Answer These Questions and Find Out
* Are you overweight, or do you have difficulty losing weight?
* Do you get cold easily or have a consistency low body temperature?
* Do you have problems with dry skin, or hair falling out?
* Do you suffer from a lack of energy?
* Do you often feel depressed or lethargic?
* Have you ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder of any kind?
* Do you drink, swim, soak or bathe in chlorinated or bromated water?
* For women only: Have you had fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis or breast cancer?
If you answer yes to more than three of these questions, it is highly likely that you are deficient in an essential nutritional element-iodine. In fact, if you answer yes to even two or three of these questions, increasing your iodine may be a key to improving your health.
Why Are So Many People Iodine Deficient?
There are two reasons why many people are deficient in iodine. First, iodine is a rare element on Planet Earth. Among the elements, it is 62nd in abundance in the earth. Iodine is most prevalent in seawater, so plants from the sea (seaweed), fish and other seafoods are the most abundant sources of iodine. People who consume seaweed and other ocean-based foods on a regular basis are less likely to be iodine deficient, but people who don't will likely have very little iodine in their diet. Also, seafoods harvested from waters polluted with mercury will not be good sources of iodine because mercury displaces iodine.
But, there is another reason why iodine deficiency is common. There are many chemicals we are exposed to in modern society that rob the body of iodine. These include halogens (such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide), mercury, aspirin and other salycilates and unfermented soy products. (For more information, see Iodine Robbers inside.) As a result, what little iodine we do get is often "kicked out" of the body.
Like many of the other US RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances), the amount of iodine recommended is just enough to prevent severe, overt symptoms of iodine deficiency, such as goiters, stunted physical growth or mental retardation. It isn't enough to create optimal health. And, while iodized salt has resulted in a reduction in goiter in many inland states, many people are starting to avoid salt because they believe it is bad for their health.
The primary use for iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones. One in ten adult American women has a diagnosed thyroid problem, yet some endocrinologists have suggested that as many as one in four women have some form of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 1 and 1.5 billion people worldwide are at risk for thyroid disorders. WHO also recognizes iodine deficiency as the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation. It is clear that iodine deficiency may be a very common problem.
Iodine Is Essential for The Thyroid
Many thyroid disorders are nothing mote than an iodine deficiency. Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., in his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It, states that iodine deficiency may be involved in more than just low thyroid (hypothyroid function). It may also be involved in autoimmune thyroid disorders including Graves' and Hashimoto's disease. Iodine supplementation may be an inexpensive answer to solving many people's thyroid issues.
I Don't Have a Thyroid Problem, Could I Still Be Deficient in Iodine?
While it is true that the highest concentration of iodine in the body is found in the thyroid gland, the thyroid isn't the only organ that needs iodine. Every cell in the body needs iodine. Some of the other organs and systems that have large concentrations of iodine include breast tissue, salivary glands and the gastric mucosa, the ciliary body of the eye, and the cerebrospinal fluid and brain.
Iodine works in the body to emulsify (make water-soluble) fats, oils and waxes. It loosens fatty substances from surfaces and activates lecithin. Iodine also helps the immune system because it is antibacterial, anticancerous, antiviral and antiparasitic. So, besides helping the body burn fats, iodine also helps prevent infections of various kinds. It even has anticancerous properties.
Besides thyroid and immune disorders, a lack of iodine may also be involved in breast, prostate and uterine cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, chronic infections, parasites and other ailments. A complete list of conditions iodine supplementation may be helpful for in is found in the box below.
Conditions Iodine Has Helped – Here is a list of conditions that have shown improvement by increasing iodine intake and/or improving thyroid function:
Allergies
Arthritis
Breast disease
Cancer
Candida
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Sinus Problems
Coronary Artery Disease
Cystic Breasts
Cystic Ovaries
Diabetes
Endometriosis
Excess Mucus production
Fatigue and lethargy
Fibromyalgia
Gout Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Hyportension
Infertility
Mental Disorders
Migraine Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Obesity
Ovarian Cysts
Parotid Duct Stones
PMS
Psoriasis
Sebaceous Cysts
Skin Problems
How Do I Correct Iodine Deficiency?
