Did you know that 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disorder? In addition, women are five to eight times more likely to get diagnosed with a thyroid condition than men. 

While thyroid problems are common in the United States, fortunately, there are also many possible ways to treat these conditions. In fact, you may have heard of some people using thyroid supplements. 

If you’re considering using supplements that can help promote thyroid health, keep reading to find out what you need to know. 

Is Taking Thyroid Supplements Safe? 

There seem to be a lot of controversies out there about whether or not taking thyroid supplements is safe. Considering the fact that some supplements can have ingredients that are harmful to people with certain thyroid conditions, the answer to that question is, it depends. 

While it’s great to get the nutrition you need from your diet, it’s not always possible. In these instances, taking a supplement can help your body get the nutrients it needs to function. 

If you’re planning on taking supplements for thyroid care, you need to discuss it with your doctor first. Your doctor can make sure that the supplement you’re considering won’t interact with medications or cause more problems with your thyroid. 

In addition, they’ll be able to educate you on other possible effects of supplements. 

Benefits of Thyroid Supplements

If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s even worth the conversation with your doctor, we have that answer for you, too. There are many benefits to taking supplements that aid in thyroid health. 

One: Reduce Fatigue

One possible component of a thyroid supplement is thiamine. This is a B vitamin, and it’s needed for metabolism. 

Individuals with Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease might not adequately absorb thiamine. 

In one study, patients getting treated for Hashimoto’s disease were given thiamine. Over the course of a few days or hours, there was a regression of fatigue symptoms. 

Two: Increase Thyroid Hormone Production

Zinc is required in your body to help with the production of thyroid hormones. However, for people who have reduced zinc levels, their thyroid will produce fewer thyroid hormones.

In addition, there’s a bit of a loop going on here because thyroid hormones are needed to help your body absorb zinc. 

Therefore, insufficient zinc levels could be a reason behind hypothyroidism. But, hypothyroidism can also create an acquired zinc deficiency. 

For individuals with hypothyroidism, zinc in thyroid supplements could help increase the production of thyroid hormones. 

One study on this looked at two young women in college. These women were given zinc over a four-month period. 

Researchers analyzed the parameters of the study at zero, two, and four months. Over the course of four months, both women’s zinc deficiency was corrected, and there were positive results for thyroid hormone levels as well. 

Three: Reduce Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Levels

Thyroid peroxidase or TPO is an enzyme that gets found in your thyroid gland. It helps to produce two thyroid hormones that are important, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. 

In order to produce these hormones, TPO uses an important nutrient in your body, iodine. However, antibodies can disrupt that process and keep your TPO from having the ability to use iodine. 

When your thyroid isn’t able to make enough hormones, it results in hypothyroidism. In addition, the antibodies can also cause inflammation. 

This inflammation can, over time, destroy part or all of your thyroid gland and cause it to form nodules or become enlarged. 

However, research has looked at selenium as a possible answer. Research has shown that selenium supplements can help normalize antibody concentrations. 

However, there is some risk with taking selenium supplements. The therapeutic window is very small, and taking it in excess can be toxic. Make sure you talk to your doctor about proper dosage. 

Four: Improve Iron Deficiency Anemia

Are you struggling with iron deficiency anemia and hypothyroidism? It’s possible that they’re connected, according to research.

Iron deficiency anemia could be the cause of hypothyroidism. Taking supplements with iron in them could help with this. 

However, taking too much iron can decrease zinc absorption. Iron might also interact with some thyroid medications. 

Talk to your doctor before you begin taking iron or a vitamin with iron. 

Five: Increase Vitamin D levels

Many studies are looking at possible links between vitamin D and thyroid disorders. However, one thing that has been noted is the fact that individuals with thyroid cancer and autoimmune hypothyroidism often have lower levels of Vitamin D. 

Six: Regulate Thyroid Hormone Metabolism

Vitamin A is another vitamin that plays a significant role in your thyroid. This vitamin can help regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and inhibit thyroid-stimulating hormone. 

If you don’t have enough Vitamin A in your body, thyroid disorders can become worse. One type of Vitamin A is retinoids.

