Improving Thyroid Hormone Conversion

According to the British Thyroid Foundation, 1 in 20 people in the UK suffer from thyroid disorders.

However, Thyroid UK believes that the incidence is much higher due to undiagnosed hypothyroidism.  This blog discusses how thyroid hormone conversion can become compromised and examine some of the causes that lead to low active thyroid levels.  Finally, we will offer some solutions to help improve thyroid hormone conversion.

Skip to Key Takeaways

Basic Thyroid Physiology

The thyroid is a vitally important hormonal gland and considered the thermostat of the body.  It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and maturation of the human body, helping to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of hormones into the bloodstream. Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of its metabolism.

Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis

The process of thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion is regulated by a negative feedback loop and this process depends upon:

  • the hypothalamus – a region of the brain responsible for monitoring messages from the nervous and endocrine systems
  • the pituitary gland – often called the master gland because it controls a number of hormone glands in your body, including the thyroid and adrenals, the ovaries and testes
  • the thyroid gland – butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It stores and produces hormones that affect the function of virtually every organ in our body

When the hypothalamus senses low circulating levels of thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4, it responds by releasing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH stimulates the pituitary to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

TSH, which talks directly to the thyroid gland itself causes iodine to enter the thyroid, and turns on an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). Thyroid cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make:

  • T3 = bioactive hormone – named for its three molecules of iodine
  • T4 = prohormone – named for its four molecules of iodin

This feedback loop continues until levels in the blood return to normal.

Approximately 100μg of thyroid hormones are secreted from the gland each day mostly in the form of T4 with about 10% as T3.(1)

80% of T4 undergoes peripheral conversion to the more active T3, which is approximately 5 times more biologically active than T4.

T4 is converted into the more active T3 by the deiodinase system (D1, D2, D3) mainly in the liver, gut, brain, skeletal muscle and the thyroid gland itself.

T4 circulates through to the liver where 60% of it is converted into T3 through the glucuronidation and sulphation pathways during phase II of detoxification.(2) Another 20% is converted into reverse T3 (rT3) which is permanently inactive.  rT3 is essentially the opposite of T3, specifically designed to balance out levels of T3 in the body. The final 20% is converted into T3 sulphate and T3 acetic acid which can then be further metabolised by healthy gut bacteria to produce more active T3.(3)

TSH is Normal!

Frequently people experience common hypothyroid symptoms but lab results are normal. Symptoms normally present as fatigue, brain fog and memory issues, cold hands and feet, hair loss, depression, constipation, difficulty sleeping and muscle weakness or joint pain and more.  This common problem may be caused by poor thyroid hormone conversion and is explained below:

How is T4 Converted to T3?

Reactions that catalyse the conversion of thyroid hormones are triggered by enzymes called deiodinases which come in 3 forms:

  • deodinase type I (D1) converts inactive T4 to active T3 throughout the body. D1 can be suppressed and down-regulated in response to stress, liver dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, etc.
  • deodinase type II (D2) is 1,000 times more efficient at converting T4 to T3 than D1 in the rest of the body. D2 also has an opposite response from that of D1 to physiologic and emotional stress etc. D2 is stimulated and up-regulated in response to such conditions.
  • deodinase type III (D3) converts T4 to rT3 and competes with D1. rT3 is up-regulated during chronic physiologic stress and illness.

Deiodinase enzymes are essential control points of cellular thyroid activity that determine intracellular activation and deactivation of thyroid hormones. Most of the “deiodination” occurs in the liver, kidney and thyroid gland.

So let’s now look into some of the causes that lead to a low peripheral T3 level.

Stress

Chronic physical, psychological or environmental stress results in decreased D1 activity(4) and an increase in D3 activity(5) decreasing thyroid activity by converting T4 into rT3 instead of T3. rT3 is inactive and it functions to slow the body down which is necessary in times of stress or trauma for the body to heal.  Conversely, D2 is stimulated, which results in increased T4 to T3 conversion in the pituitary and reduced production of TSH.

Therefore, stress management and adrenal support is vital when supporting the thyroid.  You may be interested in our blog on the science of stress and resilience.

