Lifestyle for Healthy Feet

Tag: thyroid

  • The Healing Power of Iodine: A Fascinating Insight from Lynne Farrow’s ‘The Iodine Crisis’

    Did you know iodine, a mineral most people associate only with thyroid health, might actually have far broader healing properties? Lynne Farrow, in her influential book “The Iodine Crisis,” argues that iodine deficiency is far more common and serious than previously thought, potentially influencing overall health significantly.

    Surprising Benefits of Iodine

    According to Farrow, iodine is crucial not only for thyroid function but also for the health of breasts, prostate, ovaries, and even cognitive functioning. She cites numerous cases where iodine supplementation led to improvements in:

    • Energy levels and mental clarity
    • Breast health and decreased fibrocystic breast conditions
    • Hormonal balance and reproductive health
    • Immune system support

    Scientific Insights on Iodine

    Scientific studies support some of Farrow’s claims regarding iodine’s health benefits. Research indicates iodine supplementation can indeed help reduce symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease, improve cognitive function, and support thyroid health. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlighted iodine’s effectiveness in reducing breast pain and cyst size in patients with fibrocystic breast disease. Additionally, research published in “Thyroid Research” found that adequate iodine intake is essential for optimal thyroid gland function and overall metabolic health.

    Why Isn’t There More Research?

    Despite these promising findings, iodine remains surprisingly under-researched. Several factors contribute to this lack of extensive scientific inquiry:

    • Lack of commercial interest: Iodine is inexpensive and cannot be patented, reducing pharmaceutical companies’ incentives to invest in extensive research.
    • Market dominance of patented treatments: Companies prefer funding research on patented medications that promise greater profits, sidelining iodine research.
    • Safety concerns: Excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, making researchers cautious in designing clinical trials.
    • Limited medical awareness: Conventional medicine often focuses on newer treatments, causing iodine therapy to be overlooked despite its potential benefits.

    Historically, medical textbooks provided doctors with comprehensive knowledge about iodine therapy. Today, however, medical education has shifted toward primarily prescribing pharmaceutical drugs, significantly narrowing the understanding and application of iodine treatments among healthcare professionals. It is important to note, however, that this does not mean that modern doctors lack all knowledge about iodine’s benefits. Instead, the mainstream medical education system tends to prioritize treatments that align with contemporary pharmaceutical practices, often neglecting older or alternative therapies.

    These factors collectively explain the relatively limited scope of research into iodine’s therapeutic properties, despite promising early results.

    The Forgotten Nutrient

    Historically, iodine was commonly used medically, yet over time, its significance has been largely forgotten or underestimated in conventional medicine. Farrow highlights that modern diets and environmental toxins have significantly increased the global risk of iodine deficiency, contributing to many chronic health issues.

    Is Iodized Salt Effective?

    While iodized salt is commonly recommended as a source of iodine, it’s important to know that the iodine in salt may evaporate or oxidize after the package is opened or during cooking, reducing its effectiveness. Consequently, relying solely on iodized salt might not sufficiently ensure adequate iodine intake. To reliably meet iodine needs, consider including foods naturally rich in iodine, such as seafood, seaweed, or supplements under professional guidance.

    How to Safely Supplement Iodine

    Farrow recommends careful and informed supplementation, emphasizing the importance of:

    • Consulting with healthcare professionals knowledgeable about iodine therapy.
    • Starting supplementation slowly, gradually increasing dosage while monitoring symptoms and thyroid function.
    • Complementing iodine intake with other vital nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

    Cautions and Considerations

    While iodine can be immensely beneficial, it should always be used responsibly. Excess iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction, so regular monitoring and medical guidance are essential.

    Final Thoughts

    Iodine, as Lynne Farrow emphasizes, is a powerful yet underappreciated nutrient that may significantly improve health when used appropriately. Always discuss iodine supplementation with a healthcare provider to tailor an approach that’s safe and beneficial for your individual health needs.

  • Why a Low-Carb Diet and Avoiding Brominated Flour Can Support Thyroid Health in Hashimoto’s?

