When experiencing fatigue, depression, weight gain, memory loss, hair loss, muscle cramps, dry skin, decreased libido, cold feet, confusion, delirium, or even heart failure, an under-performing thyroid (hypothyroidism) and iodine deficiency could be the culprits. However, many doctors don’t consider these conditions, and often hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency go undiagnosed.
With hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency —which are interconnected— being vital aspects of our overall health, self-assessment as well as understanding the importance of these conditions can help optimize health and wellbeing.
Identifying Hypothyroidism and Iodine Deficiency
To suspect hypothyroidism, you can easily assess your basal body temperature. For the most accurate assessment, take your underarm temperature for three consecutive mornings before getting out of bed. Calculate the average of these temperatures. If it is one degree or more below 98.6°F (37°C), this may indicate hypothyroidism.
Similarly, it’s reasonable to request an iodine-loading test from your doctor. One method is rubbing food-grade iodine (Lugol’s) on a small spot across the arm. If the iodine disappears overnight, this may signify an iodine deficiency.
Understanding Iodine’s Role
Chances are most people have an iodine deficiency, as it is generally low in agricultural soils. Iodine is essential for the entire body, but it is concentrated in the thyroid, prostate gland, and breast tissue. If you have an iodine deficiency, using thyroid hormone supplementation without first or simultaneously correcting the iodine deficit may worsen this deficiency, as thyroid hormones increase the body’s need for iodine. Some alternative doctors recommend using Armour Thyroid, a natural thyroid hormone from pigs, available from compounding pharmacies.
According to Dr. David Brownstein’s book, ‘Iodine, Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It’:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that iodine deficiency is the world’s greatest single cause of preventable mental retardation.
- Iodine supplementation markedly increases urinary excretion of fluoride and bromide.
- More than 90% of Brownstein’s tested patients displayed laboratory signs of iodine deficiency.
- In the brain, iodine concentrates in the substantia nigra, an area associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- Iodine deficiency is a primary underlying cause of numerous illnesses, including thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and a variety of cancers (such as breast and prostate).
- The thyroid gland, breast, and prostate gland primarily utilize iodine.
- Breast cysts have been treated with iodine for over 50 years.
- Iodine deficiency is a causal factor in breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease.
- The relationship between hypothyroidism and breast cancer has been reported for more than 100 years.
- Thyroid hormone is essential for normal brain development.
- In children, iodine deficiency can result in mental retardation and goiter (enlarged thyroid).
- Research has found an almost 50% increase in infant mortality due to iodine deficiency.
- Many studies indicate that children in iodine-deficient areas have lower IQs compared to children in iodine-sufficient regions.
Taking Iodine Seriously
The takeaway is that your iodine status should not be ignored. Regularly assessing hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency is vital for optimal health. A well-balanced diet that focuses on iodine-rich foods can help prevent dietary deficiencies. Foods such as sea vegetables, iodine-enriched table salt, certain fish (cod, tuna, and shrimp), dairy products, and some fruits are good sources of iodine. However, always consult a healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your diet or lifestyle to ensure the best possible outcome for long-term health.
