Best Thyroid Supplement

Snippet: Thyroid supplements support healthy energy levels, metabolism, temperature regulation, weight, and thyroid function. Here are some tips for choosing the best thyroid supplement for your health.

The thyroid is a small gland in the throat with a butterfly-shaped appearance that releases hormones involved with the regulation of breathing, body temperature, heart rate, mood, and memory function, but it most strongly influences metabolism by producing the thyroid hormone.¹ When your thyroid is functioning properly, it releases optimal levels of hormones that balance your metabolism — ensuring that the calories and carbohydrates you consume are used properly by the body.

However, impaired thyroid function or thyroid dysfunction can dramatically change the body’s metabolism and lead to thyroid disease if proper balance is not restored. Most people who experience thyroid problems struggle with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which may cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, cold sensations, dry skin, and hair loss.¹ An underactive thyroid may develop due to nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle habits, certain medications, or an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease.² A smaller percentage of people suffer from an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), an issue that is linked to rapid weight loss, mood fluctuations, restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.¹

Whether you are dealing with an underactive or overactive thyroid or simply want to enhance thyroid health, it is important to assess lifestyle habits that may be influencing your thyroid function and to add a high-quality thyroid supplement to your diet to help maintain optimum health.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Thyroid Supplements

Before adding a thyroid supplement to your daily routine, it is important to remember that your current health and lifestyle influence your overall health, including that of your thyroid.

• Thyroid Condition Diagnosis – If you suspect a thyroid problem or you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional about possible treatment and how taking a thyroid supplement may support the thyroid gland. Your healthcare provider may order tests to assess your thyroid hormone production and thyroid hormone levels. The results of the tests can help you and your healthcare provider decide on the safest way to incorporate a thyroid supplement into your daily routine.

• Third-Party Approval – When it is time to choose a supplement, look for a product that is third-party tested, as supplement formulations are not typically reviewed for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.³ However, third-party testing helps ensure that the final product is free of harsh, heavy metals and other harmful contaminants. It also helps demonstrate the accurate serving size, quality, potency, and purity of the listed ingredients.³ Most premium-quality supplements are third-party tested to ensure good manufacturing practices are being followed. 

• Supplement Form – In addition, consider which form of nutrients best suits your needs. Supplements may be in liquid, tablet, gummy, or capsule form — with liquid-form products generally reaching the bloodstream faster than other forms that must first be broken down into smaller particles before being transported to the bloodstream.⁴

• Potential Interactions – Certain foods interact with thyroid medication, and this may also influence the efficiency of the thyroid supplement you take. Consuming foods such as walnuts, citrus fruits, sugary, fatty, or fried foods, and soy-based products slow down the metabolism, making it harder for the body to absorb medication and nutrients, including those found in thyroid supplements. Taking medication upon waking is commonly recommended, and waiting a few hours before taking a supplement helps minimize possible interactions.

• Allergies and Sensitivities – Finally, pay close attention to labels to ensure the supplement does not contain common allergens (e.g., gluten, nut by-products), and if any signs of an allergy or sensitivity develop, speak with a healthcare professional before continuing with supplementation.

Best Thyroid Supplement: Nascent Iodine

The thyroid needs several vitamins and minerals for efficient thyroid hormone production and gland function, but one of the most essential nutrients for the thyroid is iodine.⁵ Although most people strive to maintain a healthy diet, iodine deficiency still affects billions of people. This particular deficiency is linked to leading to various issues, such as an underactive thyroid, cognitive impairments, and goiter (thyroid enlargement).⁵

When searching for the ideal supplement for thyroid support, consider a product that contains B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and iodine. For focused support, a supplement containing a concentrated form and a potent serving of iodine is best. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine and uses it for thyroid hormone production, including hormones that regulate metabolism, immune system function, and the production of thyroid antibodies.⁶ In addition, taking an iodine supplement is often recommended for an underactive thyroid, which is one of the main health problems caused by an iodine deficiency.^7,8

Furthermore, iodine supplementation can minimize the accumulation of radioactive iodine, which lowers the risk of thyroid gland damage, even if iodine is taken prior to or immediately following radioactive iodine exposure.⁹ However, consuming large amounts of iodine can also damage the thyroid.⁷ The recommended daily intake (RDI) of iodine is 150 mcg, and the supplement you choose should not exceed a daily serving of 1100 mcg.¹⁰

A premium-quality supplement such as Nascent Iodine contains 350 mcg of nascent iodine, which is the atomic form of iodine that is highly reactive and rapidly absorbed by the thyroid. Nascent Iodine is also in liquid form. The Nascent Iodine drops make it easy to take and ensure rapid transport to the bloodstream.

The daily diet does not always consist of iodine-rich foods, and the highly bioactive form of iodine in Nascent Iodine not only provides a continuous supply of this vital mineral but also minimizes the risk of health issues associated with an iodine deficiency. By adding one drop of Nascent Iodine to a small glass of water twice daily and consuming it on an empty stomach, you can reap the benefits of enhanced thyroid support. Currently, Nascent Iodine has cornered the market on a high-quality, rapid-absorption supplement that supplies the body with an ample serving of rejuvenating iodine.

