As you know, I have an excessive thirst for knowledge and recently read Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, by David Brownstein, MD. I’m now happy to share his expert clinical research about iodine and thyroid health with you!
Traces of halogens can be found in the human body. But, just what are halogens?
Halogens are a group of non-metallic elements in the periodic table that are chemically related and located in group 17: Astatine (At), Bromine (Br), Chlorine (Cl), Fluorine (F), Iodine (I), and Tennessine (Ts).
Let’s review the benefits of the optimal level of iodine in the human body, as well as the potential dangers of other halogens that may damage or erase the benefit of iodine for our bodies—bromine, chlorine, and fluorine.
Iodine: An Essential for Thyroid Function
Iodine is essential for our bodies to produce thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. However, the American diet typically lacks sufficient iodine, leading to potential deficiencies.
In the 1920s, iodine was added to refined table salt to prevent thyroid goiters. Unfortunately, this isn't the most effective source of iodine for the body, and many food products have had iodine removed since the 1980s. With the rise of low-salt diets, less than 50% of the U.S. population now uses iodized table salt.
Iodine is naturally found in seafood, sea vegetables, and certain farm products like dairy, eggs, and meat, provided it's properly added to animal feed. Yet, the decline in iodine-rich foods and limited use of iodized salt has increased the risk of iodine deficiency disorders.
Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, goiter, and cognitive impairments, particularly in pregnant women and infants. All glands in the body, especially the breasts, ovaries, prostate, and pituitary glands, can become depleted of iodine. Maintaining adequate iodine levels is crucial for proper thyroid function and healthy breast tissue, potentially reducing the risk of prostate, endometrium, ovary and breast cancer.
Supplementing with the correct amount and form of iodine can help prevent these deficiencies and support overall health.
Bromine: An Endocrine Disruptor
Bromine can displace iodine in the body, potentially disrupting normal thyroid function. How? The size and weight of bromine are very close to iodine, so these two can compete with one another for binding to receptors in the body. Especially … you guessed it … in the thyroid gland.
Bromine may be found in carbonated drinks, such as sodas (as brominated vegetable oil), bread (as a dough conditioner), and certain pesticides. It is also used as an antibacterial agent in pools and hot tubs, as a fumigant for agriculture, termites, and other pests, and even in some prescription medications.
Overexposure to bromine may contribute to thyroid issues, neurological symptoms, and impaired immune function. It also causes severe depression, headaches, and irritability.
Chlorine: An Endocrine Disruptor
Chlorine is a chemical halogen commonly used for its disinfectant properties. It’s most widely recognized for its role in purifying drinking water, swimming pools and hot tubs by killing harmful bacteria and pathogens. Chlorine is found in many household cleaning products, industrial solvents, and some processed foods.
Chloride is present in the steam from dishwashers when the door is opened after cleaning. And did you know the widely used Sucralose sweetener contains chlorinated table sugar!
Chlorine damages the necessary transport of iodine into our cells, and overexposure can be harmful to our health. Inhalation of chlorine gas, often encountered in poorly ventilated pools or when mixing cleaning chemicals, can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to chlorinated water, especially in high concentrations, has been linked to skin irritation, dryness, and an increased risk of developing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Reducing exposure to chlorine and its byproducts through proper ventilation, water filtration, and mindful use of cleaning products can help mitigate these risks.
Fluoride, the Ionic Form of Fluorine: Beneficial or Not?
Fluoride has been celebrated for decades as a critical component in the fight against tooth decay. Yet, as its use has become more widespread, so too have concerns about its impact on overall health, particularly regarding the thyroid.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in various sources, including water, soil, and certain foods. It’s widely used in dental products and public water systems to prevent cavities, thanks to its ability to strengthen tooth enamel. The World Health Organization recommends that fluoride levels in drinking water be kept below 1.5 mg/L, but some areas experience higher concentrations due to natural contamination, raising concerns about overexposure.
Health Risks of Fluoride
While fluoride’s benefits for dental health are well-documented, its potential to cause harm, particularly at higher concentrations, cannot be ignored. Excessive fluoride exposure can lead to skeletal and dental fluorosis—conditions that manifest as changes in bone and tooth structure due to the mineral's accumulation in the body. More concerning, however, is its impact on the thyroid gland.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. It produces hormones that influence nearly every organ in the body. Fluoride exposure has been linked to thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Fluoride’s Impact on the Thyroid
Fluoride belongs to the halogen group, which also includes iodine—a key element needed for thyroid hormone production. In the body, fluoride can mimic iodine and compete with it for absorption by the thyroid gland.
When fluoride displaces iodine, the thyroid may absorb fluoride instead, disrupting hormone production. This disruption can result in an underactive thyroid, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
Historical data reveals that fluoride was once used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) due to its ability to suppress thyroid activity. However, this same property raises concerns about its impact on individuals with normal or already compromised thyroid function. Studies have shown that even low levels of fluoride, like those found in fluoridated water, can reduce thyroid function, especially in populations with borderline iodine deficiency.
Reducing Fluoride Exposure
Given the potential risks, it’s prudent to take steps to minimize fluoride exposure, particularly if you have concerns about your thyroid health. Here are some strategies:
1. Switch to Fluoride-Free Products: Use fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash. Many natural alternatives are available that effectively clean and protect your teeth without the need for fluoride.
2. Install Water Filters: Consider using a water filtration system that removes fluoride. Options include reverse osmosis filters and activated alumina defluoridation filters, which can significantly reduce fluoride levels in your drinking water. Or consider drinking distilled water.
3. Be Mindful of Other Sources: Fluoride is not just in water and dental products. It’s also found in certain foods, bottled beverages, and even some medications. Check labels and consult with your healthcare provider about alternatives if you’re concerned about fluoride intake from these sources.
4. Support Detoxification: Certain supplements, such as taurine and GABA, may help mitigate the effects of fluoride on the thyroid. These compounds have been shown to protect against fluoride-induced thyroid damage in animal studies.
The Wrap-Up
Bromine, Chlorine, Fluorine, and Iodine all play a role in either helping or hurting our thyroid function. Emerging research highlights the importance of being cautious, especially for those with thyroid concerns. Reducing exposure to bromine, chlorine and fluoride, where possible, can help mitigate risks.
Ultimately, staying informed and being proactive allows you to make choices that best support your overall well-being. As research continues, it’s vital to weigh any known benefits against the potential risks, ensuring that your health decisions are guided by the latest evidence.
This is where partnering with an experienced functional health coach can be instrumental in ensuring better health!
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To learn more about Iodine, I highly recommend, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, by David Brownstein, MD.
For more information about fluoride, its history, and its effects on the human body, visit this article by Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP; Fluoride and Your Thyroid.
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