Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Cold hands and feet, fatigue, mental apathy, sluggishness, constipation, muscle aches, joint pain, dry skin and hair, low resistance to infection, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

Other problems: The proper functioning of the thyroid gland is critical for regulating many important processes of the body, therefore the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be far reaching. Because it slows down metabolism, it interferes with the body's utilization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates- leading to weight gain. Even with mild forms of hypothyroidism, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are often increased. Lymphatic drainage is slowed, which leads to swelling, especially in the feet and lower legs.

Many people with hypothyroidism feel mentally and physically tired. Thyroid hormone disorders can impact the delicate balance and function of other endocrine hormones, causing menstrual abnormalities in women, and possible loss of libido and infertility in both sexes.

Nutritional recommendations:
Goitrogens: Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, turnips, brussle sprouts, cauliflower, kale and soy are known classically as goitrogens. Goitrogens are foods which block the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland, where it is used to help manufacture thyroid hormone. Blocking this important nutrient suppresses the function of the thyroid gland, and therefore may aggravate symptoms of hypothyroidism.

These foods are not harmful to people with normal thyroid function; in fact, they are "powerhouses" of healthy nutrients and cancer-protective components. But if you do have hypothyroidism, it may be worthwhile to to make sure you are not eating excessive amounts of these foods. When you do eat them, they should be steamed or lightly cooked, which will inactivate a significant portion of the goitrogenic ingredients in them (and will also make their healthy nutrients more bioavailable to you!)

Iodine: Most Americans are deficient in this vital mineral even though small amounts are added to commercial Iodized salt. Those who have been on a low sodium diet, and those who do not eat seafood (a rich source of iodine) are most likely not be getting enough. Look for high quality multivitamin supplements or specific thyroid support supplements which contain iodine. Rich dietary sources of iodine include saltwater fish such as haddock, shrimp, halibut, herring, or sardines.  You may also add seaweeds like dulse or kelp to salads and other foods as an iodine-rich seasoning.

Increased thyroid hormone in the body will increase metabolism needs and bone turnover. So if you are receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy, it is wise to add a high potency multivitamin/mineral supplement, and give special focus to foods and supplements with "bone building" ingredients like calcium, magnesium, boron, Vit. D.

Jorge Flechas, MD on DFH Clinical Rounds Interview
Thyroid and Iodine expert:  www.HelpMyThyroid.com

Iodine Deficiency and Dosing
Iodized salt intake is our nation’s only source of supplemental iodine (since our soil is very poor), yet most doctors are advising patients to cut their salt intake drastically further causing an epidemic of Iodine deficiency. 

25% of people over 50 have undiagnosed hypothyroid.

80% of vegetarians (who do not eat seafood) are Iodine deficient.

Test for low Iodine levels via urine loading to see how much is absorbed after taking an oral dose of 50 mg. (available via Dr. Flechas’ office)

Sea salt has very poor to no levels of Iodine. Iodized salt contains 77mcg per teaspoon.  To correct Iodine deficiencies, you need between 25-50 mg (2,500-5,000mcg) of Iodine daily. Thus supplementation is essential.

The RDA for Iodine is 150mcg per day, but this guideline was to prevent Iodine deficiency, not to restore hypothyroid or prevent hormone breast, ovarian, or thyroid cancers.

There is no toxicity when Iodine is taken in the dose of 25-50mg per day since any excess or unabsorbed will be urinated out within 24 hours.

For centuries, the Japanese have gotten 13mg (1,300 mcg) of Iodine per day on average from their diet rich in seaweed and seafood.

Take Iodine supplement during the day, not at night since it can stimulate the brain.

Some people cannot absorb Iodine supplements due to defect in their Sodium Iodide Pump. To remedy this, take 3,000 mg Vitamin C per day in divided doses, progesterone cream and oxytocin by prescription.

Soda (especially citrus flavored like Mountain Dew) is filled with Bromide, (as is many types of refined breads). Bromide is a poison and impairs the Sodium Iodide Pump contributing to Iodine deficiency and schizophrenia.

Breast Health
Breast tissue needs 5mg (5,000 mcg) Iodine per day to promote healthy tissue. Active breast cancers may be helped by supplementing with Iodine.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Can be prevented by taking 25mg twice per day as it prevents bugs from growing inside the bladder.

Digestion & HCl production
Iodine is the #1 mineral needed for Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) production in digestive system. HCl deficiencies cause indigestion and other GI problems.

Pregnancy, Miscarriage, & Infertility
Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of miscarriages (along with progesterone imbalances).

Iodine deficiency during first trimester is highly correlated to babies and children with ADD (ADHD), mental retardation, and lower IQ (13 points difference on average).

Iodine supplementation (13mg per day) is effective to prevent ADD and increase IQ when taken throughout pregnancy, breast feeding, and until their child reaches 2 years of age. After that age, Iodine supplementation shows no effect to reverse ADD or improve IQ.

Clinical trials show that women with infertility and cystic ovaries (POD) were able to become pregnant after 6 months of Iodine supplementation.

Nodules are usually an Iodine deficiency and can be treated using 50mg of Iodine for 2-3 years.