Importance of iodine for thyroid health, immune system function and overall well-being. The potential consequences of iodine deficiency and the impact of halogens (Bromides, Fluorides, Chlorides) and pseudohalogens (perchlorates and Thiocyanates) on human health.
Iodine and Thyroid Health
- Thyroid Hormone Production:
o Essential Element: Iodine is a critical component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
o Metabolism Regulation: These hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development. - Preventing Thyroid Disorders:
o Hypothyroidism: Adequate iodine levels prevent hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low thyroid hormone levels, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
o Goiter Prevention: Iodine deficiency can cause goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can lead to breathing and swallowing difficulties. - Neurological Development:
o Critical for Development: Iodine is crucial for proper neurological development in babies and young children, affecting cognitive function and overall brain health.
Iodine and Immune Defense
- Antimicrobial Properties:
o Natural Antiseptic: Iodine has natural antimicrobial properties that protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
o Infection Control: It helps in reducing the incidence and severity of infections.
- Gut Microbiome:
o Microbiome Balance: Iodine helps restore the balance ( homostasis) of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
o Chronic Disease Prevention: A balanced gut microbiome reduces the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- Detoxification:
o Toxin Removal: Iodine aids in the removal of toxic chemicals from the body, including heavy metals and other harmful substances that can cause cancer and other ailments. - Inflammation Reduction:
o Anti-inflammatory: Adequate iodine levels help reduce inflammation, which is a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases.
Iodine is essential for thyroid health, ensuring the proper production of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and support neurological development.
It also plays a crucial role in immune health by providing antimicrobial properties, maintaining gut microbiome balance, aiding in detoxification, and reducing inflammation. Adequate iodine intake is vital for overall well-being and the prevention of various health issues.
Halogen and Pseudo Halogens Impact
Bromides
- Competes with Iodine: Bromine, used in bread and other foods, competes with iodine for absorption in the thyroid gland and other tissues, exacerbating iodine deficiency.
- Health Impact: Bromine can accumulate in the central nervous system and trigger psychological and psychotic symptoms, such as acute paranoia.
- FDA Ban: The FDA recently revoked the authorization to use brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products due to its toxicity to the thyroid gland, but this restriction is limited to a few sodas and does not address bromine in bread and other foods.
Fluorides
- IQ and Development: Fluoride in drinking water has been linked to reduced IQ in children, with studies indicating that high fluoride exposure is associated with lower IQ.
- Health Concerns: Research links higher fluoride levels to ADHD, hypothyroidism, bone cancer, and other health issues.
- Metal Exposure: Fluoridation can involve unintended metal exposures, including barium, arsenic, and aluminum.
- Scientific Integrity: Concerns have been raised about the infringement of scientific integrity due to delays and modifications in the release of reports on fluoride’s safety.
Chlorides
- Inhibits Iodine Absorption: Higher concentrations of chloride in salt (NaCl) inhibit the absorption of iodine needed by the body.
- Limited Absorption: The intestines absorb only 10 percent of the iodine present in iodized table salt, further limiting iodine intake.
General Impact on Thyroid and Immune System
- Iodine Deficiency: The presence of bromides, fluorides, and chlorides can lead to iodine deficiency, which is critical for thyroid health and immune system function.
- Thyroid Function: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency can lead to various thyroid-related health issues.
- Immune System: Adequate iodine levels are crucial for a healthy immune system, as iodine helps protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and supports the gut microbiome.
These points highlight the negative impact of bromides, fluorides, and chlorides on iodine absorption and overall health, particularly concerning the thyroid and immune system.
Impact of Pseudohalogens on Iodine, Thyroid, and Immunity
Pseudohalogens
- Perchlorate:
o Displaces Iodine: Perchlorate is a pseudohalogen that displaces iodine in the body, leading to iodine deficiency.
o Children’s Food: It is most commonly found in children’s food,
potentially affecting their thyroid function and overall health. - Thiocyanate:
o Source: Found in cigarette smoke.
o Developmental Disorders: Increases the risk of developmental disorders through secondhand smoke or from the smoking mother’s breast milk.
Impact on Iodine
• Displacement: Both perchlorate and thiocyanate displace iodine in the thyroid gland and other tissues, reducing the availability of iodine for essential bodily functions.
• Iodine Deficiency: This displacement exacerbates iodine deficiency, which is critical for various physiological processes.
Impact on Thyroid
• Thyroid Hormone Production: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Pseudohalogens that displace iodine can lead to reduced thyroid hormone levels, affecting metabolism, growth, and development.
• Thyroid Health: Long-term exposure to pseudohalogens can lead to thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and other thyroid-related disorders.
Impact on Immunity
• Immune System Function: Iodine plays a crucial role in the immune system by protecting against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pseudohalogens that displace iodine can weaken the immune response.
Pseudohalogens like perchlorate and thiocyanate negatively impact iodine absorption, leading to iodine deficiency. This deficiency affects thyroid hormone production and overall thyroid health, and weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases.
Gut Microbiome: Iodine helps restore the gut microbiome, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Pseudohalogens can disrupt this balance, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Importance+of+Iodine+
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-iodine
https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/minerals/iodine-a-critically-important-nutrient
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-iodine
https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/supplements/iodine-supplements-foods
https://www.bing.com/search?q=pseudohalogens&form=APIPH1&PC=APPL
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