Insulin Resistance/Diabetes

It has been shown in a number of studies that insulin resistance, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome have associated significant reduction in T4 to T3 conversion, an intracellular deficiency of T3, and an increased conversion of T4 to rT3, further reducing intracellular T3 levels.(6)(7)

Iron/Selenium/Zinc deficiency

Iron deficiency has been shown to significantly reduce T4 to T3 conversion, increase rT3 levels, and block the thermogenic (metabolism boosting) properties of thyroid hormone.(8)(9)

Selenium is a fundamental component of various seleno-proteins, molecules essential to the body’s ability to create and use thyroid hormones. It plays a role in maintaining thyroid health since it works together with iodine and is required to produce T3. Low levels of selenium inhibit conversion of thyroid hormones into the form that is required by the cells and can result in increased rT3.(10)

Zinc plays a role in the functioning of the immune system and it may play a role in thyroid hormone metabolism in low T3 patients and in part contribute to conversion of T4 to T3.(11)(12) In addition a deficiency in zinc(13) can also drive up rT3 levels.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that researchers have found that the nutritional zinc status in obese and diabetic subjects is altered: low zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes with high urinary zinc excretion has been reported in obese children and adolescents.(14) 

Chronic Illness/Inflammation

The inflammatory cytokines IL-1, Il-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and TNF-alpha will significantly decrease D1 activity and reduce tissue T3 levels. Studies have shown that these inflammatory cytokines affect thyroid hormone conversion, reducing T4 conversion to T3 and also increasing rT3. This leads to reduced T3 and therefore increased incidence of under-active thyroid conditions.

Gut Dysbiosis

Another factor that can affect thyroid hormone conversion is poor gut health, also known as dysbiosis. Gut imbalances include: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, reflux/GORD, yeast overgrowth, history of chronic antibiotic use and inflammatory bowel disease.

One role of the gut bacteria is to assist in converting inactive T4 into T3. As mentioned earlier approximately 20% of T4 is converted to T3 in the digestive tract, in the forms of T3 sulphate (T3S) and triidothyroacetic acid (T3AC). The conversion of T3S and T3AC into active T3 requires an enzyme called intestinal sulphatase, and intestinal sulphatase comes from beneficial gut bacteria.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are present in the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria. Under normal circumstances they protect the cell membrane.  However, when gram-negative bacteria die, the LPS is released and can cause a number of problems including high amounts of inflammation and negatively affect thyroid metabolism(15) in several ways:

  • reduce thyroid hormone levels
  • decrease TSH
  • promote autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s). LPS can impact deiodinase activity inhibiting the amount of T3 in circulation
  • increase amounts of rT3

Inflammation in the gut also reduces T3 by raising cortisol. Cortisol decreases active T3 levels while increasing levels of rT3.(16)

 Liver Health

A sluggish liver can impact thyroid health adversely by affecting conversion of T4 to T3.(17) This will result in lower T3 levels.  A sluggish liver could be due to liver disease, an infection like hepatitis C, alcoholism, nutrient deficiencies, methylation and glutathione problems, etc.(18)(19)

 How to Improve Thyroid Hormone Conversion

Before beginning to work on improving thyroid conversion, it is imperative that you tackle the underlying cause. Lowering rT3 levels and increasing T3 levels is not straightforward. There are so many variables and other factors that may hamper progress. For example, if high levels of rT3 are secondary to insulin resistance and diabetes, and you don’t make changes to your diet, any nutritional supplement additions may not make a difference.

Liver Detoxification and Function

In the liver D1 is involved in converting T4 into T3 and rT3 is also broken down there, consequently liver support is essential.

There are 2 metabolic pathways in the liver that can have an impact on thyroid hormones. One of these is the glucuronidation pathway.  Glucuronidation is often involved in the xenobiotic metabolism of substances such as drugs, pollutants, bilirubin, androgens, oestrogens, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, fatty acid derivatives, retinoids, and bile acids. It has also been shown to degrade rT3. This pathway is supported by B vitamins, magnesium, and curcumin.

The second is sulphation. Sulphation involves binding things partially broken down in the liver with sulphur containing compounds. It is one of the major detoxification pathways for neurotransmitters, toxins, and hormones.  Vitamin B6 and magnesium are important for sulphur amino acid metabolism, as are foods containing sulphur such as: eggs, meat, poultry, nuts and legumes.

Another important factor is lipid peroxidation and supporting antioxidant status in the liver. Some studies have confirmed increased oxidative stress in hypothyroid states. It seems that thyroid hormones have a strong impact on oxidative stress and the antioxidant system.(20)  For more information see our blog: Glutathione – The Master Antioxidant.

