According to more than one medical researchers, we have an epidemic of thyroid problems that affect our population in America to day, most often low thyroid or hypothyroidism.  Extensive studies by Dr. Broda Barnes, M.D. showed low thyroid affecting 40% of our population.  More recent studies show that this thyroid problem is increasing rather rapidly, and some think it now affects as much as 70% of Americans today!

Why is that? 

Well, there are probably numerous factors, including nutrient deficiencies and excesses of toxins we are exposed to.

Nutrient Deficiencies That Affect the Thyroid

Nutrients that are important for the thyroid gland include many trace minerals such as iodine and manganese that are probably best supplemented in seaweed and seaweed-derived supplements.  The minerals magnesium, potassium and selenium are also important for good thyroid function.  As far as vitamins, several of the B complex vitamins are needed as well as Vitamin E and Vitamin C complex

Toxins That Affect the Thyroid

In addition to adding some of these nutrients to your diet, you many want to look at toxins that you are exposed to and try to reduce that exposure as well as consult a natural health practitioner to help you get rid of toxins you may have been stockpiling in your body.  There are many toxins that can adversely affect the thyroid gland.  Fluoride and fluorine, which are not only added to many of our drinking supplies, but are also present in many soft drinks, can cause problems for your thyroid gland.  If you live somewhere with fluoridated water, we highly recommend getting a water filter that will remove much of that fluoride.  Chlorine, like fluoride and fluorine, is also related to iodine on a chemical basis and so these chemicals can sit on the thyroid's iodine receptors and take the place of the iodine.  Then your body will be lacking the iodine needed to have your thyroid gland function properly, even if you consume enough iodine. 

Some other chemicals that may cause thyroid problems include PCBs, pesticides, radiation and plastics.  A thorough cleansing of the body can be done by various methods, and we really suggest you find a trained medical health practitioner to work with to make sure your body is ready to do a detox, otherwise toxins may come out faster than your body can handle and cause more problems.  In our opinion, an infrared sauna should be part of any detoxification program today, as it can get out some deeply imbedded toxins like the plastics that seem to have a hard time being eliminated from the body in any other way.  If you have been exposed to radiation, we highly recommend the Quantum Nano-Green Tea, as many studies have shown the ability of green tea to protect the thyroid from radiation.