Do you get enough Iodine in your food?
Before you talk to your doctor about taking iodine supplements, make sure you are getting the required dose of iodine in your DIET and FOOD. It is very easy to take too much iodine as well, so you want to make sure you are getting this nutrient in your diet, not through supplementation. Here is a good NIH link to required iodine intake by age and a food chart for how much iodine is in different foods. Eat your iodine!
Iodine has been used for more than 190 years as an essential nutrient, not a drug. Iodine has been called the "Metabolizer", which I find super interesting as our thyroid is known to "set" our "metabolic set point". Our "metaboilc set point" is the level at which our body regulates its energy, appetite, and weight. I am always trying to keep my metabolic set point at a healthy weight/energy level. Your "set rate" is definitely something to be aware of, as it changes with your age, your stress, and your activity level.
Thyroid disease is Iodine deficiency disease. Iodine and thyroid health go hand-in-hand. So much so, the symptoms of iodine deficiency are exactly the same as the symptoms of hypothyroidism:
poor circulation
**high homocysteine levels. (see below)
low blood pressure
high cholesterol
low libido
weight gain/loss
lack of appetite
bloating
fluid retention
skin problems
dry eyes
cataracts
aching joints
sensitivity to cold
graying hair and hair loss
liver and kidney conditions (Also, remembering that the adrenals sit on top of the kidneys)
**Do you know what homocysteine levels are, and how to lower yours? Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in your body as a byproduct of methionine metabolism. Methionine is an essential amino acid obtained from meat, fish, and dairy products.
Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health issues. High homocysteine levels can damage the lining of blood vessels, promote blood clot formation, and interfere with the body's antioxidant mechanisms. A diet low in vitamins B6, B12, and folate can lead to elevated homocysteine levels. These vitamins are necessary for the conversion of homocysteine to other substances, such as methionine or cysteine. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to higher homocysteine levels. You can lower homocysteine levels by changing your diet and eating more nutrient dense foods with B6, B12, and Folate like:
Leafy Greens
Spinach
Kale
Swiss chard
Collard greens
Turnip greens
Legumes
Lentils
Chickpeas
Black beans
Kidney beans
Edamame
Fortified Foods:
Fortified breakfast cereals
Fortified plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk)
Fortified nutritional yeast
Fruits:
Avocado
Oranges
Bananas
Papaya
Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruits)
Meat and Seafood:
Salmon
Tuna
Chicken
Turkey
Shellfish (e.g., clams, mussels)
Nuts and Seeds:
Sunflower seeds
Flaxseeds
Pistachios
Almonds
Walnuts
Eggs and Dairy