Iodine deficiency is a broadly rampant issue and one that can impact every aspect of endocrine, cognitive, mood, and immune functions. It is easily the most underrecognized and widely impacting trace mineral deficiency problem today, an issue recently brought to light by two independent medical doctors: Guy Abraham and David Brownstein.
Although iodine deficiency isn't one of the first things that comes to mind for most people in cases of learning disabilities or mood and cognitive dysfunction, this mineral is so widely deficient (and so widely misunderstood) in the American population that it likely impacts most known health problems today and cannot be ignored as a timely and critical issue.
The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are made up of the amino acid L-tyrosine combined with either three or four molecules of iodine. respectively. Thyroid problems are growing widely and can lead to all manner of brain dysregulation and learning, memory, and mood disorders. Care must be taken, however, to rule out autoimmune thyroid issues, (e.g., Hashimoto's disease) prior to iodine supplementation. Cases of Hashimoto's disease need to be clearly identified and addressed more cautiously. Iodine is a major cofactor in the production of thyroid peroxidase: this is the very substance that a person with autoimmune thyroid problems is producing antibodies against (thyroid peroxidase antibodies), and its production will subsequently serve to accelerate destruction of the thyroid. Not good. There is currently some controversy and mixed information over this, but unfortunately the literature is quite clear with respec: to the problematic nature of iodine supplementation for individuals hav¬ing Hashimoto's disease. The risk of significantly accelerating the onset of a thyroid immune attack and often also inducing thyroid hyperactivity symptoms is very real. Even when iodine deficiency is suspected in auto-immune thyroid disorders, the problems and risks associated with iodine supplementation likely outweigh any potential benefits. Unfortunately, it these populations, adding supplemental iodine is simply not a good idea. Small amounts of naturally occurring iodine in seafood are likely okay.
Iodine requires cofactors and selenium, factors such as B-complex and C-complex vitamins, magnesium, E-complex vitamins and selenium, broad-spectrum trace elements (using something like Celtic sea salt), and essential fatty acids \in order to be properly absorbed into the tissues and properly used. It is important that tissue levels of these nutrient cofactors be healthy prior to iodine supplementation in individuals with no nonautoimmune (non Hashimoto's) thyroid disease. Failure to ensure this may result in uncom¬fortable reactions.
Although iodine is commonly recognized as needed for healthy thy¬roid functioning, many people are not aware that iodine is greatly needed for the normal functioning of each and every cell as well as the normal manufacturing of all hormones and the functioning of the entire endo-crine system (also for improving the sensitivity of hormone receptors), broadly impacting many aspects of health. Every organ and all tissues contain and must have iodine. The brain is no exception.
The therapeutic actions of iodine include antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer effects, elevating pH values, and serving as a mucolytic agent (breaking up mucus in the body). Conditions that can be successfully improved or treated with iodine are:
• ADD/ADHD
• atherosclerosis
• brain fog
,• breast diseases
• deafness
Dupuytren's contracture
excess mucus production
• fatigue
• fibrocystic breasts
• goiter
• headaches and migraines
• hemorrhoids
hypertension
infections
• keloids
• liver diseases
• memory problems
• ovarian disease
• parotid duct stones
• Peyronie s disease prostate disorders
• sebaceous cysts
• senility
• thyroid disorders
• vaginal infections
Apart from iodine-poor soils and reduced iodine in the food supply, one major reason for rampant iodine deficiencies involves toxic levels of other halogens in our environment and our water and food supplies. First on the list of offenders are bromine/bromide, included in all baked goods (as an anticaking agent), soft drinks, sports drinks, medications, and highly processed vegetable oils; in many pools and spas as a disinfectant; in mos; household items (including flame retardants in everything from carpets and furniture and car upholstery to electronics); and in pesticides. Bromide/bromine toxicity is everywhere and affects nearly everyone. Fluoride in municipal water supplies is also a major problem, as is chlorination. All these substances serve to displace iodine in the body and all its tissues, are markedly toxic, and often require large doses of iodine to reverse the problem.
Taking excessive amounts of iodine (or too much too quickly) can lead to uncomfortable detox symptoms (sometimes referred to as Herxheimer reactions) as these halogens are displaced. Therefore, it is important approach iodine supplementation carefully, knowledgeably, and systematically, preferably under the guidance of a knowledgeable health care practitioner. Iodine's cofactors (previously listed) are essential to succesful iodine supplementation.
Good dietary sources of iodine include all seafood, kelp, and other seaweeds. Iodized salt supplies only iodide and is not sufficient to supply all tissues with needed complete iodine. Only about 10 percent of this form of iodine in iodized salt is actually bioavailable. Unrefined, full-spectrum sea salt that is not iodized is a fairly poor source of iodine, incidentally, though though it is very helpful with the body's use of iodine. Among the best supplemental sources of higher-potency iodine are (Iodoral (combines elemental iodine and iodide, the two forms needed by the body) and Lugol's solution (mostly available by prescription and tastes awful). Kelp supplements can provide smaller amounts of naturally occurring complete iodine that are well tolerated and easily absorbed, though may be inadequate to reverse severe deficiency states or bromide/bromine or fluoride and chlorine toxicity. Detoxification of undesirable halogens (a.:- other compounds and heavy metals) for those with autoimmune issues may be more safely accomplished with the use of sodium modified citrus pectin as gentle oral chelating agents.
It can take three to six months of diligent iodine supplementation to reach full iodine sufficiency throughout the body (longer in people who have more-severe health challenges), according to Brownstein, and maintenance levels of iodine supplementation may be required for many people.
) I came across a few places that offered "Self tests" for low iodine, and according to those, I've got "Hypothyroidism so bad blood work may be abnormal." (site here: 
