Iodine

Iodine

💡A powerhouse mineral required for proper thyroid hormone synthesis that regulate the basal metabolic rate by acting upon gene transcription mechanisms.

Thyroxine (T4): Contains four atoms of iodine per molecule. Triiodothyronine (T3): Contains three atoms of iodine per molecule. These hormones are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine and stored in an iodine-containing protein called thyroglobulin. T3 influences carbohydrate absorption in small intestine cells and fatty acid release in adipocytes. A deficiency of thyroid hormones can reduce basal metabolic rate significantly, while excess production can increase it.

Iodine has a nutritional relationship to selenium with a family of selenium-dependent enzymes called deiodinases:

Converts T4 to T3 by removing an iodine atom from the outer tyrosine ring (activating T3). Converts T4 to reverse T3 (rT3) by removing an inner ring iodine atom. Converts T3 to 3,3’-Diiodothyronine (T2) by removing an inner ring atom.

🧠These are also critical for brain development and cognition.🚿🥤🪥With our current exposure level to fluoride, bromide and chlorine our need for iodine only heightens. The longer this is left untreated the stronger the discomfort experienced upon re-introduction of this vital halogen.

Recommended method to reintroduce iodine is from what is called a lugol's solution. This contains elemental iodine and potassium iodide in a ratio that is more compatible with our biology. This must be done alongside a balanced intake of all other trace minerals for the most success.