The New Thyroid Cure

September 7, 2016
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

The superstar supplement I bet you aren’t taking.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just below the larynx—and it plays a profound role in the behind-the-scenes of your health. Ladies should especially take note, as issues with this critical gland impact women eight times more often than men.

The health of your thyroid isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Problems have been linked to obesity, depression, brain fog, digestive disorders, heart disease, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, and even breast cancer.

When you consider all of the possible implications, the importance of taking care of your thyroid needs little explaining. And for those who are struggling to lose weight and keep it off, do note that the thyroid’s role in metabolism is crucial to achieving your goals.

A Whole Body Connection

So, how do you maintain optimum thyroid health? The complex and extensive interaction your thyroid maintains with your entire body makes it sensitive to upsets on many different fronts. It takes vigilance and care on your part to make sure you do not accidentally overload your metabolic crusader.

That’s where bile comes in. If you aren’t aware of—or are not yet convinced—of the significance of bile, then I am certain its role in thyroid function will remove all doubts. According to a study conducted at Tampere University Hospital in Finland, hypothyroidism is seven times more likely in people who experience reduced bile flow.

Why?

A study conducted by researchers that included thyroid specialist Dr. Antonio Bianco showed that the release of bile triggered the release of an enzyme that converts T4 to T3. This conversion is the very process that allows metabolism to take place in the body. Astoundingly, people in Bianco’s study who improved their bile health saw a whopping 53 percent increase in their metabolism.

A Bile Boost

To produce the best bile, you need six specific nutrients—choline, taurine, beet root, pancreatic lipase, ox bile, and collinsonia root. I formulated UNI KEY’s Bile Builder to include every member of this superstar six.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Choline: Assists with fat digestion and is the Rx for fatty liver affecting nearly 50% of us.

• Taurine: Helps bile to excrete chemicals detoxed by the liver, promotes increased bile acid production and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and liver.

• Beet Root: Contains betaine which thins the bile and helps to prevent the formation of gallstones. Betaine is also a rich source of hydrochloric acid which is critical for digestion and triggers the release of bile from the gallbladder.

• Pancreatic Lipase: Helps breakdown fats as a digestive enzyme.

• Ox Bile: Provides essential bile salts for those with low bile production or without gallbladders. Bile deficiency is especially common for those over age 60.

• Collinsonia Root: Removes gallstones and prevents constipation which results from bile salt supplementation. This herb used traditionally for centuries for this purpose.

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

55 Comments

  1. Judy Manor

    If one has had his/her gallbladder removed, what should one take to produce the bile? This supplement or something specific to not having the gallbladder?

    Reply
    • Beuna

      Judy,
      I noticed when following the link to Bile Builder it states that it is for people with or without a gallbladder.

      Reply
  2. Debra Richardson

    Is Ox bile what it sounds like? and hence this supplement is not vegetarian?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Debra – Ox bile is a bovine product and it is not vegetarian. That being said, herbal bitters like gentian, angelica, and/or dandelion are terrific for the vegetarians and vegans out there.

      Reply
  3. Sarah

    My daughter was given a long course of antibiotics. Even though she took probiotics at the same time, there still has been some gut problems, mainly constipation. Could the antibiotics damaging the gut flora also cause problems with bile production?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      HI Sarah: All drugs can be taxing to the liver which can then impact bile quality and flow. I suggest a course of Bile Builder, perhaps one per meal if your daughter still has her gallbladder, to support bile production and detoxification.

      Reply
  4. Zee

    I too cannot take the ox bile for religious reasons. It would be nice if something was created that was for vegetarians and those who cannot eat meat or animal products due to their religious requirements.

    Reply
  5. Ann Louise

    Hi Zee: As recommended above to Debra, vegetarians and vegans can rely upon herbal bitters from gentian, angelica, and/or dandelion.

