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Brownstein Iodine

Brownstein Notes

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Dr.

David Brownstein’s

December 2013
Vol. 6, Issue 12

Iodine Deficiency:
The Growing Epidemic
I
’ve been studying natural therapies for more supplementation could lead to bad outcomes,
than 20 years. I am fascinated by human including precipitating or aggravating a thyroid
biochemistry and how eating a good diet and disorder.
using natural supplements can help the body reach Furthermore, I was taught that iodine
optimal health. supplementation could cause autoimmune thyroid
Today, as opposed to 20 years ago, there is a disorders.
whole cornucopia of supplements available for After educating myself, and testing and treating
people who are conscientious about their health. thousands of patients, I am convinced that my
Yet out of all of the natural therapies I have medical training on iodine was incorrect.
prescribed, one nutrient stands head and shoulders
Unfortunately, most healthcare professionals still
above the rest: iodine.
don’t understand how to test for or utilize iodine in
For more than 12 years, I have been studying
their practice.
the effects of iodine on human health. During this
time, I have tested thousands of patients and found We are experiencing epidemics of autism,
that a vast majority are deficient of this essential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
nutrient. hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders
In fact, the rate of iodine deficiency in the such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ diseases, thyroid
United States has actually increased during this cancer, breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease,
time. and prostate cancer, as well as diseases of the ovaries
In this issue of Natural Way to Health, I will tell and uterus.
you why iodine is so important for good health,
along with the consequences of iodine deficiency,
and what you can do to maintain optimal levels of In This Issue . . .
this vital nutrient. Link Between Iodine and IQ...................................2
ADHD Caused By Iodine Deficiency.....................3
Iodine Deficiency Causes
Many Illnesses Case Study: Brain Fog Threatens Doctor...............4
In my opinion, iodine is the most misunderstood Finding a Knowledgeable Healthcare Provider.....5
nutrient on Earth. When I was in medical school, Unrefined Salt Is Essential.......................................5
we were told that no one needs to supplement with In the News: Cholesterol Aids Stroke Survival......6
iodine, because we get enough from iodized salt
along with the foods we eat in a regular diet. Nutrients That Correct Low Iodine.......................7
In fact, we were taught that iodine Ask Dr. B...................................................................8
The Link Between Iodine and IQ
Intelligence quotient (IQ) is a 4 to 6 weeks of gestation; group two This study showed that the longer
measure of intellect derived from was supplemented at 12 to 14 weeks that iodine was delayed during
standardized testing with a median, of gestation; and group three was not pregnancy, the lower the IQ in the
or normal, score of 100. Studies supplemented until after delivery. newborn.
have shown that iodine deficiency is The results were astounding. The This is not the only study to show
correlated with a reduced IQ. IQ of the infants in group one was a correlation with lower IQ levels
Researchers studied three groups normal — averaging about 101. related to iodine deficiency. A meta-
of pregnant women and measured The IQ of group two was 92. Just analysis of 18 studies of children
the IQs of their children. All three a short delay — 8 weeks gestation and adolescents found that iodine
groups were supplemented with — in iodine supplementation was deficiency was associated with a
200 mcg of iodine — which is an associated with a significant decline 13.5-point lower IQ score in children
amount that is slightly lower than the in the children’s IQ. Group three, and adolescents. In fact, the same
recommended daily intake for iodine. supplemented only after pregnancy, results have been found across the
The first group was supplemented at had the lowest average score: 87. world in multiple cultures.

Iodine deficiency is the link between all of these thyroxine (also called T4) contains four iodine
illnesses. atoms per molecule.
Over the last 40 years, iodine levels have
Doctors Don’t Recognize Problem fallen precipitously in the United States. How
Iodine is an essential element, which means precipitously? In fact, iodine levels have fallen more
that we cannot live without it. Every cell in the than 50 percent since the 1970s.1
human body requires adequate iodine to perform For the “naysayers,” I have one question: If excess
its function. iodine were causing all the thyroid issues that I
For instance, white blood cells need to be previously mentioned, why haven’t these illnesses
supplied with sufficient amounts of iodine in been declining during the last 40 years?
order to fight infection. Iodine is also important Remember, as iodine levels have decreased by
for proper function of the thyroid gland, which is over half, we have seen epidemic increases of thyroid
located in the lower part of the neck and produces problems including autoimmune thyroid disorders
thyroid hormone. and hypothyroidism, as well as epidemic increases in
We cannot live without adequate production cancer and diseases of the breast, ovary, uterus, and
of thyroid hormone, and the thyroid gland cannot prostate.
produce thyroid hormone without sufficient iodine All of these conditions can be caused by iodine
stores. deficiency — and each of them can be treated with
All thyroid hormones contain iodine. For iodine supplementation.
example, the most common thyroid hormone, The two main reasons that doctors do not