Adrenal Support

A few pointers are:

  • avoid or minimise stimulant drinks
  • stabilise blood sugar (via a moderate or low-carb diet)
  • practice stress management and relaxation techniques
  • make pleasure a regular part of your life

Improve Gut and Liver Health

Below are some pointers to help improve gut and liver health:

Eat plenty of fermentable fibre – Bacterial metabolites are potent endocrine modulators. When you consume fermentable fibres, your gut bacteria ferment these fibres and produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Eat anti-inflammatory foods rich in beneficial bacteria – It has been found that beneficial microbiota will actually release anti-inflammatory messages and dampen the inflammatory response.  Foods recommended are fermented foods such as cultured vegetables, coconut water kefir, and probiotic beverages as the primary system of delivery for good bacteria.

Leafy greens and Cruciferous vegetables – Green vegetables of all kinds provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are a rich source of sulphur-containing phytochemicals called glucosinolates which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also support detoxification of carcinogens and other xenobiotics.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The thyroid is a vitally important hormonal gland and considered the thermostat of the body.
  • Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of its metabolism
  • The thyroid gland produces a number of hormones including T4 (a prohormone) and T3 which is the only thyroid hormone actually used by the body’s cells. T4 is converted to T3 in the liver, gut, brain, skeletal muscle and the thyroid gland itself. Some T4 is converted to reverse T3, an inactive form
  • Reactions that catalyse the conversion of thyroid hormones are triggered by enzymes called deiodinases which come in 3 forms:
  • Deodinase type I (D1) converts inactive T4 to active T3 throughout the body.
  • Deodinase type II (D2) is 1,000 times more efficient at converting T4 to T3 than D1 in the rest of the body.
  • Deodinase type III (D3) converts T4 to rT3 and competes with D1. rT3 is up-regulated during chronic physiologic stress and illness.
  • Most of the “deiodination” occurs in the liver, kidney and thyroid gland.
  • Stress and illness can increase conversion of T4 to inactive rT3.
  • Insulin resistance/diabetes has been associated with a significant reduction in T4 to T3 conversion and an increased conversion of T4 to rT3.
  • Iron deficiency has been shown to significantly reduce T4 to T3 conversion and increase rT3 levels.
  • Low levels of selenium inhibit conversion of thyroid hormones into the form that is required by the cells and can result in increased rT3.
  • A deficiency in zinc can drive up rT3 levels.
  • Chronic illness and inflammation may reduce tissue T3 levels, by reducing T4 to T3 conversion increasing rT3.
  • Gut dysbiosis can affect thyroid hormone conversion. Approximately 20% of T4 is converted to T3 in the digestive tract so it is essential that gut microbiota is healthy for this conversion to take place.
  • A sluggish liver can impact thyroid health adversely by affecting conversion of T4 to T3.
  • Thyroid conversion may be improved by working on supporting the adrenal glands, optimising gut and liver health, balancing blood sugar and ensuring adequate intake of cofactors important for conversion such as selenium, iron and zinc.

If you have any questions regarding the topics that have been raised, or any other health matters, please do contact me (Jackie) by email at any time (jackie@cytoplan.co.uk)

Jackie Tarling and the Cytoplan Editorial Team


Related Cytoplan products

CoQ10 Multi – This is an adult only formula and the composition includes CoQ10, Beta 1-3,1-6 Glucan and vitamins B12 and D3 meaning it is particularly suited to both men and women and those on Statin medication. It is also an excellent additional multi formula for those people taking our Red Rice Yeast Plus supplement (for cholesterol support).

Ashwagandha – used in traditional Ayurverdic medicine, Organic Ashwagandha comes at a potency of 500mg per capsule.

Adrenal Support – Adrenal Support comprises a blend of herbs – liquorice, ginseng and suma/pfaffia, alongside the mineral iodine and importantly, good levels of Food State™ pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).

Thyroid Support – Thyroid Support has been developed to offer a Wholefood base multi mineral supplement to support thyroid health. Thyroid support contains Kelp, L-Tyrosine plus active nutrients to help ensure optimum levels of naturally-occurring thyroid hormones.

Food State Selenium – Food State Selenium yeast has been documented by the European Food Standards Agency as being the safest and most bio-effective form of Selenium. Food State Selenium is far better absorbed and used (by the body) than inorganic selenium.

