Everything You Need to Know about Iodine?

You’ve probably heard of iodine before, but what is iodine and what is it used for? You may remember from Chemistry class, Iodine is a chemical element of the periodic table with the symbol I and atomic number 53. But Besides knowing the physical properties of iodine, you may not be aware of exactly what iodine is and the immense history behind the use of this vital element. From the various types of iodine to the amount required for optimum health, there is a lot to know about this water-soluble trace element.

Iodine is Required for Health

We need many substances for health, and none do more for us than iodine. Traditionally sourced from the sea, iodine is required by the body for a number of functions. First and foremost, your thyroid gland utilizes iodine to make thyroid hormones.^[1] A lack of iodine can cause the thyroid gland to swell up (known as a goiter) in an attempt to increase the uptake of iodine from the blood.^[2]

Iodine is also instrumental in brain development,^[3] with an inadequate amount actually leading to the most avoidable form of mental retardation known as iodine deficiency-related retardation.^[4] Infants, in fact, may actually face lethal consequences if their mothers are severely deficient in iodine. Spiking miscarriage and stillbirth rates, and iodine deficiency can have major repercussions. A research conducted at Arizona State University even linked iodine deficient mothers to autistic offspring.^[5, 6]

Iodine can do even more for us! It’s a terrific cleanser, can prevent harm from radiation,^[7] and is a detoxing agent. Yet, it’s next to ignored by most modern doctors. This wasn’t always the case, let’s take a look at the history behind iodine.

History of Iodine – The 20s and Now

It wasn’t until 1924 that iodine was added to salt in order to address the widespread number of iodine deficiencies sweeping the nation during that time. Specifically, Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest region were experiencing outbreaks of goiter – the swelling of the thyroid that is entirely avoidable through the utilization of proper iodine levels. The reason? Soil levels were drastically lacking in iodine, and the general public was avoiding foods rich in iodine such as kale, cranberries, and strawberries.

But it’s not the 1920s anymore. These days, processed chemicals have become the norm due to price cutting measures and an ideology of better living through synthetic chemistry. Salt that was previously harvested and sold with minimal processing now exists only as natural, sea salt sold in health food stories. Today, table salt is actually a manufactured form of sodium that is known as sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride does contain added iodine, but also comes with a host of chemical additives and a loss of nutritional value. After being bleached, processed, and loaded with substances like fluoride sodium bicarbonate, modern day table salt is more of a health hazard than an iodine-containing health substance. Skip it.

Iodine Facts

Even though every aspect of our lives requires iodine. It’s a natural element that’s required to regulate metabolism.^[8] White table salt is supplemented with iodine, but it’s unhealthy. Iodine deficiency is tied to many serious health problems.^[9]

Lack of iodine has been tied to breast cancer.^[10] So-called iodine “allergies” have nothing to do with iodine! This is just the beginning of the fascinating information about iodine’s value and uses.

Forms of Iodine

Iodine occurs naturally in two primary forms, elemental and ionic.^[11] Elemental iodine refers to the atom itself, which is found primarily in the ocean. Single iodine atoms don’t float around by themselves in nature. Atomic iodine refers to two iodine atoms bonded together. In this form, it’s usually highly corrosive.

Potassium Iodide

More commonly, iodine is found in combination with other substances, such as potassium, where it’s known as potassium iodide, and is the type that’s usually added to processed salt.

SSKI is a concentrated solution of potassium iodide. It does have uses, such as topical applications to alleviate some skin disorders, but should not be used as a dietary supplement.

Colloidal Iodine

However, a form of iodine that provides both iodide’s safety and the purity of atomic iodine has been developed. It’s known by different terms: nascent, atomic, and colloidal iodine. Atomic iodine makes iodine highly available to the body’s metabolism and is safe to use both internally and externally.

Thyroid Metabolism

The thyroid is a major gland located in the front of the neck just below the larynx. It controls all metabolic processes involved with energy.^[12] If it doesn’t function properly, then you could become fat or scrawny, become lethargic or so overactive that you can’t slow down, and children may not develop properly.

The thyroid must have the right nutrients to function properly—and the single most important one is iodine. It’s used to produce the hormones sent throughout the body to manage energy production. If you don’t have enough iodine to support your thyroid, then it will grow, producing a goiter, which makes your throat look massively swollen and can cause your eyes to bulge out.

