Thyroid function disorders are very common, affecting 10 times more women than men worldwide. Underactive thyroid function or hypothyroidism, is much more common than overactive thyroid function or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism effectively ‘puts the brakes’ on your metabolism, so everything runs slowly in your body. You can however, kick-start your metabolic rate naturally with specific nutrients and the herb Withania.

Your thyroid in action

Your thyroid gland is an important component of your endocrine, or hormone system, responsible for both the production and release of thyroid hormones including T4 (tetraiodothyronine, commonly known as thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 and T3 are responsible for balancing and regulating metabolic functions including your energy levels, body temperature and the rate at which you can produce energy from the food you eat.

• T4 contains 4 iodine molecules and acts as a pro-hormone for T3. 80% of your thyroid hormones are T4
• T3 contains 3 iodine molecules and is an active thyroid hormone. 20% of your thyroid hormones are T3, and T3 is 5-7 times stronger than T4

Hypothyroidism symptoms

Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolic rate leading to symptoms such as:

• Weight gain
• Great difficulty losing weight
• Mood disturbances
• Fatigue
• Poor memory & concentration
• Constipation
• Low libido
• Development of a goitre
• Dry or rough hair, skin & nails
• Intolerance to the cold

Kick-start your thyroid naturally with:

• Iodine - an essential component of T4 and T3. Iodine deficiency has re-emerged as a problem in Australia and is the leading cause of hypothyroidism world-wide

• Selenium - an important trace mineral needed for the conversion of T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3, via selenium based enzymes. Deficiency of this enzyme results in reduced conversion of T4 to T3

• Tyrosine - an important amino acid required to produce thyroid hormones and is essential for thyroid health

• Withania - assists in the production of thyroid hormone levels by enhancing T4 levels. Withania, as an adaptogenic herb, helps your body cope with, and resist stress. High stress levels interfere with the function of thyroid hormones, making them less effective

• Zinc - essential for the production of T4 via zinc dependant enzymes, and a deficiency of these enzymes may affect the production of thyroid hormones

Mr Vitamins recommends

Herbs of Gold Products to Boost your Thyroid

• Selenium 150 MAX
• Thyroid Support
• Tyrosine 1000

Find out more and shop online for Herbs of Gold Thyroid products here References Australian Health Survey: Biomedical Results for Nutrients, 2011-12. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Statistics, Australian Bureau of. 4364.0.55.006 - December 11, 2013. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4364.0.55.006Chapter1202011-12. Balch P, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 2000, Penguin, New York. Hechtman L, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine 2011 Elsevier Australia. Technical Sheet (HOG)- Thyroid Support The Australian Thyroid. The Thyroid Gland. The Australian Thyroid Foundation. https://www.thyroidfoundation.org.au/page/10/what-is-the-thyroid-gland-and-how-does-it-work. Thyroid - Hypothyroidism. Better Health Channel. Government, Victorian. December 2011. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/thyroid-hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland viewed on 22/07/2016 at http://www.thyroidfoundation.org.au/page/10/what-is-the-thyroid-gland-and-how-does-it-work