Acidophilus Plus – Acidophilus Plus contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and a further 8 live native bacterial strains, plus a small amount of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). 

Milk thistle – Milk Thistle capsules contain the whole herb in a powdered form, with 400mg per capsule. Tradition has recorded the use of these herbs; some being ingredients in many food recipes, others classified as medicines.

Organic Kelp – Our Kelp is iodine rich and also contains a broad spectrum of minerals trace elements, micro-nutrients, vitamins, prebiotics and carotenoids.


References

  1. Nussey, S. and Whitehead, S. (2001) ‘The thyroid gland’. BIOS Scientific Publishers.
  2. Amdur, R. J. and Mazzaferri, E. L. (eds) (2005) Essentials of Thyroid Cancer Management. New York: Springer-Verlag.
  3. Hays, M. T. (1988) ‘Thyroid hormone and the gut.’, Endocrine research, 14(2–3), pp. 203–24.
  4. CHOPRA, I. J. et al. (1975) ‘Reciprocal Changes in Serum Concentrations of 3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine (Reverse T 3 ) and 3,3′5-Triiodothyronine (T 3 ) in Systemic Illnesses’, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 41(6), pp. 1043–1049.
  5. Bianco, A. C. et al. (2002) ‘Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Physiological Roles of the Iodothyronine Selenodeiodinases’, Endocrine Reviews, 23(1), pp. 38–89.
  6. Saunders, J., Hall, S. E. H. and Sanksen, P. H. (1978) ‘Thyroid hormones in insulin requiring diabetes before and after treatment’, Diabetologia. Springer-Verlag, 15(1), pp. 29–32.
  7. Islam, S. et al. (2008) ‘A comparative study of thyroid hormone levels in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.’, The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 39(5), pp. 913–6.
  8. Dillman, E. et al. (1980) ‘Hypothermia in iron deficiency due to altered triiodothyronine metabolism.’, The American journal of physiology, 239(5), pp. R377-81.
  9. Zimmermann, M. B. and Köhrle, J. (2002) ‘The Impact of Iron and Selenium Deficiencies on Iodine and Thyroid Metabolism: Biochemistry and Relevance to Public Health’, Thyroid, 12(10), pp. 867–878.
  10. Gärtner, R. (2009) ‘Selenium and thyroid hormone axis in critical ill states: An overview of conflicting view points’, Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 23(2), pp. 71–74.
  11. Nishiyama, S. et al. (1994) ‘Zinc supplementation alters thyroid hormone metabolism in disabled patients with zinc deficiency.’, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 13(1), pp. 62–7.
  12. Kandhro, G. A. et al. (2009) ‘Effect of zinc supplementation on the zinc level in serum and urine and their relation to thyroid hormone profile in male and female goitrous patients.’, Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). Elsevier, 28(2), pp. 162–8.
  13. Mahmoodianfard, S. et al. (2015) ‘Effects of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation on Thyroid Function in Overweight and Obese Hypothyroid Female Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial’, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(5), pp. 391–399.
  14. Marreiro, D. do N., Fisberg, M. and Cozzolino, S. M. F. (2002) ‘Zinc nutritional status in obese children and adolescents.’, Biological trace element research, 86(2), pp. 107–22.
  15. van der Poll, T. et al. (1995) ‘Interleukin-1 receptor blockade does not affect endotoxin-induced changes in plasma thyroid hormone and thyrotropin concentrations in man.’, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 80(4), pp. 1341–1346.
  16. Stockigt, J. R. (1997) ‘Update on the Sick Euthyroid Syndrome’. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, pp. 49–68.
  17. Nomura, S. et al. (1975) ‘Reduced peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.’, The Journal of clinical investigation. American Society for Clinical Investigation, 56(3), pp. 643–52.
  18. Imai, Y., Kataoka, K. and Nishikimi, M. (1980) ‘A possible function of thiols, including glutathione, as cofactors in the conversion of thyroxine to 3,3’,5-triiodothyronine in rat liver microsomes.’, Endocrinologia japonica, 27(2), pp. 201–7.
  19. Yamanaka, T. et al. (1980) ‘Serum levels of thyroid hormones in liver diseases.’, Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry, 101(1), pp. 45–55
  20. Petrulea, M., Muresan, A. and Dunce, I. (2012) ‘Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism’, in Antioxidant Enzyme. InTech.