Getting Enough Iodine

One telling study performed by the University in Texas at Arlington actually revealed that table salt will not do the trick, even if you are willing to intake the toxic ingredients associated with the manufactured substance. In fact, they found that salt alone cannot properly address any iodine deficiency.^[13]

When looking into the iodine levels within over 80 different types of common iodized salt brands, they found that a shocking 27 of them did not even meet the US Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation for healthy iodine levels. A level that has been continuously pinpointed as being below optimal.

How Much Iodine?

If you’re deficient in iodine, then you need to take more than a maintenance serving. How much more is dependent on a combination of how deficient you are, your metabolic rate, and your ability to assimilate iron. Therefore, specific guidelines on how much iodine you should take assumes that your iodine levels are not deficient. It is difficult to get too much iodine from your diet, unless you eat large quantities of seaweed, or possibly use highly excessive amounts of iodine-fortified salt. This table provides adequate (minimum) and excessive iodine intake according to the Linus Pauling Institute:^[14]

Age	Recommended Intake (Males) (mcg/day)	Recommended Intake (Females) (mcg/day)	Excessive Intake (Males & Females) (mcg/day)
Infants Birth-6 months	110	110	Not established*
Infants 7-12 months	130	130	Not established*
Children 1-3 years	90	90	200
Children 4-8 years	90	90	300
Children 9-13 years	120	120	600
Adolescents 14-18 years	150	150	900
Adults 19 and older	150	150	1,100
Pregnant Women	Not applicable	220	–
Breastfeeding Women	Not applicable	290	–

*Note that the Linus Pauling Institute says that an infant’s intake should be only from food or formula. It should not be supplemented.

Iodine and Hypothyroidism

When someone doesn’t have enough iodine, the result is hypothyroidism.^[15] The thyroid is unable to produce enough of the required hormones. In early stages, the symptoms include depression.^[16] Weight gain is almost a given.^[17] If it’s severe, a goiter can develop.

Iodine and Hyperthyroidism

One of the hormones produced by the thyroid is thyroxine.^[18] Too much thyroxine production causes hyperthyroidism. This is a serious condition that leads to weight loss, anxiety, hyperactivity, and fatigue.^[19]Although rare, it can also be caused by excessive iodine intake. As in every other area of health, balance is important in iodine supplementation.

In rare cases, a dangerous condition called a thyroid storm, in which too much thyroxine is produced, can occur. It’s a serious health emergency. In such cases, a standard medical system treatment is to give SSKI, a concentrated potassium iodide solution. This informs the thyroid that there’s enough iodine in the blood, so it will stop producing excess hormone. However, nascent iodine can produce the same effect.

Symptoms of Iodine Overdose

Though rare, it is possible to take too much iodine, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of overdose. These include abdominal pain, delirium, fever, vomiting, and shortness of breath.^[20] The potential of iodine overdose is another reason not to use potassium iodide, since it’s concentrated to unsafe levels for ingestion.

Iodine Deficiency is a Major Problem in the US

Although it wasn’t intentional, until recently a major portion of Americans’ source of iodine was from flour. Now, though, the process has been changed, and that invisible source disappeared. As a result, as reported by Psychology Today, iodine deficiency has become a serious problem.

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

Unless you use synthesized and processed white salt, which isn’t healthy, there’s a significant risk of developing hypothyroidism. Symptoms of iodine deficiency include slowing of mental function, poor immunity, and breast cysts, among others indicative of an inactive thyroid.^[21]

How to Check Yourself for Iodine Deficiency

Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to test yourself for iodine deficiency. All you need is iodine! You paint it on your skin and then see what happens. The details of the test are given in this article — How to Perform the Iodine Patch Test.

Autism Linked to Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy

Iodine deficiency has long been known to be a serious issue in pregnant women. Not only can it harm the mother, but also produce permanent damage to the fetus, particularly in the brain. Pre-eclampsia, a life threatening condition that can happen to pregnant women, has been associated with hypothyroidism.^[22]

Good thyroid function is critical in pregnancy. Particularly worrisome is that research has found a link between iodine deficiency and autism. The American Thyroid Association now urges pregnant women to take iodine supplements, specifically for their infants’ mental health.^[23]

Uses for Iodine

Iodine has an enormous range of uses. It protects people who’ve been exposed to radiation. It can be used as a douche to ease vaginitis. Its as good an antioxidant as vitamin C. It boosts metabolism. The range of iodine’s uses is astounding. If you’re wondering what could prove to be the single most important supplement or dietary consideration, the first place to look is iodine.