Combining Nascent Iodine, the best thyroid supplement, with a nutritious diet can help:

• Bolster metabolism
• Heighten immune responses
• Support weight management
• Minimize fatigue
• Lessen brain fog
• Enhance focus
• Promote healthy sleep patterns
• Heighten energy levels
• Boost thyroid function

Once you incorporate a well-balanced diet and an optimum thyroid supplement into your routine, remember to exercise regularly, as physical activity also promotes thyroid health.

Guidelines for Safe Thyroid Supplement Use

When using any supplement, it is important to take it as recommended on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional. Here are a few guidelines for thyroid supplement use:

● Proper Dosage and Timing

Certain nutrients, such as iodine, are water soluble, meaning they dissolve in water in the small intestine and are then transported through the bloodstream to different parts of the body. Taking a thyroid supplement containing water-soluble ingredients with a glass of water before eating helps ensure proper digestion and nutrient absorption. In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamins A, D, and E) should be taken with foods containing healthy fats to ensure proper absorption.

After taking a thyroid supplement, make sure to wait one hour before eating a meal. If you take medication upon waking, wait at least 3-4 hours before taking a thyroid supplement.

● Monitoring Your Progress

As with any supplement, it may take several weeks or even months before experiencing noticeable benefits. If issues such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood fluctuations are mild to moderate, you can monitor possible changes by taking the supplement at the same serving and time each day. Consider keeping a journal of your progress and any changes you experience.

● When To Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you begin to experience any dramatic changes, such as extreme fatigue, weakness, significant weight loss or weight gain, or mood changes that disrupt daily activities, you should consult a healthcare professional. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement if you take medication or have any pre-existing conditions.

Natural Ways To Support Thyroid Health

Nutritional supplements do not replace a well-balanced diet, and factors such as physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and even stress management have a direct impact on thyroid function.

In addition to iodine, selenium boosts thyroid function and the body’s production, as well as the use of thyroid hormones.¹¹ Additionally, selenium levels are typically higher in the thyroid gland than any other gland in the body. There is also evidence that combining selenium and iodine is vital for people who have an underactive thyroid.¹¹

Another mineral that contributes to optimal thyroid function is zinc, as this mineral helps activate thyroid hormones and influences the thyroid’s ability to release healthy thyroid hormone and antibody levels.^12,13 A serving of about 8 mg is sufficient to boost thyroid health.

Regarding B vitamins, research suggests that a vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an underactive thyroid.^14-16 More importantly, maintaining healthy levels of this B vitamin helps target issues linked to thyroid dysfunction (e.g., fatigue, weight loss).¹⁴ A well-balanced diet in combination with the best thyroid supplement helps provide a daily supply of these essential nutrients for thyroid health.   

The benefits of a nutritious diet multiply when you exercise regularly, minimize or discontinue smoking, limit alcohol intake, and find positive ways to manage stress, as each of these factors can disrupt circulation and negatively alter thyroid function.

Speaking with a health professional is also recommended for any concerns or additional guidance for thyroid health strategies.

FAQs About Thyroid Supplements

1. Do I need to take a thyroid supplement if I have healthy thyroid function?

The thyroid needs a continuous supply of essential vitamins and minerals that support thyroid health, such as iodine, selenium, and B vitamins. It is hard to ensure that you consume the recommended daily intake from food alone, and a deficiency may occur gradually before any physical signs begin to develop. Taking a thyroid supplement regularly helps maintain healthy thyroid function by minimizing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

• Can I take a thyroid supplement if I am taking thyroid medication?

If you are taking thyroid medication, you may be able to take a thyroid supplement, but it is important to speak with a health professional first. If you and your health provider decide that taking a thyroid supplement is safe, it is recommended to take the supplement at least 3-4 hours after taking your thyroid medication.

• Can taking a thyroid supplement help with a thyroid disorder? 

Dietary supplements alone cannot correct a thyroid disorder. However, thyroid supplements provide essential nutrients that can help boost thyroid health, as this gland requires certain nutrients, such as iodine, to function optimally.

• Are there certain risk factors for thyroid problems?

Individuals who are on a restrictive diet, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a pre-existing thyroid condition, or have other types of underlying health issues may be at a greater risk of experiencing thyroid problems, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid).¹ It is important for individuals with an increased risk for thyroid issues to take a thyroid supplement, but healthy individuals can also benefit from the essential nutrients that thyroid supplements provide.

Key Takeaway

It is important to consider how your lifestyle, diet, activity level, and current health may be impacting your thyroid. Incorporating a premium-quality thyroid supplement, such as Nascent Iodine, into your daily routine, along with positive lifestyle changes, supports healthy thyroid function.

When searching for the best thyroid supplement, be sure to look for a product that contains a concentrated, atomic form of iodine, such as Nascent Iodine. More importantly, take a thyroid supplement regularly, even after noticing improvement, as this is the best way to experience long-term benefits. These are the keys to making an informed choice for thyroid health and changing the course of your life.

*Legal Disclaimer

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a healthcare professional for individual health concerns.

References

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