Iodine (I) is a key nutrient to thyroid health, and is effected by the exposure to toxic chemicals (aspartame and other diet sweeteners; lead, mercury, and cadmium for examples). I is an essential element and is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones; I binds the tyrosine residue in thyroglobulin to form T3 and T4.
Symptoms associated with I deficiency are:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- reduced metabolic rate and cellular respiration
- elevated LDL cholesterol
- goiter
I is readily absorbed by the body in organic forms within the thyroid, the stomach, and in the small intestine.
Good dietary sources of I include:
- seafood
- kelp
- sunflower seeds
- mushrooms
- beef liver
- natural cheddar cheese
- organic peanuts
- some iodized salt
I excess is often accompanied by elevated aluminum, silver, nickel and tin, commonly found in hair dyes and hair preparations.
Health conditions associated with high I levels include:
- hypersensitivity
- hypothyroidism
- thyroiditis
- iodide goiter
- acne and skin breakouts
- dry skin
- burning and soreness of mouth and throat
- nausea/diarrhea
If the hypothalmus and pituitary glands are impacted by toxins and/or artificial sweetener use, Plummer’s disease and Grave’s disease may occur.
About Dr. Janet Starr Hull