ThyroLiver Protect
Scroll to the bottom of the page for supplement facts. One of the fastest rising health conditions in the US is hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms experienced are lethargy, d epression, and weight gain. Some of the newest reports estimate that 15-30% of the population may have thyroid problems. An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle provide natural solutions to boost thyroid function. 80% of hypothyroid conditions in the US are thought to be autoimmune conditions (1). Few doctors test for thyroid antibodies, and so most do not ever get the proper diagnosis. In the medical system, an autoimmune condition and a sluggish thyroid are treated the same, with synthetic T4. The Sensitive Thyroid Gland: The thyroid gland plays a vital role in overall physiology, and its coordinated control over thyroid hormone production and excretion is incredibly important. Dysfunctional thyroid activity dramatically alters someone’s quality of life and can be devastating and even fatal to the body. The thyroid is a very sensitive gland that is delicate in nature. The two major threats to thyroid function include environmental toxins and our own antibody production. Either of these can damage the thyroid and create a physiological state of hypo or hyperthyroidism. There is an intimate connection between the thyroid gland, the liver, the adrenals, and the gut. This connection plays an enormous role in the ability of activated thyroid hormone (T3) to get into the cells of the body to produce its required function. Without adequate T3 activity, the individual becomes hypothyroid. What Is The Hypothalamic – Pituitary- Adrenal-Thyroid Axis? The body works through a series of feedback loops. One of the major chemical sensory regions of the body is the hypothalamus of the brain. This region is constantly monitoring the bloodstream for the presence of adequate thyroid hormone, among other things. Hypothalamic – Pituitary – Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis) Hypothalamic – Pituitary – Thyroid Axis (HPT Axis) The hypothalamus sends chemical signals to the pituitary gland, which then carries out certain actions. The pituitary gland sends out varying amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to direct the thyroid gland to produce and secrete thyroid hormone (T4). Additionally, the pituitary signals the adrenals to secrete cortisol when blood sugar goes down and/or the body is under stress. Much of thyroid health is about regulating the HPT and HPA loops. This depends upon a healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle and often may include specific supplements that support the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. What Is The Adrenal - Liver-Gut-Thyroid Connection? The gut plays a role in about 20% of the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid) to T3 through the enzyme intestinal sulfatase. If one has a leaky gut, they are going to struggle with this conversion process, which would manifest on lab work as normal T4 and low T3. Additionally, a leaky or irritated gut lining increases the risk for auto-immunity which could manifest as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease (2, 3). The liver also plays a role in 20% of the conversion of T4-T3. If the liver is backlogged or not functioning well, then there will often be a poor T4-T3 conversion as well. A poorly functioning liver will also be unable to process environmental toxins at an effective rate, which predisposes the thyroid to greater toxic assault. This could also elevate the risk of developing thyroid autoimmunity (4). The adrenal glands are also critical players in thyroid hormone production. When one is in a state of adrenal fatigue, it reduces pituitary function, which hampers TSH and reduces the conversion of T4-T3 (5). High stress hormones, and in particular cortisol, can raise TSH, causing more stress on the thyroid gland (6). Chronically imbalanced cortisol levels also increase the production of rT3 and reduce T4-T3 conversion (7). Why Choose Thyro-Liver Protect? There are many health and lifestyle components involved in protecting and enhancing thyroid function. Addressing the health of the liver, gut, and adrenals is imperative to this process. One product I like to use clinically with virtually all cases of Hypothyroidism is Thyro-Liver Protect. Thyro-Liver Protect contains the amino acid N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a key component of glutathione—a tripeptide that plays a significant role in detoxification and antioxidant support. This product also contains a combination of alpha-lipoic acid, silymarin from milk thistle, and selenium for support of antioxidant activity, regeneration of other antioxidants, and promotion of healthy immune function. Why Choose N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)? This is a precursor to glutathione, which is the body’s primary antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies harmful substances. A powerful antioxidant found within every cell in your body, glutathione has many key functions. One of glutathione’s most important roles is to defend the cell against wastes and toxins (8). NAC has been shown to improve blood flow and blood vessel integrity in