What You Need To Know About an Underactive Thyroid

One of the thyroid glands’ primary functions is metabolism regulation, thus affecting practically every bodily function and organ. Metabolism is regulated by the thyroid via the production of the 2 hormones thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4).

Different parts of the body can be affected by an underactive thyroid which can produce a variety of different symptoms including fatigue, high blood pressure, weight gain, memory and/or concentration problems, sensitivity to cold, constipation, slow speech and/or thinking, slow reflexes, reduced sweating, joint and/or muscle pain, hair loss, hoarse voice, shortness of breath when exercising, dry hair and skin, heavy menstrual bleeding, depression, lethargy, erectile dysfunction, low fertility, yellowish skin, enlarged tongue, poor hearing, and enlarged thyroid.

There are 2 types of thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

The standard of care advised by the American Thyroid Association for hyperthyroidism is a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Although most hypothyroid patients do well with levothyroxine, there are many patients who are still feeling sick despite having taken it and with normal TSH levels.[1][2] Approximately 15% of the 10-12 million Americans with hypothyroidism carry on feeling sick in spite of taking levothyroxine, and although considered to be a safe medication by the medical community, a study has shown a significant increased bone fracture association with levothyroxine use.[3]

A nutritionally deficient diet can increase the risk for thyroid disorders, especially a diet low in the trace minerals iodine and selenium which are crucial for the function of the thyroid. Although it’s best to get as many as your nutrients from food as possible, supplementing can be helpful in helping to improve levels of certain nutrients required for healthy thyroid function.

According to research, supplementing with even a small amount of iodine can change the function of the thyroid significantly in those predisposed to an underactive thyroid.[4]

Thyroid patients also have an average 40% reduction in thyroid antibodies when supplementing with selenium.[5] Selenium is need for producing the T3 hormone and can help to reduce the risk of thyroid disorders during and after pregnancy.[6]

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been proven to increase thyroxine hormone levels significantly in hypothyroidism patients, helping to reduce the severity of symptoms.[7]

There are many so-called thyroid supplements available, but be cautious of those containing thyroid hormones. According to a study, many dietary supplements for the thyroid contain clinically significant amounts of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3.[8]

Actalin is a supplement without thyroid hormones, which not only contains ingredients for optimizing thyroid health, but also includes ingredients that support your adrenal glands, which are closely associated with the thyroid.

This supplement is formulated by Dr. David Brownstein, and he is offering a 30-day trial supply for free.

Hypothyroidism Diet Plan Infographic

Image Source: Dr Axe

This is a sponsored conversation written by ShapeAble on behalf of Actalin. SapeAble was financially compensated for this post. The opinions and text are all ShapeAble’s.

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