It can negatively affect the metabolism of iodine. There is still more research occurring on the benefits of treating thyroid conditions with Vitamin A. 

Seven: Correct Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

Individuals with certain thyroid disorders have a higher risk of becoming deficient in Vitamin B12. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia. While a mild deficiency might go unnoticed, if it goes untreated, you could experience a variety of symptoms. 

Some of these include: 

• Pale skin
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Lightheadedness
• Vision Loss
• Nerve problems
• Mental problems (for example, depression, behavioral changes, or memory loss) 
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• A smooth tongue

Supplements that contain B12 can help to prevent and treat this type of deficiency.

Find the Right Supplement for You

Thyroid supplements can help with addressing various deficiencies you might experience. However, before starting supplements, you should always discuss them with your doctor. 

Are you ready to buy supplements that will help you? Patch MD sells supplement patches to fit your lifestyle. Start shopping with us today. 

According to the American Thyroid Association, about 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition. Yet, almost 60% of people with a thyroid disorder or disease are unaware of it.

Despite having symptoms, these people don’t get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Typically, physicians can reverse thyroid dysfunction with early awareness and treatment. Sometimes, a thyroid condition may require surgery. But, in other cases, a thyroid condition is easily fixed with medication like levothyroxine.

Iron deficiencies can cause thyroid conditions. The conditions, in turn, can exacerbate the iron deficiencies. To treat deficiency-related conditions, a doctor may recommend an iron plus supplement.

Yet, too many people don’t get treatment because they’re unaware of the symptoms.

This ignorance can be dangerous. The thyroid is a critical gland in the human body. As part of the endocrine system, it creates hormones that facilitate vital physiological functions.

In severe cases, low thyroid function causes myxedema: organ shutdown and coma. While myxedema is rare—roughly only one in one million patients end up in this state—it’s often fatal. 29% of myxedema patients die in the coma.

Read on to discover how the thyroid works. Then, learn nine early warning signs of hypothyroidism: a low-function thyroid.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland in the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates the processes of organ systems in the body.

The thyroid produces triiodothyronine (T3). It also produces thyroxine (T4). These hormones enable effective metabolism function. The metabolic process:

• Digests food
• Turns food into energy (like body heat)
• Regulates heart rate and breathing

At the same time, thyroid hormones interface with other hormone cycles in the body. So, thyroid conditions can disrupt the sleep cycle. T3 is also critical to muscle and tissue growth.

When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough of these hormones. As a result, people with low-functioning thyroids experience disruptive symptoms.

What causes underactive thyroid?

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a thyroid that doesn’t produce enough thyroxine or triiodothyronine. Hypothyroidism typically has an underlying cause.

Physicians typically want to determine the underlying cause of hypothyroidism to pursue the best course of treatment. The most typical causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s disease)
• Iodine insufficiency/goiter
• Medication side-effect
• Cancer treatments
• Treatments for hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid)
• Congenital thyroid condition
• Thyroid nodules
• Pituitary gland condition (congenital or tumor)

Different underlying causes require different treatments. In a worst-case scenario, an endocrinologist might have to remove a patient’s thyroid. In these cases, a patient will have to take synthetic (pill) versions of the thyroid’s hormones as part of staying healthy.

But, if the problem is as straightforward as iodine and iron deficiencies, doctors can treat that. There’s a range of supplements and vitamin options.

If you have any of these nine symptoms of a low-functioning thyroid, talk to a doctor. They can determine the underlying cause of your condition with some lab work.

9 Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function

There are nine critical signs that your thyroid might not be as healthy as it could be. Consider tracking your physical sensations and experiences throughout the day to find symptom patterns. This data can help a physician narrow down the cause of your symptoms.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is lethargy or tiredness. Hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate, which causes fatigue. It can also make it harder for t=your body to take in energy from food.

In addition to physical tiredness, fatigue can impair memory. This is called “brain fog.”

2. Feeling Cold

Coldness is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Metabolism maintains internal body temperature. When it’s disrupted, your body can’t heat itself properly.

Hypothyroidism can likewise cause increased cold sensitivity.

