Counteract age-related thyroid problems

Thyroid decline affects every cell in our body, resulting in a wide range of age-related problems

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located just under the Adam's apple in the throat. It secretes a hormone into the bloodstream called thyroxine, which controls the body's metabolism, the rate at which the body burns calories for energy. It also controls the body's utilization of fat. A decline in the secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in poor concentration, confusion, memory problems, cold hands and feet, weight gain, menstrual problems, sleep disorders, dry skin, thinning hair and low energy levels. An underactive thyroid is also a major cause of a common painful musculoskeletal condition known as fibromyalgia.

Who is at risk?

Aging often leads to hypothyroidism, and is considered by some in this field to be an under-diagnosed epidemic. Taking thyroid supplements can redress hypothyroidism and subsequently overcome a broad range of aging disorders.

Thyroid deficiency most often affects women over 40, but men and teenagers can also have reduced thyroid function, especially if it runs in the family. According to some estimates, as many as 15 to 20% of women over age 60 may have subclinical hypothyroidism (meaning they would benefit from thyroid supplementation even though most doctors would say, based on standard laboratory test results, that they had no thyroid pathology requiring treatment). Each year, 5 to 15% of these women develop symptoms, some of which may contribute to shortening their lives.

Some hypothyroidism, clinically diagnosed as thyroid deficiency syndrome, may be caused by a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease, 90% of sufferers being women, in which the body's own immune defenses turn on the thyroid gland, causing an inflammatory process that eventually destroy it. Immunosenesence, immune decline with aging, is associated with increased autoimmune reactions. This progressive destructive process is a major reason why thyroid function commonly declines with age.

Whole-natural or synthetic supplements?

Thyroid supplements come in two forms. Whole-natural supplements and synthetic supplements. It is almost always better to use a whole-natural thyroid extract because the synthetic versions usually only comprise of one of the thyroid hormones, (such as, T3 or T4), whereas, whole-natural thyroids cover a fuller spectrum of thyroid hormones (including T1, T2, T3 and T4).

By measuring a particular hormone known as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) it can be determined whether supplementation is necessary. The relationship between thyroid levels and TSH levels is inverse, which is to say that as thyroid hormones levels rise in the body, TSH levels normally fall. Because thyroid function changes with age, it is helpful to monitor TSH levels periodically to insure that the quantity of thyroid supplement being taken maintains appropriately youthful levels.

Scientific data, both clinical and experimental, strongly support the idea that a small daily serving of whole thyroid extract as a dietary supplement can have a wide range of positive influences. Dr. James Isaacs, a pioneering cardiovascular surgeon from Baltimore, conducted a classic study in 1974 and found that those who took 1/4 grain of thyroid (whole thyroid is measured in grains, 60mg = 1 grain) combined with minerals and vitamins over a period of 10 years showed significant improvement in cardiovascular-protective function.

Dosages of whole thyroid extracts depend on your age and thyroid condition. As a rough guide they are 15mg to 30mg daily, increasing to 60mg daily after a couple of weeks if necessary. If you are over 40 years of age and have no overt endocrine disease and you wish to slow the aging process, just a small regular whole thyroid supplement can raise energy levels, allow clearer thinking and improve bowel function

Dosage:
One grain (equivalent to 60mg) or higher dosages are potent and usually require temperature monitoring and occasional blood tests. Persons with more-serious thyroid conditions are often be prescribed one grain. Dosages under a physician's guidance can often reach three to five grains daily. Dosages of more than one grain are usually increased by a grain over one to two weeks. Quarter grain and half grain whole thyroid supplements (15mg to 30mg)) provide less potency and are used to support an aging thyroid condition. However, long-term use of low dose whole thyroid extracts may also require occasional breaks and monitoring.

Caution:
Reduce or stop thyroid supplementation if you feel unwell, your rising-from-bed-in-the-morning temperature is over 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit, your resting pulse is more than 75 beats a minute or your thyroid function blood tests are abnormal.

What our customers say...

The dramatic improvements that many of my patients have achieved on thyroid therapy often appear miraculous! Ward Dean MD, Florida There's no question that many of my problems were thyroid related, within days of taking the supplements my symptoms were either gone or being alleviated! B.D., California.