Iodine deficiency is very likely a significant reason for the epidemic numbers of low thyroid individuals. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormoes, and it’s estimated that 96% of the American population is deficient in this crucial element.
Hypothyroidism describes a condition where there’s an inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Some of the more common symptoms include: weight gain or difficulty losing weight, fatigue, depression, constipation, thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry skin. Since some 200 symptoms can be related to low levels of thyroid hormones, it’s easy to see how important it is to have an adequate intake of iodine. Iodine is also involved in the function of all endocrine glands, in the detoxification of heavy metals, in making the body more alkaline, and in more efficient immune function. Part of the problem lies in the belief that eating iodized table salt gives you an adequate supply of iodine. It very likely gives you enough iodine to prevent goiter (hypertrophy of the thyroid), but nowhere near enough to produce a vibrantly healthy gland and adequate hormone levels. Another issue lies in iodine’s capacity for detoxification. Because iodine helps the body to excrete heavy metals, and chemicals like bromine (that injure the thyroid gland), it’s ingestion can produce detoxification symptoms like headaches, brain fog, skin rashes, and fatigue. These detox signs might make us think that we were allergic to iodine if we didn’t know better. A caveat with iodine usage is to increase the dosage gradually to avoid, or to at least minimize the detox reactions. A gradually increasing dose can also help an individual to find a maintenance dose that’s best suited to their needs. One more consideration is about whether to test for iodine levels before supplementing. In the past I tested. Patients were required to collect urine for 24 hours, and pay over $100 for the lab fee. They were fond of neither. If you’re experiencing a number of symptoms that suggest iodine deficiency, and take into account the statistic that 96% of Americans are deficient in iodine, then a trial involving a gradually increasing dose of iodine may be a very good idea. Iodine supplementation doesn’t come without some controversy. To more fully inform yourself, you’ll find Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, by Dr. David Brownstein, an excellent resource.
Dr. Templin offers online courses and consultations, and sees patients personally in his office in Lakeland, Florida. You can learn more about his course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! here. Steven Templin, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, specializing in MindBody Medicine. He is a certified META-Medicine Health Coach and nationally certified acupuncturist. He shares the underlying science and more importantly, the practical tools for resolving the unconscious energetic and emotional roots of illness. In his online course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! he provides training in Self-Regulation skills, that include Bio-Energetic Focusing, HeartMath and Energy Psychology techniques, Energy Medicine modalities, and Gastrointestinal repair for enhanced immunity, mood, and mental clarity. Dr. Templin is in private practice in Lakeland, Florida, at the Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland.
Steve is a retired Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Certified Practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience in Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Biofeedback.