Dr. David Brownstein’s Natural Way to Health is a monthly Publisher Travis Davis Please note: All information presented in Dr. David Brown-
publication of Newsmax Media, Inc., and Newsmax.com. It is Doctor David Brownstein, M.D. stein’s Natural Way to Health (including answers to reader
published at a charge of $54.95 for print delivery ($49.95 for Contributing Editor Matthew Kalash questions) is for informational purposes only, and is not spe-
digital/online version) per year through Newsmax.com and cifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s),
NewsmaxHealth.com. Art/Production Director Phil Aron concerns, and/or needs. No content is intended to be a
To contact Dr. David Brownstein’s Natural Way to Health substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
The owner, publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors
send email to: askdrdavid@newsmax.com. treatment. All information presented in Dr. David Brown-
and omissions. Rights of reproduction and distribution of this
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any issue regarding their health and well-being. Any action
consent of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax is a registered trademark of Newsmax Media, Inc.
Dr. David Brownstein’s Natural Way to Health is a trademark you take on the basis of the information provided is solely
For rights and permissions, please contact the publisher of Newsmax Media, Inc. at your own risk and expense. The opinions expressed
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email at copyright@newsmax.com. health necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media, Inc.

Page 2 drbrownstein.newsmax.com December 2013


recognize iodine deficiency are: who are testing their patients for iodine if they are
1. Doctors do not believe iodine deficiency exists. getting similar results, the answer is always yes.
2. Doctors do not know how to order or interpret
iodine tests. ADHD Caused By Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is especially important for women of
How to Test Your Levels childbearing age because adequate iodine levels are
In medical school and during my residency required for proper neurological formation during
training, there was absolutely no training for how gestation.
to test a patient’s iodine level. Why? Because we It has been known for more than 100 years
were told that no one was suffering from iodine that low iodine levels in pregnant women can
deficiency. result in neurological problems in their offspring.
But if you never test for iodine deficiency, “Cretinism” is a condition of stunted physical
how could you possibly know if anyone is iodine growth and severe neurological problems that can
deficient? It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. be caused by iodine deficiency in the womb.
It was only when I began studying holistic A recent study was designed to determine
medicine that I began searching for a good test to whether children born to mothers with iodine
measure iodine levels. deficiency during pregnancy have poorer
The best way to determine a person’s iodine educational outcomes compared to peers at age 9.2
status is to measure his or her urinary iodide levels. Compared to the control group, the children of
There are two tests available for this reading: a spot mothers who had iodine deficiency (defined as a
urinary iodine level; and a 24-hour iodine loading urinary iodine level of less than 150 mcg/L) had:
test. • 10 percent decline in spelling ability
The spot urinary test is done with a single urine
• 8 percent decline in grammar
specimen which is measured for urinary iodide.
• 6 percent decline in English literacy
However, this test can sometimes give inaccurate
information if iodine was just ingested in either I have no doubt that the epidemic of ADHD
food or supplement form. we’re seeing in our youth is due, at least in part,
The 24-hour iodine loading test was designed by to iodine deficiency. Likewise, a pattern of iodine
my mentor Dr. Guy Abraham. With this test, iodine Continued on page 5
supplements must be avoided for three days before
taking a measurement.
David Brownstein, M.D., is a
On the day of the test, 50 mg of iodine is taken
board-certified family physician and
at “time zero.” Then all urine is collected for 24
one of the foremost practitioners
hours. of holistic medicine. Dr. Brownstein
A sample from the 24-hour urine collection has lectured internationally to
is measured to assess the amount of iodine that is physicians and others about his
excreted. success with nutritional therapies
A normal 24-hour iodine loading test occurs in his practice. His books include
when greater than 95 percent of the ingested Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural
amount — that is, at least 45 mg — is excreted. Therapies That Do!; Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You
I have performed thousands of iodine tests — Can’t Live Without It; Salt Your Way To Health; The Miracle
both urinary spot tests and 24-hour loading tests. of Natural Hormones; Overcoming Arthritis; Overcoming
Thyroid Disorders; The Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet; B12
The vast majority of patients I have tested — more
For Health; The Guide to a Dairy-Free Diet; and The Soy
than 96 percent — showed an iodine deficiency. Deception. He is the medical director of the Center for
Worse yet, most of those patients were severely Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, Mich., where he lives
deficient. with his wife, Allison, and their teenage daughters, Hailey
I have lectured to thousands of healthcare and Jessica. For more information about Dr. Brownstein,
professionals about these findings. When I ask those please go to www.drbrownstein.com.

