How do we use Iodine for hair, Thyroid and Female health?
Where do we get Iodine and how much do we need?
Perhaps 60 to 70% of us don’t get enough. This helps explain the epidemic of Hypothyroidism I see in Consults. The entire body uses Iodine for various functions but the Thyroid is key.
How did we get so deficient in Iodine?
Iodine is found in the ocean, but those who live far inland or who do not regularly consume seafood or seaweeds only get their Iodine from soil-based foods. Plants and the animals that eat the plants can get Iodine IF the soil has it. But many areas do not. Soil gets Iodine from ocean waters.
A form of Iodine was added to commercially processed salt decades ago to reduce thyroid goiters in the interior of the US. This helped reduce Goiters, a visible indication of Iodine deficiency, but as talked about below, this is not an ideal solution.
Excess Iodine from high dose supplements is not the answer either – where is the balance? The RDA is 150 mcg. daily forever. Our Supreme Alaria has that in 2 capsules daily.
Iodine for Thyroid Health
We make Thyroid hormones from Iodine. Without Iodine we become Hypothyroid and produce inadequate amounts of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Other minerals, vitamins, hormones and amino acids are required as well.
These hormones regulate metabolisms such as heart rate, body temperature, bowel activity and fat burning. With reduced metabolic rate we can see poor hair growth, impaired fat metabolism, lack of energy, feeling cold, and have one more reason for constipation.
Goitrogens Block Absorption of Iodine
A goiter is an enlargement of the Thyroid Gland in the base of the neck. Without sufficient Iodine to do its job, the Thyroid enlarges attempting to do more.
A person may be consuming Iodine BUT getting too many Goitrogens from raw cruciferous vegetables and certain chemicals. Goitrogens block the absorption of Iodine.
This article and Primal Diet – Modern Health Podcast on “Thyroid Toxins, Nutrients and Goitrogens” has details. Eat crucifers (kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts) cooked, not raw. Chlorine and bromine from tap water, pools and spas block Iodine absorption as they compete with Iodine.
Iodine May Improve Poor Thyroid Numbers
If your Thyroid tests a little low, before starting medication try several months of correct Iodine support to try to improve your levels.
If your labs are definitely out of range, do not wait to get on medication. Start our Alaria for Iodine as the whole body needs it as well as the Thyroid.
Can Iodine Help Hair Loss?
The Thyroid plays a key role in hair growth. If Thyroid function is slow, hair growth may slow.
There are other reasons for thinning hair. The body’s’ general nutrition status; tight hair pulls; scalp inflammation and infection; poor quality shampoos (sulfates?) and more. Keep your Iodine and DHA (fish oils) status optimized.
Check if your hair is breaking off, or falling from the root.
The Paleo Diet with plenty of vegetables and healthy fats is your best diet. Use the Alaria Sea Vegetable from my Online Store for a safe Iodine supplement. Try highly absorbable Zinc BisGlycinate too. It’s a low dose designed for women (good for hair, blood sugar and immune function). Iron is important if anemic (Keep Ferritin between 35 and 80).
Iodine is Essential For Female Health
Iodine helps prevent and possibly reverse Fibrocystic Breasts and Ovarian Cysts. Other hormones (particularly Progesterone) are involved too. Iodine is especially important in fertility, pregnancy and lactation for both mother and baby. Baby’s bone and brain development require Iodine from Mom.
I have used topical clear Iodine on a cotton ball taped on breast fibroids to reduce fibroid swelling. It should be clear and tasteless, like this one. Try it for 3 – 7 days per fibroid. The body will absorb the Iodine systemically so do not take other Iodine.
How To Get Iodine in Food
Iodine is found in ocean water, and in coastal soils.
- *Fish, shellfish and crustaceans – Top Source
- *Sea vegetables (not all seaweed is equal – more in a moment) – Top Source
- organ meats provide some
- pastured eggs provide some
- dairy products can have Iodine, BUT you want raw milk or pastured sources. Commercial dairy gets a chemical form of Iodine in feed and barn cleansers.
Which Sea Vegetables Have Iodine?
All seaweeds have Iodine but amounts vary widely. Kelp is high or low in different species and locales. Same with Nori.
Wakame is good but too expensive to eat enough.
For myself, Clients, and the Online Store I prefer ALARIA. A species of Kelp, but more predictable than generic products sold as “Kelp”. Our ALARIA from Supreme Nutrition comes from the Atlantic, not Asia. Dosage: 1 to 3 capsules daily for life. Safe, predictable, effective.
NOTE: All seaweeds attract Iodine and other minerals from the water. DO NOT buy seaweeds from Japanese waters because of radiation concerns.
How Much Iodine Do I Need?
The RDA is 150 mcg. per day. A 3 ounce serving of seafood can provide 100 mcg. Our Alaria provides 150 mcg. in 2 capsules. We need this every day.
Systemic Formulas TMI – Thyroid Metabolism + Iodine has a great blend for supporting the Thyroid. It’s a high dose Iodine so do not use if you have Hashimoto’s or Graves. Dosage: 3 to 7 weekly.
Do You Still Need Iodine with Prescription Thyroid?
The brain and body still require Iodine. But your dosage should be no more than 150 mcg. per day, the RDA. Higher doses can cause serious thyroid problems.
Is Iodine Allowed w. Hashimoto’s or Graves?
Small doses from seafood and a little seaweed are needed by the whole body. Do not take supplemental Iodine in high doses. Our Alaria caps are a great low dose support. Take 5 to 7 capsules weekly.
Does Iodized Salt Provide Real Iodine?
Yes and No…
Potassium Iodide is added to commercially processed white salt. Other additives keep it from caking and turning yellow from the Iodide. I don’t eat commercial salt – it’s hard on the kidneys and makes the body retain water.
Iodized commercial salt does work but it is only 10% bioavailable. Iodine in seafoods and seaweeds is 100% bioavailable and is not embedded in a highly processed “food”.
I consume Himalayan salt or our Premier Pink Salt. NOTE: natural salts such as Himalayan and Pink Salt do NOT contain enough Iodine.
If you have been eating Iodized salt, fast food, packaged cereals, breads and soups, you may have over-consumed Iodine. Get rid of these foods and your body will detoxify this.
Test Your Iodine Levels
Don’t assume you are low. Track your levels annually w. a blood test. Order your own tests at LifeExtension. Serum Iodine is $125 so ask your doctor to order it if you have insurance.