3. Constipation

Constipation is difficulty passing bowel movements. Stools may be hard, and elimination is often painful and incomplete.

Constipation can happen when your colon’s contractions are slower or weaker than they should be. Hypothyroidism causes this colon weakness (also called reduced gut motility).

It can also impact the digestive processes that absorb water from food. Hypothyroidism can cause the digestive system to over-absorb water in the colon, which dehydrates the stool.

4. Dry Skin

Hypothyroidism causes all metabolic processes to slow down. This reduces eccrine gland secretion. Healthy eccrine glands produce sweat and other natural fluids, which maintain your body’s temperature and keep your skin moisturizer.

When hypothyroidism slows down or disrupts secretion, you get dry skin and brittle nails.

5. Hair Loss

Thyroid hormones are responsible for the growth of bodily tissues. This includes hair growth.

As hair follicle growth slows, hair thins. As dead hair falls out, there’s no new, healthy living hair to replace it. Fortunately, treating the underlying condition can reverse air loss.

6. Weight Gain

Hypothyroidism disrupts metabolism. This makes it harder for your body to turn food into energy. Instead, excess salt, water, and fat accumulate in adipose tissue.

Hypothyroidism also increases the half-life of cortisol. At the same time, it decreases how frequently the metabolism clears away cortisol. This causes cortisol buildup.

The body stores excess cortisol in adipose tissue. The resulting stress causes people to gain weight. At the same time, fatigue from hypothyroidism makes it hard to move and exercise healthily.

7. High Cholesterol

Hypothyroidism causes high cholesterol because it slows metabolism. The body cannot process cholesterol frequently enough. Cholesterol builds up.

8. Muscle Aches, Weakness

Hypothyroidism causes muscle aches and weakness. The technical term for this is “hypothyroid myopathy.” Poor thyroid function dysregulates metabolism on a cellular level.

T4 deficiency prevents the mitochondria in muscle tissue cells from processing glucose for energy. Without these processes, muscle tissues change to become weaker, more easily injured, and slower to recover.

9. Puffiness or Swelling

Hypothyroidism can cause puffy face and tissue inflammation. It slows the production of enzymes that break down the fluids our tissues absorb. Without enough of these enzymes, fluid builds up and causes swelling.

Sometimes the thyroid itself is swollen. In these cases, hypothyroidism causes painful swallowing and hoarseness. These symptoms require urgent evaluation.

Low Thyroid Treatments: Surgery, Levothyroxine, Iron Plus Support Supplements

If your thyroid dysfunction stems from Hashimoto’s disease, your doctor will probably prescribe T3 and T4 replacement therapy. Endocrinologists call this form of HRT “Synthroid.”

Treatment differs for patients with atrophic thyroiditis disease (a type of congenital thyroid condition). To diagnose thyroiditis, goiter, or complications from hyperthyroidism treatment, you may need a thyroid ultrasound. Treatment may include surgery, levothyroxine, and synthetic growth hormones.

Thyroid support supplements can boost thyroid health and wellness. Supplement options like Korean Ginseng and Ashwagandha can improve thyroid function. Just make sure to talk to your doctor if you take Synthroid, as some supplements can disrupt Synthroid absorption.

Thyroid Maintenence for Whole-Self Health

Health and wellness encompass every organ of your body. All our systems are interconnected. At Patch MD, discover supplements that support whole-self wellbeing.

Consider iron plus supplements. Iron improves how well your circulatory system carries oxygen in red blood cells. This improvement, in turn, gives your thyroid a boost. If you’re ready for a life with more energy and less fatigue, discover our best energy supplements today.

Magnesium is one of the 13 minerals the human body requires to function properly. Your body needs magnesium in order to facilitate around 300 biochemical reactions and support a healthy immune system, among various other functions. 

However, not all magnesium is built equally and different types of magnesium can be beneficial in the treatment of various conditions. It can be hard to navigate the supplement aisle when you see all these magnesium products and their name variations, unsure of what they mean.  

This article outlines nine of the most common types of magnesium, along with their uses and benefits so that you can choose the right one for your needs. 

Let’s get started!

1. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate contains malic acid, an acid present in certain fruits. Given its sour, acidic nature, it can be used to enhance certain flavors in food items. 

Additionally, it is also absorbed effectively and can serve well to increase low levels of magnesium in the human body. Unlike some types of magnesium, magnesium malate has a minimal laxative effect on the bowels.

2. Magnesium Taurate

Magnesium taurate or magnesium ditaurate refers to the magnesium salt of taurine, an amino acid. This compound has been proven effective in regulating blood sugar levels. 

A recent study also suggests that it can help lower blood pressure. This type of supplement is generally recommended for people at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues due to its potential benefits for heart health.

However, be wary of using these supplements as an absolute treatment because research within this area is currently scarce and efficacy may vary.

3. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is a combination of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid. Like magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed in the digestive tract and can be helpful in increasing magnesium levels in the body. 

While higher doses of other magnesium variants do have the potential to cause side effects, magnesium glycinate is fairly well tolerated. Anecdotal evidence suggests that magnesium glycinate patches and supplements can be helpful in calming individuals with anxiety, high levels of stress, insomnia, and depressive symptoms. 

4. Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate refers to the form of magnesium that is bound to citric acid, another fruit acid commonly found in lemons, oranges, and tomatoes. 

This is also one of the more bioavailable types of magnesium and can be used to treat magnesium deficiencies. However, it can also create a laxative effect which makes it an effective treatment for people with constipation. 

Given its laxative effects, it has been known to cause diarrhea in normal patients as a side effect when consumed. If you are not constipated, but still require a magnesium supplement you might find magnesium malate better suited to your needs. 

5. Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is a salt. This salt is a combination of both magnesium and oxygen and is generally sold in its white, powdered form or in a capsule. 

Given its poor absorption rate, it is generally not prescribed for people with magnesium deficiencies. However, it is one of the primary ingredients in milk of magnesia, a laxative that works by drawing water into your intestines. 

Magnesium oxide is often used to treat migraines and digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion. 

6. Magnesium Sulfate

More commonly referred to as an Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate is a combination of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. When consumed orally, magnesium sulfate can be used as a treatment for constipation.

Additionally, Epsom salts are commonly used to alleviate sore muscles, aches, and stress. However, this is done by soaking feet, joints, and the body in bathwater with diluted Epsom salts. 

Given its soothing properties, it is a common ingredient in bathing and skincare products. 

7. Magnesium Lactate

Magnesium lactate is a combination of magnesium and lactic acid. It is easily absorbed in the gut and tends to have fewer side effects than magnesium variants. 

Additionally, it works well as a food additive and is often used as an acidity regulator by food and beverage manufacturers. As a supplement, it is sometimes prescribed to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

8. Magnesium Chloride

This salt is a combination of magnesium and chlorine.

It is typically found in salt lakes and some rivers. As a supplement, it is used in the treatment of heartburn, and magnesium deficiencies, but it is also used in topical ointments to soothe muscles. 

9. Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate or magnesium threonate is a compound of magnesium and threonic acid, a sugar acid derived from the breakdown of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). When consumed, this salt increases the level of magnesium in the brain cells and assists in the improvement of brain function. 

It may help in managing certain brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other cognitive issues including memory loss. Some side effects include dizziness, headaches, and the sensation of increased blood flow towards the head. 

What Types of Magnesium Are Right for Your Needs?

Magnesium serves various functions in the human body including protein formation, gene maintenance, and energy creation. However, in supplement form, it can be used to treat and manage constipation, anxiety, and other cognitive ailments. When dissolved, certain types of magnesium can also help soothe aching joints and sore muscles. 

Now that you’re caught up on the various kinds of magnesium, you’ll know exactly what to look for when you head over to our online supplement store. Browse through our various patches and supplements, read through the ingredients, and find the right one for your needs!

Did you know that leucine was among one of the first amino acids discovered in muscle fiber and wool? Leucine plays an essential role in your body.

However, it might also have the ability to help with muscle recovery. If you’re looking to help your muscles recover more quickly after a workout, this could be the right supplement for you.