December 2013 newsmaxhealth.com Page 3


Brain Fog Threatens Doctor’s Career
In each issue, I will share with you the story of one of To me, aging gracefully simply means feeling good
my patients and how sometimes simple alternative in your middle and older years. That includes having
approaches can solve major health problems. Names enough energy to do whatever it is you want to do.
and some details have been changed for privacy’s sake, Likewise, having optimal brain function is a
but the problems and their resolutions are real. prerequisite of aging gracefully.
— Dr. David Brownstein
‘Back to Life’
Shelly was a 54-year-old internal medicine doctor When Shelly returned to review her lab tests, I
who had recently begun to feel that she was losing her told her that her adrenal hormones were severely
skills. “Something has happened to my brain,” she told imbalanced. The adrenal glands are located on the
me during her first visit. “I have trouble remembering upper pole of the kidneys. They are responsible for
patients’ names; sometimes I can’t remember drug producing a plethora of hormones that control many
names or doses. What can I do? If this gets worse, I’ll crucial physiological reactions in the body.
have to retire.” The adrenal glands are well known for their
These memory issues started when Shelly began production of the fight or flight hormones that allow
to experience menopause. She was treated with us to respond to emergencies. Among the other
conventional hormone replacement therapy, which substances they produce is a steroid hormone called
had helped her deal with hot flashes but had not pregnenolone.
helped with other issues. After a few years, she stopped Pregnenolone is sometimes referred to as the
taking the synthetic hormones. “mother hormone” because it is produced upstream of
Shelly was also suffering from chronic fatigue and all the other adrenal hormones. It is formed from the
reported that she was rapidly losing muscle tone. I told fat-like substance cholesterol.
her that we would need to do a complete nutritional Unfortunately, many patients have inadequate
evaluation to determine her hormonal status. pregnenolone production because they take statin
medications, which block the production of
Balanced Hormones Let You Age Gracefully cholesterol. They also result in lower production of all
Glands are groups of cells or organs that produce the adrenal hormones, including pregnenolone.
secretions, called hormones, that are used to stimulate Shelly, who had never had a cardiovascular event,
body processes. All of the glands in the body together was taking a statin for elevated cholesterol.
make up the endocrine system. Hormones travel But’s Shelly’s pregnenolone level was below
through the bloodstream to their target tissues where the detectable limits. I told her that there were no
they bind with their complementary receptors. studies showing that statin medications can improve
The binding of a hormone to its receptor results in longevity for women who don’t have a history of a
the production of proteins and other substances. For heart attack.
instance, the binding of testosterone to its receptors Shelly decided to stop the statin medication. I also
results in proteins being formed that lead to building placed her on 25 mg of pregnenolone per day, along
muscle and bone strength. with some other supplements based on her testing.
In my experience, most patients who have chronic When Shelly came back to see me two months later
illness or fatigue issues are suffering from hormonal her life had changed. “My brain feels like it has come
imbalances. Balancing the endocrine system provides back to life,” she said. “The pregnenolone has really
some of the most satisfying results in medicine. helped. I ran out of it for a week and I definitely did
Nearly all hormone levels peak at a young age — not feel as sharp.”
around 20 years old — and most decline after that. But Pregnenolone is particularly helpful for brain
just because a hormone declines does not mean there dysfunction. That makes sense, because the highest
is a problem. Aging is not a disease, and should not be concentration of the hormone is in the brain. I have
treated as such. found pregnenolone supplementation extremely
People can age gracefully or painfully. But it is helpful for patients suffering from brain complaints.
impossible to age gracefully without maintaining an For most patients, a dose of 25 to 50 mg is enough
optimal endocrine system. to alleviate symptoms.