Iodine and Radiation

Fukushima is waking people up to the risks of radiation. Your thyroid is particularly sensitive to damage because one of the radioactive elements is iodine. If your thyroid does not have enough iodine, then any radioactive iodine will be absorbed. Since most Americans’ thyroids are dramatically depleted of iodine, any exposure to radioactive iodine can be devastating.

Iodine for Hair loss

Some hair loss that’s usually considered part of being a man may actually be a symptom of iodine deficiency. This isn’t a new theory, because sheep farmers have known for centuries that lack of iodine can result is deficient and poor quality wool. If you’re suffering from hair loss, you may simply need iodine supplementation.

Sources of Iodine

There are three ways to get iodine. They are diet, supplementation, and iodized table salt. Adding iodine to table salt makes sense, since iodine is such a critical nutrient. The problem is that the salt that’s iodized is not natural or healthy.

Iodized Table Salt

Iodized salt has been processed to remove the beneficial micronutrients that are necessary for good health—and then harmful chemicals are added. Most shocking is that fluoride, which has no place in metabolism, is now often added! That’s why you need to get your iodine from food or supplementation.

Foods Rich in Iodine

Unfortunately, one of the main reasons people have become iodine deficient is that modern agricultural methods have depleted soil, so it’s now very difficult to get it from diet. So how is it possible to suggest getting iodine from food?

There’s a major difference between the nutrient levels of foods grown organically and those produced by agribusiness. Organic methods respect soil and replenish nutrients so that they aren’t depleted. Depleted soils cannot produce nutrient-rich food. Therefore, the key is to eat organically-produced food.

You can get iodine from a wide range of healthy organic foods, such as dark, leafy greens and strawberries. There is one other way to identify foods that are likely to be rich in iodine. Nearly all the world’s accessible iodine is in the ocean, so seafood tends to be rich in it. Therefore, sea vegetables and ocean fish are usually great iodine sources.

Food	Serving Size	Iodine (Micrograms)
Beans: Lima (mature, boiled)	1/2 cup	8
Beans: Navy (cooked)	1/2 cup	32
Dairy: Cheddar Cheese	1 ounce	12
Dairy: Egg (boiled)	1 large	12
Dairy: Ice Cream (chocolate)	1/2 cup	30
Dairy: Milk (cow’s)	1 cup (8 ounces)	56
Dairy: Mozzarella Cheese	2 ounces	20
Dairy: Yogurt (all varieties)	1 cup	87
Fish: Cod	3 ounces	99
Fish: Lobster	100 grams	100
Fish: Shrimp	3 ounces	35
Fish: Tuna canned in oil	3 ounces	17
Grains: Macaroni (enriched, boiled)	1 cup	27
Fruit: Apple Juice	1 cup	7
Fruit: Banana	1 medium	3
Fruit: Cranberries	4 ounces	400
Fruit: Prunes (dried)	5 prunes	13
Fruit: Strawberries	1/2 cup	6
Meat: Turkey breast (baked)	3 ounces	34
Nuts	25 grams	5
Salt: Himalayan Crystal Salt (natural)	1 gram	500
Seaweed/Sea Vegetables, general	1/4 ounce, dried	>4,500 mg
Seaweed: Nori (used in sushi)	1 sheet	40
Seaweed: Wakame	1 tablespoon	82

Iodine Supplements

If you don’t get enough of iodine-rich food, then you do need an iodine supplement. Although there’s more than one variety, it’s certainly best to use one that’s easy to assimilate and is closest to nature, like Detoxadine®.

What is the Best Iodine?

For peak iodine levels I recommend the use of what’s known as nascent iodine, which is a supplemental form of iodine that is generally considered to be more safe and effective than potassium iodine. Nascent iodine uniquely holds an atomic form of iodine with an incomplete number of electrons. Simply put, this allows for a higher electromagnetic charge that the body can seamlessly absorb and utilize. This is absolutely essential for detoxification processes.

References (23)

1. Nussey S, Whitehead S. Endocrinology: An Integrated Approach. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers; 2001. Chapter 3, The thyroid gland.


2. Medline Plus. Goiter – simple. U.S. National Library of Medicine.


3. François Delange (2000). The role of iodine in brain development. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59, pp 75-79. doi:10.1017/S0029665100000094.