Last updated on 21st March 2018 by cytoffice


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20 thoughts on “Improving Thyroid Hormone Conversion

  1. I found your post very informative but notice that is seems to relate mostly to under active thyroid problems & wonder if you can comment on (a) overactive thyroid in adults and (b) cause of multiple cysts on thyroid in teenagers and if any of the supplements suggested would help the above problems that my family members are experiencing.

    1. Hi Nuala,

      Thank you for your comment. As you say this blog relates to underactive thyroid problems and a different approach is needed for an overactive thyroid. There can be a number of causes of over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) including autoimmunity. Identifying the potential cause(s) is important. There is some good information on the thyroid and associated conditions on the Thyroid UK website. With regard to diet/lifestyle recommendations for an over-active thyroid, the following are recommended:

      1. Getting plenty of exercise to use up excess thyroid hormone (but not overdoing it)
      2. Avoid the use of iodised salt or other high iodine sources
      3. Avoid foods which contain thyroid promoting amines – sauerkraut, cheese, bananas
      4. Eating foods containing goitrogens which suppress thyroid activity eg raw kale or broccoli (could add to a smoothie), walnuts, soy – at least one portion of goitrogenic food daily
      5. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, low in sugar and avoiding processed foods etc. Gluten elimination may also be recommended.

      If the cause is autoimmunity then removing the triggers and healing the gut is important. Autoimmunity arises due to a combination of 1) Genetic predisposition 2) Leaky gut and 3) An environmental trigger (this could include gluten, toxins, stress etc. Gluten is also a factor which contributes to leaky gut). So it is a case of identifying potential environmental trigger(s) and healing the gut. We do offer a free health questionnaire service and could provide you with more detailed information if you or members of your family would like to complete one. Kind Regards, Clare.

    2. Loved your article and it made me think of how much junkfood I eat, and many of the issues I can relate to – so I will change my food habits from now on. Do you have some advice concerning gallstone?

      Best regards
      Birgitte (Denmark)

  2. I was impressed to read such a thorough and informative resource. However I felt there were two important areas which were not mentioned:
    1. Good levels of serum ferritin are essential for proper conversion of T4 to T3. Endocrinologists in the USA say serum ferritin needs to be over 70 before you can convert properly. In the UK doctors are often happy with serum ferritin over 20. Also it does not follow that just taking iron supplements will raise ferritin. In my own case my serum iron became too high but my ferritin refused to rise. No-one knows why, except to say it might be a genetic problem.
    2. Turmeric is a potent inhibitor of T4 to T3 conversion, yet it is widely touted as a cure-all for inflammation/heart problems etc. People need to be aware that it is not suitable for those with conversion problems.
    I hope perhaps you can follow up your article with more information on the above subjects.
    Thanks again
    Deb Tayler

    1. Hello Deb,

      Many thanks for your comment on our blog, and your feedback. We will certainly look into providing a follow up article on the subjects that you raised.

      All the best,
      Jackie

    2. Deb Taylor, could you please include source for your comment, “2. Turmeric is a potent inhibitor of T4 to T3 conversion, yet it is widely touted as a cure-all for inflammation/heart problems etc. People need to be aware that it is not suitable for those with conversion problems.” I was given resources that claim the opposite so I have been adding a dash of turmeric to my food daily. My TSH is SO HIGH, T4 (synthetic) is normal, and T3 is below the basement. The lab has not yet released my rT3 level. I worked really hard with my functional medicine doctor to get these levels corrected since last summer because other doctors only looked at TSH which was low at the time and wanted to cut synthetic T4 even though T3 was too low and I was symptomatic at that time.

  3. Is there a good test for iodine deficiency? Dr Alan Christianson doesn’t seem to recommend taking iodine/kelp supplements, but other advice is that you should.

    1. Hi Pam,

      Thank you for your comment. There are private tests for iodine deficiency, I am not sure what is available via the GP. Privately a nutritional therapist can organise. Regarding supplementation, I would recommend taking at least a multi that contains iodine, many people’s diets are low in iodine. Some people may benefit from taking additional iodine for a period of time. We have a product called Organic Kelp and have written a blog on this which you can find by clicking here. Thanks, Clare.

        1. Hi Sally,

          Thank you for your comment. I would not suggest supplementing high dose iodine with Hashimotos and also it is important to ensure adequate selenium. However, the level included in an all round multivitamin and mineral that contains both would be ok. So up to 150 mcg of iodine per day. Hope that helps.

