According to the 2012 Iodine Status of Canadians paper, nearly 30% of Canadians have mild to moderate iodine deficiency.
Symptoms of low iodine look remarkably like hypothyroid symptoms—weight gain, fatigue, depression, mental impairment and fibrocystic breasts. That’s not surprising, because iodine is an important component of the thyroid hormone—you can’t make it without iodine.
Why does this matter? We’ve written before about how conventional thyroid testing doesn’t always reveal problems. It’s why you can go to your doctor with low thyroid symptoms, but be told that everything is fine. One reason for that could be low iodine levels.
Why are We Low in Iodine?
There are four good reasons why iodine levels may be falling in the population, all factors related to modern lifestyles:
- Increased consumption of commercially prepared foods–lots of salt but no iodine.
- Decreased use of iodized salt at table because of health messages to reduce salt intake.
- Declining use of iodine-containing disinfectants by the dairy industry–therefore less iodine content in dairy foods.
- Bromine hidden in disinfectants, flame retardants, and medications, which interferes with the transport of iodine into cells.
So how do you find out if you’re low?
Testing Iodine Status
A new test by Rocky Mountain Analytical helps us determine your iodine status with a simple urine test. This test also evaluates your selenium status (another very important mineral that helps the thyroid hormone become active). It also measures levels of bromine, which can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid, and cadmium levels, which can interfere with selenium. (Cadmium is also an independent risk factor for lung and kidney disease).
Why Not Just Take More Iodine Instead?
Because too much can also be a real problem—more is not better if you don’t need it. Taking excess iodine can also shut down your thyroid. Do NOT take iodine without medical supervision.
Wondering if this test is right for you? Contact the clinic at 705-444-5331 to talk to a naturopathic doctor to learn more.