Iodine Deficiency

The more I learn the more I realize I still have a lot to learn.  If that makes any sense.  I’ve told you all about my hormone troubles, which I’m happy to report seem to be improving.  But that process opened my eyes to a nutrient that gets very little attention despite it’s importance and contribution to healthy thyroid function.  Are you familiar with iodine?  I don’t know about you, but when I rack my brain for information on iodine the only thing I can turn up are images of orange stained skin and memories of my grandmother treating cuts and scrapes with it.   I had no idea how important it is for our bodies and our thyroid and I was completely unaware how many of us are actually iodine deficient – including me. 

So here’s what I’ve learned about iodine .

Iodine and the Thyroid:

• It’s required in trace amounts by all animals and some plants
• It’s an essential element that enables the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones
• Our bodies need the proper amount of iodine for healthy thyroid function
• Iodine deficiency can contribute to thyroid problems and the incidence of iodine deficiency is growing
• More than 25 million people have thyroid disease and as many as half of the people with thyroid problems don’t know it yet
• Iodine is added to table salt, but many of us are reducing our intake of salt for health reasons
• We can increase our iodine levels naturally through healthy diet choices
• Like everything else, you have to have a balance.  Too much is just as bad if not worse than not enough.
• Frequent additions of small amounts of powdered or crumbled seaweed to stews while cooking is a good way to provide adequate iodine
• There are iodine supplements, but talk with your doctor or nutritionist before choosing one.  You want to be careful not to take too much. 

Personally, I don’t eat table salt or many other foods that are said to offer an adequate intake of iodine.  I also have several signs of iodine deficiency including the results of my hormone tests and an under active thyroid.  So it’s pretty safe to say I have an iodine deficiency, which I’ve decided to address by adding small amounts of powdered seaweed to my soups. 

For me, this is just one more reminder of how important it is to have a healthy balance and variety in our diets.  Of course there are supplements for everything, but I’d rather enjoy tasting all of the great food along the way.

Just a reminder…I’m writing about my personal experience.  I’m not a doctor or nutritionist.  I’m not suggesting anyone out there self-diagnose based on diet or symptoms.  If you’re curious about your iodine levels talk to your doctor.  There are simple tests to check your levels.