Page 4 drbrownstein.newsmax.com December 2013


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Continued from page 3 provider who understands iodine and its
importance for the body. There are nutritionists,
decline and an increase in autism has been seen
chiropractors, medical doctors, osteopaths, nurses,
in other Western countries such as New Zealand,
and others that understand the importance of
England, Australia, and Italy.3, 4, 5, 6
ensuring adequate iodine intake.
In a separate study, pregnant women from an
How do you find them? The best place to start
iodine-deficient region were compared to women
is with a holistic healthcare practitioner. You’ll have
from an iodine-sufficient region.7 The women
little chance of finding a conventional doctor who
from the iodine-deficient area had lower thyroid knows about iodine.
hormone levels than women from the iodine- After finding the right healthcare provider, the
sufficient area. next step is to have your iodine levels assessed. If you
The authors hypothesized that “endemic iodine are not taking iodine, a spot urinary iodine test can
deficiency may be responsible for the impaired provide useful information.
psychoneurological development observed in However, as previously mentioned, once you are
children from that area. Appropriate iodine supplementing with iodine, it is best to rely on the
. . . prophylaxis to women in that region may 24-hour iodine loading test, which can provide more
prevent the neurobehavioral, cognitive, and motor useful information on your body’s ability to absorb
compromise of that population.” and utilize iodine.
Another study, which had 10 years of follow- Even better information can be obtained when
up, found that ADHD was diagnosed in 70 percent the 24-hour loading test is repeated. You can then
of children born to mothers living in an iodine- determine if the iodine program you are on is
deficient area. working.
This was compared to no diagnoses of ADHD in In other words, you can assess whether you are
women living in an iodine-sufficient area. becoming iodine-sufficient.
This study also found that IQ was lower in the
children born to women in the iodine-deficient Unrefined Salt Is Essential
area. The researchers found an average IQ of 88 for In order to optimize iodine levels, it is important
those children, versus an IQ of 99 in children born to use other nutrients along with iodine. The most
to mothers in an iodine-sufficient area.8 important of these nutrients is unrefined salt.
There is a big difference between refined and
Finding a Knowledgeable unrefined salt.
Healthcare Provider Refined salt is 99 percent sodium and chloride,
Though I have presented a pretty bleak picture along with toxic additives such as ferrocyanide, and
of the country’s health, all is not lost. You can make aluminum.
changes in your diet and your supplement regimen Unrefined salt, on the other hand, contains as
that will lower your chances of becoming ill with a much as 2 percent trace minerals. It is the mineral
disease related to iodine deficiency. content of unrefined salt that makes it more healthy
The first step is to work with a healthcare than refined salt.
Using unrefined salt along with iodine therapy
minimizes adverse effects. If a person has high levels
Exclusive to Current Subscribers of toxic halides such as bromine and fluoride in his
Current subscribers have instant access to any and every or her body, iodine supplementation can displace
past edition of Dr. Brownstein’s Natural Way to Health. those halides from their receptors and allow them to
Simply go here: be excreted.
drbrownstein.newsmax.com Indeed, this treatment has been used for many
Check your e-mail inbox for this month’s password. years. In the past, this remedy for bromine toxicity
(Please remember to use lowercase letters.)
Continued on page 7

December 2013 newsmaxhealth.com Page 5


In the News: Reading Between the Medical Headlines
High Cholesterol Increases believe that poisoning the enzyme amounts of essential elements in
Survival After Stroke that makes cholesterol — as statin order to prevent a deficiency, and
In the August 2013 issue drugs do — could be beneficial to even protect you against cancer.
of the Journal of Stroke and health.
Cerebrovascular Disease, researchers B Vitamins
looked at patients’ long-term Multivitamins Fight Prevent Blindness
survival after a stroke. They Breast Cancer Scientists recently studied
studied 190 stroke patients A recent study in the whether there was a relationship
admitted to a hospital in Sweden October 2013 issue of Breast between vitamin B12 and folic
and classified the patients as Cancer Research and Treatment acid and macular degeneration.
having high or low cholesterol, examined whether multivitamin The Blue Mountains Eye Study
depending on their levels upon supplements used by women of common diseases followed
admission. “High already diagnosed with 1,390 subjects for up to 15 years,

‘Cholesterol
cholesterol” was invasive breast cancer measuring homocysteine, folate,
established as greater would affect their and vitamin B12 levels, and
mortality risk. This published their findings in the
than 178 mg/dL,
while less than that
is needed was a prospective May 1, 2013 issue of the American
was “low cholesterol.” to maintain cohort study of 7,728
women ages 50 to 79
Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Homocysteine is a protein
Compared with
those in the high normal cell in the Women’s Health produced in the body; it requires
cholesterol group, Initiative. adequate levels of B12 and folic
patients with low structure and The women, who acid to be metabolized. Elevated


