Being Deficient in Iodine Affects Thyroid Function

Iodine is a chemical element found in trace amounts in humans and is vital to the function of the thyroid gland. The function of iodine in the body is in the synthesis of thyroid hormones: thyronine T4 and triiodothyronine T3, which aid in growth and development.

Thyroid hormones stimulate basal rate of metabolism, oxygen consumption and heat production. Most of your body's organ symptoms are directly or indirectly influenced by thyroid hormones.

Severe Iodine Deficiency Hypothyroidism

This results from a dietary deficiency of iodine. Severe hypothyroidism resulting from iodine deficiencies are primarily seen in underdeveloped countries.

Hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency is so prevalent, in fact, an estimated 5-15% of the entire population in lesser developed countries (e.g. Chile and India) suffer from this condition. This condition is extremely rare in the U.S., due to the inclusion of iodine in table salt and bread products.

How Much Iodine Your Body Needs

The thyroid gland needs 60 mcg of iodine daily to ensure an adequate supply of hormones. Iodine generally has a wide margin of safety, however a consumption of 2,000 micrograms or higher can cause harm. In the past 20 years, dietary iodine intake has decreased dramatically; as a result there was a rise in iodine deficiency occurring mostly in female Caucasians between ages of 40-49.

Iodine Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

When there is an iodine deficiency it leads to a fall in production of thyroid hormones, and an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland or goiter. An iodine deficiency may have negative effects on growth and development especially in the brain.

Foods That Can Interfere With Your Thyroid

Goitrogens are naturally occurring substances that can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Goitrogens get their name from the term "goiter," which means an enlargement of the thyroid gland. If the thyroid gland is having difficulty making thyroid hormone, it may enlarge as a way of trying to compensate for this inadequate hormone production. Some foods that contain goitrogens are:

• Cabbage
• Grapeseed
• Soybeans
• Cauliflower
• Rutabaga
• Mustard Greens
• Turnips
• Peanuts
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts

By cooking these foods it will inactivate the goitrogens.

Signs Of A Severe Iodine Deficiency

If there is a severe iodine deficiency, especially during gestation or early postnatal growth, it results in cretinism which is a syndrome characterized by both mental and physical retardation. In adults, a severe iodine deficiency may result in endemic myxedema, which causes hypofunction of the thyroid gland and a slower metabolic rate. It can also cause:

• Anemia
• An enlarged tongue
• Slow speech
• Puffiness of the hands and face
• Problems with skin and hair
• Drowsiness
• Mental apathy

Sources Of Iodine

Food rich in iodine include:

• Iodized salt
• Fish
• Eggs
• Meat
• Seaweed
• Milk
• Poultry
• Kelp
• Yogurt
• Strawberries
• Mozzarella Cheese

Thyax - A Supplement For Your Thyroid

Progressive Health does have an all natural vitamin supplement called Thyax, which is a high-potency supplement, designed to adjust the metabolic and nutritional alterations caused by underactive thyroid disease, or hypothyroidism

By stimulating the thyroid with natural components, Thyax not only eliminates the many adverse reactions and side effects of conventional thyroxine drugs, but may potentially restore normal thyroid hormone levels, relieve hypothyroidism symptoms, and reverse of any metabolic abnormalities associated with lowered thyroid hormone levels.

To learn more about Thyax, click here.

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