Iodine is most abundant in sea vegetables or seaweeds. In cultures where seaweeds are consumed as a regular part of the diet, there are few, if any, thyroid problems. In coastal areas of Japan, where larger quantities of iodine are consumed there are remarkably low levels of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, and few prostate problems in men.
The amount of iodine consumed by people living on the Japanese coastline averages about 13.8 mg. daily, which is over 100 times the U.S. RDA. Dr. Guy Abraham, one of the world's leading researchers on iodine, suggested that 13 mg. per day was the amount required for optimal health, at least for women. This is based on 6 mg. being required by the thyroid, 5 mg. by the breast tissue and 2 mg. for the rest of the body.
One of the best ways to get more iodine is to eat more seaweeds, such as kelp, dulse, Irish moss, bladderwrack and others. Black walnut appears to be one of the few land-based plants that contains a significant amount of iodine.
Dulse is available in liquid form, extracted in glycerine. This is a pleasant-tasting way to increase iodine intake, and a good way to increase the iodine intake of children. About 1/4 teaspoon (15-20 drops) of Liquid Dulse will supply 225 micrograms (mcg.) of natural iodine. A full teaspoon, therefore, will supply about 1 milligram (mg.) of iodine.
Kelp is another good source of iodine and can be taken in capsules or sprinkled on food. It is an important ingredient in many thyroid formulas.
Another seaweed, bladderwrack contain di-iodotyrosine, a chemical configuration containing iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. There are two of these configurations (hence the di- ). All the thyroid gland has to do .is join two of these di-iodotyrosine molecules together and it has produced T4 or thyroxin, the main thyroid hormone. This helps explain why herbs like bladderwrack have been historically used to aid weight loss programs. Bladderwrack is present in CelluSmooth, a formula used to help burn cellulite and fat deposits. It is also found in Ultamate GreenZone.
Kelp, Dulse and other seaweeds have also been sprinkled on foods as a salt substitute. Since seaweeds are high in both sodium and potassium, important mineral electrolytes, they have a mildly salty flavor. Various kinds of seaweeds can be purchased in bulk from health food stores and added to soups, stews, etc. to add flavor and increase nutritional value. Other seafoods will also help.
Besides the seaweeds, Black Walnut is a source of iodine. This is especially true for the ATC Concentrated Black Walnut, which concentrates the black walnut 4 to 1 by extracting the herb and then drying the extract on the whole herb powder. Since iodine is highly water soluble, this process concentrates the iodine, too.
Black walnut has traditionally been used for parasites and infections, and part of its action may be due to its iodine content. Dr. Kimberly Balas, ND, participated in an unpublished fibromyalgia study with a respected doctor in the natural health field. In the study, fibromyalgia patients were divided into three groups. The other doctor used Omega-3 essential fatty acids with his group. A second group received a new drug. Kimberly Balas was in charge of the third group and was supposed to pick an herb to act as a placebo. She picked black walnut.
Both the Omega-3 essential fatty acids and the black walnut outperformed the drug, so the study was never published. Kimberly has continued to use black walnut successfully with fibromyalgia sufferers and now understands that its iodine content may be one reason it has helped.
Using natural Sea Salt is another way to increase iodine intake. Many people think that salt isn't good for you, but this is only a problem with commercial salt, which is full of additives and fillers. Natural salt is healthy
and a good source of iodine.
How can I Tell If I Have Low Thyroid?
At least 10% of the female population have low thyroid and some experts believe the actual number to be 30-40%. Medical tests don't always work when identifying problems with the thyroid gland, but one test that appears to be very effective is the basal body temperature test.
This test tells the amount of energy your body burns at rest. Your base metabolism is largely determined by hormones from your thyroid and adrenal glands. Your metabolic rate is at least partially indicated by resting body temperature, sothis test measures your resting body temperature over a period of five days. (This test will not be accurate if you sleep with an electric blanket or in an over heated room.)
