Product Overview
Protect Your Thyroid from Modern Life
Despite its relatively small size, the thyroid influences every cell in your body. It’s so critical that newborns undergo a mandatory screening for congenital hypothyroidism. Roughly 10% of the American population suffers from one thyroid condition or another, and the increased incidence of thyroid disease can be linked to a host of factors, some more obvious than others.
The latest figures estimate that roughly 27 millions Americans suffer from one type of thyroid condition or another. Up to 60% of them are unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed thyroid diseases may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.
One in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder in her lifetime and they are eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. Pregnant women with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.
As to why women have increased risk, we still don’t know but at least we can do something about it. A steady stream of research has revealed a growing list of factors that contribute to thyroid diseases and disorders, including genetic and environmental factors.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
- Thyroiditis
- Iodine deficiency
- Magnesium and/or zinc deficiency
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Exposure to pesticide chemicals
- Birth defect or born without a thyroid
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland or treatment with radioactive iodine
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
- Graves’ disease
- Goiter
- Thyroiditis.
- Overmedication with triiodothyronine (T3) and/or levothyroxine (T4)
Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. Studies show that the highest prevalence of thyroiditis occurs in countries with the highest intake of iodine, such as the US and Japan.
When it comes to heavy metals, mercury and iodine are chemically very similar to each other, so your thyroid is quick to absorb and store it. This leads to iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders. Mercury damages thyroid cells so much that your immune system can no longer recognize them.
One study led b Dr. Whitney S. Goldner of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha looked at 44 different pesticides, they found that women married to men who had ever used organochlorine insecticides — such as aldrin, DDT, and lindane — were 1.2 times as likely to have hypothyroidism. It’s not clear why pesticides would be linked to thyroid problems. However, some studies have suggested that such chemicals have low levels of certain thyroid hormones.
Genetic causes account for about 15-20% of cases of congenital hypothyroidism. Mutations in the TSHB gene disrupt the synthesis of thyroid hormones by impairing the stimulation of hormone production.
Unexpected Links to Thyroid Issues
Soy - Soy isoflavones can damage thyroid function
Smoking – Smoking can significantly increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease
Tap water - Standard water-treatment plants cannot remove the chemical perchlorate from the water supply. According to one researcher, "There is a statistical association between low-level contamination with ammonium perchlorate and elevated or abnormal thyroid function." Also, chlorine content in the water can displace the much-needed iodine.
Fluoride – is an enzyme poison which accumulates in the body. Since the body can only eliminate 50% of its total fluoride intake, this build-up can cause harm to the thyroid by blocking the use of iodine.
Family history – of thyroid disease is a warning signal. Also a family history of depression, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue or weight issues can signify thyroid problems.
Stress – is a factor in almost every kind of disease and can affect the thyroid.
Pregnancy – It is estimated that between 5-10% of all pregnancies will result in PPT (Postpartum Thyroiditis).
Menopause – hormonal changes during this period of a woman’s life can wreak havoc on her thyroid.
Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism occurs in about 1 in 2,000 pregnancies. Graves' disease accounts for 95% of cases of hyperthyroidism newly diagnosed during pregnancy.
Nutrients Your Thyroid Needs to Stay at Peak Function
Iodine - The thyroid gland uses iodine from food and supplements to make the hormone thyroxine (T4), which is converted to the more potent, bioactive form called triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid function works in concert with the pituitary gland, adrenals, parathyroid, and sex glands, all of which work together to maintain hormonal balance in the body.
For example, the pituitary gland produces TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which helps regulate thyroxine hormone production. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis serve as avenues of communication for these crucially important glands.
B Vitamins - It’s unwise to pick just one or two of the B vitamins when all of them have different roles to play in healthy thyroid function. For example vitamin B6 plays a critical role allows the thyroid to utilize iodine to produce hormones, and vitamin B2 is involved in hormone secretion.
Magnesium - Magnesium is required for the conversion of T4 into T3. Magnesium deficiency is related to goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. Another important nutrient in preventing goiter is iodine, but magnesium is right there helping too.
Zinc - Research has shown that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism result in zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels have been found in obese people. A depletion in zinc prevents the conversion of the T4 hormone into the active T3 version. This can lead to symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, and weight gain, even while taking synthetic thyroid medications.
Predigested Glandulars - This formula contains a potent blend of the glandulars spleen, thymus, adrenal tissue, pituitary and parotid to help your system bounce back from stress caused by a poorly functioning thyroid.
Opti-Thyroid
Part of our Dr. Brimhall line, the ingredients in this formula have stood the test of time with their efficiency. Opti-Thyroid provides whole food micronutrients that are essential for the production of thyroid hormones, providing a foundation that best supports the thyroid gland. It is the ONLY predigested formula including both glandulars and whole food ingredients. The predigestion process sets this formula above the rest because it guarantees delivery at the cellular level and up to 300% better nutrient absorption.
Opti-Thyroid provides tyrosine, iodine, and selenium, micronutrients that are essential for the production of T4 and its conversion to T3. B vitamins from a whole food cultured media blend are present to support energy production, while vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene provide support for antioxidant activity and tissue protection. Chelated minerals, choline, betaine hydrochloride (HCI), and glutamic acid provide further support for metabolic functions. Glandular support comes from an Argentinian bovine source and are predigested to ensure safety and purity.
