Why is Iodine on the decline?
Iodine is often referred to as the "master mineral" due to its crucial and indispensable role in maintaining thyroid health and overall wellbeing. From a holistic health perspective, iodine is integral for the synthesis and production of essential thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy levels, and even mood stability. These hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), influence and affect nearly every cell in the human body, highlighting iodine's immense significance in achieving homeostasis within our complex systems. Deficiency in iodine can lead to a variety of serious health issues, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and cognitive impairments that can impact daily life and functioning. In the realm of holistic health, low iodine levels can exacerbate conditions such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and even depression, contributing to an overall imbalance in the body's various systems and processes.
Several factors have contributed to the iodine deficiency observed in many populations across the globe.
Iodine deficient foods:
One major cause is the significant decline in iodine-rich foods in modern diets. The prevalence of processed foods, which often lack natural iodine sources has led to an alarming trend of inadequate iodine intake among many individuals. Additionally, soil depletion in certain agricultural regions has markedly reduced the iodine content found in crops that are grown. Environmental factors, such as the presence of goitrogens—substances found in certain foods that can inhibit the proper utilization of iodine—also play a role in this deficiency crisis.
Bromide Toxicity
Bromide has played a significant role in the context of iodine deficiency, primarily due to its chemical similarities and interactions within the human body. Bromine and iodine are both halogens, which means they share similar properties and can compete for absorption in the thyroid gland.
When bromide is present in the diet, it can inhibit the uptake of iodine. This interference occurs because the thyroid gland may absorb bromide in place of iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, higher levels of bromide exposure have been associated with increased risk of iodine deficiency, leading to conditions such as goiter and hypothyroidism. In addition to its competitive nature, bromide is often found in various food and industrial products. It can be present as a preservative in some baked goods and in certain flame retardants. The widespread use of brominated compounds in consumer products means that many individuals may be exposed to bromide more than they realize, thereby increasing their risk of iodine deficiency.
The other Halides
The halides is a group of elements, you can check them out on the Periodic Table: Fluoride, Chlorine, Bromide and Iodine. All of these compete with each other for use, often with the heaviest of the elements getting booted off. And again if you look at the Periodic Table you can see that Iodine is the heaviest and therefore most likely to get booted out for use. Fluoride and Chlorine, similar to Bromide, are abundant in our environment. Both are used in our water, chlorine for treatment, and fluoride because industries wanted a way to dispose of byproducts…I mean, because the government wants to protect us and our teeth. With the known neurotoxic effects of Fluoride, I would prefer we keep it to our toothpaste if we use it at all. Research around its efficacy for our teeth is questionable. Chlorine on the other hand is in drinking water and also pools so we’re soaking it in via our skin, too.
Mercury Toxicity
We know mercury is prevalent in our environment. One of the most common sources is from amalgams (silver fillings). Thankfully these fillings are on the decline, but those of us who got caught in the ignorance of those days, those shiny silver fillings are now known to slowly leech mercury into our systems every time they’re agitated. Add to this known mercury exposure from fish and seafood, broken fluorescent light bulbs, and herbicides and pesticides. Mercury is known to compete with iodine for receptors especially within the thyroid gland, often leading to hypothyroid issues.
In today's rapidly evolving health landscape, addressing iodine deficiency is absolutely vital for promoting holistic health and overall wellbeing. Ensuring adequate iodine intake through informed dietary choices, lifestyle modifications, or thoughtful supplementation can help restore balance and enhance overall vitality, making a significant difference in life quality.
My favorite tool for testing Iodine levels is of course the Oligoscan Mineral and Heavy Metal Test. We’re able to look at Iodine levels along with Mercury and Fluoride levels in your tissues, plus other important minerals, vitamins and metals that you have stored in your peripheral tissues. I will then set you up with a plan to help balance your levels for optimal health.