4. Delange F. [Disorders due to iodine deficiency] [Article in French]. Acta Clin Belg. 1990;45(6):394-411.


5. Hamza RT, Hewedi DH, Sallam MT. Iodine deficiency in Egyptian autistic children and their mothers: relation to disease severity. Arch Med Res. 2013 Oct ;44(7):555-61. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.09.012. Epub 2013 Oct 10.


6. Autism Research Institute. Essential and Toxic Metals.


7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies. December 2001.


8. Medline Plus. Iodine in diet. U.S. National Library of Medicine.


9. Eastman CJ, Zimmermann M. The Iodine Deficiency Disorders. [Updated 2014 Feb 12]. In: De Groot LJ, Beck-Peccoz P, Chrousos G, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.


10. Smyth PP. The thyroid, iodine and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research : BCR. 2003;5(5):235-238.


11. Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2010;14(1):13-17.


12. PubMed Health. How does the thyroid work? Last updated: January 7, 2015.


13. Dietary Iodine: Why are so Many Mothers not Getting Enough? Environmental Health Perspectives. 2010;118(10):A438-A442.


14. Higdon, J, Linus Pauling Institute. Iodine. Last Reviewed: August, 2015.


15. Shiga, K., Kodama, H., Kaga, F., Izumi, Y., Nakamoto, N. and Fujisawa, C. (2011), Hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency and iodine levels in enteral formulas. Pediatrics International, 53: 501–504. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2010.03292.x


16. Dayan CM, Panicker V. Hypothyroidism and Depression. European Thyroid Journal. 2013;2(3):168-179. doi:10.1159/000353777.


17. Medline Plus. The Thyroid and You: Coping with a Common Condition. Medline Plus, Spring 2012 Issue: Volume 7 Number 1 Page 22-23


18. Medline Plus. Factitious hyperthyroidism. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Last updated May 29, 2014.


19. National Institute of Health Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism. Published August, 2012.


20. Medline Plus. Iodine poisoning. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Last updated January 23, 2015.


21. Kapil U. Health Consequences of Iodine Deficiency. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. 2007;7(3):267-272.


22. Sardana D, Nanda S, Kharb S. Thyroid hormones in pregnancy and preeclampsia. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association. 2009;10(3):168-171.


23. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine Fact Sheet for Consumers. Last updated February 17, 2016.

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Things You Can Do To Support Thyroid Health

The thyroid is responsible for secreting hormones and keeping your energy levels right where they should be; basically, it acts as the “leader” of the endocrine system. So, it goes without saying, if you keep your thyroid healthy, your body will thank you. But, remember the thyroid is vulnerable to environmental toxins like BPA and pesticides, among other nasties.

4 Tips for Supporting Your Thyroid

While there are some endocrine disruptors in our environment that you absolutely can’t avoid 100% of the time, there are a few measures that you can take to stack the deck in your favor. Here are just a few of the simple steps you can take to protect your thyroid health.

1. Drink Fluoride-Free Water

Fluoride was once prescribed as a remedy for an overactive thyroid. ^[1] It only takes a low dose (2 to 5 mg per day over a few months) to lower function, and that’s about as much fluoride already in the water supply we drink. Drinking fluoride-free water could lower your chances of developing an underactive thyroid by as much as 30 percent. ^[2]

2. Avoid Endocrine Disrupters

Phthalates are some pretty nasty toxins used to make plastic flexible, but they’re also used in some personal care products. As endocrine disruptors, phthalates can sabotage thyroid function. But pollution from phthalates can also be an issue, according to a recent study from China. Researchers in the study found two common phthalates in drinking water. ^[3] While avoiding endocrine disruptors is key, studies suggest adding turmeric to your diet could help the thyroid by soothing the irritation caused by them. ^[4] A liquid extract could provide an especially strong punch.

3. Go Gluten Free

Gluten contains a protein called gliadin. Since this protein isn’t found in our bodies, the immune system can attack it. Now, when someone has a gluten intolerance or worse thyroid issues can develop because, to the body, gliadin looks a lot like a necessary enzyme called transglutaminase. ^[5] Used to form chemical bonds, this enzyme is already found in high concentrations in the thyroid, so the immune system’s antibodies can actually attack the gland. ^[6] Eating a gluten-free diet could be a huge step in helping thyroid health.

4. Get Enough Iodine

Iodine helps the thyroid produce its two main hormones that are critical to the body’s metabolic functions. Since the body can’t produce iodine on its own, making sure you get enough is crucial. Because your only options are trace amounts in foods and a supplement, I recommend Detoxadine, an excellent nascent iodine option that will help support a healthy thyroid.

