Promoting Healthy Thyroid Function with Iodine, Bladderwrack, Guggul and Iris

Abstract

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and is therefore essential for normal thyroid function. However, the therapeutic use of iodine requires careful evaluation because of its narrow range of intake to support optimal thyroid function. The combination of naturally occurring compounds such as Gum Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Blue Flag root (Iris versicolor) and seaweeds such as Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction. These compounds have different mechanisms of action and may act synergistically to support thyroid health in conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease and subclinical hypothyroidism. Fucus provides iodine and upregulates the production of iodine-processing hormones, while Commiphora enhances the conversion of T4 to T3, and Iris is a detoxifying agent. These three agents have been used in combination with Nettle leaf (Urtica), Ashwagandha (Withania), Triphala, and Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), and with supplements supporting basal metabolism and general thyroid function such as L-tyrosine, diiodotyrosine, magnesium, selenium, and iron. Reported side effects include the induction of iodine sensitivity by Bladderwrack and hypersensitivity reactions such as rash and pruritis caused by Guggul. The use of Guggul and Iris is not recommended during pregnancy.