    Reply
  6. Martha

    I need to take a blood thinner for the rest of my life. Many herbal products are not compatible with a blood thinner (warfarin). The Bile Builder may not be an option as I need to take this medicine forever. Can you address this issue as others may have the same question.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Martha: Thank you for your question. Bile Builder is not an herbal product (with the exception of collinsonia root) per se. Collinsonia root is not contraindicated with blood thinners and neither are choline, beet root, ox bile, taurine, and lipase which are primarily fat decongestants. While you might want to check with your physician in any case, this product would be most helpful – in fact a necessity – for those without a gallbladder. For those WITH a gallbladder and suffering from unresolved issues as well as hypothyroidism, it is highly recommended.

      Reply
  7. Shital dave'

    I have thyroid problem also over weight fell tired all the time please help me I would like to cure thyroid

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Shital: I suggest you pick up my book, Before the Change, which contains a chapter about the thyroid and makes dietary and supplement recommendations. In addition to that protocol, you can supplement with bile builder.

      Reply
      • Shital dave'

        Thank you for your response kindly please tell me which book should I purchase

        Reply
  8. helen perez

    I am hypothyroid will this alone help or do I need to combine with other supplements.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Hi Helen: I cannot say whether this alone will be the solution for your thyroid. As I suggest above, you might want to pick up my Before the Change for further dietary, lifestyle, and supplement information.

      Reply
  9. Allie

    Is this okay to take while breastfeeding?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Hi Allie: One Bile Builder per meal while breastfeeding is what our breastfeeding moms have used.

      Reply
  10. Ann Stewart

    So if one doesnt have a gallbladder, they would be more susceptable to thyroid issues? Is your supplement good for no gallballder patients or should we be using something else?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise

      Yes, Ann, you are correct. The supplement is designed for those WITH or WITHOUT a gallbladder. The latter takes two per meal while the former takes one per meal.

      Reply
  11. Jll

    What can I do to shrink a large nodule. Doctor want to remove part or all the thyroid. I’ve been fighting him on it for years but it just grew a bit more with the last scan

    Reply
  12. Ann Louise

    If it were me I would get an SKKI liquid iodine and rub it into the nodule throughout the day.

    Reply
  13. Nancy

    I have many health issues and yet to find a good Doctor that supports my views of less prescriptions and more alternative medicine. I have had an ultra sound and an MRI on my thyroid. The results show calcification and nodules. I have asked him several times ” what does this mean? ” And have yet to get an answer. Four months later with an appointment with my gynecologist she observed my blood work in my chart and prescribed L-Thyroxine (synthroid) tabs 50 Mcg. I really cant say if this has helped me much as I still struggle with extreme fatigue, obesity, hair loss etc. What would you suggest? I am desperate please help. Also I have many of your books is their a particular one you would suggest I read as well?

    Reply
    • marion merida

      My name is Marion and I suffer with the same problem. When you describe the lost of hair, the weight gain, fatigue that’s what I go through with. Could you please tell me whats the answer.Also, I have whats called slow acting thyroids. My thyroids are slow, and because of it they don’t do what they are suppose to do for me. I’am on the levothyroxine medication to, alond with hyblood medication,colestrol meds, and too. What can I do as well.

      Reply
  14. Team ALG

    Please email [email protected] and see if you can book an appointment with ALG ! Her book Before The Change would help you the most we feel whether you are peri menopausal or not!

    Reply
  15. Donna Sanford

    Ann Louise,
    You are an amazing resource and an inspiration to so many. Thank you!!!!!

    Reply
  16. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Dear Donna:

    Thank you for your kind remarks. They are most appreciated!!

    Reply
  17. Amy

    Hi –

    Taking one per meal, does this product take the role of digestive enzymes, or are they needed in addition to Bile Builder? (I take them currently and like the way I feel after eating.)

    Thanks!

    Amy

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      By all means you can continue to take the digestive enzymes if you wish. Bile Builder focuses on digestion of fats.

      Reply
  18. Team ALG

    For most people, digestive enzymes are also needed!

    Reply
  19. Bernadette Berarducci

    I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism 5 years ago. I have been on 75 mgs. Of synthroid since then. I have a hard time losing weight, my hair is thinning and my skin is dry no matter how much cream I use. Would bile builder be a good thing for me.

