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Iodine Deficiency: More Common Than You Think
Sausalito, CA
Thursday, July 29, 2010
GLOBAL MEDICINE HUNTER NEWS
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN
mail@megjordan.com
SAN FRANCISCO---) After years of warning patients about the risks of too much salt, doctors are now worried about the iodine deficiency that results from too little.
In the past, the iodization of salt counteracted iodine deficiency. Today people are reducing salt use in an effort to avoid high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The unintended result is a dramatic cutback in iodine intake. If you've eliminated iodized salt or switched to non-iodized sea salt, you may be deficient in iodine.
Iodine is essential for optimum thyroid health. The thyroid helps balance hormones, regulate heartbeats, stabilize cholesterol, maintain weight control, encourage muscle growth, keep menstrual cycles regular, and provide energy. It even helps you keep a positive mental attitude.
Low iodine levels may cause hypothyroidism, a general slowing-down of the body's processes. If you're feeling tired, edgy, and worn out, you may have an iodine deficiency. Pregnant women and their babies face the greatest risks. Severe iodine deficiencies can cause birthing problems as well as congenital abnormalities in babies.
The body doesn't make iodine, so your diet must supply it. Eating just one teaspoon a day of sea vegetables can help restore normal iodine levels. Also, zinc, copper, and selenium help to reactivate and restore the thyroid, so look for foods containing these nutrients.
# # #
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN, is a medical anthropologist and Department Chair and Professor of Integrative Health Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN
mail@megjordan.com
SAN FRANCISCO---) After years of warning patients about the risks of too much salt, doctors are now worried about the iodine deficiency that results from too little.
In the past, the iodization of salt counteracted iodine deficiency. Today people are reducing salt use in an effort to avoid high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The unintended result is a dramatic cutback in iodine intake. If you've eliminated iodized salt or switched to non-iodized sea salt, you may be deficient in iodine.
Iodine is essential for optimum thyroid health. The thyroid helps balance hormones, regulate heartbeats, stabilize cholesterol, maintain weight control, encourage muscle growth, keep menstrual cycles regular, and provide energy. It even helps you keep a positive mental attitude.
Low iodine levels may cause hypothyroidism, a general slowing-down of the body's processes. If you're feeling tired, edgy, and worn out, you may have an iodine deficiency. Pregnant women and their babies face the greatest risks. Severe iodine deficiencies can cause birthing problems as well as congenital abnormalities in babies.
The body doesn't make iodine, so your diet must supply it. Eating just one teaspoon a day of sea vegetables can help restore normal iodine levels. Also, zinc, copper, and selenium help to reactivate and restore the thyroid, so look for foods containing these nutrients.
# # #
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN, is a medical anthropologist and Department Chair and Professor of Integrative Health Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Meg Jordan, PhD., RN
Global Health Media
Sausalito, CA
415-785-7987
