Thyroid Support - 150 Tabs

IODINE

Iodine is a mineral required for proper metabolism... 

Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential in the human body. It is used in a number of different processes in our bodies, the most important of which is production of thyroid hormone. Iodine has also been used throughout the past for cleaning wounds and purifying drinking water. Some more recent research has shown iodine to be beneficial in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease as well.

Thyroid Hormone and Metabolism
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and is the master gland controlling our metabolism and metabolic rate. One of the major building blocks of thyroid hormone is iodine.

Your thyroid gland needs this mineral to manufacture optimum levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothryonine (T3). These hormones, made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, regulate your body's overall metabolism and also play a regulating role for other hormones produced by the body.

Thyroid and Goiters – Iodine Deficiency
There are regions of North America where iodine is lacking in the soil (and thus the diet) that are referred to as the "goiter belt" because of the high incidence of goiters. Goiter is the medical term used to describe the bulge in the neck created when the thyroid enlarges from overstimulation. Iodine deficiency causes insufficient thyroid hormone, which is a condition called "hypothyroidism". This occurs when the thyroid is unable to make sufficient thyroid hormone, and the pituitary gland sends greater and greater stimulatory signals (TSH), trying to boost production. This causes the thyroid to enlarge in an attempt to meet the needs of the body. The symptoms of hypothyroidism appear as: weight gain, low energy, poor concentration (brain fog), hair loss, depression, blood sugar fluctuations and other symptoms. 

Radioactive Iodine
Following a radiological or nuclear event, radioactive iodine is released into the air, and taken up through our lungs when we breathe. It can also contaminate local food supply and water supply and be ingested. Once present in the body, the thyroid gland will begin to rapidly absorb it/take it up. Potassium iodide competes with radioactive iodine at receptor sites. It fills these sites and prevents the thyroid from taking up any of the radioactive substance. Its action at these receptor sites lasts 24 hours, meaning the thyroid is unable to take up any iodine – stable or radioactive – during that time. It is important to understand that Potassium iodide does not protect the body as a whole from radioactive iodine, nor does it prevent any other body part from taking it up. Its actions are very specific to the thyroid. A one-time dose of potassium iodide is usually all that is recommended. If there is a threat that radioactive iodine will be in the environment for longer than 24 hours, public health officials may inform the public to take the supplement for a few days in a row. Please ask the advice of your local healthcare practitioner or public health agency.

Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breast tissue is caused by hormonal changes in the body resulting in dense regions of breast tissue that change throughout the menstrual cycle. These dense pockets can often make performing self-breast-examinations more difficult, and often create false fear, where none is needed. Taking iodine has been shown in some instances to help reduce the signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breast syndrome. 

Topical Use
Iodine has been used for hundreds of years to prevent and treat infections from minor scrapes and cuts in the skin. When applied to the skin, it can kill the bacteria that cause infections. Liquid iodine can be applied to wounds as needed to help keep them clean. Some research has found success in using iodine to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Dietary Iodine
Because of depletion of iodine in the soil, it has become extremely difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. In order to counter this problem, staple foods like table salt are enriched with iodine to help cover the gap. In the case of iodized salt the inorganic form of iodine is added. Seaweed is often highlighted for its ability to provide a rich organic source of iodine. Natural sources of iodine, such as those derived from seaweeds, are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use than the inorganic (mined) sources found in enriched foods. In fact, one gram (a very small amount) of red and green algae can provide between 100 and 300 micrograms of iodine. This can cover the daily requirement of most adults. One gram of brown algae can provide 500 – 8,000 micrograms of iodine, which well exceeds the daily requirements of most adults. Interestingly, with prolonged large intake of iodine, the body will adapt and will regulate accordingly. Sudden changes in iodine intake can impact the thyroid, as this element is the main building block of thyroid hormone. It may be beneficial to ease your way into these sorts of dietary changes.

Supplementing Iodine
Potassium iodide is a common supplemental and medicinal form of iodine because it is stable. In a supplement form, iodine is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in both liquid and capsule, or tablet, forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the un-standardized kelp is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement without an underlying condition.

Iodine– QUICK FACTS

FOOD SOURCES
· Salt water fish, seaweeds, lima beans, soybeans, garlic, mushrooms, sesame seeds, salt.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
· Fatigue, depression, weight gain, poor concentration, low energy, hair loss.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· 150mcg daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner).

WORKS WELL WITH
· L-tyrosine, vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, other trace minerals, guggul, ashwagandha.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts inhibit the absorption of iodine.
· In cases of over active thyroid or those taking medication for thyroid conditions consult a health professional before taking an iodine supplement.
· If you have allergies to any seafood, be careful about the source of your iodine to avoid allergic reactions.