The Missing Piece of the Thyroid Wellness Puzzle
According to the doctor, you're well "adjusted". But do you still have complaints such as constant fatigue, hair loss and weight problems?

Hello, I'm Tanja Fellenberg and 8 years ago, at age 58, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
I felt tired and lethargic constantly, had intestinal problems and gained weight for no apparent reason.
Despite a healthy diet, it seemed almost impossible to lose even one pound.
And this despite the fact that I regularly ate less than my body burns according to various calorie calculators.
But the worst part was the constant fatigue.
Almost every afternoon I completely collapsed.
The medicines prescribed by the doctor helped initially.
What I didn't know at the time: an underactive thyroid sounds harmless, but for women in their 50s and beyond, it can completely derail your quality of life.
As we age, our hormones naturally decline, but when you add thyroid dysfunction on top of that, it creates a perfect storm.
Our metabolism slows down even more, making weight gain almost inevitable.
Our energy plummets just when we want to enjoy our golden years.
Many women my age are told "this is just part of getting older" - but I refused to accept that.
The thyroid is like the control center in the body when it comes to energy production and hormone regulation.
Thyroid problems often lead to the liver becoming weak and digestion no longer working optimally.
The problems are piling up and it is difficult not to end up in a downward spiral.
Looking back and armed with today's knowledge, all of my symptoms made sense.
Over the past two years, I have been able to manage almost all of my symptoms and turn the downward spiral into an upward spiral.
My thyroid levels are back to normal, although I was able to reduce my thyroxine dose from 125 micrograms to only 25 micrograms.
Feeling firsthand how negligently and sometimes medically questionable most doctors treat the topic of thyroid (most simply prescribe a drug like L-thyroxine and increase the dose from month to month), I decided to tell my story to help with to share with you...
In this blog you will learn:
- the role of the thyroid gland and its connection to the liver
- why you still have complaints despite thyroxine (T4), even though your blood values look good
- why even zinc and selenium often don't help
- the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle when it comes to thyroid problems
- why liver detoxification is crucial for thyroid recovery

My transformation
Back to my personal story
When I had enough of my constant fatigue, I went to my doctor and had a blood test done.
My doctor noticed that my TSH level was elevated.
Of course, I didn't know the value at the time.
But my doctor knew it was important.
It was said: "The higher the TSH level, the less thyroid hormones there are, the more likely it is that there is hypothyroidism (or an underactive thyroid gland)."
For me the value was 5.
The reference range is 1 – 2.5.
When I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was initially relieved.
I was no longer completely in the dark.
At least I had an explanation for my suffering.
My doctor gave me hope that we could resolve this.
After all, I am not an exceptional case.
If you adjust the medication properly, everything should be fine again and the complaints should disappear.
This brings us to the topic of 'correctly adjusting' the medication.
If you also suffer from hypothyroidism, you probably know this:
Your doctor will prescribe L-thyroxine – the classic against thyroid problems.
My doctor initially prescribed me 25 micrograms of L-thyroxine.
L-thyroxine, an artificially produced thyroid hormone, is the most prescribed medicine in the Netherlands after painkillers.
"Now that you are properly adjusted again, your thyroid should function normally again and produce sufficient hormones." My doctor said.
Full of hope, I went to the pharmacy, got the thyroid medication and took it for a while.
Somehow nothing happened except I took the pills as part of my morning routine.
A month later the doctor increased the dose from 25 to 50 micrograms.
I went to the doctor again and was told, "Hello Mrs. Fellenberg, your blood counts have gotten much better."
Yes, my blood values were fine.
But what good is optimal blood values if I feel weaker than ever before?
So my ordeal continued until I reached a total dose of a whopping 125 micrograms of L-thyroxine.
The blood values became even worse and the complaints became even worse.
Blood values were good, but I felt weaker than ever before
With this in mind I started looking for a solution.
Also mainly because it is extremely frustrating when the doctor constantly tells you that the values look good and that there is not much we can do about it.
And because constantly taking synthetic thyroid hormones is not healthy for the liver in the long term.
It was clear to me: I had to take matters into my own hands.
It was last year, in 2022, at Christmas, when I made the crucial discovery.
My best friend gave me a book for Christmas.
She knew I had problems with my thyroid.
The book covered the topic of thyroid health and Hashimoto's disease.
Normally I'm always skeptical about these types of books, but I wanted to give it a chance.
The author himself had an underactive thyroid and knew the symptoms I was experiencing all too well.
From obesity to metabolic problems to lack of motivation, everything was there.
She was also not taken seriously by the doctors and had to take her fate into her own hands.
