The supplemental use of ashwagandha for thyroid conditions has been shown to be beneficial in animal tests.

Ashwagandha may support thyroid function to promote weight loss, improve energy levels and increase the body’s natural metabolism.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herbal plant from regions in the Middle East, Africa and India. It grows best in arid climates, but has now been propagated in various other climatic zones, including some regions of the US.

Ashwagandha is a medicine and a food that has been used in various medicinal systems for more than 2100 years; most notably in the ayurvedic medicine system of India. It is often referred to as “Indian ginseng”, although it is not botanically related to either American, Asian or Siberian ginsengs.

Clinical research on ashwagandha for thyroid health continues to generate promising results. Supplementation has been observed to upregulate thyroid function in cases of hypothyroidism, and downregulates it in cases of hyperthyroidism.

Withania somnifera also demonstrates this normalizing action on various bodily systems, helping to improve overall health on numerous levels.

Ashwagandha for Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland in a component of the endocrine system and is used as a controlling unit for the body’s hormonal delivery.

Aside from modulating the usage of other hormones throughout the body, the thyroid gland also produces its own hormones.

Most notable, the thyroid synthesizes T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones. T3 and T4 are known to upregulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

The thyroid requires iodine to synthesize T4 and T3. Iodine is provided from the average diet in ample quantities to assist with T4 and T3 production. T4 gets its name because it contains four iodine atoms, and T3 is likewise named.

As T4 is difficult for the body to utilize efficiently, it is often converted to T3’s more usable form. The thyroid gland also produces and secretes calcitonin, a substance that controls calcium and phosphorous levels and is important for developing and maintaining healthy bones.

Ashwagandha Increases T3 and T4 Levels

Taking ashwagandha for low thyroid hormone synthesis increases the body’s metabolic rate by making the cells burn more energy that is stored within their mitochondria.

By increasing the amount of energy (calories) burned within our cells, the thyroid also acts to regulate the temperature of the body. When the cells use energy, heat gets released, increasing body temperatures through a process known as thermogenesis.

Using ashwagandha to stimulate thyroid activity results increased breakdown of fats (lipid metabolization). Additionally, T4 and T3 improve the utilization of glucose in the cells, and thereby help to decrease insensitivity to insulin. Thyroid hormones also act to assist with protein synthesis.

How Ashwagandha Works

The actions of the thyroid gland are regulated by two of the brain’s formations: the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus receives input from various bodily systems and determines if the thyroid should upregulate its hormonal secretions.

If more T4 and/or T3 are needed, or if the rate of metabolism is too slow, then the thyroid secretes tryotrophin releasing hormone (TRH). TRH travels to the pituitary gland, delivering the signal to synthesize and secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

At this point in the process, using ashwagandha for thyroid regulation causes the TSH to travel to the thyroid itself. Once there, it stimulates the thyroid gland to synthesize and release appropriate amounts of T4 and T3.

When they are released into the bloodstream, they act to upregulate cellular usage of energy and increase the metabolic rate. When T3 levels build up sufficiently, the hypothalamus recognizes it and commands the pituitary to cease production and secretion of TSH.

Clinical Proof for Ashwagandha

In one clinical study involving mice subjects, 1.4mg/kg of ashwagandha was administered daily for 20 days consecutively. T4 levels were shown to increase significantly, but there were no changes noted in T3 levels.

In a different study, both T3 and T4 levels increased using the same protocol variables. The only difference between the two studies was that only male mice were used as subjects in the later study.

A 12% increase in hepatic (liver) antioxidant enzymes was noted as well as 34% slowing of lipid peroxidation. Further, T4 levels increased by roughly 60%, and no significant changes in T3 were noted. When ashwagandha for thyroid support was combined with Bauhinia bark and guggulsterone gum, T3 levels also increased.

Conclusions

Supplementation with ashwagandha for thyroid functioning improvements continues to be validated in animal trials. Human trials have been warranted, but may take years to complete.

T4 and T3 levels have been shown to increase via ashwagandha usage, but there seems to be a gender difference that allows men to generate T3 as well as T4 under the same protocol that women only generate T4 with.

Thousands of years of traditional usage, as well as clinical research shows the general safety of Withania somnifera. It is well tolerated in healthy individuals, however side effects and interactions with drugs and/or other herbals are possible for certain people.

As it is versatile substance which affects various body systems at the same time, ashwagandha dosage for thyroid improvements should be approached cautiously and slowly. Consult with a physician and follow all manufacturer’s’ instructions when supplementing at home.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment