Iodine deficiency

[Guest guest]

Hi all

Following on from my last post. My husband did the test at 2 just

over an 1hr and 15mins ago and his patch is nearly gone. I did it

again at the same time and mine is still dark at the moment as a

comparison.

I've read in several nutritional books that iodine deficiency is quite

rare. What is going on?

Sally

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think iodine deficiency is not as rare as one might think. Those who eat a

varied diet of different foods and use the iodized salt - yes - are not likely

to be deficient.

However, if your diet is challenged or you only use sea salt (which is almost

never iodized) then supplementation may be necessary. Kelp is a good way to do

it.

-Ron-

From: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1187.htm

" Iodine is a chemical element. It is found in trace amounts in the human body,

in which its only known function is in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Severe

iodine deficiency results in impaired thyroid hormone synthesis and/or thyroid

enlargement (goiter). Population effects of severe iodine deficiency, termed

iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), include endemic goiter, hypothyroidism,

cretinism, decreased fertility rate, increased infant mortality, and mental

retardation.

Iodine is primarily obtained through the diet but is also a component of

some medications, such as radiology contrast agents, iodophor cleansers, and

amiodarone. Worldwide, the soil in large geographic areas is deficient in

iodine. Twenty-nine percent of the world's population living in approximately

130 countries is estimated to live in areas of deficiency ..... "

From: http://www.tulane.edu/~icec/aboutidd.htm

" Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of

preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world. It also decreases

child survival, causes goiters, and impairs growth and development. Iodine

deficiency in pregnant women causes miscarriages, stillbirths, and other

complications. Children with IDD can grow up stunted, apathetic, mentally

retarded, and incapable of normal movements, speech, or hearing. Globally, 2.2

billion people (38% of the world's population) live in areas with iodine

deficiency and risks its complications.

Iodine deficiency was once considered a minor problem, causing

goiter, an unsightly but seemingly benign cosmetic blemish. However, it is now

known that the effects on the developing brain are much more deadly, and

constitute a threat to the social and economic development of many countries.

Effective and affordable technology exists to prevent iodine

deficiency and the problems it causes. The most important are iodized salt and

effective monitoring of iodine nutrition.

---

http://www.HartAmerica.com

sallyhffmn wrote:

> Hi all

>

> Following on from my last post. My husband did the test at 2 just

> over an 1hr and 15mins ago and his patch is nearly gone. I did it

> again at the same time and mine is still dark at the moment as a

> comparison.

> I've read in several nutritional books that iodine deficiency is quite

> rare. What is going on?

> Sally

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/19/2006 12:27:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,

TheRHs@... writes:

The most important are iodized salt

I've been using Celtic Seasalt which is not iodized. Any suggestions for a

good quality iodized salt? or iodized seasalt??

[Guest guest]

I use Kelp granules and it supplies plenty iodine without getting

tooo much salt , I love it in my barley green powder smoothie and in

cooking especailly sprinkled on eggs , makes them taste egg-ier ..

lol

>

>

> Hi all

> Yesterday i did an iodine patch test. Around about 8pm. I forgot to

> check it first thing but lunchtime today noticed the patch was

> completely gone. The quicker it fades the more deficient you are.

> I was surprised as i get 50mcg in my multi and sometimes take two a

> day if i remember the second one. However i've never been much of

a

> salt lover and don't eat processed stuff so i'm obviously not

> getting enough. As we know the thyroid needs iodine to make

thyroid

> hormones. I really thought it would show i wasn't deficient so be

> warned all you fellow thyroid sufferers. All you need to do the

> test is 2% iodine tincture bought from any drug store and using a

> cotton bud paint a 1 " square and let it dry for 5 minutes and see

> how long it takes to fade. If you're not deficient the stain

should

> still be visible 24hrs later. I am going to buy some sea salt or

> kelp tablets and keep testing regularly to correct this. Does

> anyone know if anything blocks iodine absorption because these

> supplements i've been taking haven't been doing their job or maybe

> just not enough in them to do the job.

> Sally

> I'm going to do the test again to make sure.

> Sally

>

[Guest guest]

http://altmedangel.com/iodine.htm

How to Self-Test for an Iodine

Deficiency

1. Dip a cotton ball into USP Tincture of Iodine.

(You can get iodine at the drugstore for under $1.)

2. Paint a 2 inch circle of iodine on your soft skin, like the inner part

of your thigh or upper arm.

3. Wait. -- If the yellowish stain disappears in less than an hour; it

means your body is lacking crucial iodine and has soaked it up. If the

stain remains for more than four hours, you iodine levels are

fine.

Why check your iodine levels?

Low iodine levels can zap your energy and make you feel tired, edgy

and worn out. Low iodine levels can even prevent you from getting a good

night's sleep. Before you go to your doctor with complaints of tossing

and turning all night, aches and pains, and just feeling

" blah, " you may want to perform this self-test.

