Thyroid Support (90 capsules)

The Thyroid Gland
If there’s one system we should remind ourselves to keep in check as we age, it’s our endocrine system, the integrated series of glands that release hormones to keep us moving, metabolizing properly and feeling good. The endocrine system is powerfully linked to all other systems, and acts like a facilitator or guidance counselor in making sure everything else goes as planned in the body.

For the most part, we don’t notice the vast majority of hormonal action taking place every second because our hormones are self-regulating. But if there’s one gland in particular that we can, in fact, assist in staying healthy, it’s the thyroid. The thyroid’s main responsibility is to process signals from the pituitary gland, which is the command center in the brain that controls all endocrine functions throughout the body. The pituitary bridges the connection between your brain and how you feel, whether it be hunger, exhaustion, heat or cold. One of its target glands is the thyroid, which it signals to release different hormones.

Two important hormones released by the thyroid are thyroxine (also called T4) and triiodothyronine (also called T3). These hormones help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and proteins. Specifically, they increase the rate at which cells release energy from carbs, enhance the rate of protein synthesis, and stimulate the breakdown and mobilization of lipids. These hormones are essential for normal growth and development and for maturation of the nervous system.

In all, the thyroid is in charge of regulating the metabolism of your cells, such as how long they live, how fast they grow, and when they die. Everyone’s thyroid activity is different, just as everyone’s metabolism operates differently. Understanding the important role the thyroid serves in the body is reason enough to keep it as healthy as possible.

Tyrosine, Iodine & the Thyroid
L-Tyrosine or simply Tyrosine, is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid (remember: amino acids are the building blocks to proteins and important macro-biomolecules). It’s “conditional” because while it can be produced inside the body from phenylalanine (another amino acid), one must have sufficient resources from which to synthesize it and meet physiological demands. This amino acid is an important nutritional ingredient and factor for the synthesis of several important brain chemicals, such as the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepi- nephrine, serotonin and dopamine. All of these biochemicals work in synergy to regulate a host of “feelings,” such as mood, motivation and energy levels. Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration and productivity. It can also improve endurance under stress, is effective as an appetite suppressant, and is a great complement to any weight management program.

Iodine is a trace mineral that’s vital to life because it’s required by the body for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones —T4 and T3. Under normal circumstances, your body contains approximately 20 to 30 mg of iodine, most of which is stored in your thyroid gland (smaller amounts of iodine are also found in lactating mammary glands, the stomach lining, salivary glands and in the blood). If you don’t have sufficient iodine in your body, you can’t synthesize these hormones. Because the thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in every cell of the body and plays a role in virtually all physiological functions.

Several everyday living factors can deplete iodine, for which supplementation is key. For example, your body’s ability to absorb and/or utilize iodine can be inhibited by components of certain foods—many of which are good for you and provide good nutrition. Examples of foods that contain such compounds are cruciferous vegetables (for example, cabbage and broccoli), cassava root, peanuts, mustard and millet. Over-consumption of these foods may reduce the amount of available iodine for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. New & Improved Thyroid delivers 300 mcg of naturally sourced Iodine per serving.

Herbal Additions
Along with the higher Tyrosine concentration per serving and plant sourced Iodine, we have added herbal components to the new formula. Most notable would be Ashwagandha, Astragalas, and Rhodiola Rosea. They have all been added as adaptogens and for their immune supporting properties. Also, Corleus Forskohlii Leaf Extract has been included to help balance hormone levels throughout the body. Additionally, a group of essential B vitamins (B6, B12, & Folic Acid) have been added for their energy giving properties as well as the over- all support they provide to the body.