And what a miracle, otherwise she wouldn't have written a book:
She managed all the symptoms very well.
Curious, I started reading...
A discovery that changed my life forever
The author managed to explain in a humorous way what happens to the thyroid gland.
In the book I read that an elevated TSH value means that thyroid hormones cannot be produced.
The abbreviation "TSH" looked very familiar to me from my blood work. TSH regulates thyroid activity.

The pituitary gland sends a signal to the gland:
"Dear thyroid, please produce hormones, we need energy."
Energy for a wide range of things, such as:
- Warmth when you are cold
- Energy to wake up
- Cycle regulation
- Regulate the digestive tract
- Stimulate hair growth
- etc.

But something wasn't right with me...
According to the doctor, my blood values were back to normal and he said that my TSH level had stabilized again.
But my mood became worse and worse day by day.
I really wondered what had to be done so that not only the blood values improved, but also the symptoms?
I read in the book that unfortunately it is not enough to get the thyroid gland to produce more hormones again:
The thyroid hormones must be converted into an active form and then transported into the cells.
For this process to work, you need a well-oiled system:

Only if these steps fit together perfectly can energy production in the cells work.
Then we are bursting with energy, we are no longer tired and we no longer have cold feet.
When your metabolism kicks back into gear and the sluggishness is over, you can probably imagine what will happen to your weight.
You won't believe it.
I will explain to you how you can get the thyroid gland working properly again, so that energy (and your life) returns.
Step 1: Make thyroid hormones again
Once the TSH hormone sends the signal from the pituitary gland, it starts.
Something special is happening in the small cells of the thyroid gland.
There it mainly produces the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).
T4 is known as the inactive thyroid hormone and consists of the amino acid tyrosine and four iodine atoms.
Most doctors only focus on this.
They see an elevated TSH level (and perhaps a low T4 level, if they check at all) and simply prescribe L-thyroxine, or T4.
As almost always, they simply combat the complaints with medication.
Unfortunately, that alone is not enough.
Step 2: Activation ofthyroid hormones (T4 –> T3)
However, your body cannot do much with the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) alone.
In principle it is only a preliminary stage.
Only when the inactive thyroxine (T4) is converted into the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) do magical things happen in your body!
How?
By splitting an iodine atom from T4 – with the help of enzymes.
This activation largely takes place in the liver and is called 5′-deiodinase.
The 5′-deiodinase enzymes are responsible for converting the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into its active form triiodothyronine (T3).
Step 3: Transport of T3 into the cells
Your thyroid hormones have been activated and now want to release energy into the cells.
But how do they get to their destination?
This is achieved with the help of so-called transport proteins.
The transport proteins need the right nutrients for this transport in the blood and in the cell.
Once the thyroid hormones arrive in the cells, energy can be produced!
Back to my thyroid values
My TSH level was back to normal and my T4 level was also in the good range - all thanks to taking L thyroxine.
So everything was fine for my doctor.
My body had enough T4.
But I still felt bad.
That means my symptoms could only have come from there
- either T4 could not be converted into the active T3,
- or that the T3 could not connect to my cells.
There were only two options.
In any case, it couldn't have been because my T4 level was too low.
Why does the conversion from T4 to T3 often not work?
We remember: T3 activation occurs mainly in the liver.
And there is an indicator that shows whether T3 activation (5′-deiodinase) can proceed properly: The glutathione level.
The thyroid expert Dr. Dorothea Leinung writes in one of her specialist articles:
"When our thyroid produces thyroid hormones, it also produces free radicals. If there is not enough glutathione to control this oxidative stress, too much can affect other tissues."
As early as 1988, a link between glutathione and T3 activation (5′-deiodinase) was established and documented in a study.

Glutathione is the most common and very powerful antioxidant in the body. This is why it is sometimes called the most important antioxidant.
And note:
It consists of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid.
Another study shows that the amino acid L-methionine plays a key role in the liver against oxidative stress.
Methionine is a precursor to cysteine, one of the three amino acids of glutathione.
The liver: The forgotten hero in thyroid health
What I discovered next was mind-blowing and explains why so many people with thyroid problems continue to struggle despite medication.
The liver is not just responsible for T4 to T3 conversion - it's also the body's main detoxification center.
Here's what happens when you have thyroid problems:
The vicious cycle:
- Your thyroid struggles to produce hormones
- Your metabolism slows down
- Your liver becomes overburdened with toxins
- An overburdened liver can't efficiently convert T4 to T3
- You feel worse, despite "normal" blood values
The cycle continues...

