Trace Minerals: Iodine

yogurtIodine is next in our series, A to Zinc. Iodine is found in nature bound to other minerals in a “salt” formation. It appears naturally in soil as a trace element. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, soil contains insufficient quantities of iodine and so it is added to salt to prevent iodine deficiency.

Our bodies use iodine in the production of thyroxin, an important hormone that increases metabolic rate and regulates growth. Taken into the body as a water-soluble mineral in food, it is stored in the thyroid gland, where it is bound into active thyroid hormones: T-2, T-3 and T-4. Iodine also seems to be active in regulating estrogens. Continue reading “Trace Minerals: Iodine”

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Pregnancy and Iodine

pregnancy and iodinePregnancy and iodine have an important connection. A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics says that pregnant and breastfeeding women should make sure that the mineral iodine is in their prenatal supplements.

Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential in the human body. Many people know iodine is essential to thyroid hormone production, but it is also crucial to healthy brain development in a developing baby.

This is the first time that the American Academy of Pediatrics has made a statement regarding the use of iodine. It is estimated that about one third of pregnant women are deficient in iodine and only about 15% take a supplement that contains it. Severe iodine deficiency is associated with stunted physical and mental growth, and even marginal iodine deficiency can decrease brain functioning.

Pathway Prenatal Plus is a complete multivitamin, formulated to meet a woman’s nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation. Extra amounts of calcium, folic acid and iron are included to support fetal development and maternal health. Also included in this formula are DHA from trademarked ingredient Neuromins™, iodine and choline, which are important nutrients needed for healthy neurological functioning and brain development of the fetus.

Pathway Prenatal Plus is currently 30% off at our big Summer Sale, through July 15.

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Scary Foods to Make Yourself Eat: Seaweed

seaweedThe third item in our series “Scary Foods to Make Yourself Eat” is seaweed. Sometimes referred to as a sea vegetable but technically classified as algae, these green, red and orange plants of the oceans have 10-20 times the mineral content of their land-based cousins. As an excellent source of calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium and vitamin K, adding seaweed to the diet supports vibrant and strong hair, skin and nails. Seaweed is cooling, cleansing and alkalizing, helping to reduce inflammation in the body, eradicate toxins and support bone health. Its high concentration of mucilaginous fiber soothes the digestive tract, promotes balanced gut bacteria and supports weight loss efforts.

All that said, seaweed can be quite a foreign food to most Americans. Traditional in Japanese cuisine, most Americans’ exposure to seaweed involves that dark wrapping around our sushi rolls (nori) that we try our best to ignore, or the clump of nearly black slippery greens (wakame) that get left at the bottom of many bowls of miso soup.  Continue reading “Scary Foods to Make Yourself Eat: Seaweed”

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Radiation and Potassium Iodide (KI)

With fear of radiation from Japan an ever-growing concern, the question about what can be done to protect ourselves has become a question that we at Village Green Apothecary have been hearing often. Specifically, whether potassium iodide (KI) can protect against radiation. Well, here is a fact sheet about what KI can really do for radiation.

Basically, KI, if taken properly, only protects against internal radiation from radioiodine taken into the body. It will NOT protect against external radiation or internal radiation from radionuclides other than radioiodine.

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Thyroid Tune-Up

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 7 years ago. Having an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight gain, and sleep problems. However, some people have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss and sleep problems. The thyroid is a little gland that plays a big role in your body, and keeping it running properly with some key nutrients will make a big difference.

Some research has shown that as many as 59% of Americans have a thyroid condition of some kind. Hypothyroidism is the most common, and it usually crops up in women, people older than 60, and those with a family history of thyroid problems. The most common cause is iodine deficiency, however, autoimmune diseases, radiation treatments, and certain medications play a larger role in the US.

Symptoms are varied and the list is long, but they can include fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, dry hair and skin, weight gain, intolerance to cold, and constipation. Continue reading “Thyroid Tune-Up”

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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