Keep reading to learn more about how leucine benefits your muscles and body.

What Is Leucine?

Leucine is one of 20 amino acids found in the human body. Of those 20 amino acids, nine are essential, and leucine makes that list.

This amino acid helps with building muscle, improving physical performance, and muscle recovery. However, studies on these benefits have been unreliable as of now.

There are also a few other things that it might do but are, as of now, unproven.

Possible leucine benefits include:

• Enhanced fat loss
• Aid in healing skin and bones
• Increase production of human growth hormone
• Aid in controlling blood sugar

Leucine Benefits

If you’re interested in using leucine as part of a post-workout recovery plan, there are a few benefits you should be aware of. Consider the following as you decide whether or not to buy leucine.

One: Builds Muscle

Many bodybuilders and other athletes use leucine because it does help with gaining muscle. There have been some mixed results when it comes to studies on this benefit.

However, one study suggested that when you pair leucine with other amino acids, it’s more effective in helping promote muscle growth. In addition, increasing the amount of protein in your diet can also help to get the most out of leucine.

Proteins contain essential nutrients and amino acids that help muscle growth.

Two: Prevent Muscle Loss

Muscle loss can occur as you age, along with many other changes. Some individuals can develop sarcopenia.

This is the gradual deterioration of your skeletal muscles. Sarcopenia is an age-related process; however, there are risk factors that can make you more likely to struggle with it, such as lifestyle and genetics.

As sarcopenia worsens, it can cause weakness and decreased stamina. This will often lead to a decrease in physical activity.

One thing that leucine can do is help to prevent muscle loss due to aging. Studies done on leucine and muscle loss show that it’s the most effective when the person is taking in enough protein.

Three: Improve Performance

We mentioned earlier that athletes and bodybuilders will often use leucine to help build muscle; however, this isn’t the only reason that they use leucine. Leucine also has the potential to help improve physical performance.

One study looked at competitive canoeists. Over a six-week period, these individuals took leucine.

The results of the study showed that the canoeists not only saw improvement in endurance but also in upper body power.

Four: Helps With Fat Loss

Leucine not only helps with building muscle but can also help you shed the extra body fat you want to get rid of. There have been several studies on this as well.

One study looked at rats who were supplemented with a low dose of leucine over six weeks. During the study, the rats who were given leucine lost more weight than the rats who did not.

Five: Helps With Muscle Recovery

Have you ever left the gym and a few hours later or the next day started experiencing muscle aches and cramps? When you work out and work your muscles harder than they’re used to it is believed that it can cause microscopic damage to the fibers of your muscles. 

This damage is what causes the post-workout soreness.

Using leucine for muscle recovery has the potential to help your muscles recover. One study looked at cyclists and how supplementing with leucine helped.

For these cyclists recovery was improved and they also experienced enhanced high-intensity endurance performance.

Six: Stabilize Blood Sugar

Have you ever been encouraged to eat carbs after you exercise? Eating carbs after you exercise can help to stabilize your blood sugar and promote muscle glycogen recovery.

Studies have looked at eating carbs and taking leucine after a workout and found that in combination, they can help to improve muscle recovery.

Seven: Human Growth Hormone Production

Taking leucine might help to increase the production of human growth hormone or HGH. There are many benefits to HGH; however, over time our bodies naturally begin to reduce the amount of HGH our pituitary glands produce.

There’s a lot of hype around HGH and the potential benefits it provides your body. However, most of the hype surrounds the fact that many people believe it might keep away signs of aging.

But, HGH plays some other essential roles as well. One of the things it does is help to build, maintain, and repair tissue that’s healthy in your brain and organs.

It can also help to speed up healing when you’re injured and with repairing your muscle tissue after you exercise. Other workout-related benefits include that it helps build muscle mass, increase exercise capacity, boost metabolism, and burn fat.

Supplement Your Muscles Today

There are many reasons to use leucine as a part of your workout routine. If you’re looking for ways to boost your workout leucine benefits might provide the answer that you need.

Patch MD wants to help you find the supplements you need to improve your life. We provide patches that help you get the vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients your body needs. Take the time to shop our online store today.