Thyroid Health Depends on Iodine Intake

Old men, a long time ago, named the two most common diseases of the thyroid after themselves. 

Dr. Hashimoto and Dr. Graves were at each end of the thyroid seesaw with the bulging eyed Graves’ patients becoming hyperthyroid like actor Maggie Smith and Hashimoto at the hypothyroid end, with patients with too many white cells slowing down the thyroid, like singer Linda Ronstadt.

They were also at each end of the world.  Dr. H was in Japan where excess iodine in the diet was not uncommon due to seafood  on the daily menu,  Dr. G. drove his horse and cart  in the over farmed  wilds of  Ireland where all  food was scarce. 

Iodine is a trace element, stored in the thyroid gland.  It has been on the earth since the time there was only light and dark.  It is found in brine pools by the sea and is an original element in soil. We are born with some and sustain an adequate supply as we grow through what we eat. 

By living to 70, little more than a teaspoon full is required.  As there is no place in the body to store iodine other than the thyroid, it is passed in urine. Adults should have 150 micro grams daily and pregnant and lactating women at least 220 to 290. 

Changes in our food sources and a heavy reliance on prepared foods have limited the amount of iodine available.  Recent studies have shown that iodine sufficiency of the U.S. population could be at risk. Fast foods operations are not compelled to add iodine to the salt use, iodinated salt being our major source of iodine in North America.

Too little iodine decreases the production of hormones made in the thyroid gland. When iodine intake falls below 100 micro grams, TSH increases.   During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects.

If you suspect that there is inadequate iodine in your diet,talk to a nutritionist or your healthcare practitioner.

Thyrometrix SMART TSH System could be your first step to understanding  your thyroid. Check out Medstartr in  a week or two,