Why liver detoxification is crucial for thyroid recovery
The liver processes over 500 different functions in the body, including:
- Converting T4 to active T3 hormone
- Breaking down and eliminating toxins
- Processing fats and cholesterol
- Storing vitamins and minerals
- Producing bile for digestion
When your liver is overwhelmed with toxins from:
- Environmental pollutants
- Processed foods
- Medications (including synthetic thyroid hormones)
- Stress hormones
- Poor digestion
...it simply cannot perform its thyroid-supporting functions optimally.
The breakthrough discovery:
I learned that people with hypothyroidism often have what's called "sluggish liver syndrome" - where the liver is functioning, but not optimally.
This explains why:
- You can have "normal" T4 levels but still feel exhausted
- Weight loss becomes nearly impossible (especially for women over 55)
- Brain fog persists
- Energy crashes happen regularly
- Sleep quality remains poor
The solution isn't just supplying amino acids for T4 to T3 conversion - you also need to support your liver's natural detoxification processes.
To summarize the problem:
Simply administering the thyroid drug L-thyroxine (T4) will not help much because it is still in the inactive form.
The thyroid hormone T4 must be converted into an active form T3. This process takes place in the liver.
The active T3 can now release energy into your cells via transport proteins.
Only when these metabolic processes function properly can energy be released and the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, disappear. This way your thyroid gland will function again!
Amino acids play a particularly important role in the conversion of T4 to T3, while liver detoxification ensures this conversion can happen efficiently.
Finally I discover the missing pieces of the puzzle
After reading these studies in detail, I did some deeper research to better understand the connection between amino acids, liver health, and thyroid function.
The parallels between thyroid problems, amino acid deficiency, and liver burden became clearer as I did more research.
So I started thinking about whether I could have both an amino acid deficiency AND liver congestion.
Most people – including myself for a long time – believe that they get enough protein in their normal diet and therefore get all the essential amino acids.
In fact, this is often not the case!
Women in particular do not consume enough animal protein, which is essential for the conversion of T4 to T3 and the transport of thyroid hormones to our cells.
It's even worse for vegans and vegetarians.
The protein sources are all completely different in their value.
A measure of how well a protein provides all essential amino acids is the DIAAS value (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score).

Animal protein has a much higher biological value than vegetable protein.
In fact, I now believe that most people with hypothyroidism are both amino acid deficient AND have compromised liver function.
This is due to several factors:
Reason #1: We have a much higher protein requirement
People with thyroid problems have a much higher protein requirement.
Because the liver plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, protein breakdown, detoxification and amino acid metabolism.
An overworked liver (which is often the case with hypothyroidism) can lead to a buildup of toxins and increase the consumption of amino acids necessary for detoxification.
If demand is very high, you will run into a shortage much faster.
The standard recommends that a healthy adult consume at least 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight.
However, for Hashimoto's patients (all of whom suffer from hypothyroidism), at least 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended.
For a woman weighing 70 kg, that is more than 100 g of protein per day.
For women over 55, this becomes even more challenging because:
- Our appetite often decreases with age
- We may have digestive issues that make protein harder to absorb
- We're often cooking for one or two people instead of large families
- We may have reduced stomach acid production, affecting protein digestion
When was the last time you consumed 100 grams of protein per day?
As a woman in my 60s, I can honestly say I almost never achieved such high protein consumption.
Reason #2: Impaired digestion
If you have digestive problems like me, there is unfortunately a good chance that you cannot fully absorb many nutrients.
This means that even if you eat a lot of protein (in the form of meat, shakes, eggs or dairy products), you can still suffer from an amino acid deficiency.
The thyroid expert Dr. Dorothea Leinung writes:
"Many people with Hashimoto syndrome, even when they consume adequate amounts of protein, cannot digest the protein properly and their body cannot absorb these nutrients efficiently."
This is because the protein supply (so-called proteolysis) does not work properly.
During proteolysis, the protein is digested and the amino acids in the protein are absorbed by the body. If proteolysis doesn't work, not enough amino acids get into the body.
Even if you have a leaky gut, the MTHFR gene variation, a lack of stomach acid or a bad liver, the proteins you then diligently consume are not properly absorbed.
Reason #3: Age-related changes that compound the problem
As women over 55, we face additional challenges:
- Declining stomach acid production affects protein digestion
- Slower metabolism means our bodies are less efficient at processing nutrients
- Hormonal changes from menopause can affect liver function
- We may be taking medications that put additional burden on the liver
- Chronic stress from life changes (retirement, health concerns, family responsibilities) affects our body's ability to heal
Reason #4: Liver burden from modern life
Our livers are constantly bombarded with:
- Environmental toxins
- Processed foods with additives
- Stress hormones
- Medications
- Poor air and water quality
This constant burden means your liver is working overtime just to keep up with detoxification, leaving little energy for optimal thyroid hormone conversion.
