Thyroid Harmony: Exploring the Ingredients of Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support
It is fair to say that there are generally two camps when it comes to knowledge about the body’s thyroid system: on the one hand, a lot of people know about the thyroid system, either because of research they have conducted or because they have experienced thyroid abnormalities; but on the other hand, people hear “thyroid” and do not know precisely what the thyroid is or what it does. In this article, we will review what the thyroid is, its functions, and commonly associated diseases with the thyroid. Finally, we will review Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support.
Thyroid 101
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck under the skin [1] [2] [3]. It weighs between 20 and 60 grams on average and is surrounded by two fibrous capsules, the outer-most of which is connected to the voice box, vessels, and nerves [7]. The thyroid tissue consists of many small individual lobules enclosed in thin layers of connective tissue [7]. These lobules contain tiny sacs that store thyroid hormones as little droplets [7].
It is a vital hormone gland that plays a significant role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body because it produces and releases hormones that control many of the body’s essential functions, such as breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods [4]. For example, if the body needs more energy in certain situations, e.g., if the body is in a cold environment, growing, getting sick, or pregnant, the thyroid gland will produce more hormones [7].
However, if the thyroid gland is overactive or sluggish, numerous bodily functions will be affected, leading to symptoms that may easily be misdiagnosed [6]. Researchers estimate that 1 in 20 people will experience some form of thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime and that women are more susceptible than men [6]. In general, thyroid diseases cause the thyroid to make too much or too little of the hormones, leading to abnormalities in the thyroid itself or other body systems [5].
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid produces two main hormones, T3 and T4, which are known as triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine (or thyroxine for short), respectively [6] [7]. These two hormones are made in the lobules and stored in the sacs, both of which were mentioned previously.
T3/T4 is made from iodine and tyrosine, an amino acid.
The number in “T3” or “T4” refers to the number of atoms in iodine in the hormones [6]. Thus, iodine is the primary building block of both hormones [6] [7]. Because the human body cannot create iodine from scratch, iodine is considered an “essential nutrient” that humans have to get through an external source, either one’s diet or a supplement.
The “T” in “T3” or “T4” refers to the amino acid tyrosine, which the thyroid gland combines with iodine to create T3 and T4 [8]. Interestingly, 80% of T3 in the body was once T4, but the body, primarily in the liver and kidneys, removes an iodine atom from the T3, thus creating T3. This process is necessary because T3 is a more potent, biologically active hormone than T4.
Take Away: The thyroid primarily creates two hormones: T3 and T4. T3 is a tyrosine amino acid with three iodine atoms, and T4 is a tyrosine amino acid with four iodine atoms. The body works to convert T4 to T3 because T3 is more biologically available.
HPT Axis
The thyroid doesn’t just make T3 and T4 on its own. Instead, the thyroid is controlled by a gland in the brain called the pituitary gland [9]. The hypothalamus produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland to make thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. TSH then tells your thyroid how much thyroid hormone the thyroid needs to make [9].
To visualize: hypothalamus (TRH) -> pituitary (TSH) -> thyroid (T3/T4).
So, if the levels of T3/T4 are too low, your pituitary gland will make more TSH to tell your thyroid to make more T3/T4 [9]. The inverse is also true [9]. This process is dubbed the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and this axis or system is always trying to achieve balance, or homeostasis.
This is why a medical professional may test a patient’s TSH levels to determine whether the thyroid or the pituitary gland cause a person’s low or high T3/T4.
HPA Axis
Above, we briefly mentioned that the kidneys help to transform T4 into the more biologically available T3. Above each kidney are the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands produce various hormones, including cortisol (a stress hormone), adrenaline (epinephrine), and aldosterone (regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance) [10].
The adrenal glands are regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Similar to how the pituitary gland releases TSH to tell the thyroid to release T3/T4, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other stress-related hormones.
