic seaweeds and herbs described above, synergistically supports the seven key bio-chemical steps associated with Optimal Thyroid Health. It is designed to promote optimal function of thyroid hormones by maintaining the health of thyroid hormone producing tissues and by supporting the healthy function of tissues that respond to thyroid hormones. By supporting thyroid functions, this synergistic formulation also supports the health of tissues which respond to optimal thyroid health. This support can help maintain healthy blood lipids and sugar levels and support memory and mood.

 

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References

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    61. Hops (Humulus lupulus):

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products. 

 

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