If you are reading these lines and suffering from the symptoms of hypothyroidism, crucial questions arise:
Do you suffer from an amino acid deficiency? Is your liver overburdened? Are both issues preventing your thyroid from functioning optimally?
Why does the conversion from T4 to T3 often not work?
#1 Most people are deficient in essential amino acids because the requirements are very high and many people have poor digestion.
#2 The liver – the place where the conversion takes place – is limited in its function. More precisely: the glutathione level is too low and must be increased with amino acids.
#3 The liver is overburdened with toxins and cannot efficiently perform its hormone conversion duties.
The complete solution: amino acids AND liver support
From that moment on I understood: I need both essential amino acids AND liver detoxification support.
I have to get my body back in such a way that it can:
- Clear the metabolic roadblocks (liver detox)
- Convert my T4 back into T3 (amino acids)
- And ideally at some point even be able to produce enough T4 itself (without medication)
The question was: should I address these issues separately or together?
After more research, I realized the synergistic approach was crucial.
Trying to fix one without the other would be like trying to drive a car with clean fuel but a clogged engine, or a clean engine but contaminated fuel.
I needed both.
The only question was which option to choose:
- Option 1: I eat more meat and check which foods have the highest bioavailability,
- Option 2: I take the essential amino acids directly and support my liver detoxification naturally.
I chose the quick option.
I call it the "Complete Recovery Method".
By consuming the essential amino acids in their pure form, digestion is not put under pressure.
This was especially beneficial for me because my intestines were still causing problems at that time. Moreover, it is much cheaper than eating meat every day.
But before I started looking for suitable products, I had to figure out which amino acids I absolutely need and how to support my liver effectively.
Which amino acids are especially important in hypothyroidism?
First you need to understand a few basic concepts:
- Proteins consist of amino acids arranged in different structures. There are so-called essential and non essential amino acids.
- The body cannot produce essential amino acids itself. So they have to be brought in from outside.
- The body can produce non-essential amino acids itself. But only if you have enough essential amino acids.

The most important essential amino acids for an underactive thyroid gland
The following amino acids cannot be produced by the body itself and are especially important in hypothyroidism:
L-Methionine for the conversion of T4 to T3
As mentioned earlier, people with an underactive thyroid often have a disturbed detoxification capacity.
Methionine serves as the starting point for the synthesis of glutathione in the liver. Activation of T4 to T3 in the liver only occurs with sufficient glutathione.
Methionine is also important for the absorption of zinc and selenium.
Suffering from a methionine deficiency will affect the absorption of zinc and selenium – both very important trace minerals for thyroid health.
This means that even if you get a lot of zinc and selenium, there is no guarantee that your body will be able to use it.
L-Phenylalanine to form tyrosine and later T4
Phenylalanine is the raw material for the even more important tyrosine, a basic component of thyroid hormones.
If you supply the body with phenylalanine, it can then produce tyrosine. Tyrosine is then further processed in combination with iodine to form the thyroid hormone T4.
L-lysine against fatigue
Lysine plays a major role in immune cells, so a deficiency makes people more susceptible to viruses. One reason why people with hypothyroidism are sick more often.
In addition, iron requires lysine for its absorption. This explains, among other things, chronic fatigue and exhaustion in patients with hypothyroidism.
If you eliminate the lysine deficiency, iron will be better absorbed and you will feel more active.
The most important non-essential amino acids
Once you have covered all the essential amino acids, the body can also produce the non-essential amino acids itself. Because these are also important:
Tyrosine for the production of T4
Tyrosine is a precursor for the production of thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Without sufficient amounts of L-tyrosine, thyroid hormones cannot be produced in sufficient amounts, which can lead to decreased metabolic performance and other health problems.
In order not to be dependent on the intake of L-thyroxine (T4) for life, it must be ensured that the body always has sufficient tyrosine.
Glutamine, cysteine and glycine
These three amino acids together form the antioxidant glutathione, which is so important for the liver. As explained above, glutathione is especially important for the conversion of T4 to T3. But it also has many other positive effects on liver health.
Experts recommend these amino acids if you have an underactive thyroid gland.

Experts recommend these amino acids if you have an underactive thyroid gland
The genius of essential amino acids
If sufficient essential amino acids are available, the body can also produce non-essential amino acids itself.
For example, the non-essential amino acid L-cysteine, which has a positive effect on thyroid antibodies.
Or the amino acid L-glycine, which is important for T3 activation.
So you get all the necessary amino acids and at the same time you can prevent any inflammation.
