625: Your Body Is Begging for More Iodine! | Dr. Elizabeth Bright
Nov 5, 2024
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Dr. Elizabeth Bright, a respected American osteopath and naturopath living in Italy, shares her insights on iodine and the carnivore diet. She discusses the essential role of iodine in health and how common dietary mistakes can hinder absorption. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of healthy fats in combating inflammation and nutrient absorption. She also debunks myths surrounding vitamin D, highlights the benefits of organ consumption, and addresses the unique challenges of managing thyroid health, especially for those with autoimmune conditions.
Iodine is essential for immune function and hormone production, yet modern environmental factors often lead to significant deficiencies requiring supplementation.
A high-fat carnivore diet is crucial for hormone synthesis, with adequate fat intake necessary for women's health, particularly to combat inflammation.
Understanding iodine levels through accurate testing methods, rather than conventional radioactive tests, is vital for identifying deficiencies and ensuring optimal health.
Deep dives
Iodine's Essential Role
Iodine is crucial for every cell in the body, playing a significant role in immune function, as it is an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. It assists in the production of steroid hormones and is needed in higher amounts during times of stress, such as during infections. The body's iodine absorption can be hindered by substances like fluoride, chloride, and bromide, which are increasingly present in modern environments. Supplementation becomes essential to mitigate these deficiencies, as dietary sources alone may not be sufficient due to widespread contamination.
The Importance of Fat in a Carnivore Diet
A common mistake among individuals adopting a carnivore diet is not consuming enough fat, which is vital for hormone production and overall health. The body requires higher fat intake than protein, particularly for women who need adequate fat for steroid hormone synthesis. By incorporating additional fats into meals, such as butter or animal fats, individuals can reduce inflammation and better support recovery from health issues. Cooking methods, such as adding fat to meats, enhance nutrient availability and overall meal satisfaction.
Avoiding Inflammatory Oils
Individuals should be cautious about consuming seed oils and other plant-based fats, as they can be highly inflammatory and detrimental to health. Instead, prioritizing animal fats, such as lard, tallow, and butter, can provide the necessary nutrients while minimizing negative health impacts. These animal fats not only offer essential calories but also support a balanced hormonal environment. The avoidance of popular oils like olive and coconut oil is recommended, as they do not provide the same health benefits as animal-derived fats.
Iodine Deficiency and Testing
Many individuals are unaware of their iodine levels, leading to significant deficiencies that can affect overall health. The conventional tests available often measure radioactive iodine rather than organic iodine, failing to provide accurate assessments of an individual's iodine status. Alternative testing options, like a 24-hour urine test, can offer insight into iodine absorption and halide toxicity from sources such as contaminated water or food. Recognizing the need for iodine supplementation, especially in areas with poor iodine soil content, is essential for restoring balance in bodily functions.
Navigating Dietary Choices and Quality
While sourcing high-quality meats, such as grass-fed or pasture-raised options, can provide additional nutritional benefits, it is not always essential to optimize health. Access and budget constraints can hinder many individuals from obtaining premium meat cuts without compromising their health. Even lower-quality meats or processed items can still support significant health improvements, particularly when incorporated into a low-carbohydrate diet. Ultimately, the focus should be on reducing carbohydrate intake and making informed dietary choices that prioritize overall well-being.