Best Supplements for Thyroid Health – Recommended by TCM Experts
Thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer are some of the most common health conditions experienced by adults today. While there are certain medical treatments that have been known to help support thyroid health, many people look towards supplements for relief.
Certain thyroid support supplements can help prevent common illnesses and promote good overall health. Alongside a select list of supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine experts have several pieces of advice to support thyroid health with thyroid supplements.
Should you take generic thyroid supplements?
Thyroid-specific supplements have been known to be effective for certain groups of people, especially those with nutrient deficiencies that can lead to thyroid issues. With that being said, taking thyroid supplements can also have negative health effects for select demographics.
Many thyroid support supplements contain high quantities of iodine. An overconsumption of iodine alongside the other vitamins and minerals in these supplements can often cause people with healthy thyroid function to create unnecessary health complications. An overload of hormone-inducing nutrients can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
It is generally advised that those with thyroid issues do not take a generic “thyroid support” supplement. It is instead recommended to work with a health practitioner to find a natural supplement specific to each individual’s needs.
How Chinese Medicine views Thyroid Health
There are two common disorders associated with the thyroid.
- The first disorder, hyperthyroidism, is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland.
- The second disorder, hypothyroidism, is characterized by an under-active thyroid gland.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views both disorders previously mentioned as a Yin/Yang imbalance. TCM practitioners will prescribe treatments for both internal and external factors that may be impacting thyroid health. The internal factors include emotional states, stress levels, mental stimulation, as well as hereditary conditions. External factors often include diet, possible injury, or regular physical practices. The treatment prescribed will direct movement of Qi within the body to restore the balance of Yin and Yang.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism condition is interpreted in TCM as the result of Excess Yang and Liver Heat.
An excess of Yang energy can no longer be regulated by Yin. If this is not treated the Yang energy starts to get out of control, eventually creating a deficiency of Yin. As a result of this imbalance the body’s overall Qi energy becomes weakened.
This excess Yang energy overstokes the energy of the Liver which goes into overdrive -creating blockages along the meridian system. TCM practitioners view blockages as being related to stagnation of Qi, or blood, or phlegm. In this case, phlegm stagnation is impeding the flow to and from the thyroid gland.
- Liver heat causes symptoms like: redness of the skin, itchiness, irritability, hunger and high metabolism, and a quickened pulse.
- Weakness of Qi and Yin causes: trouble breathing, trouble sleeping, sweating, and dryness of the eyes and mouth.
- Phlegm stagnation is considered the reason for the swelling of the thyroid gland itself.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid)
This is interpreted In TCM as the result of Yang deficiency, and or excessive body fluid or water retention , slow down body metabolism. Relative organs and meridian are Stomach, Spleen and Kidney. Mainly symptoms are : fatigue, hand and feet coldness, low back pain, body weight gain.
The Yang energy present body organs function and activity, keeping body organs and meridian warm and easily Vital Qi flow, rotation in supporting body maintaining needs, cleaning body unwanted toxicity, protecting body environment healthy. When Yang deficiency, the body organs and meridian loss power of Yang energy, the function and activity will slow down, in the meanwhile , It also accumulated toxicity of body fluid and water retention, gas and coldness, damage body internal healthy, blocked energy flow.
TCM theory interprets hypothyroidism as the result of the following: long term or chronic highly stress, improper diet, poor constitution and overwork in physical or mental. This condition is the result of damage to the Stomach, Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency, toxicity blocked energy flow, which related to thyroid gland.
This problem may be exacerbated by a poor constitution and overworking – both of which can overstrain and weaken further the Spleen, Stomach and Kidneys and explains the water retention which is characteristic of this condition.
Herbs for Overactive Thyroid
As the thyroid is easily affected by the nutrients the body absorbs through diet, it is recommended both in TCM and modern medicine to take a carefully selected natural supplement. By taking one or multiple carefully prescribed natural supplements, the body will avoid experiencing the negative effects commonly associated with generic “thyroid support” supplements.