To visualize: hypothalamus (CRH) -> pituitary (ACTH) - > adrenal (cortisol, adrenaline, aldosterone, etc.).
This is called the HPA axis.
While the HPT and the HPA are very complex systems, the pituitary gland modulates both, and they affect each other indirectly through the HPT and HPA axes. For example, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the HPA axis, which may affect thyroid function. Similarly, thyroid dysfunction can impact the body’s response to stress and cortisol production [10].
Although the thyroid and adrenal glands have distinct roles in the body, their functions are interconnected through complex hormonal pathways and physiological processes.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when a person has too much T3/T4, meaning that the person’s thyroid is hyperactive or overactive [9]. The excess T3/T4 tells the body’s cells to work harder, causing the cells to use more energy [4]. This speeds up bodily processes and may cause excess sweating, elevated body temperature, a stronger pulse and heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, nervousness, and weight loss [9]. In children, increased T3/T4 helps to mature the brain and grow the child physically [4].
Hypothyroidism
On the other hand, hypothyroidism occurs when a person does not have enough T3/T4, meaning that a person’s thyroid is hypoactive or underactive [5] [9]. Not having enough T3/T4 slows the body’s functions, which may cause fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, thinning hair, depression, or constipation [9]. Medical professionals will commonly test a person’s TSH and T3/T4 levels to determine whether a person has an underactive thyroid, which may be indicated by elevated TSH levels but low T3/T4 levels.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders may affect the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s and Graves’ diseases are the two most common autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid gland.
First, Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland [11] [12]. In effect, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to the death of the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells and a decline in hormone production [11].
Although many consider Hashimoto’s disease to be a type of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease is distinct from standard hypothyroidism, which is where the thyroid underperforms versus where the immune system attacks healthy thyroid cells [11]. Thus, it is apparent that Hashimoto’s disease is a type of autoimmune disease. A person’s risk for Hashimoto’s disease is increased if the disease has occurred in their family lineage in the past and is 4-to-10 times more common in women than men [11] [13].
Second, Graves’ disease is the inverse of Hashimoto’s disease; with Graves’ disease, instead of the immune system attacking thyroid cells, causing decreased thyroid levels, the immune system attacks the thyroid cells, causing increased thyroid hormone production [14] [15] [16]. Again, this condition is most common in women but can also affect men [17].
A medical professional will generally conduct a thyroid antibody test to determine whether a person has Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease. A thyroid antibody test measures the level of thyroid antibodies in a sample of a person’s blood [18]. Thyroid antibodies develop when a person’s immune system mistakenly targets components of the thyroid gland [19].
Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support
Enter Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support, a unique blend of botanical and organ ingredients to support optimal thyroid function.
Iodine
Undoubtedly, iodine is crucial for thyroid health, as it is the primary building block of T3/T4.
Not only is iodine the primary building block for T3/T4, but research suggests that iodine deficiency decreases the oxidative burden and DNA damage on the thyroid associated with thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer [20].
Further, in one study, researchers investigated the effects of supplemental iodine on hypothyroidism [21]. They found that iodine may correctly impact hypothyroidism [21]. Other researchers also found that increased iodine intake after deficiency may help normalize thyroid activity [21]. However, it is vital not to overdo it; too much iodine may cause the thyroid to be overstimulated, which can lead to abnormal complications [21].
The iodine in Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support is derived from organic Icelandic kelp.
Selenium
Healthmasters' Thyroid Support also contains selenium. Selenium has been researched for thyroid health. In a 2020 study, researchers investigated the effects of selenium supplementation on TSH in patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease [22]. The researchers measured the patients’ TSH levels before selenium supplementation, after four months at 83 mg/day, and 6 months after selenium withdrawal [22]. They found that “short-course supplementation with [selenium] is associated with a normalization of serum TSH levels, which is maintained six months after selenium withdrawal in 50% of patients with [Hashimoto’s Disease]” [22].
