Subclinical Thyroid Disorders

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that sub-clinical hypothyroidism is a common disorder that may affect 30 million Americans, and is associated with fatigue, pain, weight gain, depression, insomnia, menstrual problems, memory problems, hair loss, cold hands and feet, and other symptoms. Studies indicate that over 90% of affected patients will continue suffering from mild thyroid failure or progress to full blown clinical hypothyroidism if untreated. Research suggests that several dietary and environmental factors adversely impact thyroid health and contribute to sub-clinical hypothyroidism. If you are one of those people who has all the symptoms of a thyroid problem but are told your levels look fine then listen to what your body is trying to tell you. You are not crazy! (My sister was actually given a prescription paper with the name of a psychiatrist by her doctor). Although there are many factors that can contribute to an under functioning thyroid I must say that Iodine is a crucial ingredient. Even with iodized salt, over 33 million Americans today are estimated to be iodine deficient. Iodine intake has dropped 50% since the 1970’s according to the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. This may be happening due to a sharp rise of “iodine blockers” in our diets. Halogens (iodine is a halogen) compete for receptor sites and absorption in the thyroid gland. These competing halogens are increasingly prevalent in our diets and include chlorine (in our water and food), fluoride (in our water, toothpaste, medicines etc), and bromine (in bread, baked goods and soft drinks). Fluoride is doubly alarming, because it also inhibits the thyroid’s ability to use iodine. And then there’s the soy-based foods like soy milk, tofu, and soy meat substitutes which have goitrogens that block iodine utilization and lower thyroid hormone production. The main point here being: reduced iodine absorption is a growing threat to thyroid health, and iodized salt alone may no longer prevent the consequences. Conventional medicine recommends synthetic thyroid hormones. Some complimentary/alternative health practitioner recommend glandular and/or homeopathic or herbal supplements. Other natural healthcare professional like myself recommend nutritional supplementation to support the thyroid and help it achieve healthier function on its own. This would include a high quality iodine supplement, adequate levels of zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Colloidal iodine offers the highest absorbability. Supplemental iodine has been shown to increase urinary excretion of fluoride and bromide which decreases the chance of your iodine being “blocked”. Iodine also helps detoxify the body of toxic metals aluminum, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The federal government’s Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board recommends iodine at 150 mcg to 1,100 mcg daily. People supplementing with iodine report increased energy, greater well-being, improved sleep, a lifting of brain fog, more regular bowel movements, improved skin and less cold intolerance. Supplements containing iodine trichlorate and iodine chloride can be difficult to break down in the digestive system and result in as little as 10% absorption. I carry an iodine supplement that is produced to deliver iodine in its purest elemental form and requires no digestive “breakdown” like iodized salt or other forms of iodine. As always, self diagnosing can be hazardous to your health! Allow a healthcare practitioner to help you, that’s what we’re here for.