all had breast cancer, homocysteine may indicate
cholesterol were
found to have an
hormones. were classified into vitamin B12 and/or folic acid
8 percent lower two groups: users of deficiency.
survival rate at three months, 11 multivitamins and nonusers of Compared to those with low
percent lower survival at one year, multivitamins, and were followed homocysteine levels, the subjects
and 27 percent lower survival for 7.1 years after their diagnosis. whose levels were elevated (greater
at five years. Overall, there was At the start of the study, 38 percent than 15 umols/L) had a 56 percent
a 97 percent increase increased of the women used a multivitamin greater risk macular degeneration,
mortality risk in low-cholesterol supplement. At the end of 7.1 which is the leading cause of
subjects. years, breast cancer mortality was blindness in the U.S.
The authors concluded, “High 30 percent lower in multivitamin Everyone should have their
admission cholesterol may be users as compared to nonusers. homocysteine levels checked yearly
associated with increased long- I was taught in medical school because elevated homocysteine
term survival after stroke.” that no one needed to take levels (greater than 10 umols/L) is
Frankly, this study is not vitamins — that we could all get cause for concern. If an elevated
shocking. Cholesterol is an enough nutrients from our food. level of homocysteine is detected,
important substance for the body. After 20 years of treating patients, further research into B-vitamin
It is an antioxidant and is also the I can unequivocally state that my levels (particularly vitamins B12
main constituent of the myelin medical school professors were and B6 along with folic acid levels)
sheath that protects the nerves of dead wrong. should be initiated.
the brain. It is needed to maintain I find nutritional deficiencies If they are low, supplementing
the normal cell structure and is — including a lack of basic with B-vitamins can lower
a precursor to adrenal and sex vitamins and minerals — in the homocysteine levels in the vast
hormones. vast majority of my patients. If majority of patients. Keeping your
Conventional medicine would we lack these essential nutritional homocysteine low may not only
have you believe that the lower ingredients, our immune system benefit your eyes — it can also
your cholesterol number is, the does not work well. lower your risk of blood clotting
better. They are wrong. A good multivitamin/mineral disorders such as heart disease and
I don’t know how anyone could supplement can provide minimal stroke.

Page 6 drbrownstein.newsmax.com December 2013


Similar to iodine, vitamin C is a strong
Study: Most Women Are antioxidant that helps to keep detoxification
Iodine Deficient pathways open, aiding the body’s removal of halides
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Government has such as bromine and fluoride.
been testing a cross section of Americans for their I suggest taking 3,000 to 5,000 mg of vitamin C
nutritional statuses and toxicities. These results are per day. If you have an adverse reaction from iodine,
gathered in a report called the National Health and it is okay to increase the vitamin C dose as long as
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The latest you are not experiencing diarrhea.
iodine results have just been released — and the Vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) are also
news is not good. helpful along with iodine supplementation. These
Because iodine is so important for a baby’s thyroid help with the cell use of iodine to make thyroid
and neurological system to form, it is crucial for a
hormone.
woman of childbearing age to have adequate levels.
Finally, magnesium is also helpful when
Yet the latest NHANES study, which covers the
years 2007 to 2010, found that iodine deficiency is supplementing with iodine because it calms the body.
occurring in the majority of women of childbearing If iodine causes symptoms such as nervousness
age (18-44 years), according to a report in the journal or jitteriness, it is best to stop taking the iodine for
Thyroid. two weeks and supplement with magnesium in a
In total, 56 percent of women were iodine deficient dose of 200 to 400 mg per day, along with unrefined
— including 37 percent moderately deficient, and 15 salt and vitamins C, B2, and B3.
percent severely deficient. After two weeks of this regimen, you can restart
These numbers are slightly worse than the previous iodine again.
NHANES study from 2005 to 2008, and much worse As I noted, in the last 40 years iodine levels have
than NHANES data from 1970.
fallen more than 50 percent across the U.S. Yet this
public health disaster is not being recognized or
Continued from page 5 treated, and we are facing a myriad of consequences
was referred to as “salting it out.” including severe increases in hypothyroidism,
In this process, intravenous sodium chloride or autoimmune thyroid disorders, ADHD, and cancers
orally administered salt products were used to help of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and thyroid.
the body to excrete excess amounts of both bromine Stimulant drugs, chemotherapy agents, surgery,
and fluoride. and radiation will not reverse the incidence of these
I have treated hundreds of patients who conditions. Instead of spending enormous sums of
experienced side effects with iodine supplements by money treating these illnesses after they develop, we
having them stop the iodine for two weeks while should be searching for underlying causes of these
taking increased amounts of unrefined salt. illnesses. I have no doubt that iodine deficiency is a
How much salt should you ingest? If you major piece of this puzzle.
have normal kidney function and ingest adequate For more information about iodine, see my
amounts of water, I suggest starting with at least one newest book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t
teaspoon of unrefined salt per day. Live Without It, 5th edition.
It is best to spread salt intake throughout the day,
rather than taking it all at once. REFERENCES
1. http://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/Nutrition_Book_complete508_final.
Some patients will need more than one pdf#zoom=100.
teaspoon of unrefined salt per day. 2. J Clin Endocrin and Metab, 98: 1954-62; 2013.
3. Brit Med J,328: 227; 2004.
Nutrients That Correct Low Iodine 4. Arch Dis Child — Fetal Neonatal Ed, 89 (5): F436-9; September 2004.
5. Med J Australia,178 (4): 159-62; 2003.
In addition to unrefined salt, vitamin C is very 6. Brit Med J, Letters; October 13, 2004. http://bmj.com/cgi/eletters/328/7433/226-c
helpful for ameliorating side effects from iodine 7. Clin. Endocrinol, 42 (4): 409-15; April 2005.
supplementation. 8. J Clin Endocr; December, 2004.

