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Iodine Deficiency
Perhaps one of the most significant risk factors for optimal health is the potential for nutritional
deficiencies.
One of the most important and prevalent deficiencies today is the current lack of iodine in our
diet. Here are some statistics:
In the last 30 years, according to the
National Health Nutritional Examination
Survey,
iodine levels have decreased by 50% (1).
In one clinical study by thyroid expert Dr.
David Brownstein, more than 96% of over
5000 patients tested were iodine deficient (2).
According to the
World Health Organization, iodine deficiency affects 72% of the
world's population (3).
Since
1980, when iodine levels began to decline, thyroid diseases have become very common
and taking thyroid medicine has become so accepted that, sadly, we don't even consider it a
disease anymore.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency include, among other things, fatigue, cold hands and feet, "brain
fog," increased need for sleep, dry skin, thinning hair, and constipation.
Even if you eat a healthy diet, it's easy to become iodine deficient.
Join me as I reveal why
iodine deficiency is so prevalent these days, and the best ways to lock in those iodine stores.
Benefits of
Iodine
Supports
Immunity
Supports
Natural Detoxification
Supports Thyroid Function
Supports
Cellular Metabolism
Supports
Optimal Hormonal Function
Supports
Memory,
Energy,
Mood, and
Weight
Iodine may provide immune support for optimal breast health, as the breast tissue
concentrates more iodine than the thyroid (9).
Why is Iodine So Important?
While most of us are aware that iodine is a precursor to making thyroid hormones, the role of
iodine only begins with the thyroid. Iodine receptors exist in each of the many trillions of cells in
the body and regulate cellular
function, like the movement of nutrition into the cell and the
lymph drainage of toxins out of each cell. Iodine was thought to be an antibiotic in the 1800's.
Even today, before surgery, doctors rub the area to be operated on with iodine, not Neosporin, to
support immunity.
Protects
Against Heavy Metals,
Chemicals & Toxins
Maybe even more important is the role of iodine in protecting cells from the chemical and toxic
load that has reached unprecedented levels in our environment.
Chlorine (4), bromine (5) and
fluorine (
6, 7) are halogens like iodine. When iodine levels are low, the empty iodine receptors in
our bodies pick up these other halogens or their chemical byproducts that may be toxic at high
levels.
Heavy metals, environmental pollutants, pesticides, outgassing furniture, carpets,
pollutants, pesticides and estrogens from plastics may be more aggressive when iodine levels are
low. These toxins compromise iodine levels, which may inhibit thyroid function, cellular
metabolism, hormonal balance, and many other cellular functions.
Protects Against
Radiation
Since
Chernobyl and, more recently, the
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, radioactive iodines
have been released into the global environment. These radioactive iodines compete for iodine
receptors and may rob the body of functional iodine.
Thyroid cancer has risen steadily. Prior to
Chernobyl and the global increase of nuclear power, there were no reported cases of childhood
thyroid cancer and today it is one of the fastest growing cancers in children. After Chernobyl,
people for hundreds of miles around that area were given potassium iodide pills to fill their
iodine receptors and protect the individuals from radiation poisoning.
Radiation poisoning may
damage the thyroid and other iodine sensitive tissues like the breast, prostate, brain, gastric
mucosa, salivary glands, cerebrospinal fluid and ovaries.
Why
We Are Iodine Deficient: Possible
Factors Linked to Iodine Deficiency
Toxins compete with iodine receptors
Iodine-depleted soil
Chlorinated and fluoridated water
Baked goods no longer use iodine as a dough conditioner
Lack of iodine in our diet
Lower salt consumption
Iodized salt loses
100% of iodine content after exposure to air for 4 weeks
Read more at http://lifespa.com/Iodine
- published: 21 Nov 2012
- views: 23416