    I also have high cholesterol and my doctor wants me to take Crestor, but I have great sensitivity to statins. Heart disease runs in my family. I also have osteopenia. My doctor recommended calcium citrate, but to me that is not effective from people I know who have taken calcium.

    What would you recommend for me?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Bernadette, Bile Builder could be a key to help with thyroid function. You may also wish to work on your adrenal glands to support your thyroid as well. UniKey Adrenal Formula gives you building blocks to rebuild your thyroid. Also the OsteoKey is a wonderful formula for osteopenia.

      Reply
  20. DOUG

    i have just had my thyroid taken out but i have put on so much weight will this help me lose the weight i was diagnosed with hashi moto disease

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Doug, Bile Builder can be helpful for weight loss for you. You also may wish to look at the Adrenal Formula to help with the speed of your metabolism. Also taking the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis test could give you answers that could support your metabolism as well, to lose weight.

      Reply
  21. Colleen

    I have hypothyroidism, but do not have a problem with my gallbladder. Will this help with the hypothyroidism? It sounds like most of the people are taking it because they had their gallbladders removed so wanted to check.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Coleen, you can take Bile Builder to help digest fat and keep your liver producing healthy bile to prevent problems. This can impact your thyroid health even if you have no presenting symptoms of gallbladder problems at the moment.

      Reply
  22. Angela Greene

    Ann Louise, just wanted to send a giant THANK YOU for participating in the fat summit recently. As a result, I have started using the Bile Builder and in just a couple of weeks I can tell a huge difference! I had my gall bladder removed 15 years ago, struggle with hypothyroid, fibro, as well as a number of other issues. I am also a diabled Vet and it pains me at almost 45 years old to hurt the way I do. The more I can do naturally and away from medication the happier I am! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!! I look forward to starting my fat flush soon!

    Reply
  23. Angela Greene

    Ann Louise, just wanted to send a giant THANK YOU for participating in the fat summit recently. As a result, I have started using the Bile Builder and in just a couple of weeks I can tell a huge difference! I had my gall bladder removed 15 years ago, struggle with hypothyroid, fibro, as well as a number of other issues. I am also a disabled Vet and it pains me at almost 45 years old to hurt the way I do. The more I can do naturally and away from medication the happier I am! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!! I look forward to starting my fat flush soon!

    Reply
  24. Clay Schaefer

    My doc sent me to a surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery because I am producing too much calcium. Is there a prescription or a supplement that I could take to correct the problem in place of surgery?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Clay, the treatment depends on the cause of your high blood levels of calcium. It can be as simple as reducing calcium and/or vitamin D supplements. It can be due to the parathyroid glands not regulating calcium well. There are medications that can help regulate the amount of calcium , that you can talk to your doctor about before you pursue surgery.

      Reply
  25. Yo-Londa Weber

    I have Grave’s. The synthroid and Levothyroxine, well just wasn’t worth all I went thru. I began a new pill from 1-thyroid.com. Great but as ‘life happens’ I have had to stop for not bein able to afford these things for some time. I am at a horrible state of mind that I know isn’t right, i.e. monsterous depression, body completely outa control, BALD, an now incapable of leavin home without losin it. I am so scared I cant get out of the car. I can’t drive so I rely way too much on others’ help. Otherwise I am homebound an very angry. It’s taken my life away from me. I am tryin desperately to keep enough control with foods and the things I’ve copiously learned over much study over the years I’ve carried this curse. I was FINALLY diagnosed Properly back in ’99 an have struggled it’s carnage for too damn long! This needs to be broken open to people without a stop! It’s a carnage. However, like I’ve stated, life has once again been a kick in the teeth an cuburds are empty frig. etc. It’s been very difficult to do proper eating program if you can’t get for lack of money. Anyway, what can I do for now to try to get back some sort of control, get my hair to grow again an at least some comfort so that I don’t feel an think out of cobtrol thoughts that I know are NOT me! Please, I am begging someone to just tell me where an what I can do before… well, I need help an I know this. I know I know this. Please help me. Sincerely, Yo-Londa

    Reply
  26. Team ALG

    Y-Londa, it sounds like you have a lot going on. Please call the Staff Nutritionist at UNI KEY Health, Liz at 800 888-4353 to discuss your options. Best to you!

