Herbs for thyroid deficiency have little or no scientific support. The good news is that certain minerals and supplements are well-known for restoring thyroid function and boosting metabolism. Combining the right supplements with additional natural approaches is a surefire way to boost low thyroid. Here is the most comprehensive and inexpensive protocol for doing so.

As a botanist, I am often asked about my recommendations for herbs for thyroid deficiency. Unfortunately, I am chagrined to say that there is no straightforward list of herbs for this purpose. The medical database, PubMed, lists no publications on this topic, except for a couple of inconclusive reviews of a few herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. None of my herbal reference manuals offers recommendations. In spite of that background, the Internet seems to be replete with articles and advice about herbs for thyroid conditions, none of which enjoy solid scientific support.

Thyroid Deficiency is Complicated

Part of the overall problem is that thyroid deficiency is a multifaceted problem, which therefore requires a multifaceted treatment approach. One of the best such approaches is offered by Mark A. Hyman, M.D., at his blog here:

A 7-step Plan to Boost Your Low Thyroid and Metabolism

As Dr. Hyman says, I believe a comprehensive approach is needed to address chronic thyroid issues and to diagnose them. Unfortunately, most of the options for healing by conventional care are quite limited and only provide a partial solution. But by following my seven-step plan you can achieve optimal health and UltraWellness.

I encourage you to click on that link and see the rest of his commentary and advice.

Iodine – The Missing Mineral

Iodine is a key mineral in the function not only of your thyroid but also ever cell in your body. When the thyroid doesn’t get enough iodine, it further depletes the amount of this mineral for other cells.

Some surprising and crucial facts about iodine that you should be aware of are:

* 95% of Americans are deficient in iodine. This probably includes you.
* Every cell in your body needs iodine to function properly.
* Different organs of your body use either elemental iodine or ionic iodine (iodide).
* Kelp provides only the iodide form.
* The federally defined Daily Value for iodine is pathetically low.
* It is almost impossible to get sufficient iodine from food.

Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, which is almost always inappropriately treated with prescription thyroid drugs. In addition to weight gain, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include a bad complexion, fatigue, forgetfulness, loss of sex drive, impotence, irritability and unhealthy hair, nails and teeth. An underactive thyroid gland promotes excess weight and cellulite by causing water retention. Dr. David Brownstein, in his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It (3rd Edition) (see Amazon), also attributes breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, and prostate cysts and prostate cancer to iodine deficiency. Dr. Brownstein is one of the nation’s leading holistic thyroid practitioners.

Fortunately, you can help normalize an underactive thyroid gland by increasing your intake of the mineral iodine. It is absolutely crucial to work with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner who knows how to test for and reverse iodine deficiency, not just a doctor who will thoughtlessly prescribe drugs.

Acccording to Dr. Brownstein, the combination of elemental iodine plus iodide is the best kind of iodine supplement. The product that I use, which is available at our online store, is IodoRx (12.5 mg). (Be sure to use the access code, “dnc42” [without quotes] to login there.)

For truth about herbs for thyroid deficiency,

Dr. D

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