The Master Amino Pattern (MAP)
The topic of amino acids is also discussed in the thyroid book I mentioned above – namely in the chapter on useful nutritional supplements.
However, the book does not only recommend the normal amino acids that you can find in any pharmacy.
Amino acids based on the so-called Master Amino Pattern (or Human Amino) are recommended.
The Master Amino Pattern was developed at the International Nutrition Research Center (INRC) in Florida by Prof. Dr. Luca Moretti conducts research.
This involves a very specific dosage and coordination of the 8 essential amino acids.
If these 8 amino acids are dosed and mixed exactly right, the amino acids can be absorbed by the body through the mucous membranes within just 23 minutes.
With 99% bioavailability, so that neither the digestive system nor the kidneys or liver are put under pressure.
It is, so to speak, the cleanest way to provide the body with amino acids without eating protein-rich foods.
By comparison: if you consume vegetable or animal protein, the amino acids must first be split off from this protein during proteolysis (protein digestion).
However, because many people with hypothyroidism also have impaired protein digestion, it is often not even guaranteed that a high-protein diet will provide you with all the necessary amino acids.
If you provide the body with essential amino acids according to the Human Amino pattern, the body can then produce all non-essential amino acids from them.
For this reason, it is extremely important that you actually take amino acids that are based on the Human Amino pattern.
This means that you do not have to take glutathione, glycine, glutamine or cysteine separately.
In addition, it is much better if the body produces the non-essential amino acids itself.
After all, we don't want to hand everything over to the body on a silver platter. It is important that the body's metabolic processes begin again.
The missing piece: Liver detoxification support
After discovering the liver connection, I dove deeper into research about liver support for thyroid health.
I found that certain natural compounds have been scientifically proven to:
- Support liver detoxification pathways
- Enhance bile production (crucial for hormone transport)
- Protect liver cells from oxidative stress
- Improve fat metabolism (essential for hormone production)
- Support healthy inflammation response
The most powerful liver-supporting compounds include:
Milk Thistle (Silymarin): The gold standard for liver protection. Studies show it can regenerate liver cells and protect against toxin damage.
Apple Cider Vinegar Extract: Supports healthy digestion and blood sugar balance, reducing liver burden.
Dandelion Root: A natural diuretic that supports both liver and kidney detoxification.
Artichoke Leaf: Stimulates bile production, essential for fat digestion and hormone transport.
Choline: An essential nutrient that prevents fatty liver and supports fat metabolism.
But here's the key insight: liver support alone isn't enough for optimal thyroid function.
You need BOTH:
- Essential amino acids for T4 to T3 conversion
- Liver detoxification support to optimize the conversion process
This is why a combination approach is so powerful.
Why the combination is crucial: The synergistic effect
Most people with thyroid problems try one approach at a time:
- Just thyroid medication (doesn't address conversion issues)
- Just amino acids (ignores liver burden)
- Just liver support (missing conversion cofactors)
But the magic happens when you address BOTH issues simultaneously.
The Smart Protein Blend provides:
✅ Essential amino acids for T4 to T3 conversion
✅ Building blocks for glutathione production
✅ Support for transport proteins
✅ Improved cellular energy production
The Liver Detox Blend provides:
✅ Detoxification pathway support
✅ Reduced liver burden
✅ Enhanced bile production
✅ Improved fat metabolism
✅ Protection against oxidative stress
Together, they create a synergistic effect.
- Liver detox clears the "metabolic roadblocks"
- Amino acids provide the "raw materials" for conversion
- Your body can finally convert T4 to T3 efficiently
- Active T3 reaches your cells effectively
- Energy production increases dramatically
- Metabolism speeds up, weight normalizes
- Fatigue disappears, vitality returns
It's like having a clean, well-oiled machine (liver detox) with premium fuel (amino acids) - the performance is exponentially better than either alone.
Unfortunately, at the time the book was published (2013), there were no amino acid preparations in European countries that resembled the Human Amino pattern, and comprehensive liver detox formulas were expensive and hard to find.
Back then you had to order extremely expensive supplements from the US.
Fortunately, this has now changed and there are even some suppliers in the Netherlands who produce and sell both essential amino acids according to the Human Amino pattern AND effective liver detox blends.
And even at more attractive prices.

The complete thyroid recovery bundle
After extensive research, I found that there are now suppliers in the Netherlands who produce both high-quality amino acids according to the Human Amino pattern AND comprehensive liver detox formulas.
Personally, I use products from Greenleaf Blends: Smart Protein and Liver Detox Blend.
Smart Protein is based exactly on the Human Amino Pattern, is produced in Germany (developed in the Netherlands) and specially made for people with intolerances.