1. Curcumin
Curcumin, an extract from a root used across many eastern cultures, has long been used to treat various ailments. Several studies have been conducted showing its effectiveness in treating benign thyroid nodules. While they are not cancerous, benign thyroid nodules can still have severe implications on thyroid function. They commonly impact the mental and emotional health of those suffering from them.
Curcumin is known to be rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Such properties are thought to help reduce the growth of benign thyroid nodules and support general immune health. Curcumin has also shown some evidence in prohibiting the growth of cancerous tumors effecting the thyroid. Buy here.
2. Vitamin D
A vitamin D deficiency is sometimes associated with those who suffer from hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is a vitamin commonly prescribed as an underactive thyroid supplement. By taking vitamin D as a supplement, patients can expect to achieve a balance of calcium and phosphorus alongside other minerals in the body. This supports theses across both western medicine and TCM.
Because it’s high in antioxidants, vitamin D has also been known to support a wide variety of autoimmune disorders, such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, or autoimmune thyroid disease.
3. Iron
Another one of the most commonly prescribed supplements for hypothyroidism is iron. Having enough iron in the body is essential for proper thyroid function. Iron deficiencies have been seen in certain groups of people, such as women who are pregnant.
Specifically, iron deficiencies are common in those suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Several studies have been conducted, showing iron’s impact, alongside iodine and vitamin D, in improving the effects of the disease.
4. Selenium
Like vitamin D and iron, selenium is a mineral commonly prescribed as a underactive thyroid supplement. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that has profound effects in regulating thyroid function. Those with a deficiency in a selenium would benefit from taking a selenium supplement, as it would help regulate the “selenostasis” in the body. The process of selenostasis can help prevent thyroid-related disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.
In cases of Graves’ disease specially, selenium supplementation has been known to promote better function of the thyroid and improve quality of life.
Best Thyroid Supplements for Support
Liver detoxing Remedy
GinSen’s Liver detoxing Remedy supplements work on getting to the root cause of Liver imbalance. Liver detox Remedy are expertly formulated supplements that can be incorporated in your daily routine. They help with detoxing heat, smooth Liver Qi, cooling internal heat and hormonise internal body system, helping vital Qi movement .
Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)
Natural Dandelion or Pu Gong Ying by GinSen is a high grade botanical extract which offers natural antibacterial and antiviral properties along with promoting natural detox. It works by eliminating toxic heat from the body.
Want to read more about the Chinese medicine for Thyroid health, click here.
Thyroid Supplement Precautions
The main concern in choosing a thyroid supplement is overconsumption of certain nutrients. While many people have a deficiency in minerals like iodine, those that do not have a deficiency will be adversely affected by overconsumption. Too much of a nutrient like iodine can sometimes induce worse health effects than a deficiency in the same nutrient would.
In an effort to promote balanced levels of essential nutrients in the body, it is recommended to avoid taking any generic thyroid support supplements. Instead, most people searching for a way to improve thyroid health would benefit from taking a short list of carefully selected supplements like the ones listed above. It is recommended for those struggling with thyroid health to contact their medical practitioner to find the best supplement(s).
Chinese Medicine Treatment for Thyroid Health
TCM suggests a few practices to treat and improve thyroid health.
- Acupuncture: The treatment of acupuncture has a homeostatic, or balancing effect on the body’s systems. It can be effective in treating a wide variety of thyroid related issues, including hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis alongside symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, and stress.
- Herbal Medicines: When prescribed by a TCM practitioner, herbal medicines have been known to be just as effective as acupuncture in treating thyroid issues. Herbal medicines can be used to keep the body’s important meridians open, allowing the life force energy of Qi to flow freely.
- Dietary Therapy: To restore balance of Yin and Yang, TCM practitioners will often advise changes in diet, which can further help improve thyroid health. Such dietary changes often include the supplements mentioned above.
All TCM treatments are used to achieve the same objective: a restored balance of Yin/Yang while also allowing for balanced and free-flowing Qi throughout the body.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with thyroid health, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
