While most of us are aware that iodine is a precursor to making thyroid hormones (T4 into T3), the role of iodine only begins with the thyroid.
Iodine receptors exist in each of the many trillions of cells in the body and regulate cellular function, like the movement of nutrition into the cell and the lymph drainage of toxins out of each cell.
Iodine was thought to be an antibiotic in the 1800s. Even today, before surgery, doctors rub the area to be operated on with iodine to support immunity. (1)
The Far-Reaching Benefits of Iodine
- Supports the body’s antioxidant activity
- Supports natural detoxification
- Supports healthy thyroid function
- Supports optimal hormonal function
- Supports memory, energy, mood, and weight
Iodine Protects Against Heavy Metals, Chemicals & Toxins
One of the most important roles of iodine is to protect cells from the chemical and toxic load that has reached unprecedented levels in our environment.
Today, we dump 4 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into the American environment each year and 72 million of them are cancer-causing. (2) Fluoride is in toothpaste and some drinking water, and chlorine is in every flame retardant fabric, your shower, some drinking water, and most hot tubs and pools. Heavy metals, environmental pollutants, pesticides, off-gassing furniture, carpets, pollutants, pesticides and estrogens from plastics may be more aggressive when iodine levels are low.
Chlorine, bromine, fluorine and iodine are all halogens – this means that they attach to and compete for the same receptors in the body. (9) When iodine levels are low, the empty iodine receptors will pick up these other halogens, as well as their chemical by-products that may be even more toxic.
These toxins further compromise iodine levels, which may inhibit thyroid function, hormonal balance, and many other detox functions.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809986/
- http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/service-areas/children/areas-of-care/childrens-environmental-health-center/childrens-disease-and-the-environment/children-and-toxic-chemicals
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24213594
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Need Supplements? We Can Help!
Iodine HP is a superior iodine formulation created to enhance thyroid support and offer long-term, consistent results. Iodine HP™ contains the ideal balance of potassium iodide and molecular iodine (I2).*
Iodine Deficiency Test: This is an in depth test to evaluate whole body sufficiency for Iodine. After ingesting a 50mg Iodoral® tablet, you collect your urine for 24 hours then mail in a small sample. With this test, Iodine sufficiency is determined by comparing the amount of Iodine taken to the amount excreted in the urine. Whole body Iodine sufficiency is reached when 90% or more of the ingested amount is excreted in the urine.
Thyroid Support is a comprehensive freeze-dried, BSE-free, bovine, multi-glandular, mineral and herbal formula to support healthy thyroid function.
Essential Minerals: LifeSpa’s Essential Minerals is a patented, highly absorbable, balanced multi-mineral formula, exclusively containing Albion’s fully reacted mineral amino acid chelates, malates, and mineral complexes. LifeSpa’s Essential Minerals provide the body with the most bioavailable forms of the minerals essential to optimal function.
