Iodine and Metabolism

This post highlights the connection between iodine deficiency, reduced metabolism and weight gain. We look at the role of selenium in metabolism and for activating and restoring iodine in the body.

Supplementing with Iodine

The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormone which is important for controlling our metabolism as well as many other functions (see Iodine As Medicine). The body holds about 1500 mg of iodine and about 50 mg is stored in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland cannot function properly without enough iodine. The body needs iodine so that it can make enough thyroxine in the thyroid. It helps regulate metabolism and the rate of fat burning. About 30 percent of iodine absorbed goes directly to the thyroid gland. The body stores iodine in various tissues and excess iodine is easily expelled. Supplementing with 10 – 30 mg of iodine is a safe way to ensure the thyroid and the rest of the body is getting enough iodine.

The Thyroid Gland and Metabolism

Hormones are special chemical substances in your body that act like messenger molecules. The endocrine glands make and secrete hormones into the bloodstream as your body needs them. Metabolism is the body’s process of generating energy from nutrients and controlling hormones is essential to managing metabolism.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your body located in the neck just in front of the windpipe. It looks like a small bow tie.

The thyroid helps to control your metabolism. It does this by releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate how fast or slow your brain, heart, liver, muscles, and other organs in your body work. Thus, thyroid hormones directly influence the rate at which your body burns energy.

The functioning thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. The thyroid combines iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make active (T3 or triiodothyronine) and inactive (T4 or thyroxine) thyroid hormones. Patients have reported that it is easier to lose weight when taking T3.

Men and women across the country work hard and use tremendous amounts of discipline to lose weight. However, many are unable to realize a healthy body weight despite their best efforts. This can happen when you have an under-active thyroid gland (or hypothyroidism). Great efforts do not necessarily translate into high performance. It is worth considering that an under-active thyroid resulting from iodine deficiency is one of the causes of weight gain.

Thyroid and Weight Gain

The thyroid not only regulates metabolism but also prevents the accumulation of body fat. An under-active thyroid gland slows down your metabolism. When this happens, fewer calories are burned and you begin to feel sluggish. Moreover, an under-active thyroid gland can promote excess weight by causing water retention.

Selenium and Weight Loss

Selenium is a trace mineral that helps make enzymes to convert inactive thyroid hormones (T4) to active thyroid hormones (T3). T3 is better for fat burning. It is like the accelerator pedal for your metabolism. Moreover, if T4 is not converted to T3, symptoms of hypothyroidism can occur. Selenium also recycles the iodine present in the body. In effect, having sufficient selenium means you will have a higher metabolism and more energy.

Access Your Energy.

Reclaim Your Health.

Iodine supplementation, especially with selenium, will boost your metabolism and help with weight loss. Results are improved with exercise, a lifestyle appropriate diet and drinking enough water. Consider that many people who exercise regularly do not need to summon incredible amounts of will power to get moving. They already have excess energy at their disposal that NEEDS to be used up. Moreover, having the energy makes activities more enjoyable. Why shouldn’t you have it the same?

We promote iodine supplementation primarily to correct a deficiency and maintain general health. It is unfortunate that the public is not well-informed about iodine because many who struggle with weight loss need not blame themselves. It is partly due to misinformation and not promoting iodine as a nutrient. However, it is encouraging to see more and more people taking responsibility for their own health through is avenue.

North Americans’ devotion to weight loss, demonstrated by strong demands for related products, provides an opportunity to make the public aware of iodine as a key nutrient in holistic health management.