    Nowadays, more and more people struggle with thyroid problems, and one of the most common autoimmune disorders is Hashimoto’s disease. Many studies indicate that a proper diet can significantly impact the health of patients. One of the most effective nutritional approaches appears to be a low-carb diet and avoiding brominated flour, which may negatively affect thyroid function.

    How Does a Low-Carb Diet Affect Hashimoto’s?

    A low-carb diet involves reducing carbohydrate intake, especially those with a high glycemic index, and replacing them with healthier fats and protein. In the context of Hashimoto’s, this can bring several benefits:

    1. Reducing Inflammation – Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. Reducing simple sugars and processed foods helps lower inflammation and decreases the autoimmune response.
    2. Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels – People with Hashimoto’s often suffer from insulin resistance. A low-carb diet improves insulin sensitivity, which may support thyroid function and metabolism.
    3. Supporting Gut Health and Microbiota – Leaky gut can be one of the factors exacerbating Hashimoto’s. A diet rich in healthy fats and low-carb vegetables can help rebuild gut microbiota.
    4. Better Conversion of Thyroid Hormones – Hypothyroidism is often associated with poor conversion of T4 to the active T3 form. A low-carb diet may improve this conversion, especially when rich in healthy fats such as omega-3s.

    Brominated Flour and the Thyroid – Why Avoid It?

    Bromine is a chemical element that belongs to the same group as iodine, fluorine, and chlorine (halogens). It can compete with iodine, which is essential for producing thyroid hormones. Consuming products containing bromine (e.g., brominated flour) can lead to iodine deficiency and weakened thyroid function.

    Negative Effects of Brominated Flour:

    • Blocking Iodine Absorption – The thyroid may replace iodine with bromine, leading to disruptions in hormone synthesis.
    • Increased Risk of Hypothyroidism – Bromine can weaken thyroid activity, leading to chronic fatigue, weight gain, and hormonal imbalances.
    • Neurotoxic Effects – Excess bromine in the body may cause brain fog, concentration problems, and memory impairment.

    Pesticides in Flour – A Hidden Threat to the Thyroid

    Flour, especially conventional wheat flour, may contain pesticide and herbicide residues used during crop cultivation. Some of these can negatively impact thyroid health:

    • Glyphosate – Used as a herbicide, it may disrupt enzymes responsible for thyroid hormone synthesis and weaken gut microbiota, which is crucial for autoimmune thyroid diseases.
    • Chlorinated Pesticides – These may act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the hormonal system, including thyroid function.
    • Heavy Metal Residues – Some pesticides may contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as cadmium, which can weaken thyroid function.

    For this reason, it is worth choosing organic flour from pesticide-free crops to minimize exposure to these substances.

    Is Brominated Flour Everywhere?

    • In some countries, such as the USA, brominated flour is still allowed.
    • In the European Union, Canada, and China, the use of potassium bromate in food products is banned.
    • In the UK, the use of brominated flour is banned, following the Bread and Flour Regulations of 1998. Additionally, mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid is planned to improve public health. People with Hashimoto’s in the UK do not need to worry about brominated flour, but it is still advisable to choose the least processed products that support thyroid health.

    What Are the Best Alternatives to Brominated Flour?

    To protect thyroid health, it is best to replace processed flour with healthier options:

    • Almond, coconut, or flaxseed flour – Ideal for a low-carb diet.
    • Chestnut or buckwheat flour – Suitable for those who want a moderate carbohydrate intake.
    • Sourdough bread – Fermentation reduces the amount of anti-nutritional substances.
    • Organic flour – If you consume wheat flour, choose products from organic crops to avoid pesticides.

    Conclusion

    A low-carb diet can be an effective support for people with Hashimoto’s disease, helping reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support gut function. At the same time, avoiding brominated flour and pesticide exposure can prevent iodine deficiency and thyroid dysfunction, positively impacting overall health.

    In the UK, the consumption of brominated flour is not a concern, as it is banned. Nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to product composition and choosing those that are the least processed and rich in nutrients that support thyroid health.

    People with Hashimoto’s should make conscious food choices and avoid those that may worsen their condition. A healthy diet is key to improving well-being and better body function.

    Do you follow a low-carb diet or avoid brominated flour? Share your experiences! 😊