          All the best,
          Clare.

  4. When will “Thyroid Support “ be back in stock? It has been notified as “out of stock “ for ages & despite frequent enquiries no one can tell me when stocks will be replenished.
    I miss it!

    1. Hi Jacqui,

      We unfortunately don’t yet have a due date for the product to be back in stock. I have made note of your email address and will get in touch when the product is back in stock.

      However we may have other products that could be of help to you, would you like me to arrange a call back from one of our nutritional therapists to go through these with you?

      Thanks, Abbey.

  5. Hi I have chronic fatigue and I take msn, vitamin d3 , I have purchased some niacin . Is it okay to take these together. I also take a blood pressure tablet each morning and adcal .
    Regards Lin

    1. Dear Lin

      Thanks for your question. Yes it is ok to take MSM, niacin and vitamin D together and with the Adcal and blood pressure tablet.

      Be aware that there is also some vitamin D in the Adcal (although it is at quite a low level – 400iu) – but do include this in your calculations of total vitamin D intake from supplements.

      I would suggest that you include a multivitamin and mineral as well – for example our CoQ10 Multi (which also has some vitamin D) which includes B vitamins that are also important for energy.

      With regard to vitamin D – we recommend taking a multi with vitamin D in it all year round; during the winter some extra vitamin D is a good idea for most people. So as well as the multi they may take a higher dose vitamin D supplement for a few months.

      You may be interested in our free health questionnaire service. If you complete and return a health questionnaire we will send you some written diet and supplement recommendations. We can understand more about why you are taking those particular supplements and give you more specific advice in relation to vitamin D intake etc. Our health questionnaire is available here.

      I hope this helps.

      Thanks,
      Clare.

  6. I notice that your thyroid supplement contains l-tyrosine and kelp.
    I have read that tyrosine can help with the conversion of t4 to t3.
    However I Have also read articles that say we shouldnt take tyrosine if taking levothyroxine, and also that kelp is bad too.
    Please advise me as i am confused and wish to improve my thyroid status.

    Sally

    1. Dear Sally,

      Thank you for your question on our blog. L-tyrosine is an amino acid which is used in the production of thyroid hormones (in other words it is a raw material, so it doesn’t help in the conversion as such, but is needed to produce thyroid hormones). You are correct that L-tyrosine should not be taken by those on levothyroxine unless under the supervision of your G.P. This is because it would be possible to end up with too much thyroid hormone if you took L-tyrosine alongside the medication.

      There are a few other supplements that you could consider to take alongside thyroid medication (take any supplements at least 2 hours away from medication):

      1) A multivitamin and mineral that contains zinc and selenium – both of these are needed for conversion of T4 to T3 e.g. CoQ10 Multi (1 to 2 capsules per day, start with 1 for 7 days)
      2) Some essential fatty acids e.g. Krill oil (although if you are on other medications such as blood thinners then you would need to be careful with dose of omega-3s)
      3) Adrenal Support supplement – we have a product that contains herbs and other nutrients. The adrenals and thyroid work closely together – so supporting the adrenals is also important.
      4) Acidophilus Plus – probiotic supplement, in particular to consider if you have any gut symptoms.

      You can take all 4 of these products at the same time. Introduce them one at a time and review the need for the Adrenal Support after 3 months (in any case I suggest a break for a couple of weeks after 3 months).

      In addition you may be interested in our free health questionnaire service. If you complete and return a health questionnaire we will send you some written diet and supplement recommendations.

      Hope this helps.
      Clare

  7. Thank you for this article. It is nice to know I have begun doing many things correctly on my post-thyroidectomy journey. I will be reading a couple of the articles you included links to, to try to discover what I did to mess up what was starting to work for me. Maybe being told to eat turmeric daily (?) or having lots of sad news this winter/spring (e.g. friends dying or developing cancers). The body is so complex, and mine seems to turn little ripples into big waves.
    My advice to anyone with large goiters is to find help to heal your thyroid before some surgeon tells you they have to take it out to decompress your airway.

    1. Thank you for your feedback. If you would like some personalised recommendations from our nutritional therapists, you might benefit from completing our online health questionnaire. That way we can get a really thorough view of your health profile and history and all the things that could have potentially brought you to this point and make some dietary and lifestyle suggestions to help continue your journey back to health.

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