05/18/2021
Iodine
HEALTH TIP: Iodine is responsible for the production of almost every hormone in the body and is typically found in high levels in the thyroid, breasts, liver, lungs, heart, and adrenal glands. Iodine is essential during pregnancy. Iodine used to be added to baked goods in the USA, but was replaced with bromine back in the 1970’s. As a direct result, today most Americans (96%) are iodine deficient.
In the human body, it forms an essential component of thyroxin, the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Various clinicians and researchers have found iodine effective with goiter, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Iodine also assists the body in eliminating heavy metals and toxins (like lead, arsenic, bromide, perchlorate, aluminum, mercury, and fluoride). Interestingly, fluoridated drinking water actually depletes iodine absorption.
Iodine deficiency leads to cancers of the breast, prostate, ovaries, uterus, and thyroid. Iodine deficiency can also lead to mental retardation and infertility. So, how can we correct an iodine deficiency? Most likely, to correct an iodine deficiency by taking iodized salt is not feasible, since you would need 20 teaspoons of iodized salt daily to get adequate quantities of iodine. You’ll probably need an iodine supplement.
My entire family, even our 2 year old baby girl, take an iodine supplement each and every day. The brand we take is called Iodoral, but you can easily make your own iodine supplement if you’re so inclined. In addition, most Americans aren’t aware that the entire USA is still being “radiated” from the Fukushima fallout, so it’s vital to fill your thyroid gland with good iodine, so that there is no room left for the radioactive iodine to absorb. Before Fukushima, I would have recommended kelp, since it is nature's best source of iodine. However, due to the nuclear disaster in Japan, much of the kelp (especially in the Pacific Ocean) has become irradiated.
Interestingly, excessive consumption of certain foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and radish can cause iodine deficiency. These foods contain a substance which reacts with the iodine present in the food and makes it unsuitable for absorption.