Iodine and Thyroid
The links you see within our articles are links to products which we have found safe & effective for the conditions and ailments being discussed. They are natural & holistic products that we honestly believe in and feel confident recommending, and which are backed by iron-clad, unconditional money-back guarantees. All monies earned on this site go to support our chosen charities. ~Dee
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck just below the Adams apple. The thyroid has a very important job because it is responsible for the bodys metabolism rate and energy production.
Iodine is a nonmetallic chemical that is found abundantly in seawater and in some minerals. It is in the same classification as chlorine and bromine. Iodine is toxic in large amounts.
The thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly. The two most important hormones that are manufactured by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These two hormones are commonly referred to as T4 and T3.
If iodine is not available in the diet the thyroid gland may not be able to produce enough of the bodys needed hormones. Fortunately, in the United States iodine is added to salt and bread. A minimum of sixty micrograms of iodine a day is required to make the thyroid hormones.
The process by which iodine is used by the thyroid is quite complicated and certain steps are still unclear. Iodine is converted into its free elemental form iodide. This iodide enters the thyroid gland through the bodys transport mechanism.
Once the iodide is in the thyroid gland a process called oxidation takes place. This process produces hormones called MIT or Monoiodotyrosine which contains one iodide and DIT or Diiodotyrosine which contains two iodides.
These two compounds then combine to form the active hormones that the body uses. These hormones are then stored in the thyroid gland and released into the body as needed.
The body has a regulatory system in place to prevent toxic levels of the thyroid hormone from building up. If too much iodine is being ingested the body will first increase hormone production and then decrease production by blocking the incorporation of iodine into thyroid hormone.
The problem with this protective mechanism arises when the patient develops a disease of the thyroid gland such as Hashimotos Thyroiditis. In these situations a goiter may develop or hypothyroidism may occur.
An increase in the amount of iodine ingested can also cause the opposite effect known as hyperthyroidism. This can happen if very little iodine is taken in for a while and suddenly there is a significant increase in the amount of iodine ingested. This usually occurs in those who have an underlying thyroid disorder that has not yet manifested itself.
The relationship between iodine and the thyroid gland is an important one. It is difficult to predict how each individual will respond to the depletion of iodine or the excess of iodine.
If you live in the United States and eat a normal Western diet there is no reason to supplement your diet with kelp or any other iodine supplements. You will receive enough iodine in your normal diet for your thyroid to function properly.
All monies earned from sales referred by this site go to charity
.
Please help us support the efforts of Child Fund International, The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), Tickets for Charity, the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, and the Smiles for Healing Project by clicking our links and shopping our sponsors.
Your Free PDF Health Ebook...
Natural Help for Drug Detox
Simply Right Click and choose Save As to save to your desktop! More FREE Natural Health, Wellness and Pet Ebooks at Remedies4.com!Twitter This!
