Do I Need Iodine Supplementation?

Closeup of sea salt on rustic wooden backgroundIodine is a naturally occurring mineral that until the 1940’s was routinely used for a number of health concerns/conditions.  In the 1920’s iodine was added to table salt to reduce the incidence of goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).  Your thyroid gland requires iodine to function normally.  Iodine deficiency typically results in low circulating thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism.

Iodine deficiency can also lead to autoimmune disease of the thyroid and may increase the risk of developing certain cancers (thyroid, prostate, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers).  Iodine deficiency is a common world health problem.  The most recognized form of deficiency is the goiter.  Iodine deficiency is also thought to be the most preventable cause of mental retardation.

Foods rich in iodine include sea vegetables (kelp), shrimp, scallops, eggs, and yogurt.  Adults require 150mcg of iodine daily for optimal health.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive nutritional counseling and vitamin testing to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.   Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Do I Have Hypothyroidism?

If you have hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone.  Hypothyroidism is more common in women, especially over the age of 60.  Left untreated, underactive thyroid may result in obesity, heart disease and joint pain.   When the thyroid is not functioning properly, the hormonal reactions in your body may be affected.  Symptoms of underactive thyroid include:  fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity, dry skin, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, joint pain and depression.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck.  Thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).  These hormones affect all aspects of metabolism in your body.  Your doctor will order blood tests to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly.  If you are found to have hypothyroidism, the hormones can be replaced with daily synthetic or natural replacement medication.  Treatment is usually lifelong; your physician will order periodic thyroid hormone levels to assess for any needed dosage changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive thyroid testing and treatment management to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.