Because the symptoms of an iodine deficiency are classically identical to

so many other illnesses (like depression, stress, chronic fatigue, or

fibromyalgia,) many doctors either misdiagnose it or miss it completely

and tell you there is nothing wrong.

Why are iodine levels so important?

Low levels of iodine mean your thyroid isn't functioning properly.

The thyroid helps balance hormones, regulate heartbeats, stabilize

cholesterol, maintain weight control, encourage muscle growth,

keep menstrual cycles regular, provide energy, and even helps you

keep a positive mental attitude.

Women are naturally prone to iodine deficiencies. That's because

the thyroid gland in women is twice as large as in men -- so under

normal circumstances, women need more iodine. However, when women are

under stress, the need for iodine can double or triple. Yet the foods we

eat contain less and less dietary iodine. For example, back in 1940, the

typical American diet contained about 800 micrograms of iodine. By

1995, that amount plunged to just 135 micrograms. That's an 83%

decline.

Two thirds of the body's iodine is found in the thyroid gland. One of the

best ways to boost your iodine levels is to add seaweed sea

vegetables to your diet. Just one teaspoon of sea vegetables a day can

help you regain normal iodine levels. Incorporating seafood and fish into

your diet can also help. Other foods that contain iodine are eggs and

dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt, onions, radishes, and

watercress. Some foods, called goitrogens, should be omitted for awhile

as they hinder iodine utilization. These included kale, cabbage, peanuts,

soy flour, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi and

turnips.

To reactivate the thyroid gland, tyrosine, iodine, zinc, copper and

selenium are needed so make sure that foods containing these nutrients

are included in your diet.

Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian

Homeopath

Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Washington State, USA

Vaccines -

http://vaccinationdangers.wordpress.com/ Homeopathy

http://homeopathycures.wordpress.com

Vaccine Dangers, Childhood Disease Classes & Homeopathy

Online/email courses - next classes start March 4

[Guest guest]

http://altmedangel.com/iodine.htm

How to Self-Test for an Iodine

Deficiency

1. Dip a cotton ball into USP Tincture of Iodine.

(You can get iodine at the drugstore for under $1.)

2. Paint a 2 inch circle of iodine on your soft skin, like the inner part

of your thigh or upper arm.

3. Wait. -- If the yellowish stain disappears in less than an hour; it

means your body is lacking crucial iodine and has soaked it up. If the

stain remains for more than four hours, you iodine levels are

fine.

Why check your iodine levels?

Low iodine levels can zap your energy and make you feel tired, edgy

and worn out. Low iodine levels can even prevent you from getting a good

night's sleep. Before you go to your doctor with complaints of tossing

and turning all night, aches and pains, and just feeling

" blah, " you may want to perform this self-test.

Because the symptoms of an iodine deficiency are classically identical to

so many other illnesses (like depression, stress, chronic fatigue, or

fibromyalgia,) many doctors either misdiagnose it or miss it completely

and tell you there is nothing wrong.

Why are iodine levels so important?

Low levels of iodine mean your thyroid isn't functioning properly.

The thyroid helps balance hormones, regulate heartbeats, stabilize

cholesterol, maintain weight control, encourage muscle growth,

keep menstrual cycles regular, provide energy, and even helps you

keep a positive mental attitude.

Women are naturally prone to iodine deficiencies. That's because

the thyroid gland in women is twice as large as in men -- so under

normal circumstances, women need more iodine. However, when women are

under stress, the need for iodine can double or triple. Yet the foods we

eat contain less and less dietary iodine. For example, back in 1940, the

typical American diet contained about 800 micrograms of iodine. By

1995, that amount plunged to just 135 micrograms. That's an 83%

decline.

Two thirds of the body's iodine is found in the thyroid gland. One of the

best ways to boost your iodine levels is to add seaweed sea

vegetables to your diet. Just one teaspoon of sea vegetables a day can

help you regain normal iodine levels. Incorporating seafood and fish into

your diet can also help. Other foods that contain iodine are eggs and

dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt, onions, radishes, and

watercress. Some foods, called goitrogens, should be omitted for awhile

as they hinder iodine utilization. These included kale, cabbage, peanuts,

soy flour, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi and

turnips.

To reactivate the thyroid gland, tyrosine, iodine, zinc, copper and

selenium are needed so make sure that foods containing these nutrients

are included in your diet.

Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian

Homeopath

Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Washington State, USA

Vaccines -

http://vaccinationdangers.wordpress.com/ Homeopathy

http://homeopathycures.wordpress.com

Vaccine Dangers, Childhood Disease Classes & Homeopathy

Online/email courses - next classes start March 4