From the benefits of incorporating it to the hazards of disregarding it
An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of them are unaware of their underlying imbalance; not because of lack of symptoms or discomfort but because thyroid conditions are largely misdiagnosed, going left un-treated.
I don't share these statistics to cause alarm or trigger hypochondria. Heck, this article isn't even specifically in regards to those imbalances.
This article is, however, to shine awareness onto the most over-looked and disregarded treatment for thyroid conditions. This article is about iodine.
Some beneficial information on iodine:
A trace mineral, naturally present in certain vegetables, fish and shellfish, seaweeds, and plants grown in iodine-rich soil
Essential for human health and hormone production, playing an important role in physical and mental development
Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable mental retardation, brain damage, and learning difficulties for children in the world
Responsible for neurodevelopment during pregnancy
Improves cognitive functions
Protects the thyroid from the hazards of radiation
Can be used topically in a liquid form to help treat and prevent infections; killing bacteria in and around mild cuts and scrapes
The most noticeable consequences of iodine deficiency involve, full circle, defects in thyroid hormone production.
"Iodine is the most misunderstood nutrient. After 12 years of practicing medicine, I can say that it is impossible to achieve your optimal health if you do not have adequate iodine levels. I have yet to see any item that is more important for promoting health." -Dr. David Brownstein
Symptoms of iodine deficiency include:
Enlargement of the thyroid gland causing a bulge in the neck (goiter)
Fatigue
Constipation
Mental fog and/or attention deficit
Sensitivity to cold temperatures
Increased occurrences of fibrocystic breast disorder and breast cancer
Hair loss
Hearing and speech pattern interruptions
Reduced fertility
Compressed respiratory airways
The extra cool thing about the human body is its resilience; its bounce back-ability. The way that, once we're aware and taking steps to better care for it, it can course-correct and begin healing itself nearer the optimal way it's intended to.
Steps to get your iodine levels in check:
1. Research and build a relationship with a physician that is educated in iodine-testing and regulation. This may seem easy, but most Western doctors receive minimal education in regards to iodine (or nutrition or the immune system, for that matter). They're out there and becoming more prevalent, though! Just takes a little digging. This could be a good resource to start.
2. Because your body does not produce iodine, it needs to be supplied in your diet. Some iodine-rich foods to include are: seaweeds, blueberries, fresh seafood (fish, shrimp, and prawns), humanely-raised chicken, black-eyed peas, bananas, and more.
3. Supplementation. A teaspoon of iodine is all a person requires in a lifetime, but because iodine cannot be stored for long periods, small amounts are needed regularly. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), recommended dietary allowances for iodine are:
1 to 8 years old: 90 micrograms
9 to 13 years old: 120 micrograms
14 years and older: 150 micrograms
Pregnant: 220 micrograms
Lactating: 290 micrograms
Considering the delicacy of iodine supplementation and how individually-based its accumulated impacts are within the body, it's recommended that you align with a knowledgeable physician as you begin your path back to (iodine) balance.
Take care, stay informed, and take back control of your health and well-being.
By Sam Jump
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