Iodine, Hypothyroidism, Health, and Death
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
In the first quarter of the 20th century, iodine was identified as essential for thyroid function, and iodine deficiency was established as a cause of goiter. That led to addition of iodine to table salt. Then not later than the 1950’s physicians began strongly advising against use of salt! Meanwhile, dentists continued placing mercury-laden amalgam fillings in teeth, despite unequivocal evidence that mercury is toxic to brain and every other organ in the body, including thyroid. And of course mercury in vaccines is equally toxic! And chlorine and fluoride were added to the drinking water, both of which interfere with iodine absorption. Bromine, another iodine antagonist was added to bread, clothes, fabrics, carpets, paints and of course Mountain Dew ?. Don’t forget the worldwide nuclear radiation in the1940’s and continuing today, with radioactive iodine further damaging thyroid!
Iodine deficiency is particularly dangerous to babies in utero, leading to mental retardation, skeletal damage and even cretinism. It also increases atherosclerosis, a weakened immune system, as well as striking increases in cancer, especially of breast, uterus, ovaries and prostate, as well as lung cancer, even more so in smokers. Iodine deficiency is also rampant in estrogen dominance. Every organ requires iodine, from skin all the way through all internal organs, muscles, endocrine glands, tears, saliva, and skeleton. Iodine is even essential for sweating, one of our most important detoxifiers!
Interestingly, magnesium is essential for iodide absorption and energy production. And Iodine is one of the critical alkalinizing minerals.
Of particular interest is the fact that ovaries and bone marrow white blood cells also can produce thyroid hormone—but of course they also need iodine to be able to do it!
Mothers provided high dosages of iodine while they are pregnant produce babies who have much higher I.Q. Average iodine intake in the past 30 years has decreased to 150 micrograms per day, but a MINIMUM of 1500 micrograms daily is the barebones essential for thyroid function and even that amount may not be optimal for total body health.
Iodine is essential for removal of lead, mercury, cadmium, and prevention of atherosclerosis.
Interestingly, the cruciferous vegetables contain thiocyanides which also block thyroid function. These include Arugula, Bok Choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collard greens, horse radish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, turnips, watercress, and Chinese cabbage, Arugula, horse radish, radish, wasabi, and watercress. While these wonderful veggies have many beneficial actions, including great anti-cancer benefits, their intake should be balanced with increased iodine.
The bottom line is to take a minimum of one Iodoral tablet daily. For most people one daily (12.5 mg of iodine) is good. A very small number of individuals will actually block thyroid production with this dosage. If you are competent at kinesiology, you may be able to adjust your iodine optimally this way! The ultimate test of iodine sufficiency is the Iodine Load test. For this you take 50 mg of Iodoral and measure the next 24 hour output of Iodine. Adequacy is considered 90% excretion of that 50 mg dose! You will find 4 labs that do the test and much more information on this at:
Iodine/Iodide Load Test – Optimox:
www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/loadTest.htm