The Silent Epidemic of Iodine Deficiency. In 2. 00. 8, researchers concerned about the growing threat of iodine deficiency analyzed 8. Less than half of those tested contained amounts of iodine sufficient for optimal health. Coupled with the trend of reduced salt consumption, rates of iodine deficiency are now reaching epidemic levels. In the developed world, iodine deficiency has increased more than fourfold over the past 4. Nearly 7. 4% of normal, “healthy” adults may no longer consume enough iodine. The Best Iodine Supplements to Boost Thyroid Function. Low iodine (or even sub optimal. You can also find a complete list of positive side effects and benefits.In this article, the latest data on this dangerous trend are presented. You will learn of iodine deficiency’s profound impact on overall health. You will discover iodine’s vital role in thyroid function and its link to obesity, cognitive impairment, heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and various forms of cancer. You will also find out how iodine can help ward off breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. Unknowingly Robbing Our Bodies. In nature, iodine is a relatively rare element. It’s found in abundance in the ocean.
Its presence in soil, on the other hand, is very low in many places around the world, including the United States. Iodine is essential to life and especially crucial for brain development in children, making its deficiency the number one cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. It also plays a central role in healthy function of your thyroid gland. This is why the most visible symptom of iodine deficiency is goiter—the unsightly, painful enlargement of the thyroid gland that manifests as an enormous swelling around the neck and larynx. While goiter was relatively common a few generations ago, most middle age and younger Americans have never seen it. This is largely due to the industry practice of salt iodization in this country, first implemented in the 1. The Morton company was the first to add iodine to salt in 1. Unfortunately, as evidenced by recent FDA findings, many table salt makers are now failing to add iodine in quantities sufficient to support optimal health. Other consequences of iodine deficiency, so- called iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), are subtle and may inflict greater damage. It is estimated that IDDs affect between 8. The health benefits of reducing salt intake have been well established. Millions of Americans are slashing their use of salt to protect themselves against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. But by cutting our salt intake we are also cutting our iodine intake, which is why mean urinary iodine levels (a measure of iodine sufficiency) plummeted by more than half over a 2. Additional, otherwise healthy behaviors have also contributed to inadequate iodine intake. Low Iodine Diet – Recipes, Benefits & Dangerous Side Effects? Low Iodine Diet – Recipes. What Are The Benefits of the Low Iodine Diet? Iosol iodine drops increase thyroid nutrition. THE LEPTIN DIET; ABOUT US; WELLNESS REWARDS;. Thyroid nutrition to help warm up low body temperature*. It’s even used as a flavor- enhancer in certain foods. Perchlorate blocks the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb and utilize dietary iodine, an effect that is of concern when iodine intake drops off. The US recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iodine is 1. Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has set the tolerable upper limit at 1,1. These guidelines may be inadequate to address certain health conditions. They were first established as sufficient only to prevent goiter. Daily doses for optimal health of 3,0. By way of comparison, the average daily Japanese consumption of iodine ranges from 5,2. The Japanese experience is shedding new light on the importance of iodine, not only for thyroid health, but on other body functions as well. In particular, compelling evidence is emerging about the role of iodine in maintaining breast health, a major concern for millions of American women. Since thyroid function is a puzzle to many people, we’ll begin with a brief overview of that important gland and its requirements for iodine. Then we’ll turn to the role of iodine in maintaining breast health, particularly in preventing breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. Your Thyroid Gland and the Role of Iodine. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your voice box. The thyroid produces two forms of thyroid hormone, both of which are derived from the amino acid tyrosine and several atoms of iodine. Thyroid hormones control your body’s metabolism, regulating everything from body temperature and heart rate to glucose consumption and even blood lipid levels. Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) results in an excessively high metabolic rate. People with this condition have rapid heart rates and often palpitations,2. In extreme cases they may lose weight and experience muscle weakness. Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) results in just the opposite set of symptoms: a slower than normal heart rate,2. In extreme cases, people with low thyroid function experience cognitive decline,3. Cognitive impairment caused by low thyroid function is reversible with iodine or thyroid hormone supplementation. Both over- and under- production of thyroid hormone are associated with the thyroid gland swelling known as goiter. In hyperthyroidism, the goiter is the result of inflammation of the gland as it is under attack by an overactive immune system. In hypothyroidism, the goiter develops as the thyroid attempts to make more thyroid hormone in the absence of sufficient dietary iodine. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter, and since it causes hypothyroidism, is also the most common endocrine (glandular) problem in the world. Iodine deficiency is most prevalent in people who live far inland, away from the oceans that provide our best source of iodine. Those areas are commonly referred to as “goiter belts,” because of the high rates of impaired thyroid function. Iodine deficiency disorders can produce symptoms of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) even without abnormalities in measured thyroid hormone levels. Recent evidence suggests, for example, that iodine deficiency is linked to obesity, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, and a variety of cancers. Paradoxically, another major consequence of mild- to- moderate iodine deficiency in older adults is hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid function), especially in women. This is the result of rapidly growing thyroid gland nodules that over- produce thyroid hormone; it can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting. Among those negative consequences is the impact of iodine deficiency on breast health. Compelling data are emerging that link iodine deficiency to breast cancers and high rates of fibrocystic breast disease, two of the greatest concerns of older women in the US. It’s worth exploring those data here; including evidence that iodine supplementation can promote healthy breast tissue. Fortunately, all iodine deficiency disorders and related health dangers can be prevented by adequate intake of iodine. The Emerging Role of Iodine in Breast Health. Iodine deficiency is rapidly emerging as a major risk factor for breast cancer. Human breast tissue and breast milk contain higher concentrations of iodine than the thyroid gland itself, which contains just 3. Breast tissue is rich in the same iodine- transporting proteins used by the thyroid gland to take up iodine from the blood. The evolutionary reasons for this are clear: iodine is essential to the developing newborn brain, so the mother’s body must have a direct means of supplying iodine to the nursing infant. Iodine plays an important role in the health of women’s breast tissue. In the presence of chemicals and enzymes found in breast tissue, iodine has been shown to exert a powerful antioxidant effect equivalent to vitamin C. Iodine- deficient breast tissue exhibits chemical markers of elevated lipid peroxidation, one of the earliest factors in cancer development. Iodine- deficient breast tissue also shows alterations in DNA and increases in estrogen receptor proteins. Coupled with iodine deficiency- induced increases in circulating estrogen levels, these changes can substantially increase the risk of breast cancer in women with low iodine levels. Iodine also helps regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol and contributes to normal immune function. Abnormal cortisol levels and deficient immune function are significant contributors to the risks of breast cancer; women with fibrocystic breast disease may also suffer from elevated cortisol levels. Taken together, these biological factors explain the well- known link between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer, all of which predominate in postmenopausal women. The link between iodine consumption and breast cancer is most evident when you compare the Japanese and Western diets against cancer incidence. Japanese women consume a diet high in iodine- rich seaweed, which provides them with an iodine intake 2. American woman’s. Japanese women also have breast cancer rates roughly one- third of those found in American women, a difference that disappears in Japanese women who immigrate to the US, where they consume considerably less seaweed. Studies of iodine therapy for breast cancer prevention are encouraging. Continuous iodine given to cancer- prone rats cut mammary tumor rates nearly 2. Breast cancer cells avidly absorb iodine, which in turn suppresses tumor growth and causes cancer cell death. Added dietary iodine reduces the size of both benign and malignant breast tumors, an effect credited in part to iodine’s direct reduction of lipid peroxidation levels. Although the doses of iodine used in these studies are substantial, equivalent to 5,0. Further benefits may be obtained by supplementing with selenium in addition to iodine; selenium is an essential cofactor in the enzymes used in thyroid and breast tissue to make optimal use of dietary iodine. In addition to its obvious role in preventing breast cancer, increased iodine intake may be important in mitigating another common, if less lethal, breast disorder—fibrocystic breast disease or FBD. While harmless, fibrocystic breast disease is extremely common. Iodine deficiency symptoms and benefits . It is needed in only very small amounts by the body. The body normally contains about 2. Smaller quantities are found in the salivary glands, stomach lining, blood, and lactating mammary glands. How Iodine Benefits Health. Iodine is critical to life. This is because it is needed by the thyroid gland for production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It forms an essential component of the hormones. These hormones are vital not only for cell metabolism and normal growth, but also play a part in bio- chemical processes in the body. If there is not enough iodine, then not enough thyroid hormones are produced, leading to damaging effects on the body’s health. The main ways that iodine benefits the body are summarized here.: :Iodine Benefits & Functions. TOPIodine Deficiency Symptoms and Causes. The body cannot make iodine but gets it from the diet. This is determined by the amount of iodine in the food which in turn depends on the content of it in soil and water. Places with iodine- poor soils and snow- fed water or heavy rainfall that lower the level of iodine in water supplies, tend towards a low- iodine diet and greater risk of