individuals with hyperglycemia (9). It has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and create more stable post meal blood sugar responses (10). NAC supplementation has additionally been able to reduce oxidative stress and the negative effects of glycation in the body (11). The overall effect of this is that it stabilizes blood sugar, improves adrenal output, helps the liver to detoxify effectively, and supports the integrity of the gut lining. This also helps to reduce inflammation and balance the immune system, which reduces autoimmune tendencies. Why Choose Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)? This is a unique and powerful antioxidant that has both water- and fat-soluble properties. This unique characteristic allows it to be absorbed and transported into many organs and systems, such as the brain, liver, and nerves. Lipoic acid is able to regenerate vitamins C and E and other major antioxidants such as glutathione and CoQ10. Lipoic acid protects the mitochondria, the energy producing factories of cells, from being damaged by oxidative stress so they can produce energy more efficiently (12). There is overwhelming evidence that ALA is critical for maintaining insulin sensitivity, optimal blood sugar levels, and blood vessel integrity (13, 14). The overall effect of this is that it stabilizes blood sugar, improves adrenal output, helps the liver to detoxify effectively, and supports the integrity of the gut lining. This also helps to reduce inflammation and balance the immune system, which reduces autoimmune tendencies (15, 16) Why Choose Milk Thistle? The active antioxidant compound within milk thistle is the flavonoid complex called Silymarin. This antioxidant is one of the most powerful liver detoxifying agents. It helps to boost glutathione and superoxide dismutase, which are two of the body's master super antioxidants (17). One study found that silymarin increased glutathione content in the intestines and liver by up to 50% (18). Boosting glutathione helps protect the intestines from inflammatory damage that leads to ulcers and colitis. Silymarin helps to protect the body’s enzymatic systems, the liver, thyroid, and the immune system from radiation stress. Gamma radiation is a major risk factor for the development of thyroid problems and various cancers. Silymarin consumption may be one of the best defenses against the harmful effects of radiation stress (19). Why Choose Selenium? Selenium is incorporated into key enzymes involved in several metabolic pathways implicated in thyroid hormone metabolism; additionally, it plays an antioxidant role in the regulation of the immune system. There are strong links between selenium deficiencies and autoimmune thyroid problems (20, 21). It has been hypothesized that these compounds activate a complex defense system that maintains normal thyroid function by protecting the gland from both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced by thyrocytes, and oxidative stress. This is the major cofactor for the key thyroid enzyme 5’deiodinase, which is what converts T4 into T3. 5’deoidinase also degrades the inactive rT3. Studies have indicated that individuals with lower selenium levels are at higher risk for low T3 (22). Selenium has been shown to reduce rT3 levels and improve active T3 status (23). It also reduces anti-thyroid antibody formation (24, 25) Why Choose Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body successfully adapt to stressfulconditions. It works like a thermostat to balance and optimize hormone function and improve our bodies’ stress resilience. Improves Thyroid Hormone Function: Several studies, including a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, have shown that ashwagandha root extract can increase levels of T3 and thyroxine while decreasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (study here). This helps to normalize thyroid function in those with low hormone output. Lowers stress hormones: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, an herb that helps the body regulate its response to stress. By reducing high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, ashwagandha can indirectly boost thyroid hormone production. Chronic stress and high cortisol can otherwise suppress thyroid function by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Why Do I Love This Product? This product works very well to support thyroid hormones and liver function. Additionally, it works to improve stress resilience, improve immune response, balance blood sugar levels, and support healthy insulin sensitivity. ThyroLiver Protect helps stabilize blood sugar, improves adrenal output, helps the liver to detoxify effectively, and supports the integrity of the gut lining. This also helps to reduce inflammation and balance the immune system, which reduces autoimmune tendencies. What Is The Recommended Dosage? Normal Dosage: 1 cap – 1-2 times daily with or without food. Advanced Dosage: 1 cap – 3 times daily with or without food or as directed by your health care practitioner. When introducing a new supplement, we recommend taking the lowest dose for 2-3 days. As tolerated, increase the dose until you have reached the recommended normal or advanced guidelines. Reduce to a tolerable dosage if adverse effects occur.