The Big Iodine Deficiency - Are You At Risk?

Did you know it's been estimated that up to 95% of the American population is iodine deficient? (1) The World Health Organization states that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a serious public health threat for 2 billion people worldwide. (2)

An iodine deficiency impairs the production of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency has also been linked to enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) and cretinism. (3)

3. Selenium deficiency

Studies have shown, many who are diagnosed with iodine deficiency have shown selenium deficiency as well. The thyroid glands needs both iodine and selenium to produce enough thyroid hormones , but when you lack both or just one, your body has lowered thyroid hormone levels. Low selenium levels cause the thyroid gland to work harder to produce hormones. It's important to have both selenium and iodine to support thyroid health.

4. Pregnancy

The Journal of Pediatrics stated, about one-third of pregnant women in the U.S. are iodine-deficient. That's a shocking number but it actually gets worse. At the time, only about 15% of breastfeeding and pregnant women take iodine supplements. (6) Iodine deficiency is associated with impaired brain function in infants, and stunted physical and mental growth.

5. Smoking

Smoke like tobacco contains a compound named thiocyanate. Thiocyanate inhibits the uptake of iodine and may be responsible for the reduction of levels. Tobacco smoke has a negative effect on thyroid function and can also block hormone action.(7)

6. Low dietary iodine intake

In 2004 a University of Texas study found that between 1950 and 1999 calcium, protein, iron, vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals in crops have been becoming increasingly depleted. They concluded that soil depletion had increased by as much as 40%.

Nutrients like iron, calcium or vitamins are naturally in the some foods. Iodine does not naturally occur in specific foods, instead iodine has to be present in the soil. The plant absorbs the iodine from the soil. Once that plant is harvested the iodine can then be ingested by eating foods grown from that soil. Unfortunately trace minerals like iodine are almost never added to our soils today.

Iodine is generally obtained through a healthy diet however it can be obtained from iodine supplementation. Sea vegetables and seafood are foods are great sources of iodine. The problem is with today's polluted oceans they may also contain toxins that inhibit your iodine absorption.

Nuts, seeds, beans, garlic and onions are good sources of iodine provided the soil contains sufficient amounts of iodine.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The website’s content and the product for sale is based upon the author’s opinion and is provided solely on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis. You should do your own research and confirm the information with other sources when searching for information regarding health issues and always review the information carefully with your professional health-care provider before using any of the protocols presented on this website and/or in the product sold here. Testimonials found at BiowarriorNutrition.com are unverified results that have been forwarded to us by users of the Thyroid Warrior, and may not reflect the typical purchaser’s experience, may not apply to the average person and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.