Testing Basal Temperature
1. Use an ordinary oral or rectal thermometer.
2. Shake down the thermometer the night before and place it on your night stand.
3. First thing in the morning BEFORE you get out of bed, place the thermometer under your arm for TEN minutes.
4. For women, the temperature should be taken staring the second day of menstruation. The reason is that a considerable temperature rise may occur around the time of ovulation and give incorrect results. If you miss a day, that is okay, but be sure to finish testing before ovulation.
5. If the average temperature for the five days is lower than 97.8, then a thyroid condition is possible.
Other Symptoms of Low Thyroid
Other symptoms of thyroid problems include: anemia, dry skin, edema, fatigue, goiter, hair loss, high or low blood pressure, edema around the eyes, poor eyebrow growth, a puffy face and sluggish reflexes.
Thyroid Supplements
Many people suffering from thyroid problems have successfully used herbal formulas to improve their thyroid conditions. These formulas contain iodine-rich seaweeds along with other herbs (or nutrients) that can aid thyroid function. Thyroid problems otten involve the liver, pituitary and other organs as well, so these formulas provide broader-acting benefits.
TS II with Hops
Formulated by Stan Malstrom, TS II contains two seaweeds, kelp and Irish moss to supply iodine. The formula also contains parsley, hops and capsicum. TS II is the best formula for people who have thyroid problems coupled with a tendency to stress and anxiety. It not only feeds the thyroid, it also calms the nerves. A related formula,Target TS II, increases the pituitary's stimulation of the thyroid.
Thyroid Activator
Thyroid Activator is a John Christopher formula and is stronger than TS II. It contains the same sea vegetables, Irish moss and kelp, plus a third source of iodine, black walnut. In addition, Thyroid Activator also contains parsley, watercress and sarsaparilla. Many people don't get the results they desire from these formulas because they don't take enough. Optimal results are seen when taking 3-4 capsules ofTS II or Thyroid Activator taken three times a day.
Thyroid Support
For those who need an even stronger formula, Thyroid Support combines thyroid glandular substance with nutrients needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. Thyroid Support contains I-tyrosine (the amino acid base of thyroid hormones), kelp as a source of iodine, and nutritional co-factors like zinc, copper, B6 and manganese. It also contains protease, stinging nettle and a pituitary and hypothalamus glandular. Again, people otten get better results with higher doses than the amount recommended on the label. Sometimes 1 three times a day or 2 twice daily works better. Thyroid Support is best taken with food.
Iodine Robbers
There are many chemicals which rob iodine from the body, but the worst are the halogens, which belong to the same group as iodine on the periodic table of elements. Because they have similar electrical properties, these halogens (fluoride, chlorine, and bromides) easily displace iodine in the body.
Chlorine, of course is used to purify water. Unlike iodine, which helps emulsify fat and keep it water soluble, chlorine makes fats gummy so they more readily adhere to surfaces. This may be one reason why the rise in cardiovascular disease paralleled the chlorination of water supplies world-wide. Drinking water purified by a Nature's Spring Reverse Osmosis water treatment appliance is one way to protect yourself against chlorine.
Bromides are even worse than chlorine and are finding their way into our environment in ever increasing quantities. This is shown by the fact that the amount of bromide found in breast milk has increased ten-fold during the last decade. Bromides have no therapeutic or nutritional value, but they do adversely affect the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid and the skin.
Many hot tubs and swimming pools are switching to bromide for water purification. In the 1960s, bakers stopped using iodine as a dough conditioner and started using bromides instead. So, instead of contributing to iodine intake, breads made from brominated flour now help rob iodine from the body.
Since iodine is needed to make thyroxin, the hormone that triggers fat to burn in the body, is it any wonder that the increase in exposure to these iodine robbers has paralleled an increase in obesity?
For more information contact:
Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone:
(719) 495-4930
E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com
Send an e-mail to subscribe to my newsletter.