Lifestyle is Key

Good thyroid health isn’t the result of just one thing; it’s a combination of good lifestyle choices and nutrition, and the 4 tips above should help you on the way to a healthy thyroid. Exercise and sleep are two excellent free methods that will help regulate thyroid health. Be sure to consume a healthy diet, mostly raw, to ensure intake of all vitamins and minerals essential for thyroid function.

What do you do to keep your thyroid healthy? Tell us about it in the comments.

References:

1. Galletti P, et. al. Effect of fluorine on thyroidal iodine metabolism in hyperthyroidism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. 18 (10).


2. Peckham, S. et al. Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.


3. Li, N. et al. Dibutyl Phthalate Contributes to the Thyroid Receptor Antagonistic Activity in Drinking Water Processes. Environmental Science & Technology. 44 (17).


4. Jurenka, J. S. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review. 14 (2).


5. Griffin M. et al. Transglutaminases: nature’s biological glues. The Biochemical Journal. 368 (Pt 2).


6. Naiyer, A.J. et al. Tissue transglutaminase antibodies in individuals with celiac disease bind to thyroid follicles and extracellular matrix and may contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid. 18 (11).

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Can Turmeric Support Thyroid Health?

Turmeric is one of the most potent spices, and when it comes to health benefits, nothing can match it. Not only is turmeric one of the most impressive free radical scavengers, it’s also been shown to support brain health, protect cell integrity, and even encourage a balanced mood. New research is showing that turmeric may also play a key role in supporting thyroid health.

Turmeric and Thyroid Health

If you want to be healthy, your thyroid needs to be healthy. It regulates metabolism and keeps hormonal health in check. To say it’s important is an understatement. Unfortunately, everything from plastics to pesticides are disturbing the thyroid’s delicate balance, contributing to the current rise of thyroid disorders. Turmeric, according to a recent study, may be one of the most efficient defenses we can use.

According to the study, individuals who consumed turmeric on a regular basis were less likely to suffer from goiter, a common symptom of iodine deficiency. ^[1] Goiter and iodine deficiency are also two symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is producing insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. This leads to weight gain, lethargy, and even depression. Can you see now how important thyroid health is for maintaining a sense of wellbeing? While researchers are unsure as to the cause of the correlation, it could be related to turmeric’s antioxidant, nutritive, and soothing qualities.

Turmeric Soothes Your Body

The key to turmeric’s success is that it soothes. ^[2] Turmeric may soothe irritation in blood vessels, skin, and the brain, and researchers believe this—along with its antioxidant potential—is what supports thyroid health. The thyroid, when it’s irritated by endocrine disruptors of any kind, needs to be soothed before it is repaired, and turmeric may do just that.

How to Use Turmeric

The powdered spice is perhaps the most commonly-used turmeric option, typically incorporated into things like curries and soups. It gives a distinct yellow color to foods and adds enormous health benefits with very little bulk. A liquid extract, may provide more benefits as they’re more concentrated and offer a greater punch. They can be added to smoothies, beverages, or consumed straight without any taste issues.

Do you enjoy turmeric? How do you use it? Please let us know how you enjoy this ancient spice in the comments!

References:

1. Jawa A, Jawad A, Riaz SH, et al. Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan (THYPAK) study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 May-Jun;19(3):347-50. Doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.152768.


2. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53.

6 Toxins That Destroy Your Thyroid

Some people believe that the thyroid is the “heart” of the endocrine system. As one of the largest endocrine glands, it plays an important role in maintaining energy levels and secreting hormones—among other things. When the thyroid’s working properly, it’s business as usual. Unfortunately, nasty chemicals can play a huge role in problems.

The Dangers of Thyroid Toxins

Toxins are present in our environment, and there’s very little we can do to eliminate all of them. We can, however, limit our exposure to toxic compounds, reducing the likelihood of experiencing issues with our thyroid. Supplementing with iodine is also an important step toward protecting your thyroid from toxic compounds. Learn these 6 toxins that can destroy your thyroid so you can prepare yourself.