In another study, researchers noted that selenium supplementation significantly reduced thyroid antibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis [23]. A handful of additional studies have pointed out similar effects [24] [25] [26] [27] [28].
Oceanic Botanicals
Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support contains three types of oceanic botanicals: Dulse, Irish Moss, and Bladderwrack.
First, dulse is a seaweed found along the coasts of the Atlantis and Pacific oceans [29]. In a 2016 study, researchers examined the effect of consuming dulse on various biomarkers in the body, including thyroid function [30]. The researchers found that consumption of dulse increased TSH [30]. Additional research has also been conducted concerning seaweed consumption and thyroid health [31] [32].
Second, Irish moss is another type of seaweed that has also been researched for supplementation and thyroid health [32]. Irish moss has been used and studied for over 100 years for various health aspects [33].
Third, Bladderwrack has been a food and medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. Bladderwrack, often known as kelp, contains the flavonoid (antioxidant) fucoxanthin and is reported to have the highest antioxidant activity of edible seaweeds [34]. This botanical supplement has shown beneficial effects in modulating thyroid dysfunction and contains naturally occurring compounds that may aid in treating hypothyroidism [34].
These oceanic botanicals have generally been investigated to support healthy thyroid function and iodine levels.
Glandular Extracts
Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support contains glandular extracts from the Argentinian bovine’s adrenal, anterior pituitary, spleen, and thymus glands. Glandular extracts have a century-old history of supporting healthy thyroid levels. Researchers have observed a linear relationship between thyroid extract and blood levels of T3 and T4 in children [35] [36]. Adrenal gland extracts contain compounds like adrenal cortex hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones play roles in regulating the metabolism and stress response, which can indirectly influence thyroid function [37] [38] [39]. Similarly, the effect of anterior pituitary and thymus extracts has also been investigated [40] [41] [42] [43].
L-Tyrosine
Much like iodine, L-tyrosine, or tyrosine, is essential for thyroid health because it is a crucial part of T3/T4. Therefore, optimal tyrosine levels are needed for optimal thyroid function.
While tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can create it from other amino acids [44], supplementation may help support adequate levels.
In addition to being used to make T3/T4, tyrosine is also used to produce dopamine, adrenaline, and melanin [45] [46] [47].
In summary, Healthmasters’ Thyroid Support emerges as a comprehensive solution for addressing the complexities of thyroid health. By blending functional, botanical, and organ ingredients, this supplement offers a nuanced approach to supporting optimal thyroid function, extending its benefits beyond hormone production.
If you have any questions about Healthmasters' Thyroid Support, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
[2] https://www.yourhormones.info/glands/thyroid-gland/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
[6] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/thyroid-gland
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
[8] https://www.nursingcenter.com/ncblog/march-2018/t3-and-t4-%E2%80%93-what%E2%80%99s-the-difference
[9] https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-test/
[10] https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2009.106
[11] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855
[12] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hashimotos-thyroiditis
[13] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease
[14] https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/graves-disease
[15] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease
[16] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/graves-disease
[17] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/graves-disease
[18] https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/thyroid-antibodies/
[19] https://www.testing.com/tests/thyroid-antibodies/
[20] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21487943
[21] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17725042/
[22] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2530018019301581
[23] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27702392/
[24] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20039895
[25] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18679588
[26] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11932302
[27] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21169670
[28] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33650299
[29] https://www.britannica.com/science/dulse
[30] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26254196/
[31] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7697291/
[32] https://etj.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/etj/10/2/ETJ512971.xml
[33] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10811-023-02965-6
[34] https://journal.restorativemedicine.org/index.php/journal/article/download/16/27
[35] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15253676/
[36] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/all/?term=19052559
[40] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1253407/
[41] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392788/
[42] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031698984800375
[43] https://academic.oup.com/jes/article/5/Supplement_1/A823/6241312
[44] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-tyrosine
[45] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17513421
[46] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4044302/
[47] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21834848
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Healthmasters' Thyroid Support is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
