Iodine
Nature’s Thyroid Nutrient
Iodine is essential for optimal thyroid gland function. According to Rhoda Barns M.D., hypothyroidism is the most under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed medical condition in America. He stated the reason for this is that the medical profession is trained to uncover and diagnose disease. It is possible for the thyroid not to be diseased, but to be under-performing. Many conditions that medical doctors state as “all in your head” are in fact functioning less than optimal.
Although iodine is needed only in trace amounts, it is only a very small difference in iodine that makes the difference between a creative Einstein like genius and a helpless idiot. A small difference between disease and high level wellness.
There is also a medical condition known as Secondary Hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland is functioning perfectly, but the pituitary gland is under-performing, causing the thyroxine to be blocked and unable to be delivered to the cell. In naturopathic medicine, we do not believe it is possible for the thyroid gland to function optimally without an abundant supply of this essential trace mineral.
While it is true that most Americans may not be suffering from a goiter or a diagnosed thyroid disease. Most Americans are deficient in iodine because of it being deficient in our soil. As a result most people’s thyroid gland are operating sub-optimally.
In naturopathic medicine, we never drug the thyroid with harmful drugs. There are two aspects of the thyroid that we address in drugless medicine. One is the actual hormonal insufficiency itself, with natural thyroid hormone replacement. This requires naturopathic/medical monitoring, which requires that you be under professional care. The second is the nutritional aspect, which can be addressed with sensible self-care.
The thyroid like all other glands, organs and systems of the body requires specific nutrition. The thyroid is an iodine organ. This means more of this specific element is stored in the thyroid than any other part of the body.
Liquid iodine addresses the nutritional aspect of the thyroid more effectively than any other known supplement today for reasons presented to you in our introduction.
Hormones produced by the thyroid regulate and control the metabolism of the body, increasing the assimilation of cell salts. The thyroid controls digestion, elimination, heart rate, body temperature, nervous system, reproductive system, metabolism, physical and mental energy, moods, fat burning and weight control.
Iodine protects the brain and central nervous system from harmful toxins and helps neutralize toxins in the rest of the body. Iodine helps to assimilate calcium and silicon.
Skin conditions such as dry and scaly skin are often related to the thyroid.
Natural food sources of iodine:
Kelp Garlic Irish moss Mushrooms
Eggs Squash Asparagus Raw spinach
Pears Papaya Ocean fish Sesame seeds
Dulse Pineapple Lima beans Turnip greens
Mango Celtic salt Swiss chard Sea vegetables
Herbal formulas:
Kelp Irish moss Chinese garlic
Homeopathic remedies:
#54 #806
Botanical healing teas:
Metabolic balancer
Naturopathic food medicines:
Thyroid broth Irish moss/Kelp Green gorilla
Phytonutrient/Nutracuticel supplements:
Sea life Natural thyroid hormone
17 super minerals Replacement Rx therapy
Symptoms of iodine deficiency:
Acne Depression Can’t stand cold
Goiter Miscarriage Cold extremities
Sterility Weight gain Hypothyroidism
Bloating High-strung High cholesterol
Dry skin Constipation Hyperthyroidism
Lethargy Nervousness Slow metabolism
Infertility Low body heat Hormonal imbalance
Cretinism Excess body fat Inability to concentrate
Scaly skin Can’t stand heat Inability to gain weight
Frustration
Inability to adapt to temperature change