Anyone tried Tudca?

[ColdBanana]

I heard about it recently. And I'm considering trying it for my NAFLD - and was wondering if anyone was familiar with it? As far as I can tell, we produce a similar substance in small amounts to help produce bile. This product is in a more concentrated form - but it caught my attention because it has been shown to be HIGHLY protective of the liver, and can help clear the liver of toxins by thinning our bile and reducing inflammation.

From what I can tell, it seems SAFE too. The only side effects are acute stomach upset if you overdose (similar to how magnesium citrate can be in high doses)

Also, I read somewhere it can indirectly IMPROVE t4 to t3 conversion since it helps detox the liver.

[Imaaan]

Never tried it but its mentioned in SIBO fb group that I'm in to help improve digestion . I have tried ox bile on a recommendation from my family doctor to improve bile flow, digestion. She also mentioned that it helps the t4 to t3 conversion and its antimicrobial. I've tried Allergy Research Group Ox Bile 125mg. Another brand is Nutricology .

[ColdBanana in reply to Imaaan]

Were you be able to take the ox bile with thyroid meds or other supplements?

[Imaaan in reply to ColdBanana]

Absolutely. I just took it at lunch with my other supplements. I forgot to mention if you start noticing a lot of diarrhea with the ox bile then you're taking too much and you probably need to reduce your dose. I got that tip from reading reviews on Amazon. That's why I chose to go low dose of 125mg.

[ColdBanana in reply to Imaaan]

Thanks! When I start the thyroid meds i'll probably take the bile salts at the same time on an empty stomach if that works. Then b+complex and d3 later on with food - which doesnt sound too bad. Splitting all of those methodically sounds awful 😆

[Imaaan in reply to ColdBanana]

If you're taking any T4 or ndt which contains t4 it's best to keep it away from food, supplements and drink except water to maximize absorption.

[radd]

CB,

I have taken Tudca by BodyBio as a liver support.

I used to take Allergy Research Group Hapatodyne which unfortunately became discontinued. It was a combo of Vit E (mixed tocopherols), choline, berberine and milk thistle.

When I was diagnosed with Hashi, Levo didn't work for me as it doesn't for many but once on a high dose I started taking Hepatodyne and became quite over medicated quickly. This I assume due to rapidly improved liver function in metabolising hormones and clearance. I have tried to maintain liver supports ever since, even if only reducing the amount of coffees I drink and taking my meds with fresh lemon in my bedside water that I then refill and use throughout the morning (in addition to that first coffee 😁).

Tudca also helps glucose regulation as berberine and milk thistle does. It seems quite expensive so I have only used one bottle so far, although haven't explored other brands. Which were you thinking of?

[ColdBanana in reply to radd]

Radd, Are you taking Tudca right now, or was this before? Did it feel comparable to the product you used in the past from Allergy Research Group? - I tried searching it online but I couldn't find it, does it go back awhile?

I have heard good things about milk thistle too. Half tempted to get some as well in future. I bought 90 capsules of Tudca online from a generic brand for a pretty decent price, but I hear you. It is really expensive STILL. If I could be bothered making the capsules myself I would just buy the powder from premiumrawz and save a lot.

[radd in reply to ColdBanana]

CB,

I have used milk thistle in low amounts  successfully on and off for years, and recommended it on the forum previously.

There are no studies involving milk thistle in mice without thyroid glands and mice have different transporter expression profiles than humans anyway, but existing studies show milk thistle can disrupt thyroid hormone transport and signaling.

On the flip side that I have experienced is it can also up regulate conversion enzyme D1 in the liver and raise T3 levels. It needs using with mindful caution.

thyroidpatients.ca/2022/01/...

[nimble in reply to ColdBanana]

I have recently been introduced to TUDCA and found this useful post. Being hypo I wasn't sure how far apart I should take this after my Levothyroxine. Do you have any recommendations please.

[SteveT3 in reply to radd]

Hi. I know this is an old post but thought it might give insight. I used to take taurine. That helps with t4 to t3 conversion similar to tudca. Only I need to take almost 3 times the taurine dose to tudca. Taurine does support the liver and is a protein our bodys create. I am finding myself warmer taking tudca though. Regarding your response - both berberine and milk thistle don't clear the liver. They slow its detoxification and thus retain a drug in the body for longer (hence your over medicating), similar to what grapefruit or grapefruit seed does, or olive leaf, or blackpepper, or paracetamol.

Berberine is on a par with grapefruit. Its potent. While its brilliant for lowering sugar and acting similar as metformin it is not ideal if taking medication.

Most drugs which inhibit cyp3a4 also have similar affect. Many supplements also mildly inhibit cyp3a4.

There are only a few which help the liver detoxify more quickly - such as taurine, nac, st johns wort, tudca, bitters liquids in general.

It took me a long time to discover why I always felt worse taking "liver supporting herbs" like milk thistle, dandelion, goldenseal, turmeric, which actually did the opposite and made me extremely fatigued and messed with my sleep. Sure some ingredients can protect the liver, but not at that sacrifice. I have gilberts syndrome and that is impaired glucuronidation, which is one of the detox pathways. These things make it worse, not better.

[butterflynett]

I have Hashis and take a low dose of Cytomel. After doing a lot of research, and watching my blood tests, it seems like my T3 issues are directly related to my liver. No Dr. ever mentioned it, but my AST and ALT numbers are very high, and I rarely drink. I was getting acid reflux everyday and often felt bloated. First, I started taking a high quality Probiotic and noticed some relief, but it wasn't sufficient enough to make these symptoms stop completely. Next, I began taking a combo of Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, NAC and TUDCA. I also lowered my carb intake some, but not enough to be considered keto. The improvement has been dramatic! I have lost some weight, have very little bloat, and a noticeable amount of energy. I actually feel a lot more like my old self prior to my thyroid issues. I read that you should cycle it for 6-8 weeks then discontinue for a little bit, which I have done. I haven't had heartburn since I began this regimen. I will come back with my lab results when I get new ones done to report on the differences.