Liver Detox Blend contains a comprehensive formula of liver-supporting compounds including milk thistle, dandelion root, artichoke leaf, and essential cofactors like choline and zinc.
What finally convinced me were the many positive reviews and the fact that the manufacturers work closely with experts specialized in autoimmune diseases and intolerances.
So how does Smart Protein work?
Smart Protein consists of 100% pure amino acids, based on the Human Amino Pattern.
It contains exactly the essential amino acids mentioned above, which are so important for people with hypothyroidism.
It also contains 2 other essential amino acids, which also have numerous positive effects:
L-Isoleucine
Isoleucine is involved in the hormone regulation of the organism.
For example, the amino acid stimulates the release of insulin, which stimulates the absorption of glucose and amino acids from the bloodstream into the muscle cells.
This in turn is necessary not only for blood sugar regulation, but also for rapid energy production.
L-Tryptophan
Tryptophan is a precursor to the happiness hormone serotonin and can therefore improve the mood.
One study found that people who consumed larger amounts of tryptophan were significantly less irritable, depressed, and had less anxiety than subjects who consumed smaller amounts of tryptophan.
But now comes the really crucial part that sets Smart Protein apart from others.
The amino acids in Smart Protein are obtained from the fermentation of chickpeas in a process similar to digestion.
It is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes and therefore no autoimmune reaction can be triggered.
Smart Protein is free of lectins and lactose, gluten-free, contains no sugar or other additives. This makes it the ideal protein source for people with hypothyroidism.
The advantage of 100% pure crystalline amino acids is that they have a higher purity than amino acid sources from food and other sources, are easily soluble and are quickly absorbed by the body.
This allows the body to quickly use the amino acids to build and repair tissue.
How does Liver Detox Blend work?
Liver Detox Blend contains a powerful combination of scientifically-backed ingredients:
✅ Milk Thistle Seed Extract (300mg): The gold standard for liver protection and regeneration. Supports the liver's natural detoxification processes and helps protect liver cells from damage.
✅ Apple Cider Vinegar Extract (200mg): Supports healthy digestion and blood sugar balance, reducing the burden on your liver.
✅ Yarrow (100mg): Supports liver health by promoting bile production, which helps with digestion and detoxification.
✅ Artichoke Leaf (100mg): Contributes to healthy liver function and can help maintain healthy weight as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
✅ Dandelion Root Extract 5:1 (100mg): Contributes to maintaining healthy liver function and supports the body's natural detoxification processes.
✅ Chicory Root (100mg): Can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and contributes to healthy digestion.
✅ Chanca Piedra Extract (50mg): Contributes to maintaining healthy liver and kidney function.
✅ Beetroot (50mg): Contributes to maintaining healthy liver function and cardiovascular system.
✅ Choline (30mg): Essential for maintaining normal liver function and preventing fatty liver.
✅ Zinc (10mg): Helps protect cells against oxidative stress and plays a role in cell division.
The self-test with the complete bundle for optimal thyroid function
That same evening I decided to order both products from the Greenleaf webshop.
Because I understood that thyroid recovery is a process that takes time, and I wanted to address both the amino acid deficiency AND liver burden simultaneously, I ordered what they call the "Complete Thyroid Recovery Bundle."
This bundle includes a 3-month supply of both Smart Protein and Liver Detox Blend - which research shows is the minimum time needed to see significant improvements in thyroid function.
The experts actually recommend a 6-month approach for optimal results, as it takes time to:
- Clear accumulated toxins from the liver
- Restore amino acid levels
- Rebuild efficient T4 to T3 conversion
- Normalize energy production at the cellular level
Perhaps I should mention this again: while some customers mention in their reviews that they feel improvements within days or weeks, be aware that true thyroid recovery is a process that typically takes a minimum of 3 months, with 6 months being ideal for lasting results.
You're providing the body with the necessary nutrients to eliminate amino acid deficiency AND supporting liver detoxification so that hormone conversion can work normally again.
The whole thing takes time, but the results are worth it.
Personally, I committed to the 3-month bundle initially, with the plan to continue for a full 6 months if I saw positive results.
My first weeks with the complete bundle
After just a few days the order arrived with both products.
Smart Protein: There are 90 capsules in one jar. The recommended daily dose is 3 capsules (preferably in the morning with a meal). So each jar lasts 30 days.
Liver Detox Blend: There are also 90 capsules per jar, with a recommended dose of 3 capsules daily (preferably with dinner). Each jar also lasts 30 days.
With the 3-month bundle, I had everything I needed for a complete 90-day protocol.