1. BPA

As an endocrine disruptor, BPA can affect hormone levels and throw thyroid function out of whack. While there are many studies documenting BPA’s effects on the thyroid in adults and children, a recent one took a different approach. ^[1] By looking at newborns and their mothers, the study suggested higher levels of BPA cause a decrease in thyroid function in women. All of the baby boys, though, had an increase in thyroid function from the higher levels of BPA. ^[2] The theory here is that the women—while pregnant—saw a drop in thyroid function and the sons’ thyroids overcompensated. While the trend did not carry over to newborn girls, avoiding BPA while pregnant just makes sense.

     2. Bromine

Bromine is toxic to the thyroid, but with it in everything from pool cleaner to pasta, finding something without the endocrine disruptor can be tricky. ^[3] Often, even healthy patients can have high levels of the flame-retardant substance in their bodies. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are even finding their way into the breast milk of American women. ^[4] One common source of bromine is brominated vegetable oil—which is still found in many drinks—so remember, it pays to read those labels!

3. Perchlorate

Studies suggest low thyroid function in mothers is linked to neurodevelopmental problems in children. While BPA—as mentioned in number 1—or any score of nasty toxins could be the cause of an unhealthy thyroid, perchlorate is definitely one of the usual suspects. ^[5][6] But while there are numerous studies linking it with thyroid problems, the FDA still approved it for use as an anti-static agent in food packaging, making avoiding it a lot more difficult. ^[7]

4. Pesticides

When it comes to maintaining a healthy thyroid, avoiding pesticides could also be key. In India, thyroid disorders are on the rise, but there are measures in place to make sure much of the population has sufficient access to iodine, something essential for thyroid function. One recent study suggested this spike is due to pesticide and other chemical exposure, with experts noting almost 60 percent of cases aren’t connected to iodine-deficiency. ^[8] While the idea of pesticide exposure and thyroid problems is nothing new, maintaining iodine levels and avoiding pesticides could be the perfect combination. ^[9]

5. PFCs

There’s a report that a higher level of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the blood could affect thyroid function in women. ^[10] Used in the manufacturing of lots of common things, PFCs can even be found in pizza boxes and takeout containers; your mattress might even contain them! Even though the use of the chemicals is being phased out in the U.S., imported products could still be a concern. ^[11] Endocrine disruptors like PFCs take a long time to break down in the body, so this study is disturbing, to say the least.

6. Fluoride

Almost 70 percent of the U.S. water supply is fluoridated to help prevent cavities. Many people don’t know, however, that fluoride was actually prescribed as a remedy for an overactive thyroid during the first half of the 20th century. According to some reports, 2 to 5 mg of fluoride per day over a period of months was all it took to lower thyroid function; this becomes a problem when you realize that’s about the same amount people drinking fluoridated water are exposed to daily. ^[12]

Some Other Tips to Think About

You want to make sure your thyroid is as healthy as possible, so make sure you’re aware of just what can be dangerous. To protect your health, be sure to eat foods that support thyroid health as much as you can. While your family history can also play a role in endocrine problems, avoiding toxic exposure is a smart way to go.

When it comes to protecting your thyroid, how do you avoid toxins? Tell us about it in the comments.

References:

1. Meeker, J. & Ferguson, K. Relationship between Urinary Phthalate and Bisphenol A Concentrations and Serum Thyroid Measures in U.S. Adults and Adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008. Environmental Health Perspectives. 119 (10).


2. Chevrier, J. et al. Maternal urinary bisphenol a during pregnancy and maternal and neonatal thyroid function in the CHAMACOS study. Environmental Health Perspectives. 121 (1).


3. Allain, P. et al. Bromine and thyroid hormone activity. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 46 (5).


4. Schecter, A. et al. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in U.S. mothers’ milk. Environmental Health Perspectives. 111 (14).


5. Martin, JJ. et al. Maternal Hypothyroxinemia in Early Pregnancy Predicts Reduced Performance in Reaction Time Tests in 5- to 6-Year-Old Offspring. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 98 (4).


6. Wollf, J. Perchlorate and the thyroid gland. Pharmacology Review. 50 (1).


7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Threshold of Regulation (TOR) Exemptions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


8. Nambudiri, S. Rise in thyroid cases in state related to pesticides, finds study. The Times of India.


9. Goldner, W. et al. Pesticide Use and Thyroid Disease Among Women in the Agricultural Health Study. American Journal of Epidemiology. 171 (4).


10. Wen, L. L. et al. Association between serum perfluorinated chemicals and thyroid function in U.S. adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 98 (9).


