Did you know it's been estimated that up to 95% of the American population is iodine deficient?  Dr. David Brownstien conducted a test on over 4,000 patients, and found over 95% of those tested were deficient in this essential mineral.

The World Health Organization states that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a serious public health threat for 2 billion people worldwide. (1)

An iodine deficiency impairs the production of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) and cretinism. (2) Some other symptoms of an iodine deficiency include fatigue, memory problems, thinning hair, constipation, depression, difficulty losing weight, headaches, dry skin and muscle weakness.

Here's some iodine deficiency info that may shock you:

• The World Health Organization stated, iodine deficiency affects 72% of the world's population.

• Dr. David Brownstein found more than 95% of the 5,000+ patients he tested were iodine deficient.

• The National Library of Medicine states, Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) are one of the biggest worldwide public health problems of today. (3)

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) represents the different disorders that are associated with an iodine deficiency in a population. These disorders could be all preventable if the right dose of iodine is administered. Here's a few common disorders resulting from iodine deficiency: hypothyroidism, increased cholesterol levels, goiter, low fertility, breast disease, breast cancer, and increased infant mortality. (4)

The 6 Risks Linked to An Iodine Deficiency:

1. Chlorinated and fluoridated water

Our water supply is loaded with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. These two chemicals are halogens. These halogens are toxic to your body. Another halogen is Iodine. Iodine is the only halogen that the human body needs to live. One of the bad things about chlorine and fluoride is that they block iodine receptors and prevent your body from absorbing the crucial iodine it needs.

2. Toxic chemicals in the air and food

Bromine is another toxic halogen. Methyl bromide is commercially used  as an ingredient in pesticides which are sprayed onto crops. Those same crops are then sold at your local grocery store and served on your dinner table. The worst part is that the risk is increasing as pesticide usage levels has been steady increasing. (5)

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, it's been estimated that only about 15% of breastfeeding and pregnant women take iodine supplements. 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. (6)

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%. (7)

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. Unfortunately trace minerals like iodine are almost never added to our soils today.