Allow me to start off by saying that since I've started this process of figuring out why I have hypothyroid and what this is all about and how I can take care of it in a more natural way I've also noticed a huge desire to talk to people about what I am learning. The endocrine system is extremely intricate. One of my favorite people in the whole world is a physical therapist. As he always says, everything is connected. For a long time I understood this to apply to the muscles and the bones, but now I am finding that this statement applies to all the systems in the body and the body as a whole.
Now I know I failed to have this up when I said I would, but here it is now.
The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. In order to make these hormones, the gland absorbs iodine, which it combines with tyrosine (an amino acid, or protein). A gland in our brain, called the pituitary gland releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to the hypothalamus (another gland that is located in the brain) releasing TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH). This process is jumpstarted by inadequate levels of T3 and T4 in the body. TSH then stimulates the thyroid to start the process of creating T3 and T4, raising the levels in the blood and returning the body to homeostasis. Theoretically. Then there's us. Now it gets a little more complicated then that, but for sake of me not having to pull out my Anatomy and Physiology book at 3 o'clock in the morning, that will do. Even to an uneducated eye there are three obvious things that could be going wrong to create hypothyroidism: the hypothalamus does not release enough TRH, the pituitary does not release enough TSH, or the thyroid does not release enough T3 or T4.
But what about iodine? The thyroid gland is the only place in the body where iodine can be absorbed, and we can not create it ourselves; in fact, iodine must be taken in through diet (most commonly, through iodized salt, but also through kelp, seafoods, cheese, and other foods, such as these on this website). If there is not enough iodine in the body for the thyroid gland to absorb, it cannot properly produce T3 and T4. If there is not enough T3 or T4 in the body, then we have hypothyroidism.
So how do you know if you have an iodine deficiency? There are multiple ways. A more simple and easy test is to purchase tincture of iodine (or weak iodine solution) from a grocery store -- it is relatively cheap, liquid form of iodine that can be used as a disinfectant. Once purchased, "paint" a good sized circle on your bicep (upper underarm) with the want that is included. Iodine will stain clothing, so be careful to wear something dark or allow the area to dry before allowing it to touch clothing. If there is not an iodine deficiency the color should be uniform and consistent for 24-hours. A 24-hour stain indicates that the body is not trying to absorb the iodine in to the bloodstream. If the spot changes it's shade of color (it's going to be an orangish red initially, and should only get lighter) within or up to 2-hours after application, this could indicate a severe iodine deficiency. Anything in between suggests some degree of iodine deficiency.
Another method to test for iodine deficiency would include a visit to your doctor for an iodine loading test. This procedure involves consuming a large amount of iodine and then monitoring urine for a 24-hour time span to see how much the body is retaining.
The importance of thyroid health is significant, as the thyroid gland really effects the body as a whole, and I believe that finding some natural ways to increase this vital gland's health is well worth the time and effort, so looking into an iodine deficiency is something I would suggest. For me personally I have tried the painting method and have found that the iodine begins to fade very quickly and is nearly gone in roughly five hours. I'd like to look into having an iodine loading test with my doctor.
Best of luck, and please share any experience or knowledge you have with iodine in the comments section! :)
Oh, and fun fact: a few drops of iodine in non-sanitized water (such as rain or river water) makes it safe to drink and it can also be used as an antiseptic. Good to have around if there were to be a zombie apocalypse I'mjustsaying....
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