The packaging is of very high quality and both jars are dark, so that all active ingredients are preserved and are not affected by UV light.
The capsules are medium sized and easy to swallow.
My daily routine became:
- Morning: 3 Smart Protein capsules with breakfast
- Evening: 3 Liver Detox Blend capsules with dinner
For now I take 3 capsules a day of each. I looked it up, but it is actually allowed to take 6 capsules per day at this dose for Smart Protein. Maybe I'll try this later.
To be on the safe side, I continued to take my L-thyroxine – exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Many customers report immediate improvement.
After testing the complete bundle for four days, I knew what they meant.
I immediately noticed several things.
After the first few doses I felt more energetic. I have never experienced anything similar with any other nutritional supplement approach. You really feel how your body gratefully absorbs the amino acids while the liver support begins its work.
My usual afternoon slump started to diminish significantly.
My digestion improved noticeably - less bloating and more regular bowel movements.
After a month: Remarkable improvements
After almost a month I realized why my afternoon slump had disappeared and my energy was more stable throughout the day.
This was due to my improved digestion AND the fact that my liver was finally getting the support it needed to function optimally.
And it's no surprise: a quick Google search shows that amino acids can improve gut health.

By the way: both products are actually super easy to digest.
Even taking 3 capsules of each per day never caused any stomach upset or heaviness.
My other symptoms also improved significantly:
✅ I feel very energetic all day long.
✅ I feel stronger and more active.
✅ Even my colleagues noticed this transformation.
In the past, afternoons at the office were pure horror because I had no energy at all. Then it was a matter of going home as quickly as possible and flopping on the couch.
As a woman in my 60s, I was starting to worry that this was just "my new normal" - that I'd have to accept feeling exhausted and sluggish for the rest of my life.
But now I'm thinking of joining the Pilates studio again and doing some exercise - something I thought was behind me forever.
But the most surprising change was my weight. Without changing my diet at all, I lost about 4 pounds in the first month.
For a woman my age, losing weight had become nearly impossible - my doctor had told me that "after 55, your metabolism just slows down and you have to accept some weight gain."
But my clothes started fitting better, and I could see the bloating around my midsection decreasing.
This was especially meaningful because belly weight is so common for women our age and feels impossible to lose.
After two months: Significant thyroid improvements
The first 2 sets of both products from my bundle were now finished. And I immediately placed a repeat order for the remaining month.
Since I started using the complete bundle approach, my life has turned 180 degrees. No more constant fatigue, no more afternoon crashes.
Thanks to my improved performance, I was even able to start exercising again regularly.
I lost a total of 7 pounds without changing my diet - my metabolism was clearly working better.
At my age, I had been told that significant weight loss was unrealistic.
"Just try to maintain your current weight," my doctor had said. But here I was, losing weight naturally as my thyroid function improved.
But here's what really shocked me: my thyroid levels had improved significantly, which I honestly didn't expect so quickly.
After all, these aren't medications for hypothyroidism - they're natural support products.
When I showed my results to my doctor, even he was surprised by the improvements in my lab values.
Together with my doctor, we then started to slightly reduce my dose of L-thyroxine.
Over several months I managed to reduce from 125 micrograms to 25 micrograms. I had my thyroid levels checked regularly and listened to my body.
Despite lowering the medication dose significantly, I continued to feel better than I had in years.
My current lab results:
- My TSH is now at 1 (optimal range)
- My fT4 (free T4) is in the green despite the minimal dose of L-thyroxine
- And for the first time in years, my T3 value is also in the optimal range!
Out of curiosity, I also had my liver values checked.
The research shows that several amino acids, particularly L-threonine, have positive effects on fat balance and liver function.
And yes: during my last examination my liver values had improved significantly! The combination approach had worked better than I could have imagined.
After three months: Complete transformation
By the end of my initial 3-month bundle, the transformation was undeniable.
Weight: Lost 12 pounds total without dieting, clothes fitting better, bloating gone - proving that weight loss after 55 IS possible when your thyroid works properly
Sleep: Deeper, more restorative sleep, waking up refreshed - no more of those 3am wake-ups that are so common for women our age
Mood: More stable, less irritable, improved motivation - my family noticed I was "back to my old self"
Energy: Consistent energy from morning to evening, no more afternoon crashes - I can keep up with my grandchildren again!
Digestion: Regular, comfortable, no more bloating or discomfort
Thyroid medication: Reduced from 125mcg to 25mcg with better lab values than ever
Overall vitality: Feeling like myself again for the first time in years - not the tired, worn-out version of myself I had accepted as "normal aging"
I was so impressed with the results that I immediately ordered another 3-month bundle to continue the protocol for a full 6 months, as recommended by the experts.
