The thyroid gland, the little butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, has several important responsibilities, including pacing the beating of your heart and how fast your body burns calories. It does this by producing and secreting two thyroid hormones: [mostly inactive] thyroxine (T4) and [small amounts of active] triiodothyronine (T3). When needed T4 is typically converted in the liver, kidney and other tissues to active T3. The primary action of thyroid hormone is to raise the body’s metabolic rate — that is, to increase the rate of oxygen consumption and energy expenditure. Thyroid hormone is also essential for normal growth and development in children, interacts with other hormones to modulate carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, and controls other important biological functions.
To help maintain a healthy thyroid, vitamins and minerals that support normal thyroid hormone levels should be a part of your regular diet or be consumed in supplement form if your diet doesn’t provide adequate amounts. Some needed nutrients include (but not limited to) [1]†:
- Iodine -(the most important nutrient related to thyroid health and function)-thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones.
- Vitamin A -(most often associated with good vision and healthy skin and teeth) but it also plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism.
- Vitamin D -Research shows that hypothyroidism is often accompanied by vitamin D deficiency.
- Selenium -an essential mineral that plays several important functions in the body, including the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Maintaining normal levels of selenium in the body is also key to helping to prevent thyroid disease.
- Zinc -helps the body convert inactive T4 hormone into active T3 hormone. Hence zinc deficiency can adversely affect thyroid function.
- Iron -sufficient iron levels are also critical to thyroid health. Like selenium and zinc, iron helps the body convert inactive T4 hormone into active T3 hormone.
Please keep in mind that there are Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications and supplements that can affect those with thyroid disease and taking a thyroid prescription (eg: synthetic thyroid hormones levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others) and liothyronine (Cytomel), as well as thyroid extract supplements, etc). 
Please consult with your doctor first and avoid taking your thyroid hormone prescription at the same time as the following (but not limited to) [2]:
- Walnuts
- Soybean flour
- Cottonseed meal
- Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron
- Calcium supplements
- Antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium
- Some ulcer medications, such as sucralfate (Carafate)
- Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as those containing cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid)
- Ashwagandha and Bladderwrack
- Bovine Thyroid Extracts
To avoid potential interactions, eat these foods or use these products (named above) several hours before or after (at least 4 hours) you take your thyroid medication.[2]
Supplements containing biotin, common in hair and nail preparations, can interfere with the measurement of thyroid hormone. Biotin does not affect thyroid hormone levels, but supplements should be stopped for at least a week before measuring your thyroid function so that your thyroid status is accurately reflected.[2]
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s Thyroid Support formula with Zinc containing patented Ayurvedic herbs including Gugulipid® and Bacopin® . This comprehensive vitamin, mineral and herbal formula designed for those who wish to support healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and to improve the low function of the thyroid gland. This gland helps control the body's metabolism and energy. A healthy thyroid ensures a healthy metabolic rate and helps generate the energy we need for our demanding lifestyles. †
†Features:
- Synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbal formula designed to support healthy functioning of the thyroid gland-including L-tyrosine, kelp (as a natural source of iodine), and essential thyroid co-factors such as vitamin B-6 and vitamin C. Included are critical thyroid minerals such as selenium and zinc along with adaptogen support in the form of Bacopa monniera and Ashwagandha.
- Gugulipid® (Commiphora mukul) resin extract (standardized to 2.5% [3.75 mg] guggulsterones);
- Bacopin® (Bacopa monniera) leaf extract (Standardized to 20% [20 mg] bacosides A&B)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (standardized to 1.5% [1.5 mg] withanolides)
- Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract . (standardized to 98% [58.8 mg] polyphenols);
- NO sugar, salt, dairy, wheat, gluten, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
† Benefits:
- Thyroid Support with Zinc provides the amino acid tyrosine and the mineral iodine (from kelp) — essential structural components of triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium is included as an essential cofactor for the enzymes that convert inactive T4 (thyroxine) into the active T3 (triiodothyronine). Also included are Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used to support thyroid health, including Commiphora mukul (Gugulipid®) and Bacopa monniera (Bacopin®).
- Bacopa monniera (Bacopin®) often referred to as brahmi, Bacon monniera was prized by Ayurvedic physicians as an effective brain tonic. Bacopin® contains backsides, the active principles responsible for improving memory related functions. These compounds are attributed with the capability of enhancing the efficiency of transmission of nerve impulses, thereby strengthening memory and cognition.
- Gugulipid® is a standardized extract of the oleo gum resin of Commiphora mukul. This resin is a mixture of diterpens, sterols, steroids, esters and higher alcohols. The active ingredients responsible for the hypolipidemic health benefits, are the guggulsterones, specifically guggulsterone E and guggulsterone Z. It is important that guggul extracts be properly standardized and assayed using HPLC methods to ensure that side effects such as rashes and gastrointestinal disturbances associated with crude guggul extracts, do not occur.
STORAGE: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
CAUTION: A blood test to check for thyroid hormone levels can help confirm hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or that your levels are in a healthy range. Also a “standard physical” should include an exam of your thyroid to check for changes in size or shape. If you notice a change or you start to experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, see your general practitioner soon.
Please consult with your doctor first and avoid taking your thyroid hormone prescription at the same time as [2]:
- Walnuts
- Soybean flour
- Cottonseed meal
- Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron
- Calcium supplements
- Antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium
- Some ulcer medications, such as sucralfate (Carafate)
- Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as those containing cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid)
- Ashwagandha and Bladderwrack
- Bovine Thyroid Extracts
To avoid potential interactions, eat these foods or use these products several hours before or after (at least 4 hours) you take your thyroid medication.[2]
Supplements containing biotin, common in hair and nail preparations, can interfere with the measurement of thyroid hormone. Biotin does not affect thyroid hormone levels, but supplements should be stopped for at least a week before measuring your thyroid function so that your thyroid status is accurately reflected.[2]
References:
[1] Roland, J. (2019, May 17). About Thyroid Vitamins. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-vitamins#iodine
[2] Hypothyroidism diet: Can certain foods increase thyroid function? (2019, September 4). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.