    Reply
  27. Chris

    A nutritionist recommended Bile Builder for my wife who has problems with foods that contain even small amounts of fat. She has been taking it for a couple months and has noticed a great improvement in her symptoms. She still has a gall bladder and has been taking two pills with her meals. I see from your information that those with gall bladders only need to take one pill, so we’ll see how that works for her.

    My question is, what does it mean if these pills are helping her? Does this mean she has gall bladder or thyroid issues? She’s had a number of tests done and neither of those problems were indicated. She does likely have Candida and possibly SIBO, which still has yet to be determined. Her main symptoms are excessive burping after meals and gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).

    Should she have more tests done to narrow down the problem? If so, which ones? So far, Bile Builder is the only supplement that has helped her, so I’m hoping this will help us figure out how to get to the root of the problem.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Chris, I’m glad that Bile Builder is helping your wife. The number of pills with each meal does vary with individuals. It means that she is benefiting from having help digesting fat, and helping her liver produce quality bile. Taking Bile Builder may be enough to resolve issues in this regard. If you wish to pursue the issue farther, she could have a scan done
      on her gall bladder.

      Reply
    • Mary Jane Hall

      Has she been tested for Celiac disease?

      Reply
  28. OllieMay

    Team ALG,
    Is ox bile okay for people that do better as vegans?

    Reply
  29. Team ALG

    OllieMay, oxbile is a natural way to assist in digesting fat. It is a small amount of animal product so you should do fine with it.

    Reply
  30. Pam

    I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I have a nodule on the right thyroid and a small cyst on the isthmus. Bloodwork to check calcium in blood is in process to determine if further contrast testing is needed to test for parathyroid adenoma. I do not have constipation but can get loose stools easily. Because of that I hesitate to take Bile Builder. Which supplement do you sugges? My brother did not survive bile duct cancer and my mother had her thyroid killed off and lived to the age of 99. Thanks for all that you do. I followed the Fat Flush Plan some years ago with amazing results. I met someone with the most beautiful skin and commented on it, she referred me to The Fat Flush Plan. I guess I should have stayed with it. Any suggestions are appreciated.

    Reply
  31. Team ALG

    Pam, Bile Builder is not know to cause diarrhea. It assists in thinning the bile and helping to digest fat so you have less congestion in your liver. Liver Lovin is also a good supplement to help detox and support the liver. I hope you do also decide to do the Fat Flush Plan again. The New Fat Flush Plan has more foods and protocols than ever before to help with liver health.

    Reply
  32. Linda

    Hi Ann, I have hypothyroidism and take synthroid firit. I also have to take warfrin fir a blood clot in factir v forever. I had a gastric bypass done in 199along with a gallbladder removed. I got off the bypass diet when my husband was nearly dead from a major brain bleed,my daughter died,and I had Ovarian Cancer. Needless to say my stress level was through the roof,and now I have 70 pounds to lose. I know foods aren’t processing right so what do you suggest?

    Reply
  33. Lisa Jennings

    can this be used with someone who has Wilson’s syndrome?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise Gittleman

      TeamALG here: There is no reason for you not to do the Bile Builder.

      Reply
  34. Brenda

    When your gallbladder has been removed what should you take to replace its lost for hypothyroidism? Thank you so much for your time.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Brenda, you can take Bile Builder to make sure that you have the bile acids available to help with the conversion of T3 to T4 to prevent or help with hypothyroidism.

      Reply
  35. Jackie Carpenter

    I have hypothyroidism..I have been diagnosed with multiple gallstones..they recommend removing gallbladder im nauseated fatigued feel depressed..gaining weight..can i take your bile salt product

    Reply
  36. TeamALG

    Jackie, Yes, you can take Bile Builder to help thin the bile and keep stones from forming. You may also wish to take a phosphorus product like Phosfood by Standard Process to help dissolve the stones you already have.

    Reply

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