Podcast: Herbs for Thyroid Health | with Angela Hywood

In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins us again as our guest, talking with host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, about thyroid health and herbal approaches to supporting this aspect of human physiology.

Topics discussed include:

• Thyroid hormone cascade and the functionality of the thyroid gland (01:13)
• Role of the liver in thyroid health (07:28)
• Relevance of reverse triiodothyronine (T₃) levels (11:08)
• Prevalence of thyroid disorders (18:27)
• Risk factors for thyroid disorders (20:59)
• Men and thyroid health (26:00)
• Goitrogens and thyroid health (32:09)
• Iodine and thyroid health (36:32)

Herbs to Support Optimal Thyroid Health (27:04)

1. Ashwagandha
2. Bladderwrack
3. Bacopa
4. Stinging nettle
5. Turmeric
6. Rosemary
7. Schisandra
8. Sulforaphane

Key Takeaways (39:11)

1. Sleep well to mediate stress and cortisol levels.
2. Exercise regularly to support healthy thyroid hormone metabolism.
3. Maintain a healthy diet with an abundance of vegetables and fruits.
4. Be mindful of environmental toxicity.