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Support For Healthy Thyroid Function

September 5, 2024

Managing the body’s natural hormone processes through focused nutrition and lifestyle practices

Thyroid Health and Function


The thyroid gland exerts hormone effects across nearly all organ systems by increasing their function and metabolism. Tightly controlled by a negative feedback loop, thyroid hormone synthesis begins in the hypothalamus where thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is secreted and signals the anterior pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Stimulation of the thyroid follicular cells by TSH signals thyroxine (T4) production which requires nutritional precursors tyrosine and iodine for synthesis. T4, exclusively produced in the thyroid gland can be converted to the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) by cleavage of iodine via the action of iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes. T3 is approximately 8 times more biologically active than T4 with 90% of circulating T3 being produced by peripheral conversion in the brain, liver, bloodstream, and other tissues of the body.


Thyroid hormone can be bound to other proteins or free-floating in circulation. Free thyroid hormone binds within the nucleus of a cell and acts to increase basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis causing increased oxygen and energy consumption. Other effects of thyroid hormone include chronotropic and inotropic cardiac effects, stimulation of the nervous system resulting in increased alertness, development of fast-twitch muscle fibers, anabolism of proteins, and regulation of the ovulatory cycle and spermatogenesis.


Common causes of acquired thyroid disorders include nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune activity against thyroid tissue, environmental toxicity, and iatrogenic origins such as radiation, surgery, and medications.

Thyroid Health and Function


Promote stress reduction and activities that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Excess cortisol has a significant adverse effect on thyroid function and is primary to many underactive thyroid cases. Elevated cortisol leads to decreased levels of free T3 and increases the risk of autoimmune activity against thyroid tissues.


Encourage regular exercise utilizing a combination of moderate aerobic intensity and weight-bearing activities. Exercise improves thyroid function by increasing tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone, promoting healthy weight management, and improving perfusion to the thyroid gland.


Minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) as they can disrupt various stages of thyroid metabolism. EDCs implicated in the disruption of thyroid physiology include flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, phthalates, bisphenol A, perfluorinated chemicals, and perchlorate.


Whole Foods:

Nutritional Recommendations


Ensure adequate, but not excessive, amounts of iodine. Iodine is a key component of both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones and is found in foods like iodized salt, fish, seaweed, and dairy products. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism while excess iodine has been shown to precipitate thyroid issues or exacerbate pre-existing thyroid conditions. The Wolff Chaikoff effect prevents the thyroid from synthesizing large amounts of thyroid hormone by rejecting excessive iodine quantities.


Promote proper thyroid hormone conversion by supplying adequate selenium and zinc, which are necessary for the production and activation of iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes. Selenium is a trace mineral found in foods such as Brazil nuts and organ meats; zinc is found in oysters, beef, fish, and seafood.


Recommend that those with underactive thyroid avoid consuming large amounts of raw goitrogenic foods. Goitrogens are well known to interfere with thyroid function and include vegetables in the Brassica genus such as Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli. Goitrogens are sensitive to food processing including heat, which can denature them, and steaming has been shown to reduce their effect.


Dietary Supplement Regimen:


  • Thytrophin PMG®: Contains bovine thyroid PMG extract.
    Suggested Use: 1 tablet three times per day on an empty stomach.


  • Cataplex® E: Supports cellular processes and thyroid function with vitamin E and selenium.
    Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily.


  • Thyroid Complex: Contains Bladderwrack and Ashwagandha for thyroid health.
    Suggested Use: 1 tablet per meal.


  • Organically Bound Minerals: Provides iodine from whole foods to support thyroid function.
    Suggested Use: 1 tablet per meal.
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Seasonal Immune Response The innate and adaptive immune systems help regulate the body’s response to an array of potential allergens from the external environment. The immune system must distinguish between innocuous and harmful environmental antigens to avoid an exaggerated or self-destructive immune response. Potential allergens like pet dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites are constantly sampled by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. APCs process antigens and present them to T cells. T helper 2 (Th2) cells promote the release of immunoglobulins and cytokines. Antigen-dependent activation of tissue mast cells with specific IgE bound to their surface is the central event in acute allergic reactions. IgE sensitizes mast cells to release biologically active mediators like histamine and leukotrienes. Histamine is important in conditions like allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and asthma. Mast cells represent the most significant source of histamine within the immune system. Mast cells are distributed throughout nearly all vascularized tissues with relatively high numbers occurring near body surfaces including the airway epithelium. In allergic rhinitis, allergens stimulate mast cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, macrophages, and eosinophils to infiltrate the lining of the nasal cavity and the nasal mucosa. The release of histamine and cytokines leads to uncomfortable symptoms like mucosal edema, sneezing, pruritis, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. Lifestyle and nutritional interventions can support a healthy seasonal immune response by stabilizing mast cells, modulating the histamine response, and reducing exposure to potential seasonal triggers. Supportive Lifestyle Practices Consider sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) as a strategy to reorient the immune response for individuals experiencing allergy-mediated symptoms. SLIT promotes the synthesis of antibodies that block the allergen-IgE mediated complex to induce an anti-inflammatory environment. Recommend saline irrigation of the nasal passages to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This practice is thought to work by thinning nasal mucus and flushing allergens and bacteria from the nasal cavity. Encourage the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Air purifiers that use HEPA filtration reduce airborne allergens like dust mites, animal dander, and pollen and can reduce allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Whole Foods Nutritional Recommendations Encourage intake of foods rich in quercetin, which has been shown to inhibit the production and release of histamine by stabilizing the cell membrane of mast cells and preventing their activation. Onions are one of the richest food sources of quercetin. Other good sources include broccoli, bell peppers, apples, and berries. Encourage the inclusion of foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. Resolvins are lipid mediators biosynthesized from omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Resolvins can facilitate a balanced adaptive immune function and support healthy allergic airway responses by modulating the recruitment of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Suggest the use of raw honey in place of sugar. Honey contains phytochemicals such as gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, and caffeic acid that have been shown to exhibit anti-allergic effects. Emphasize the importance of consuming foods rich in vitamin D, such as the flesh and liver of fatty fish. Smaller amounts can be found in beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese. Vitamin D helps modulate adaptive immune function and supports mast cell stabilization. Dietary Supplement Regimen: Allerplex®: Supports healthy mucous membranes and respiratory function. Suggested Use: 3 capsules per meal. AllergCo: Contains Albizia and Nigella to support seasonal immune responses and respiratory function. Suggested Use: 1 tablet 4 times daily. Cod Liver Oil: Contains omega-3 fatty acids to support immune response and inflammatory processes. Suggested Use: 3 softgels per day. Antronex® : Supports the body's detoxification mechanisms. Suggested Use: 1 tablet per day.
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