It seems nearly half of the people I know have thyroid issues…. and I am not in the slightest bit exaggerating.  Specifically, I believe hypothyroidism has become an epidemic!

Finding the Root Cause

The key in natural medicine is finding the “root cause” of the illness.  So, what is the common root to thyroid disorders?  I believe it is two things.

  1. Lack of iodine
  2. Foods high in goitrogens

Iodine

America is an iodine-starved society.  Besides the small amount added to table salt, it is virtually non-existent in our diet.  Iodine used to be used as a dough conditioner, but has been replaced by bromine.  Bromine actually competes with iodine in the body, leaving us even more iodine deficient.

Dr. Abraham, a famous thyroidologist, believes that iodine is the treatment of choice for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.  In his research, he saw a 90% cure rate in those with hyperthyroidism.  Here are just a few of the other results he observed in his years of researching iodine therapy:

  • Goiter reduced or eliminated
  • Obesity overcome
  • Less brain fog
  • Enhanced liver detoxification
  • Improvement of menopausal symptoms

Ironically, iodine used to be mainstream medicine, but has been replaced by chemical based pharmaceuticals.  However, many doctors are coming back around to using iodine again and prescribing Iodoral is an iodine tablet. This form of iodine is also quite useful for treating and preventing breast cancer.  You can order Iodoral for yourself HERE.

Not sure if you need iodine?  Try the iodine patch test.

  • Buy a bottle of iodine tincture at your local drugstore
  • Paint a 2” square spot on your inner arm
  • If it disappears in less than 8 hours, you are VERY iodine deficient
  • If it disappears in less 9-24 hours, you still need iodine
  • Once the iodine stays on the skin longer than 24 hours, you have sufficient iodine in your system.

Try the patch test even before and after you begin taking iodine orally to combat hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.  Check every month to see where you are at with iodine saturation.

Goitrogens

Goitrogens are foods that interfere with the function of your thyroid gland.  Unfortunately, goitrogens are hidden in foods everywhere in our modern American diet.

One of the most commonly eaten goitrogen is soy.  You don’t have to eat tofu or soy sauce to consume soy because soy is added to almost every processed food you can imagine as a cheap filler. Soy is also covered in pesticides and is a commonly genetically modified food.  If you have thyroid problems or they run in your family, avoid soy like the plague!  You will have to read your labels very carefully to keep soy out of your consumption.

Gluten is another common goitrogen found in almost every food source.  Gluten can also trigger an autoimmune response in the body, causing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism).  It is found in wheat, rye, barley and most processed foods.

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and bok choy) also contain goitrogens.  However, if they are cooked or steamed, most of those effects are eliminated.  If you have severe thyroid issues, then I would recommend reducing your intake of these vegetables.  Otherwise, enjoy eating them moderately cooked or steamed for their nutritious phytochemicals, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are important to your health.

Simple Steps = Effective Remedy

You can avoid the “thyroid epidemic” by incorporating these two effective natural remedies into your life.  I use my own advice and I don’t even have a diagnosed thyroid issue such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. As a result, I have seen iodine increase my energy levels and my hormones have been balanced by avoiding goitrogens.

These are two easy steps that can change your life for the better, thyroid problems or not.

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