Iodine deficiency was first recognized more than 80 years ago, as a cause of goiter.

During the 1920’s it was determined that the MINIMUM daily requirement for adults was 150 micrograms daily. Deficiencies lead not only to goiter but, when iodine-deficient pregnant women delivered babies, the brain of the newborn was severely damaged, leading to cretinism.

Salt was iodized in order to supply this essential nutrient. However, only half the salt in the U.S. is iodized and for 50 years physicians have recommended minimizing salt intake. In the past 15 years, the average intake of iodine in this country has fallen from 300 to 150 micrograms daily.

Meanwhile many factors that affect thyroid function have changed.

Chlorinated water is the standard in all cities but chlorine interferes with iodine absorption. High protein intake interferes with iodine absorption. Much higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables blocks iodine uptake by the thyroid. While beneficial to the colon, and high in antioxidants, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts all block thyroid uptake of iodine. Finally, over the past 50 years, everyone in the world has been nuked.

The combination of all these factors makes it obvious to me that thyroid size, to palpation, is much smaller than it was 50 years ago.

Despite the general medical dependence upon special hormone tests, such as TSH, temperature appears to be much more accurate for assessing thyroid function.

During the past decade, I have noticed that 90% of individuals have a temperature BELOW normal. The oral temperature before getting out of bed in the morning should be 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At mid-afternoon, the temperature should be 98.6. Temperature is the simplest measure of basal metabolic rate, the key function of the thyroid gland.

Interestingly, hypothyroidism can cause virtually every symptom: high blood pressure, low blood pressure, obesity, fatigue, depression, hair loss, infertility, poor memory, cold intolerance, nervousness and anxiety, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, menstrual irregularities, poor intellect, fibrocystic breast disease, immune deficiency, and even low gastric acid production. There is also increasing evidence that the incidence of breast cancer and prostate cancer is increased in those deficient in iodine.

The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, the hormone responsible for maintaining the calcium in bone. Low calcitonin leads to osteoporosis. Hypothyroidism which can result from iodine deficiency greatly aggravates osteoporosis!

The single best way to restore thyroid function is to take adequate iodine and reverse iodine deficiency. Start with 1500 to 2000 micrograms daily. This is best done with Liquid Iodine by Biotics.

If your temperature does not come up to 98.6 in the mid-afternoon within 4 to 6 weeks, it may help to stimulate the Ring of Fire with the SheaLI TENS.

Restoration of thyroid function is one of the most critical essentials for optimal health. The only contraindication to high dosages of iodine is a nodule in the thyroid gland. This can easily be determined by a competent physical examination. If there is a nodule, special tests such as a thyroid scan should be done to rule out a malignancy of the gland.

Once your temperature returns to normal, you may need 450 to 750 micrograms of iodine daily to maintain normal thyroid function. Your body will be grateful for your attention to this essential nutrient!

C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. is the father of holistic medicine. He recommends autogenic focus (the basis of the Biogenics System) as part of your commitment to self-health and optimal longevity. Register to download your FREE autogenic focus MP3 now.