The Importance of Iodine for a Healthy Thyroid

Dr. Edward Group reveals why iodine is essential to thyroid function.

Iodine is an essential nutrient, meaning that the human body requires it for many essential functions but cannot synthesize it on its own. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce the thyroid hormones that regulate growth, metabolism and other important processes in the body. When that happens, energy levels plummet, hormones become imbalanced, and physical and emotional states are affected. Here we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about iodine and its special relationship with the thyroid.

Why Is Iodine Essential for Your Thyroid? Read more

Pass the Iodine, Please

A small amount of iodine is critical for weight loss, energy, and concentration, according to Samara Felesky-Hunt.

Iodine is an essential element that we need in very tiny amounts.

The body obtains iodine from food and stores it in the thyroid, where it is used for manufacturing the thyroid hormone. Once its job is done, the remaining iodine is filtered by the kidneys and removed.

Both vitamin A and selenium are important for the body's efficient absorption of iodine; if there is not enough of these nutrients in your diet, you may be making too little thyroid hormone.

A lack of iodine in the diet can impair the workings of the thyroid gland and cause lethargy, weight gain, cold extremities and poor concentration. Read more