deficiency. Iodine deficiency symptoms are rare in industralized countries such as the United States and Canada, where cattle feed and table salt are iodized (with iodine added). But many other parts of the world have a low iodine diet and iodine deficiency remains a significant problem globally. Selenium deficiency may also worsen the effect of a low iodine diet. In such cases, the use of iodized salt or iodine supplements might be helpful. Iodine deficiency symptoms are more commonly seen in women, especially pregnant women or those over 5. Goitre, characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland, is often the first sign of iodine deficiency. It results from over- stimulation of the gland as the body tries to produce thyroid hormones in the absence of iodine. The other classic symptom of chronic iodine deficiency is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This leads to other problems. Some can be serious, such as cretinism, a type of mental and physical retardation in children arising from severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy or infancy. It may be possible to correct cretinism in its initial stages with iodine supplementation, if caught early enough. There are certain food compounds known as goitrogens, that hinder the absorption and utilization of iodine by the thyroid gland. Foods that have goitrogens include the cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard and turnip. Also soy and soy products like tofu, and cassava root, millet, peanuts, peaches, and strawberries. People at risk of deficiency should avoid eating a lot of these foods, or at least cook them. Apart from foods containing iodine, the richest source is actually iodized salt. Foods high in iodine are . They work synergistically, which means that the effectiveness of any one nutrient requires, or is enhanced, sometimes dramatically, by the presence of certain other nutrients. For this reason, if you are looking to take supplements for maintenance of optimal health, the recommended approach is to take a multi- vitamin that has the proper balance of all the necessary nutrients your body needs. For a list of reputable top ranked vitamin and mineral supplements chosen in an independent supplement review, see Best Multivitamin Supplements. Many of these are manufactured to pharmaceutical or nutraceutical GMP compliance, which is the highest multivitamin standard possible. Keep in mind, however, that while mineral supplements are useful to plug nutritional gaps that are almost inevitable in modern diets, and to ensure we get optimal doses of nutrients, they are no substitute for a good diet. Instead, use them to complement a healthy diet and lifestyle. TOPIodine RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance)The Food & Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, in their 1. US and Canada, set the daily Adequate Intake (AI) of Iodine as follows. Life Stage . In therapeutic use of this nutrient, dosage is increased as necessary for the ailment, keeping in mind Iodine toxicity levels. Legend. 1 . People get at most 2. Even levels slightly higher than that are generally well tolerated by the body. However, large amounts can be toxic. Children are especially vulnerable to harm from excessive iodine. Excess can occur from eating too many foods high in iodine (like dulse and kelp), or from medication or supplementation. Excessive iodine intake can lead to hyperthyroidism (over- active thyroid), which causes over- production of thyroid hormones. This accelerates the body’s metabolism and results in palpitations, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and weight loss. Interestingly, under certain circumstances, very high intake of iodine can actually have the opposite effect of inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones. This can result in disorders normally associated with deficiency, like goiter and hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of iodine toxicity include: metallic taste in the mouth, a painful mouth or throat, thirst, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, shock or seizures, stupor, delirium. Doses in excess of 1g can cause burning in the mouth, weak heartbeat, and even coma. Certain people, those with an autoimmune thyroid disease (such as Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s disease) or who have ever had hyperthyroidism or an iodine deficiency, are more prone to toxicity from excessive iodine, and should be careful with their intake. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has set Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for iodine. These are levels above which there is risk of toxicity, especially when taken over a long time. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) for Iodine per Day. Age. Male. Female. Pregnancy. Lactation. ND*ND1 to 3 years. Intake should be from food/milk only. The ULs do not apply to the therapeutic use of iodine for treatment, which should be under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Go to top of this page : : Iodine . Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2. U. S. National Libary of Medicine . NLM- NIH home page. Use the built- in search function to find specific data. Accessed 2. 00. 9 March – June. American Thyroid Association. Iodine Deficiency. Accessed 2. 00. 9 Jul 1. The George Mateljan Foundation: The world’s healthiest foods . WHFoods home page. Accessed 2. 00. 9 March – June. Balch JF, Balch PA. Prescription for nutritional healing: A practical A- Z reference to drug- free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs & food supplements. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing; 1. Ulene A. Art Ulene’s complete guide to vitamins, minerals and herbs. New York, NY: Avery Publishing; 2.
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