Learn about the benefits of iodine beyond the thyroid. Japan consumes more iodine and has fewer deficiencies. Getting iodine from food is best, including shellfish and sea kelp. Iodine can help with various conditions such as hormonal imbalances and weight gain. Causes of deficiency include consuming raw cruciferous vegetables and following a vegan diet. Assessing iodine levels and maintaining adequate intake are important.
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Quick takeaways
Iodine is crucial for the functioning of various organs in the body and plays a role in cognition, memory, focus, and infant IQ.
Consuming seaweed or shellfish is recommended to boost iodine intake, as it is rich in iodine and can help regulate estrogen levels and address various conditions like heavy periods, cystic acne, and asthma.
Deep dives
Iodine's broader role in the body
Iodine is not only important for the thyroid but also for various other tissues and organs such as breast, uterus, ovaries, prostate, sperm, stomach, lungs, and brain. Its presence in these areas plays a crucial role in cognition, memory, focus, concentration, and even infant IQ. A deficiency in iodine at birth can lead to reduced intellectual capacity. Different regions have varying levels of iodine intake, with Japan consuming significantly more than the US. Japan has lower rates of breast cancer, reproductive issues, and iodine deficiency problems. However, there is no consensus on the therapeutic dose of iodine; the recommended daily intake is around 150 micrograms, but some have safely consumed higher amounts.
Applications of iodine and sources for intake
Iodine can be used to regulate estrogen levels and address conditions like heavy periods, fibrocystic breast, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and fibroids. It can also be beneficial for prostate enlargement, PCOS, cystic acne, upper respiratory infections, croup, tonail fungus, and asthma. Iodine deficiency can cause various symptoms like breast tenderness. To boost iodine intake, consuming seaweed or shellfish is recommended, as they are rich food sources. It's important to ensure the quality of seaweed since it should come from a pristine, healthy ocean without heavy metal contamination. While iodine is found in small amounts in eggs, dairy, iodized salt, and sea salt, the levels may vary based on the soil's iodine content. Additional factors such as allergies to shellfish, consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables or certain foods like millet and soy, and exposure to chemicals like perchlorate and nitrates can affect iodine levels in the body.
Today, I want to cover some interesting information on iodine that goes way beyond what it does for the thyroid.
Most of your iodine is stored in your thyroid. However, iodine is important for many other organs.
The RDAs for iodine in the US are 150 mcg. But, in Japan, on average, people consume 1000 to 3000 mcg of iodine daily. They also have fewer problems associated with iodine deficiency than we do in the US.
That being said, excess iodine can create just as many problems as a deficiency in iodine.
I think it’s most beneficial to get the iodine you need from food. Shellfish and sea kelp are rich in iodine. But there is also iodine in eggs, dairy, iodized salt, and sea salt.
Unless you consume foods rich in iodine, either from the sea or from vegetables grown on the coastline, chances are you’re not getting enough iodine in your diet.
Iodine may help with various conditions, including:
• Estrogen dominance
• Heavy periods
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Prostate enlargement
• PCOS
• Cystic acne
• TB
• Croup
• Asthma
• Toenail fungus
• Warts and skin tags
• Thyroid conditions
• Weight gain
• Brain fog
• Feeling cold (excessively)
• Dry skin and hair
• Constipation
• Depression
Top causes of iodine deficiency:
• Consuming excessive amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables
• Consuming millet, soy, or sweet potatoes
• The vegan diet
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Low-salt diets
• Fluoride
• Bromide
• Perchlorate in water
• Nitrates
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