December 2013 newsmaxhealth.com Page 7


Ask Dr. B
Dear Readers, Drink Water for Better Memory
I will try to answer as many questions as I can. I’m concerned about memory loss. What can a
However, because of the volume of questions, I person do naturally to help with this?
cannot answer each letter personally. Please include — Shirley T., Alexandria, Va.
your full name, city, and state when submitting.
If you have a question for me, please email it to: Memory difficulties are one of the most
askdrdavid@newsmax.com. common complaints I hear in my practice. The
first step is to diagnose what is wrong with your
Signs of Thyroid Problem brain function. There can be numerous reasons
I take my temperature every morning and it is always why you are having memory difficulties. But the
low. My other symptoms are hair breaking, poor most common reason I see for brain dysfunction is
eyebrow growth, exhaustion, and pale, pasty skin. dehydration.
Could these be caused by a thyroid problem? The brain is made up of approximately 80
— Terry J., Beaumont, Texas percent water. In a chronically dehydrated state,
brain function declines. Headaches are also
All of the symptoms you list could be related to common. It is impossible to have optimal brain
a low thyroid condition (hypothyroidism). function without ensuring adequate hydration.
The thyroid gland sits in the lower pole of the
How much water is enough? Take your weight
neck. Its job is to produce thyroid hormone, which
in pounds, divide by two and the resulting number
is responsible for maintaining the metabolic rate of
is the amount of filtered water you should drink
the body. Optimal functioning of the thyroid gland
daily, in ounces. Coffee, soda, juice, and other
is necessary for producing ATP, the energy molecule
beverages are no substitute for drinking water.
of the body.
When drinking water, I also suggest ingesting
Common complaints when the thyroid is under-
unrefined salt. The salt helps your body utilize water
functioning include fatigue, hair loss (including
more efficiently.
eyebrow thinning), weight gain, and a sense of being
There is also no question that eating a healthy
cold. One of the classic signs of hypothyroidism is
diet helps improve brain function. A healthy diet
a low basal body temperature, which is the resting
supplies vital nutrients necessary for optimal brain
temperature of the body.
function.
Recently, I lectured to a large group of holistic
Brain decline is very common with heavy
healthcare practitioners and asked them to estimate
metal toxicity. The most common heavy metal
what percentage of their patients are suffering
poisoning that I diagnose is mercury. There are
from thyroid disorders. Their estimates agreed with
numerous sources for mercury toxicity, including
mine: More than 30 percent of our population is
dental fillings, vaccines (such as the flu vaccine), and
currently suffering from a thyroid disorder, with
ingesting fish.
hypothyroidism — also called thyroid deficiency —
Have your heavy metal levels tested by a holistic
being the most common diagnosis.
healthcare provider. If they are high, detoxification
Why is this happening? I feel that our declining
iodine levels are chiefly responsible for this protocols can be implemented to help.
epidemic rate of thyroid disease. Finally, ensure that you have adequate vitamin
I suggest seeing a holistic healthcare provider B12 levels. I see many patients suffering from brain
who knows about iodine. He or she can test your dysfunction due to B12 deficiency.
iodine and thyroid levels. After a diagnosis is made,
you can take the appropriate steps to get your To your good health,
health back.
More information about a holistic approach to
diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders can be
found in my book, Overcoming Thyroid Disorders. David Brownstein, M.D.

Page 8 drbrownstein.newsmax.com December 2013

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