In short: my zest for life has returned.
For me, you could say, the past few months have been completely life-changing.
As a woman in my mid-60s, I had almost given up hope that I could feel truly energetic and vital again. I thought my best years were behind me.
I'm glad I discovered this complete bundle approach and would highly recommend it to any woman over 55 struggling with thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, and stubborn weight gain that seems impossible to lose.
Why the bundle approach is essential
Looking back, I now understand why addressing both amino acid deficiency AND liver burden simultaneously was so crucial.
If I had only taken amino acids, my overburdened liver still wouldn't have been able to convert T4 to T3 efficiently.
If I had only done liver detox, I wouldn't have had the raw materials needed for hormone conversion.
But together, they created a synergistic effect that transformed my health completely.
The research supports this approach:
- Minimum 3 months needed to see significant results
- 6 months recommended for optimal, lasting transformation
- Both amino acid support AND liver detoxification required for complete thyroid recovery
This is why I believe so strongly in the bundle approach rather than trying individual supplements piecemeal.
The company behind the complete solution
Behind both Smart Protein and Liver Detox Blend is Greenleaf Blends, a company from Rotterdam.
Greenleaf Blends specializes in producing nutritional supplements specifically made for people with intolerances and health issues.
They work extensively with experts who specialize in autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and metabolic health.
What impressed me most is their commitment to quality:
✅ Products developed in the Netherlands, manufactured in Germany
✅ Third-party tested for purity and potency
✅ Specifically formulated for people with sensitivities
✅ Based on the latest scientific research
✅ Supported by health professionals
Click the button now and check the availability of the Complete Thyroid Recovery Bundle

About the editor
Tanja Fellenberg is 66 years old and has been suffering from hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, for years. When she came across a book about the thyroid some time ago, it finally clicked for her. She has delved deeply into the matter for several months and is happy that she has finally found the perfect solution for herself. She has now been able to keep the annoying complaints to a minimum and she feels just as vital and fit as when she was in her forties! She hopes her findings over the past few months will finally bring clarity to this issue and help other women over 55 with hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue, and stubborn weight issues that seem impossible to resolve through diet and exercise alone.
Addendum bij het artikel
Sinds ik dit artikel heb gepubliceerd, hebben velen van jullie vragen gesteld. Daarom wil ik kort ingaan op de belangrijkste:
How does the Smart Protein – Liver Detox bundle support thyroid health?
The bundle works by addressing two often-overlooked factors in thyroid wellness: poor liver detoxification and inadequate protein intake. The liver plays a critical role in converting T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active form), while protein is essential for producing thyroid hormones and transporting them efficiently throughout the body. This combination ensures your thyroid has the nutritional and detox support it needs to function optimally.
Can this bundle help with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or hair thinning?
Yes, many symptoms like low energy, poor concentration, and hair issues stem from a sluggish thyroid and overburdened liver. The Smart Protein formula provides clean, thyroid-supportive amino acids, while the Liver Detox blend helps clear out excess hormones, toxins, and waste that can disrupt endocrine balance. Many users report feeling lighter, clearer, and more energized within weeks.
Is the Smart Protein – Liver Detox bundle safe to take daily?
Absolutely. Both products in the bundle are made from high-quality, natural ingredients designed for gentle daily use. The protein blend is free from artificial additives, soy, gluten, and dairy, making it ideal for sensitive individuals. Meanwhile, the liver support herbs and nutrients promote gradual detoxification without harsh side effects.
What’s the best time to take the Smart Protein and Liver Detox products?
For best results, take the Smart Protein shake in the morning or after your workout to stabilize energy and blood sugar. The Liver Detox blend can be taken with or after meals, typically in the evening, to support the liver’s natural overnight cleansing rhythm. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush toxins.
I already eat healthy—do I still need this bundle?
Even with a clean diet, today’s environment exposes us to hormonal disruptors, stress, and hidden toxins that strain the liver and impact thyroid function. Nutritional gaps, poor protein absorption, or slow detox pathways can go unnoticed. This bundle helps fill those gaps with targeted support that amplifies the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Can Smart Protein be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using Smart Protein if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What if I am not satisfied with the product?
They offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results. Contact their customer service at support@greenleafblends.com for assistance with returns and refunds.
Will I be billed again later, or is this a subscription?
Don’t worry — this is a one-time purchase. We don’t have automatic subscriptions or recurring charges. You’re always in control. Want to reorder later? You can do so anytime — no strings attached.
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Bronnen (originele studies in het Engels):
Effecten van glutathion op joodthyronine 5'-deiodinase-activiteit: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3383773/