FREE membership with $40 purchase at direct cost:
www.mynsp.com/karen
* Are you overweight, or do you have difficulty losing weight?
* Do you get cold easily or have a consistency low body temperature?
* Do you have problems with dry skin, or hair falling out?
* Do you suffer from a lack of energy?
* Do you often feel depressed or lethargic?
* Have you ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder of any kind?
* Do you drink, swim, soak or bathe in chlorinated or bromated water?
* For women only: Have you had fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis or breast cancer?
If you answer yes to more than three of these questions, it is highly likely that you are deficient in an essential nutritional element-iodine. In fact, if you answer yes to even two or three of these questions, increasing your iodine may be a key to improving your health.
Why Are So Many People Iodine Deficient?
There are two reasons why many people are deficient in iodine. First, iodine is a rare element on Planet Earth. Among the elements, it is 62nd in abundance in the earth. Iodine is most prevalent in seawater, so plants from the sea (seaweed), fish and other seafoods are the most abundant sources of iodine. People who consume seaweed and other ocean-based foods on a regular basis are less likely to be iodine deficient, but people who don't will likely have very little iodine in their diet. Also, seafoods harvested from waters polluted with mercury will not be good sources of iodine because mercury displaces iodine.
But, there is another reason why iodine deficiency is common. There are many chemicals we are exposed to in modern society that rob the body of iodine. These include halogens (such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide), mercury, aspirin and other salycilates and unfermented soy products. (For more information, see Iodine Robbers inside.) As a result, what little iodine we do get is often "kicked out" of the body.
Like many of the other US RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances), the amount of iodine recommended is just enough to prevent severe, overt symptoms of iodine deficiency, such as goiters, stunted physical growth or mental retardation. It isn't enough to create optimal health. And, while iodized salt has resulted in a reduction in goiter in many inland states, many people are starting to avoid salt because they believe it is bad for their health.
The primary use for iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones. One in ten adult American women has a diagnosed thyroid problem, yet some endocrinologists have suggested that as many as one in four women have some form of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 1 and 1.5 billion people worldwide are at risk for thyroid disorders. WHO also recognizes iodine deficiency as the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation. It is clear that iodine deficiency may be a very common problem.
Iodine Is Essential for The Thyroid
Many thyroid disorders are nothing mote than an iodine deficiency. Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., in his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It, states that iodine deficiency may be involved in more than just low thyroid (hypothyroid function). It may also be involved in autoimmune thyroid disorders including Graves' and Hashimoto's disease. Iodine supplementation may be an inexpensive answer to solving many people's thyroid issues.
I Don't Have a Thyroid Problem, Could I Still Be Deficient in Iodine?
While it is true that the highest concentration of iodine in the body is found in the thyroid gland, the thyroid isn't the only organ that needs iodine. Every cell in the body needs iodine. Some of the other organs and systems that have large concentrations of iodine include breast tissue, salivary glands and the gastric mucosa, the ciliary body of the eye, and the cerebrospinal fluid and brain.
Iodine works in the body to emulsify (make water-soluble) fats, oils and waxes. It loosens fatty substances from surfaces and activates lecithin. Iodine also helps the immune system because it is antibacterial, anticancerous, antiviral and antiparasitic. So, besides helping the body burn fats, iodine also helps prevent infections of various kinds. It even has anticancerous properties.
Besides thyroid and immune disorders, a lack of iodine may also be involved in breast, prostate and uterine cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, chronic infections, parasites and other ailments. A complete list of conditions iodine supplementation may be helpful for in is found in the box below.
Conditions Iodine Has Helped – Here is a list of conditions that have shown improvement by increasing iodine intake and/or improving thyroid function:
Allergies
Arthritis
Breast disease
Cancer
Candida
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Sinus Problems
Coronary Artery Disease
Cystic Breasts
Cystic Ovaries
Diabetes
Endometriosis
Excess Mucus production
Fatigue and lethargy
Fibromyalgia
Gout Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Hyportension
Infertility
Mental Disorders
Migraine Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Obesity
Ovarian Cysts
Parotid Duct Stones
PMS
Psoriasis
Sebaceous Cysts
Skin Problems
How Do I Correct Iodine Deficiency?
