Why Iodine is Vital for Thyroid Function

Isn't it interesting that this tiny little gland called the Thyroid is responsible for major functions of our body? Like managing how quickly the body uses energy, regulates the rate of metabolism and controls how sensitive the body should be to other hormones? With this kind of importance in the body it seems like the Thyroid would be a huge discussion topic at every water cooler and doctor's office.  I won't get on my soap box and go into consipiracy theories now, but let's just say the Thyroid rules (literally).  Like any good leader it needs support. In the case of the Thyroid, one critical form of support is Iodine. 

Iodine and the Thyroid

It has long been known by medical professionals and doctors, like D.C. Jarvis, that Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormone in the body.  According to Thyroid.org, Iodine deficiency can lead to Hypothyroidism, Goiters and Pregnancy-related problems.  Since the body does not make Iodine on its own, we get Iodine through our diet (if we are lucky). 

40% of the world's population remain at risk for Iodine deficiency... [and] Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide.

– Thyroid.org

I'm Getting Enough Iodine, Right? (um...)

Many sites including Thyroid.org claim we get enough Iodine through our diet. You might even be thinking "Wait a minute...I eat table salt which has Iodine, right?" Yes, that's true! Table salt does have Iodine. However, you may not know that Iodine is easily displaced by other halogen elements Flourine/Flouride, Chlorine, and Bromine commonly found in our diet.

Flourine/Flouride is commonly used in drinking water and toothpaste. Chlorine is often used in water purification, and Bromine is in most grocery-store bread (shocking!). These common halogen elements displace Iodine. Meaning, if this were the WWF, Flourine, Chlorine and Bromine would kick Iodine 's butt. So while you might be getting Iodine, you might also be consuming elements that remove Iodine from the body. For real scientific details go here.  

How do we test for Iodine deficiency?

There is tons of great information on this topic, but basically a simple at-home Iodine Patch Test can be done. For instructions on Iodine Patch Testing visit Natural Health Techniques.

How much Iodine do we need?

There is a lot of discussion and debate about how much Iodine is needed to treat deficiency. Curezone has some great patient-to-patient information on how much Iodine to take.

Ah, the Thyroid. The tiny little gland with so much responsibility. If you don't already, its time to love your Thyroid like it rules your world.

Buy Lugol's Solution of Iodine and get a FREE copy of my hypothyroid worksheet 

xxoo

Lizzy

Comments

[Kara Larocco]

I am hypothyroid and on Armour. I do take kelp too. I got my thyroid levels correct first and then I did a few iodine patch tests to see if it picked up a deficiency. It showed I was deficient, so I started the kelp. Many people do fine with a little bit of iodine, then there are others that don't. I started out by taking powdered kelp, but the problem with powdered kelp is that there are no dosages. Plus, iodine deficiency is a symptom, not a cause. There are other, more pressing headaches associated with hypothyroidism. Metabolism, for starters, which can play hell with your immune system, and also your mental health. If you look at a nurses' guide, you'll see that thyroid issues can lead to some chemical difficulties in brain/body day-to-day functioning.