Iodine/Selenium Deficiency

Iodine is an extremely important nutrient. Iodine is one of the main components of all thyroid hormones. For example, inactive thyroid hormone (T4) is comprised of one thyroglobulin molecule and 4 iodine molecules (hence T4). Therefore, if you are deficient in iodine, your thyroid gland simply cannot manufacture thyroid hormone, even if everything else in your body is running smoothly. Therefore, all people with hypothyroidism need to be checked to see if they have adequate levels of iodine in their system. This can be done with a 24-hr urine test, preceeded by intake of a single dose of iodine.

Selenium is another highly important mineral. Selenium is required to convert the inactive T4 hormone in the active T3 version. Therefore, even if you have good iodine intake, your body will not make enough active T3 hormone, and therefore you will still experience hypothyroid symptoms. Selenium is found in unrefined (whole wheat) flour.

Caution must be used when taking these as supplements, since you can overdose on them. Also, people with autoimmune thyroid, known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, often should not take iodine supplements, since it can increase their autoimmune symptoms.

Underlying causes of iodine/selenium deficiencies

1) Consuming too much citrus flavored sodas (Mountain Dew, Surge, etc.)

2) Restricting iodized salt intake

3) Consuming too much white, refined flour instead of unrefined whole wheat flour

4) Not enough dietary intake of seafood