Iodine is most abundant in sea vegetables or seaweeds. In cultures where seaweeds are consumed as a regular part of the diet, there are few, if any, thyroid problems. In coastal areas of Japan, where larger quantities of iodine are consumed there are remarkably low levels of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, and few prostate problems in men.
The amount of iodine consumed by people living on the Japanese coastline averages about 13.8 mg. daily, which is over 100 times the U.S. RDA. Dr. Guy Abraham, one of the world's leading researchers on iodine, suggested that 13 mg. per day was the amount required for optimal health, at least for women. This is based on 6 mg. being required by the thyroid, 5 mg. by the breast tissue and 2 mg. for the rest of the body.
One of the best ways to get more iodine is to eat more seaweeds, such as kelp, dulse, Irish moss, bladderwrack and others. Black walnut appears to be one of the few land-based plants that contains a significant amount of iodine.
Dulse is available in liquid form, extracted in glycerine. This is a pleasant-tasting way to increase iodine intake, and a good way to increase the iodine intake of children. About 1/4 teaspoon (15-20 drops) of Liquid Dulse will supply 225 micrograms (mcg.) of natural iodine. A full teaspoon, therefore, will supply about 1 milligram (mg.) of iodine.
Kelp is another good source of iodine and can be taken in capsules or sprinkled on food. It is an important ingredient in many thyroid formulas.
Another seaweed, bladderwrack contain di-iodotyrosine, a chemical configuration containing iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. There are two of these configurations (hence the di- ). All the thyroid gland has to do .is join two of these di-iodotyrosine molecules together and it has produced T4 or thyroxin, the main thyroid hormone. This helps explain why herbs like bladderwrack have been historically used to aid weight loss programs. Bladderwrack is present in CelluSmooth, a formula used to help burn cellulite and fat deposits. It is also found in Ultamate GreenZone.
Kelp, Dulse and other seaweeds have also been sprinkled on foods as a salt substitute. Since seaweeds are high in both sodium and potassium, important mineral electrolytes, they have a mildly salty flavor. Various kinds of seaweeds can be purchased in bulk from health food stores and added to soups, stews, etc. to add flavor and increase nutritional value. Other seafoods will also help.
Besides the seaweeds, Black Walnut is a source of iodine. This is especially true for the ATC Concentrated Black Walnut, which concentrates the black walnut 4 to 1 by extracting the herb and then drying the extract on the whole herb powder. Since iodine is highly water soluble, this process concentrates the iodine, too.
Black walnut has traditionally been used for parasites and infections, and part of its action may be due to its iodine content. Dr. Kimberly Balas, ND, participated in an unpublished fibromyalgia study with a respected doctor in the natural health field. In the study, fibromyalgia patients were divided into three groups. The other doctor used Omega-3 essential fatty acids with his group. A second group received a new drug. Kimberly Balas was in charge of the third group and was supposed to pick an herb to act as a placebo. She picked black walnut.
Both the Omega-3 essential fatty acids and the black walnut outperformed the drug, so the study was never published. Kimberly has continued to use black walnut successfully with fibromyalgia sufferers and now understands that its iodine content may be one reason it has helped.
Using natural Sea Salt is another way to increase iodine intake. Many people think that salt isn't good for you, but this is only a problem with commercial salt, which is full of additives and fillers. Natural salt is healthy
and a good source of iodine.
How can I Tell If I Have Low Thyroid?
At least 10% of the female population have low thyroid and some experts believe the actual number to be 30-40%. Medical tests don't always work when identifying problems with the thyroid gland, but one test that appears to be very effective is the basal body temperature test.
This test tells the amount of energy your body burns at rest. Your base metabolism is largely determined by hormones from your thyroid and adrenal glands. Your metabolic rate is at least partially indicated by resting body temperature, sothis test measures your resting body temperature over a period of five days. (This test will not be accurate if you sleep with an electric blanket or in an over heated room.)
