[Quiz] Are You Missing This Key Mineral?
You won’t hear doctors or nutritionists talk about it much, but it’s hard to overstate the importance of the mineral iodine.
Iodine is absolutely essential for heathy thyroid function. If you’re not getting enough, your thyroid can’t produce enough hormones, and can that wreak all kinds of havoc on your health.
That’s because iodine—and healthy thyroid function—are necessary for everything from brain development and growth, to healing and energy metabolism.
And there’s a good change you’re not getting enough.
To find out if you’re in this category—and what to do about it if you are—here are 9 key signs that you are deficient in this important mineral.
- Weight gain. Lack of iodine leads to hypothyroidism, which slows down your metabolism. A slower metabolism means you’re more likely to store fat than burn it.
- Weakness. This is another issue that occurs due to a sluggish metabolism. Burning fewer calories for energy means your muscles don’t work as efficiently.
- Tiredness. Once again, this is another symptom of a slow metabolism, brought on by a sluggish thyroid…caused by not getting enough iodine.
- Feeling cold. A slower metabolism means you’re producing less energy, and energy is necessary to warm up your body.
- Hair loss. Thyroid hormones are responsible for renewing your hair follicles. Hair falls out all the time, but when your thyroid is healthy, it replaces the lost hair follicles. If those follicles aren’t replaced as quickly as they fall out, the result is thinning hair.
- Dry skin. Another job of the thyroid hormones is to help with cell renewal. If the thyroid hormones aren’t doing their job, dead skin cells can build up, leading to flaky skin.
- Slow heart rate. Once again, this is due to a sluggish metabolism.
- Memory problems. Thyroid hormones are intimately tied to brain development and function, so it makes sense that not getting enough iodine can have negative effects on memory. One study even showed that people who had low thyroid hormones (caused by iodine deficiency) had a smaller hippocampus—that’s the part of the brain that affects memory.
- Swollen neck. This is one of the most obvious physical signs of iodine deficiency. That’s because when the thyroid gland isn’t getting enough iodine, it tries to absorb more from your blood. The result is a swollen thyroid—and a swollen neck.
Keep in mind that any of these symptoms could be completely unrelated to iodine deficiency. But if you read this list and felt like I was talking about you, then chances are pretty good you’ve got an iodine deficiency.
To find out for sure, go to your doctor and ask for a urine test.
In the meantime, work on incorporating more iodine-containing foods into your diet. A few of the best include cod, tuna, eggs, shrimp, yogurt, and seaweed.
To a brighter day,
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]
Slash Painful Nighttime Leg Cramps
On this Veterans Day, my team and I honor and thank all who have served in our armed forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedoms will never be forgotten. Not all health problems are life-threatening. There are plenty that threaten your quality of life. Nighttime leg cramps are one of them. […]