subject: Iodine and Thyroid Disease [print this page] Iodine and Thyroid Disease Iodine and Thyroid Disease
Iodine is an essential trace element that is essential for the normal growth and development. Iodine intake has been decreasing in the U.S. since the early 70s as a result of changes in Americans' food and dietary habits, and because, as recently published research shows, iodized salt may contain far less than the amount of iodine listed on the label.Iodine deficiency has largely been confined to the developing world for several generations, but reductions in salt consumption and changes in dairy processing practices eliminating the use of iodine-based disinfectants have led to increasing prevalence of the condition in Australia and New Zealand in recent years. Around 60% of the iodine in the body is stored in the thyroid gland. The health benefits of iodine play a very important role in the normal functioning of the thyroid glands, which secretes thyroid hormones that control the basic metabolic rate of the body. Iodine is necessary for the body's production of thyroid hormones, which, in addition to regulating metabolic rate, direct brain development, so iodine is critical in the fetus (the brain is formed during the 1st trimester of pregnancy), infants and children (brain development continues through adolescence). Deficiency in iodine is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation in the world. Even a mild iodine deficit in pregnant women, infants, and children, can lower intelligence by 10-15 IQ points, lessening an individual's mental abilities throughout life. Your physician or nutritionist can test your iodine levels via a urinalysis test, if you wish to be evaluated.
The health benefits of iodine help in the optimum utilization of calories thereby preventing its storage as excess fats. There is increasing evidence that iodine is related to numerous diseases, including cancer. Iodine has been found to be effective with hypothyroidand hyperthyroidconditions, goiter, fibrocysticbreasts, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, brain fog, constipation, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, and detoxification issues (mercury, perchlorate, fluoride, bromide). Other benefits of iodine are removal of toxins from the body and assistance for the system in utilizing calcium and silicon.Deficiency of iodine can have serious effects. Selenium is also involved in making thyroid hormones, and a lack of selenium exacerbates iodine deficiency. The two minerals by themselves may not increase thyroid activity, but they should be included in any treatment for low thyroid activity. Try 1,000 to 5,000 micrograms of iodine and 200 to 300 micrograms of selenium. Asthma. Several studies have found that large supplemental amounts of iodine can reduce viscous bronchial secretions in adults and children with asthma. The research suggests that iodine plays a role in modulating immune cells and may have anti-inflammatory benefits. Take 1,000 to 4,000 micrograms daily. Start at the lower dose. Fibrocysticbreast disease. Several studies have found iodine supplements helpful in resolving painful breast cysts. Benefits were noted after six to 18 months of supplementation. According to Brownstein, the breasts are a major reservoir of iodine. Try 5,000 to 6,000 micrograms daily. Blood sugar. Some clinical reports suggest that very large supplemental amounts of iodine may improve blood sugar levels and enhance weight loss. The treatments used 50 to 100 milligrams of iodine--an extremely large amount that should be taken only with a physician's guidance.
The symptoms of iodine deficiency include frustration, depression, mental retardation, poor perception levels, goiter, abnormal weight gain, decreased fertility, coarse skin, chances of still birth in expectant mothers, constipation and fatigue. In severe cases mental retardation associated with diseases such as cretinism, characterized by serious physical malformations, could be the result. According to WHO reports, iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of mental retardation all over. Natural Resources: Seafood, iodized salt, and sea vegetables-for example, kelp-are high in iodine. Processed food may contain added iodized salt. Iodine is frequently found in dairy products. Vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil also contain this mineral.
Iodine for Thyroid SupportHere! Peace Out- VitaminJoe
