

Thyroid Health
Learn more about the latest research on thyroid health in the videos below.
A butterfly-shaped gland found low on the front of the neck, the thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones primarily influence our metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature.
The mineral iodine, found predominantly in the ocean and in variable amounts in the soils of the world, is essential for thyroid function. To ensure everyone was getting enough, table salt was fortified with the mineral starting in the 1920s. Given that sodium is considered the second-leading dietary killer in the world, however, iodized salt should not be considered as a viable source (though if you do add salt to foods, use iodized salt instead of “sea salt” or other non-iodized varieties). The most concentrated, healthful source is seaweed, which has the iodine of seafood without the fat-soluble pollutants that build up in the aquatic food chain. Sea vegetables are the underwater dark-green leafies, and I encourage you to experiment with ways to include them in your diet. The recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 mcg, which is what is in about two sheets of nori, the seaweed used to make sushi, or a half-teaspoon of the seaweeds arame or dulse. I caution against hijiki (also spelled hiziki), because it has been found to be contaminated with arsenic, as well as kelp, which may have too much iodine. (Just a half-teaspoon of kelp could exceed the daily upper limit.) Too much iodine can cause excessive thyroid gland activity.
How else may we protect our thyroid health? One way is by minimizing exposure to pork products. Nearly 100,000 Americans are sickened each year by Yersinia bacteria. In every outbreak for which a source has been found, the culprit was contaminated pork. In most cases, Yersinia food poisoning leads to little more than acute gastroenteritis, but the symptoms can become severe and mirror appendicitis, resulting in unnecessary emergency surgeries. Long-term consequences of Yersinia infection include chronic inflammation of the eyes, kidneys, heart, and joints. Studies have found that within a year of contracting Yersinia food poisoning, victims appear 47 times more likely to come down with autoimmune arthritis, and the bacteria may also play a role in triggering an autoimmune thyroid condition known as Graves’ disease. How contaminated are U.S. pork products? Consumer Reports magazine tested nearly 200 samples from cities across the country and found that more than two-thirds of the pork was contaminated with Yersinia.
Image Credit: ChesiireCat / Thinkstock. This image has been modified.
Popular Videos for Thyroid Health


Seeing Red No. 3: Coloring to Dye For
The artificial food coloring Red No. 3 has yet to be banned—despite its purported role...All Videos for Thyroid Health
-
Is Fasting for Weight Loss Safe?
The reasons why fasting longer than 24 hours, and particularly three or more days, should only be done under the supervision of a health professional and preferably in a live-in clinic.
-
Is Aloe Vera Gel the Best Treatment for Lichen Planus?
We should never swallow aloe vera, but what about topical use for a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease compared to steroids?
-
Benefits of Marjoram for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Even a small amount of fresh herbs can double or even quadruple the antioxidant power of a meal. The abilities of oregano to decrease chromosomal damage from radiation and marjoram to affect hormone levels in women with PCOS are put to the test.
-
Iodine Supplements Before, During, and After Pregnancy
What is the evidence that all pregnant women should follow the American Thyroid Association’s recommendation to take a daily iodine supplement?
-
Fighting Lupus with Turmeric: Good as Gold
A quarter teaspoon of the spice turmeric was put to the test for the treatment of uncontrollable lupus (SLE) nephritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
-
Antibacterial Toothpaste: Harmful, Helpful, or Harmless?
Is triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste safe in regards to the nitrate-reducing bacteria on our tongue and potential endocrine-disrupting effects on thyroid function and obesity?
-
Flame-Retardant Pollutants & Child Development
PBDE fire-retardant chemicals in the food supply may contribute to attention and cognitive deficits in children.
-
Alpha-Gal & the Lone Star Tick
Our immune response against a foreign molecule present in animal products may play a role in some allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorders. This reaction is thought to underlie tick bite-triggered meat allergies.
-
Seeing Red No. 3: Coloring to Dye For
The artificial food coloring Red No. 3 has yet to be banned—despite its purported role in causing thousands of cases of thyroid cancer.
-
Alkylphenol Endocrine Disruptors & Allergies
The dramatic rise of allergic diseases such as eczema and seasonal allergies may be related to dietary exposure to endocrine-disruptor xenoestrogens, such as alkylphenol industrial pollutants.
-
Which Seaweed Is Most Protective Against Breast Cancer?
Nori seaweed snacks may favorably alter estrogen metabolism by modulating women’s gut flora, resulting in decreased breast cancer risk.
-
Do Dental X-Rays Cause Brain Tumors?
Getting bitewing or full mouth (panoramic) X-rays at the dentist may be associated with an increased risk of meningioma, the most common type of brain tumor.