Testing Basal Temperature
1. Use an ordinary oral or rectal thermometer.
2. Shake down the thermometer the night before and place it on your night stand.
3. First thing in the morning BEFORE you get out of bed, place the thermometer under your arm for TEN minutes.
4. For women, the temperature should be taken staring the second day of menstruation. The reason is that a considerable temperature rise may occur around the time of ovulation and give incorrect results. If you miss a day, that is okay, but be sure to finish testing before ovulation.
5. If the average temperature for the five days is lower than 97.8, then a thyroid condition is possible.
Other Symptoms of Low Thyroid
Other symptoms of thyroid problems include: anemia, dry skin, edema, fatigue, goiter, hair loss, high or low blood pressure, edema around the eyes, poor eyebrow growth, a puffy face and sluggish reflexes.
Thyroid Supplements
Many people suffering from thyroid problems have successfully used herbal formulas to improve their thyroid conditions. These formulas contain iodine-rich seaweeds along with other herbs (or nutrients) that can aid thyroid function. Thyroid problems otten involve the liver, pituitary and other organs as well, so these formulas provide broader-acting benefits.
TS II with Hops
Formulated by Stan Malstrom, TS II contains two seaweeds, kelp and Irish moss to supply iodine. The formula also contains parsley, hops and capsicum. TS II is the best formula for people who have thyroid problems coupled with a tendency to stress and anxiety. It not only feeds the thyroid, it also calms the nerves. A related formula,Target TS II, increases the pituitary's stimulation of the thyroid.
Thyroid Activator
Thyroid Activator is a John Christopher formula and is stronger than TS II. It contains the same sea vegetables, Irish moss and kelp, plus a third source of iodine, black walnut. In addition, Thyroid Activator also contains parsley, watercress and sarsaparilla. Many people don't get the results they desire from these formulas because they don't take enough. Optimal results are seen when taking 3-4 capsules ofTS II or Thyroid Activator taken three times a day.
Thyroid Support
For those who need an even stronger formula, Thyroid Support combines thyroid glandular substance with nutrients needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. Thyroid Support contains I-tyrosine (the amino acid base of thyroid hormones), kelp as a source of iodine, and nutritional co-factors like zinc, copper, B6 and manganese. It also contains protease, stinging nettle and a pituitary and hypothalamus glandular. Again, people otten get better results with higher doses than the amount recommended on the label. Sometimes 1 three times a day or 2 twice daily works better. Thyroid Support is best taken with food.
Iodine Robbers
There are many chemicals which rob iodine from the body, but the worst are the halogens, which belong to the same group as iodine on the periodic table of elements. Because they have similar electrical properties, these halogens (fluoride, chlorine, and bromides) easily displace iodine in the body.
Chlorine, of course is used to purify water. Unlike iodine, which helps emulsify fat and keep it water soluble, chlorine makes fats gummy so they more readily adhere to surfaces. This may be one reason why the rise in cardiovascular disease paralleled the chlorination of water supplies world-wide. Drinking water purified by a Nature's Spring Reverse Osmosis water treatment appliance is one way to protect yourself against chlorine.
Bromides are even worse than chlorine and are finding their way into our environment in ever increasing quantities. This is shown by the fact that the amount of bromide found in breast milk has increased ten-fold during the last decade. Bromides have no therapeutic or nutritional value, but they do adversely affect the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid and the skin.
Many hot tubs and swimming pools are switching to bromide for water purification. In the 1960s, bakers stopped using iodine as a dough conditioner and started using bromides instead. So, instead of contributing to iodine intake, breads made from brominated flour now help rob iodine from the body.
Since iodine is needed to make thyroxin, the hormone that triggers fat to burn in the body, is it any wonder that the increase in exposure to these iodine robbers has paralleled an increase in obesity?
For more information contact:
Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone:
(719) 495-4930E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com
Send an e-mail to subscribe to my newsletter.
FREE membership with $40 purchase at direct cost:
www.mynsp.com/karen