11. National Resources Defense Council. Groups Petition FDA to Ban Toxic Chemicals Used in Pizza Boxes and Other Food Packaging. National Resources Defense Council.


12. Galletti P, et. al. Effect of fluorine on thyroidal iodine metabolism in hyperthyroidism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. 18 (10).

Metabolism and the Thyroid

Often referred to as the “master gland,” the thyroid manages important body processes, including protein creation, energy levels, and metabolism. Because metabolic output is often related to body mass, proper thyroid function is instrumental when you’re trying to regulate your body weight. Thyroid deficiencies can lead to weight gain or problems such is hypothyroidism, which is a lack of thyroid hormones and commonly is preceded by iodine deficiency. ^[1]

Thyroid, Hormones, and Metabolism

The thyroid manufactures two very important hormones, T3 and T4, which are critical to controlling the body’s metabolic rate and the key ingredient in these hormones iodine.  When the body suffers from an iodine deficiency, production of these hormones ceases, your metabolism crashes, and weight gain is inevitable.  This offers insight into why persons who suffer from hypothyroidism have a difficult time losing weight.  They lack the energy to exercise, and even with proper diet, their metabolism may be too slow to burn fat. Thyroid hormone levels and body weight have a relationship that quickly becomes cumulative and can easily spiral out of control. Spain’s Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya reported decreases in thyroid hormones when body mass increases. They surmised the change in hormone levels are influenced by increased body mass, rather than vice versa. ^[2]

Iodine is to the Thyroid as Gas is to a Car

Boosting iodine levels in the body may help stimulate the thyroid and support proper thyroid function.  There are two simple methods to getting enough iodine. Eat foods that are rich in iodine; or invest in a high quality, natural iodine supplement.  Across the board, research strongly supports iodine supplementation for those with thyroid problems. Italy’s Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes Center at the Catholic University arranged a study to examine the relation of thyroid function and insulin sensitivity following bariatric surgery. BPD increases the prevalence hypothyroidism which can hinder iodine absorption. Iodine supplementation was recommended for patients who reported thyroid discrepancies. ^[3]

Iodine Intake Must be Adequate and Planned

There are a number of foods that will naturally boost the body’s level of iodine.  Organic yogurt (Greek is best), which has exploded in popularity in recent years, is also an excellent source of probiotics.  Strawberries and cranberries are also rich in iodine, as are dairy products, though you should be careful here; I commonly recommend avoiding pasteurized milk.  Potatoes and organic navy beans are two vegetables you can integrate into your diet to increase iodine levels; and kelp, an edible sea vegetable, has the highest concentration of iodine on the planet.

In addition to eating more iodine rich foods, iodine supplements can boost the iodine levels in our bodies.  Generally, there are four types of iodine supplements that offer maximum benefit to the thyroid gland: nascent iodine, transformative Nano-colloidal detoxified iodine, Lugol’s solution iodine, and potassium iodine.  I recommend transformative Nano-colloidal detoxified iodine. This does more than just support thyroid function and optimal metabolism.  Since the body uses iodine for much more than hormone production, a high quality supplement supports the body in other ways too,including neurological health. The Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health at Switzerland’s Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, in a meta-analyses of iodine deficient populations, found such populations experience an average reduction in IQ of 12-13.5 points below the norm! ^[4]

References (4)

1. Gessl A, Lemmens-Gruber R, Kautzky-Willer A. Thyroid disorders. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(214):361-86. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-30726-3_17. Review.


2. Soriguer F, Valdes S, Morcillo S, Esteva I, Almaraz MC, de Adana MS, Tapia MJ, Dominguez M, Gutierrez-Repiso C, Rubio-Martin E, Garrido-Sanchez L, Perez V, Garriga MJ, Rojo-Martinez G, Garcia-Fuentes E. Thyroid hormone levels predict the change in body weight: a prospective study. Eur J Clin Invest. 2011 Nov;41(11):1202-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2011.02526.x. Epub 2011 Apr 7.


3. Gniuli D, Leccesi L, Guidone C, Iaconelli A, Chiellini C, Manto A, Castagneto M, Ghirlanda G, Mingrone G. Thyroid function and insulin sensitivity before and after bilio-pancreatic diversion. Obes Surg. 2010 Jan;20(1):61-8. doi: 10.1007/s11695-009-0005-6. Epub 2009 Nov 3.


4. Zimmermann MB. The effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy and infancy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012 Jul;26 Suppl 1:108-17. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01275.x. Review.