Iodine And Your Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland which is located on the front of the neck.

It is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones which impact many functions, including metabolism, body temperature regulation, and growth.

In order to do these things, the thyroid requires iodine.

If you’re iodine deficient, consider seeing a naturopathic doctor in Toronto about nutrition for your thyroid to ensure this important gland continues to function properly.

What Is Iodine

Iodine is a mineral which is found in ocean water as well as the earth’s soil.

It’s most commonly found in iodized salt.

Your body can’t produce iodine. That means you’ll have to get it from your diet or supplementation.

Why Does Your Thyroid Need Iodine?

Iodine is essential for thyroid health.

Your thyroid uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, and without it, the production of these hormones will slow. This can lead to hypothyroidism.

Iodine is important for your body in a number of ways linked to thyroid function, including:

● Reducing risk of goiters (enlargement of the thyroid)
● Iodine is linked to brain development in fetuses
● Iodine can help to improve cognitive function in children and reduces the risk of intellectual disability

What Happens If You Get Too Much Iodine?

While not getting enough iodine can be a problem, too much can also be a cause for concern.

A 2014 study in the journal Natural Reviews Endocrinology found that too much iodine can result in iodine-induced hyperthyroidism.

Those with pre-existing thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease are especially at risk for iodine-induced hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include sudden weight loss, excessive sweating, anxiety and depression, insomnia, and increased appetite.
If you are worried that you might be suffering from an over-active thyroid, consider seeing a naturopathic doctor for hyperthyroidism treatments.

Signs Of Iodine Deficiency

Because your body can’t create iodine on its own, you’ll need to either eat foods rich in iodine, or supplement with it.

People who are at the greatest risk for iodine deficiency include vegans and vegetarians, people who don’t use iodized salt, pregnant individuals, and people in places with low iodine in the soil such as South Asia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency are similar to those of hypothyroidism and include:

• Swelling of the neck, also called a goiter, due to the thyroid gland trying to work harder
• Weight gain, due to lowered amounts of thyroid hormones which help to regulate metabolism
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sensitivity to temperatures, especially feeling cold
• Slower than usual heart rate
• Brain fog and difficulty remembering things
• Hair loss
• Dry, flaky skin
• Heavier than usual menstruation
• Pregnancy complications

Good Dietary Sources Of Iodine

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is common because there are not many dietary sources of this important mineral.

Thanks to the introduction of iodized salt, though, iodine deficiency has been decreasing. This is salt that has been fortified with iodine crystals. Iodized salt is a commonly used additive in many processed foods. So while these foods overwhelmingly provide more health drawbacks than benefits, this is one of the few good parts.

As a result, iodine deficiency has become less common here in the West. That’s a good thing – goiter used to be far more common than it is now.

But you won’t catch me recommending you eat more processed foods in your diet. Instead, if you think you may be iodine deficient, consider including more of the following in your diet:

• Dried prunes
• Egg
• Tuna
• Seaweed (especially kelp)
• Cod
• Yogurt
• Shrimp

Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic

Are you worried about getting enough iodine in your diet?

Perhaps you’ve been told to manage your salt intake and are now concerned about using iodized salt as a way to supplement this important nutrient.

Whatever your concerns, Nardini Naturopathic can help.

Book an appointment today – I can work with you to determine if you’re at risk for deficiency in iodine, or any other essential nutrient, and put together a plan to help address it.

Book your appointment with me, Dr. Pat Nardini, today.