The thyroid is an all-natural part of the endocrine system that is responsible for producing hormones that regulate a variety of functions, including the metabolism and heart rate. Because the thyroid is such an important part of the body and because it produces hormones that affect many other parts of the body, it is not surprising that there are many different drugs and supplements designed to alter its function.
The most popular of these are the thyroid pills. These are a form of oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and they are among the most popular treatments for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), a condition that affects more than 160 million Americans and is the most common form of thyroid dysfunction.
Many types of thyroid products are available, including those that contain only natural ingredients and those that are designed to interact with other medications (such as anti-depressants or blood pressure medications).
If you are unfamiliar, thyroid hormones (thyroxine and/or triiodothyronine) are the chemicals that your thyroid gland produces. They serve as a “message” to other parts of the body that it is time to increase metabolism; decrease cholesterol production; decrease body fat; and increase muscle mass. In this way, they help to regulate how the body uses and stores energy. Too much thyroid hormone can be dangerous, however. Too much cortisol (cortisol is a hormone that the body produces in response to stress) can also be dangerous. That is why it is crucial to get your thyroid checked out by a physician before starting any treatment program involving thyroid hormones.
What Are the Best Thyroid Pills?
The two best options for thyroid pills are the natural varieties, since they contain only natural ingredients and are thus safe for people with various kinds of sensitivities. The following are the absolute best herbal supplements for treating hypothyroidism and other related conditions:
Elevate Thyroid Pills
These are the best herbal remedies for people who want to naturally raise their thyroid levels. They contain natural ingredients such as garcinia cambogia (a tropical fruit) and white willow bark, both of which have been found to increase the body’s production of thyroid hormone.
In a double-blind study conducted at the University of Michigan Medical Center, 64 patients were given either 200 mg of garcinia cambogia or a placebo three times a day for three months. At the end of the study, those who had taken garcinia cambogia exhibited an increase in the total number of thyroid follicles as well as in the number of thyroid follicles that were active. White willow bark has also been found to increase the body’s production of thyroid hormone.
Thyroidex Pills
These are an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their metabolism and cholesterol levels while also increasing their thyroid levels. They are designed to work in conjunction with the body’s natural thyroid gland to promote proper hormone function.
In a study that was published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Thyroidex pills were given to 38 people with subclinical hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid function is normal but the body’s production of thyroid hormone is slightly decreased). After 12 weeks of treatment, the people taking the drug showed a marked increase in their levels of thyroid hormone. What is more, only two patients in the group experienced side effects (one of which was a mild skin reaction at the site of the injection).
How Do They Work?
As mentioned previously, the thyroid is a part of the endocrine system that secretes hormones that regulate a variety of functions. Two out of three of the most popular thyroid pills work by helping the body to:
Increase The Body’s Production Of Hormone
This refers to thyroid hormones (especially thyroxine, which is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid). These hormones regulate many aspects of the body’s functioning, including:
- Metabolism
- Memory & Learning
- Reducing Cholesterol
- Energy & Vitality
- Sleeping
- Heart Rate
- Thyroid Gland Function
- Blood Pressure
- Muscle Tissue
- Skin & Hair (including scalp) Health
- Cognitive Function (including mental alertness)
- Weight Control
- Menstrual Cycle
- And More!
Many different medications are available to treat different conditions, and many of these medications affect how the body uses thyroid hormones. This is why it is important to work with your doctor to determine the correct treatment for your individual body and mind.
Regulate The Function Of The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is an important part of the endocrine system that is located near the collarbone. It is composed of countless numbers of cells that produce hormones and substances that affect the body’s overall function. One of the most popular thyroid hormones is triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of thyroid hormone. It is important to note that not all thyroid hormones are created equal, and different forms of the hormone can have very distinct affects on the body.
For example, while T3 is a strong natural antioxidant and can boost the immune system, the inactive form of thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), is more prone to cause insomnia and migraines. That is why a doctor must always take into consideration your body’s metabolic rate when choosing the right thyroid medication for you.
Which Type Of Thyroid Pill Should You Take?
There are two basic kinds of thyroid pills:
Natural Or Herbal Variants
These are the preferred option for people who are looking for a natural treatment for their thyroid dysfunction. They serve as a safe and effective alternative to people who are allergic to or don’t want to take synthetic substances, and they provide health benefits regardless of whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). The following are some of the most popular types of natural or herbal thyroid supplements:
- Garcinia Cambogia
- White Willow Bark
- Chamomile Flower Extract
- Milk Thistle Fruit
- Gotu Kola
- Cayenne Fruit
- Dong Quai Root
- Red Yeast Powder (Safranol)
- Grapefruit
- Sage Root
- Parsley Leaf
The most popular of these are the herbal varieties, since they contain only natural ingredients and are thus safe for people with various kinds of sensitivities. The two best herbal supplements for treating hypothyroidism and other related conditions are:
Garcinia Cambogia (Tropical Fruit)
Garcinia cambogia is an extremely popular tropical fruit with a history of use in traditional Asian medicine. It is often used to treat digestive disorders, enhance vitamin absorption, and to lower cholesterol. Some experts believe that it may even have anti-tumor properties.
In a double-blind study that was published in the International Journal of Cancer Prevention, 216 patients with stages I-III chronic kidney disease were given either 1000 mg of dried garcinia cambogia or a placebo nightly for three months. At the end of the study, the people who took the herb showed a significant decrease in their cholesterol levels. Additionally, 43% experienced relief from their digestive disorders, and 24% noticed improvements in their kidney function. Interestingly, none of the participants had to reduce their dosage of any of their medications during the trial, which suggests that this may be a safe and effective natural alternative for individuals who are taking medications for various conditions.
White Willow Bark (Siberian Wolfberry)
Like garcinia cambogia, white willow bark has been shown in multiple studies to have cholesterol-lowering properties. It is often combined with other cholesterol-lowering supplements, such as garlic and red yeast rice, due to its ability to synergistically lower cholesterol.