Iodine has long been studied with regard to the significant role it plays in supporting human health.
In 1813, just two years from the discovery of this incredible element, Swiss physician Jean Francois Coindet began using iodine for the treatment of patients with goiter, a condition that refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, resulting directly from iodine deficiency.
While it quickly became clear that safe levels of iodine dosage required careful examination, there was no doubt that Coindet had uncovered a critical connection between iodine and optimal thyroid function – one that would prove beneficial to human health for years to come!
Of course, since then, modern technology has brought us much closer to understanding the vast functions of iodine within the human body.
Still, iodine supplementation remains just as critical a topic today as it was when these discoveries were first revealed.
Despite over 200 years of research on iodine as it relates to thyroid health, it is estimated that over 27 million Americans suffer with thyroid issues.Unfortunately, the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reports that iodine levels have fallen more than 50% in the last 30 years, resulting in widespread iodine deficiency and epidemic increases in thyroid disorders. Common thyroid problems include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer and goiter – all of which can be attributed to iodine imbalances, which is why healthy iodine levels are so imperative. But the importance of iodine doesn’t stop there. As Hallelujah Acres’ Dr. Michael Donaldson, PhD explains, “Many of the functions of iodine are separate from its role as part of thyroid hormones. Iodine has a major impact on the thyroid, but it will also have a direct impact on all of the other tissues of the body that utilize iodine.” For starters, the ovaries and the breasts contain high concentrations of iodine, signifying a direct link between iodine deficiency and reproductive health, as well as fibrocystic breast disease. Our immune systems also rely on iodine for its ability to assist the immune response in the fight against infections. Not to mention, iodine has been shown to help balance estrogen levels, normalize cholesterol and blood pressure, improve glucose metabolism, and reduce inflammation and infection in the lungs. Plus, according to Donaldson’s extensive research, “iodine stabilizes the heart rhythm, lowers serum cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and is known to make the blood thinner as well." He explains, “Iodine is not only good for the cardiovascular system, it is vital.” Unfortunately, our soil contains very little iodine, meaning there is very little iodine in the land vegetables that we eat. Sea vegetables, on the other hand, are able to absorb and retain iodine from sea water, making foods like kelp, seaweed and spirulina natural, whole-food sources of iodine. However, beware, as many kelp supplements on the market have been found to contain high levels of arsenic and/or traces of heavy metals. Finding safe, reliable sources of iodine remains one of the most important topics related to iodine supplementation today. That’s why we recommend Iosol, Iodoral and Nascent Iodine, all demonstrated to be safe, highly effective sources for obtaining optimal iodine levels in the body when used properly. Check out our website for more information on these products, and, for a limited time, get 20% off the list price of Nascent Iodine - the best iodine for maximum utilization and uptake into the thyroid gland. For more complete information on iodine supplementation, usage and dietary recommendations, click on this link to read the comprehensive article Recent Advances in Iodine Nutrition by Dr. Michael Donaldson, PhD.
