The thyroid gland, located within the base of our neck, is an important gland within our hormonal or endocrine system.

The thyroid produces the hormone Thyroxine, which controls our metabolism or the speed at which our body functions.

Thyroxine controls many important body functions, including growth, heart rate, body temperature, body weight, menstrual cycle, mood and energy.

People may suffer from an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, but underactive is by far the more common.

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine. The sufferer is said to have a slow or low metabolic rate.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness and fatigue, weight gain, an increased sensitivity to cold, joint pain, a slower heart rate, irregular and heavy periods, constipation, thinning hair with perhaps bald patches developing, and a low mood.

Women suffer from hypothyroidism more commonly than men. The thyroid, being an integral part of our hormone system, relies on other hormones for its healthy function.

Too much cortisol (stress hormone) and too little oestrogen (peri and post menopause) both exert a negative impact on thyroid function.

It is no coincidence then that many women are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid during or post-menopause.

Thyroxine is produced in two forms: the inactive T4 form, and the active T3 form.

The thyroid produces much more T4 than T3 and certain cells within our body then transform the inactive hormone into the active one.

Hypothyroidism is treated with the hormone replacement drug, levothyroxine. While this raises the level of T4 in the blood, this still has to be converted to the active T3 form. 

Certain nutrients are essential for the successful conversion of T4 to T3. If these nutrients are lacking then it might not matter how much T4 we have – metabolism could remain low.

This might explain why some people continue to struggle with a low thyroid function and sluggish metabolism, even when taking levothyroxine.

Increasing the dose of levothyroxine may not provide the solution.

Iodine is required for the production of both T4 and T3. It is a mineral commonly lacking in our diet, even though we are surrounded by the sea, our natural and richest iodine source.

Incorporating sea vegetables such as kelp, carrageen or kombu into our diet and eating more fresh fish is the best way to increase dietary iodine.

Prunes, cranberries, eggs and plain yoghurt are also foods that contain decent amounts of iodine.

Iron, zinc and selenium are minerals required to facilitate the conversion of T4 to T3. These minerals, as with iodine, are commonly missing from our diet.

Iron and zinc can often fall short in a vegan- or vegetarian-style diet, while many of us may be deficient in selenium as it is no longer widely available within our food chain.

Brazil nuts, meat, seafood and eggs may be useful sources, so again, vegans and vegetarians may be more at risk of deficiency. 

Viridian’s Thyroid Complex is formulated to help support underactive thyroid function, even if you are on prescribed thyroid medication.

The complex provides Iodine to help support the thyroid in its production of both T3 and T4, especially if a deficiency of the mineral exists.

It also contains selenium, iron and zinc to help ensure the body can convert T4 to T3 as and when it needs to.

Thyroid Complex also contains the B vitamins B1, B2 and B3, all of which are important in the process by which we produce energy within the body.

This helps support metabolism and reduce the symptoms of tiredness and fatigue that often accompany hypothyroidism.

Viridian’s Thyroid complex is a very useful supplement for those who have borderline thyroid function or who have an underactive thyroid.

Sometimes, when people are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it can be difficult to restore normal function, even with medication.

The problem may lie in nutritional deficiencies which are slowing or preventing the conversion of T4 to T3. Supplementing with this complex will help support that process.

(Note: Viridian Thyroid complex is not suitable for those with an overactive thyroid function.)