Energy, Fat Metabolism, and Temperature
Adaptation: The Importance of the Thyroid Gland
Submitted by Innate Response

Overview of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is the body's "metabolic thermostat," which manufactures, stores, and releases thyroid hormones. This hard-working gland is located in the neck below the larynx.

A healthy thyroid gland supports cellular growth and repair, energy levels, fat metabolism, adaptation to temperature changes, mental functions, healthy muscles, and bones, and managing all of these functions essential to slowing the aging process. It is important to note that the thyroid, liver, kidneys, pituitary, and adrenal glands have critical interconnected functions that affect each other in a significant way if out of balance. Thyroid nutritional support becomes more important as we age.

Thyroid Hormones
Key thyroid hormones are T4 (thyroxin) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Both hormones are manufactured from the amino acid tyrosine and the trace mineral iodine. T3 has three iodine atoms and T4 has four. The formation and release of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), which is released by the pituitary gland. The conversion and balance of T4 to T3 is a continual process intended to maintain homeostasis.

The proper balance and conversion of thyroid hormones is affected by several factors. Stress will cause the adrenals to secrete increased levels of cortisol. Prolonged, increased secretion of cortisol alters thyroid hormone metabolism.

Thyroid function can be affected by numerous biological insults including lack of first morning sun, lack of sleep, compact fluorescent lighting, exercise, environmental toxins, plastics, chemicals in body care products, poor lifestyle choices, caffeine, and xenoestrogens.

Nutrients and Herbs for a Healthy Thyroid

Food-State Iodine
The primary function of iodine is in the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. In nature most of the iodine resides in the ocean. Iodine deficiencies are common, but the healthy human body should contain about 15-20 mg of iodine, 70-80% of which is located in the thyroid gland.

L- Tyrosine
Thyroid hormones T4 and T3 are made using tyrosine and iodine. Tyrosine aids the production of adrenocortical hormones. Often called the stress amino acid, it is essential to both adrenal and thyroid hormone production.

Selenium
Selenium is an indispensable mineral for normal thyroid hormone production and metabolism. Selenium deficiency diminishes conversion of T4 to T3 in the body's outlying cells, creating elevated T4 and TSH.

Therapeutic Whole Herb Extracts

Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Sensoril™
Sensoril™ Ashwagandha extract is the first stress relief nutraceutical to possess guaranteed optimized concentrations and ratios of key constituents from both root and specially processed leaf, providing effective nutritional support for stress, endocrine, and thyroid gland function. Research has found Withania increases T4 hormone production and increases T4 conversion into T3.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
Native to India, Guggul is a yellowish oleo-gum-resin from the Mukul Myrrh tree. Guggul has documented use in ancient Ayurvedic texts as far back as 600 BC. The optimal gugulipid has a concentrated ratio of 5:1 with 2.5% total Guggulsterones.

Coleus forskohlii root with 8% Forskolin
Coleus is a perennial that grows on the dry mountain slopes of India, Nepal, Africa, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Burma. A member of the mint family of plants, Coleus root is used as a spice, in condiments, and for pickling foods. The major biologically-active component is forskolin. Research indicates forskolin nutritionally supports the activation of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), a significant biochemical involved in essential metabolic processes.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
An adaptogen that has been long used in Ayurvedic healing for enhancing metabolic functions and natural resistance, this fragrant traditional herb lends nutritional support to the mind, nervous system, and innate stress response. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, or Sacred Basil, is used extensively in Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Thyroid Response Complete Care, by Innate Response Formulas is a synergistic combination of the above key nutrients, herbs, and trace-mineral-rich foods that support thyroid function. Included are nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and the amino acid tyrosine. The whole herb blend includes Ashwagandha, Sensoril, Guggul, holy basil, and Coleus Forskohlii root. This premier thyroid formulation also includes iodine-rich sea plants such as bladderwrack, laminaria, Irish moss, an immune blend, and plant-sourced enzymes to enhance bioavailability. A comprehensive, non-glandular solution, Thyroid Response Complete Care effectively promotes and supports healthy thyroid function with whole food nutrients.

References:
1. Bove, Mary, ND. "Botanical Therapies for Thyroid Disorders". American Herbalist Guild Proceedings of the AHG Symposium October 2003
2. Yance, Donald R., Jr., CN, AHG "Thyroid Deficiency", Comparative Medicine for Clinical Practice Proceeding of the AHG Symposium. Oct. 2002
3. Bland, Jeffrey S. PhD. Nutritional Endocrinology, Breakthrough Approaches for Improving Adrenal and Thyroid Function. The Institute for Functional Medicine Gig Harbor, WA © 2002
4. Yance, Donald R, Jr. "Assessing and Treating Adrenal and Thyroid Deficient Disorders." Medicines from the Earth Official Proceedings. Black Mountain, NC: 2002
5. Pizzorno, Joseph E, ND, Murray, Michael T, ND. Textbook of Natural Medicine, Vol. I & II. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingston © 1993, 1999