Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

Symptoms of iodine deficiency can be difficult to identify. Yet, this has become a worldwide problem. Severe health problems can result from iodine deficiency including:

• severe brain damage that occurs in very early life

• mental impairment

• reduced intellectual ability

• goiter

• infertility

• predisposition to conditions of the breast, prostate, endometrium and ovaries

• underactive thyroid

• certain conditions that effect the thyroid

Why are people deficient in iodine?

Iodine belongs to a group of chemicals called halides. Included in this group are fluoride, chloride and bromine. Each of these competes with one another for absorption and receptor site binding in the body.

In other words, chloride, bromine and fluoride can interfere with iodine binding in the thyroid as well as other places that iodine binds for optimal function, including the breast.

Factors that have contributed to the increase of iodine deficiency:

1. In the bakery process, iodine has been replaced by bromine which is a known carcinogen. Not only is it found in bakery products, as a disinfectant in hot tubs and swimming pools, but also in some carbonated beverages such as Mountain Dew and gatorade and other energy drinks in the from of brominated vegetable oils.

2. Perchlorate, a known contaminant in our drinking water, contains chlorine, which also competes with iodine for receptor site binding on the thyroid and other sites. It also results in the production of dioxin, a powerful carcinogen

3. Fluoride is another halide that can be toxic. It is found in your drinking water, toothpaste and in some medications including prozac.

To avoid the symptoms of iodine deficiency follow these guidelines:

• Limit bakery products and/or pasta that contain bromated flour

• Use a water filtration system that removes chlorine and fluoride. This includes on your shower heads, as chlorine gas is equally dangerous.

  

• Eat wild caught seafood

• Use Celtic sea salt which has a more absorbable form of iodine

• If you must restrict your salt intake, check with a naturopath about adequate iodine supplementation

• Take a high quality vitamin/mineral supplement for added nutritional assurance.

  Other Related Articles:

  Food and Wellness: Making Sense of the Confusion about Fat
  
  Return from symptoms of iodine deficiency to: Nutritional Supplements That Won't Risk Your Health or Harm Your Family?