 One of the fastest rising health conditions in the US is hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms experienced are lethargy, depression and weight gain. Some of the newest reports are estimating that 15-30% of the population may have thyroid problems. Heal your thyroid with natural compounds that support the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals and thyroid. 80% of hypothyroid conditions in the US are thought to be auto-immune conditions. Few doctors test for thyroid antibodies and so most do not ever get the proper diagnosis. In the medical system, an autoimmune condition and a sluggish thyroid are treated the same, with synthetic T4. Because the treatment is the same, most doctors do not concern themselves with testing for thyroid antibodies. From a natural health perspective it is especially important to understand if it is a sluggish thyroid, a sluggish liver or pituitary gland, elevated sex hormones or if it is an autoimmune condition that is the causal factor. Hypothalamic - pituitary- adrenal-thyroid axis: The body works through a series of feedback loops. One of the major chemical sensory regions of the body is the hypothalamus of the brain. This region is constantly monitoring the blood stream for the presence of adequate thyroid hormone, among other things. The hypothalamus sends chemical signals to the pituitary gland. In response, the pituitary glands send out varying amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to direct the thyroid gland to produce and secrete thyroid hormone (T4). Additionally, the pituitary signals the adrenals to secrete cortisol when blood sugar goes down and/or the body is under stress. Iodine: Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production in the body. A true iodine deficiency will cause hypothyroidism. (1) In western culture we often see subclinical iodine deficiencies which contribute to hypothyroidism. (2) Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is the key amino acid for the production of thyroid hormones. This provides the necessary raw material for the formation of the backbone of thyroid hormone. Zinc & copper: Low zinc status has been shown to compromise T3 production. Zinc plays an important role in immune modulation which may reduce thyroid antibody levels. (3) Additionally, it is a key player in 5'deiodinase activity. Copper is also important for healthy thyroid function. It stimulates the thyroid and protects the body against too much thyroxine in the blood. (4) Copper controls the levels of calcium in the blood, which is necessary for absorption of minerals and permeability of cell membranes. Chromium: A chromium deficiency can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Blood sugar imbalances overtax the HPA Axis which effects the HPT axis and thyroid function. Nutrient support to stabilize blood sugar and adrenal function is especially important for good thyroid health . (5) Studies have shown that chromium picolinate can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Individuals with hypothyroidism who are taking synthetic thyroid hormone should be sure not to take chromium picolinate within four hours of taking thyroid hormone. (6) Bladderwrack extract: Bladderwrack is a form of kelp that has been used medicinally for centuries. The main use of the herb has been for the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. The high iodine content of the herb stimulates thyroid function, which boosts metabolism. Irish moss: Irish moss, also known as sea moss, grows on rocks close to the shore in the Atlantic ocean and Caribbean sea. It is a rich source of iodine and other trace minerals that support healthy thyroid function. Rubidium: Rubidium assists in the transport of tyrosine into the thyroid for thyroxine production. This is key for healthy thyroid hormone production. 