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Iodine - a necessary nutrient
The thyroid is like the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating the flow of hormones throughout our bodies. But this vital gland can easily be thrown off balance by stress, poor eating habits, and even genetic factors. What keeps the thyroid functioning smoothly? Iodine.
While many recognize common signs of thyroid trouble, such as goiters, there's often limited understanding beyond that. If you're puzzled by the endocrine system or unsure how to maintain balanced hormones, you're not alone.
Did you know that in 7th-century China, during the Tang Dynasty, people used raw thyroid gland pills and powders to treat goiters? These swellings, caused by a malfunctioning thyroid, were both common and potentially debilitating.
Ancient Rome had its own challenges with thyroid issues, as travelers returning from the Alps described what later became known as "cretinism." This developmental condition, triggered by thyroid problems during childhood or in utero, could be devastating.
In 19th-century Bavaria, the traditional "Tracht" clothing included a "Kropfband," a choker designed to conceal goiters or post-surgery scars. These were surprisingly common in the Miesbach and Salzburg regions.
By the early 20th century, the U.S. faced a severe hypothyroidism crisis, especially around the Great Lakes, leading to the area being labeled the "Goiter Belt." Even today, iodine deficiency remains a widespread problem, affecting roughly one-third of the global population.
Iodine is an essential trace mineral, crucial for thyroid health. Without enough of it, bad things happen. Our dependence on iodine stems from our evolutionary roots in the sea, where it's abundant.
Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, causing symptoms like sluggish metabolism, fatigue, cognitive issues, weight gain, and depression. Severe cases can lead to goiters, dwarfism, and even mental retardation.
Yet, in the U.S. and other developed regions, this seems like a historical footnote. One reason we rarely hear about it is the success of iodized salt. While iodine naturally occurs in sea salt, refining removes most of it. To combat deficiencies, iodine was added to salt starting in the 1920s.
Dr. David Murray Cowie spearheaded efforts in Michigan, pushing for iodized salt after seeing the "Goiter Belt" firsthand. His campaign gained traction, and by 1924, Michigan began producing iodized salt. Morton Salt soon took it nationwide.
This initiative dramatically reduced goiters and improved health, even boosting IQ by 15 points in subsequent generations. Globally, similar programs drastically cut hypothyroidism rates.
Still, hypothyroidism persists in regions like Russia, inland China, and parts of Europe. Misconceptions, like believing iodized salt is harmful, persist in some areas.
Recently, hypothyroidism has made a comeback in places like the UK and the U.S., partly due to changing diets and myths about iodized salt. Supplements offer a simple solution for those who struggle to get enough iodine.
For MaMa Jean's shoppers, iodine is key. Whether through diet, iodized salt, or supplements, maintaining adequate iodine levels supports energy, cognition, mood, and overall health. Visit our store to explore a variety of thyroid-supportive supplements and find the right one for you.
Contributors: R. Cummings, A. Harmon
Images: Found on Flickr Commons
[Image description: A vintage illustration of a child with a goiter, captioned "Cretinism"]