Iodine is a trace element that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are vital for the proper functioning of the liver, kidneys, muscles, brain, and central nervous system. Iodine plays a key role in regulating metabolism and is crucial for fetal and child neurodevelopment, as well as the function of various organs and tissues. In a healthy adult, the body contains approximately 15–20 mg of iodine, with 70–80% of it stored in the thyroid gland.
Iodine is typically obtained through diet, but prior to the fortification of table salt in the 1920s, iodine deficiency was widespread in the U.S. and goiter was an epidemic. U.S. Public Health Service surveys in the 1920s reported goiter rates of 70% to 100% in schoolchildren in portions of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since the 1940s, iodine deficiency in the U.S. has not been considered a significant issue. However, recent data suggests otherwise. It seems that iodine levels in the U.S. have been declining in recent decades. U.S. dietary iodine intakes have decreased by 50% since the 1970s, and recently, iodine deficiency has reemerged as is apparent by the high rates of thyroid disorders.
More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.
- An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.
- Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
- Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
Seven Signs of Iodine Deficiency:
1) Hair Loss- Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones that prevent hair loss
2) Hoarseness- the thyroid enlarges when it is iodine deficient and it can impact the vocal chords
3) Weight Gain - Slow metabolism. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, iodine is needed to support the thryoid
4) Enlarged tongue- how can you tell if your tongue is enlarged? the outer rim of the tongues has ridges/grooves
5) Elevated Estrogen levels & Low Testosterone - Heavy periods cramping, low testosterone. For men iodine deficiency shows up as low testosterone. Both men and women need testosterone to prevent muscle loss and osteoporosis
6) Lower Cognitive Function- Iodine deficiency can result in difficulty in decision making, memory loss, short attention span, and lower IQ. These symptoms show in both children and adults. In fact, even mild cases of iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause mental retardation. Indeed, iodine deficiency is regarded as the leading preventable cause of mental retardation.
7) Depression
The simple method of increasing iodine levels is by supplementation. I used to take nascent iodine orally if I was coming down with the flu or virus. However, it is quite strong, and a little goes a long way.
Transdermal iodine application is a safer alternative and even some people with hypothyroid do this successfully. But it is controversial.
If you do not have hypothyroid, For daily use you can paint the skin with a little Lugols solution iodine.
However, The best way to obtain iodine is from your diet, that way the body can decide how much iodine it actually needs, and it will obtain other trace minerals necessary for the thyroid and for proper iodine absorption.
For more information on dietary iodine and for a complete thyroid rejuvenation solution read the rest of this article below.
Food Sources of Iodine
The body cannot manufacture iodine naturally, you can only consume it through iodine-rich foods.
1) Purple Sea Moss- Sea Moss, or Irish Moss, is rich in Iodine which is critical for Thyroid Health
Even WebMD had to say "Sea moss is full of iodine, so it should help people with hypothyroidism , a condition where your body doesn't make enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your body's metabolism."
Sea Moss is a nutritional powerhouse, promoted by Dr Sebi for its high nutrient content, detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sea moss is a seaweed that grows along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and is loaded with health benefits. It contains 92 out of 102 nutrients essential to the body.
The other naturally occurring trace minerals in Sea Moss work synergistically with iodine to support the thyroid.
Trace minerals help activate enzymes and proteins in the body. Organs like the thyroid and pancreas cant function without enzymes.
Chondrus Crispus or Purple Sea Moss is known as the King of Sea Moss, much higher in minerals than Gold Sea Moss.
At Joseph's Organic Bakery we offer Highest Quality Purple Irish Sea Moss or Chondrus Crispus. Wildcrafted never farmed.
To learn click here or see product below
2) Dietary Sea Kelp or Kombu- Sea Kelp
Sea kelp is rich in iodine, be sure to source your Sea Kelp from clean waters.
If you have hypothyroid, Start slowly with real Sea Kelp (not with the supplement) and increase weekly.
Purple Sea Moss- Sea Moss, or Irish Moss, is rich in Iodine which is critical for Thyroid Health
Sea Moss is a nutritional powerhouse, promoted by Dr Sebi for its high nutrient content, detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties. For centuries, people have used it as a natural remedy for different health conditions.
Sea moss is a seaweed that grows along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and is loaded with health benefits. It contains 92 out of 102 nutrients essential to the body.
Other Common Causes of Thyroid Issues:
Sometimes it's not just iodine or mineral deficiencies that causes thyroid problems. In fact underactive thyroid can be caused by other key factors and consuming iodine rich foods will not help unless one or more of these other problems are resolved first, depending upon the person and situation.
Causes of Thyroid Disorders:
1) Liver Toxicity: the liver plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone metabolism, transport, and detoxification. A clogged and toxic liver can cause thyroid problems.
Its vital to detox the liver periodically.
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2) Hormonal Problems: Thyroid dysfunction affects women more than men. The American Thyroid Association reports that women are 5-8 times more likely to experience thyroid issues. Research indicates that estrogen may contribute to this gender disparity. The risk of developing an underactive thyroid gland increases with age. It is about 10 times more common in women than men. So it is common for midlife women going through menopause to also have an underactive thyroid. It's thought that 12–20% of women over the age of 60 years may have an underactive thyroid.
Estrogen, a hormone primarily linked to female reproductive health, can affect thyroid function in various ways. It enhances the production of thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), which binds to thyroid hormones, reducing the amount of free thyroid hormone available to the body. This may lead to symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
3) Digestive Problems: A dysfunctional digestive system, often referred to as "leaky gut" or gut dysbiosis, can contribute to or worsen thyroid issues, as the gut and thyroid are closely interconnected.
Nutrient Absorption:
The digestive system plays a key role in absorbing essential nutrients, including iodine and trace minerals, which is vital for thyroid hormone production. If the gut is not functioning properly and is unable to absorb nutrients, thyroid problems can ensue.
4) Dysfunctional Immune System- Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissues. In the case of hypothyroidism, the immune system targets the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing thyroid hormones. This damage can reduce thyroid hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism.
Leaky gut and inflammation can contribute to a dysfunctional immune system.
Thyroid Rejuvenation Plan
At Joseph's Organic Bakery Our Thyroid Rejuvenation Plan has helped hundreds of customers with Low thyroid.
To learn more about the Thyroid Support Plan please call 954-541-4062
1) Cistus Tea- Cistus Tea aids in thyroid rejuvenation. click here to learn more
2) Green Tea- Cistus Tea and Green Tea work synergistically to combat inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroid or low thyroid. Green Tea also assists with Liver Detoxification. Toxic liver can cause thyroid problems.
However, in case of caffeine sensitivity, eliminate the green tea and take the cistus tea alone.
click here to learn more
3) Balance- for women with low thyroid. click here to learn more
4) Immune Pro- for men and women . click here to learn more
5) Boost- For men and Women with low energy, chronic stress, or high blood sugar
for more info call 954-541-4062
Things to Avoid if you want to protect your thyroid
1) Fluoride- Fluoride exposure can interfere with iodine absorption and thyroid function potentially leading to iodine deficiency and related health issues. use a water filter
2) Chlorine-
"Addition of chlorine during water purification reduces iodine content of drinking water and contributes to iodine deficiency"
Use a Water filter in the kitchen and Shower
3) Bromide- Bromine competes with Iodine
Avoid commercial breads and baked goods that use flour with added bromide. (most commercial breads and baked goods use bromated flours)
Opt for real Ancient Grain Breads with no added bromides or dough conditioners click here to learn more