Iodine is an essential trace element necessary for the creation of thyroid hormones in the body. The pituitary gland in the brain releases a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to release T4 and T3. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine to produce these thyroid hormones, the iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), these are released into the bloodstream, and the thyroid transport proteins then transport the hormones to target cells throughout the body, including the brain.
Your thyroid affects every cell in your body and brain through the hormones T4 and T3, within the brain T4 is converted to T3 by selenium, which then affects gene expression that controls metabolism within cells, and activates catecholamines, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Poor thyroid function, which is often caused by insufficient iodine, leads to poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems remembering, depression, and anxiety.
Iodine deficiency is recognized as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. Even a moderate deficiency results in a loss of at least 10 to 15 IQ points, this is why we have added iodine to our list of essential nootropics.
Iodine insufficiency is not only a problem in developing countries. Studies have found even in Western countries; Iodine deficiency has become a critical health problem.
Iodine benefits:
Iodine improves energy levels, cognition, memory and mood:
1.- Neurotransmitters: Iodine is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters.
2.- Brain energy: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones that help control cellular metabolism and energy use within brain cells. Supplemental iodine generally results in increased energy levels and feelings of well-being.
3.- Neuroprotective: iodine can kill bacteria, fungal infections and viruses. The iodine will remove fluoride, chlorine and bromine. And it helps your body detoxify heavy metals like mercury and cadmium that other detox methods cannot remove.
Many users report higher levels of concentration, energy, memory, and cognitive ability when supplementing with iodine. You should also experience better quality of sleep, have an overall improvement in mood, and relief from depression.
Others report a profound difference in energy levels, they are more alert and afternoon fatigue disappears. Some even report significant improvement in tinnitus.
Iodine and thyroid hormones Almost all of your body's functions in almost all of your tissues depend on thyroid hormones. Their actions and influence are so extensive that one cannot live without them. Thyroid hormones affect brain development, heart rate, lung function, blood function, bone growth, and steroid hormone production, including the breakdown of sugar, fats, and proteins. And even some immunological processes.
Iodine even plays a role in how brain cells use other nootropics. The bottom line is that iodine could be one of the most important additions to any nootropic combination.
How does iodine act in the brain?
Iodine improves brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
1.- Iodine is essential for neurotransmitters. Iodine is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters. Not enough iodine produces too little T3 and T4 in the body. Symptoms of inadequate thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) include insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, dry skin and hair, sensitivity to cold, frequent and heavy periods in women, and joint and muscle pain.
2.- Iodine is necessary for a healthy immune system. Iodine is antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and has anticancer properties.
The thyroid is the main storage site for iodine. But this mineral is also concentrated in your glandular system, including your salivary and sweat glands. The ovaries, breasts, pancreas, cerebrospinal fluid, skin, stomach, prostate, and brain contain high concentrations of iodine.
Iodine is a powerful method of removing heavy metals and halides such as fluoride, chlorine, and bromine from your system. These chemicals compete for the same thyroid receptors on the cells that use thyroid hormones. Therefore, removing these toxins will help thyroid hormones do their job of gene expression and metabolism.
Iodine increases cognition.
The thyroid needs iodine to produce the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones that enter the circulatory system. And they are transported throughout the body. Each cell has receptor sites for thyroid hormones. Neurons use neurotransmitters to communicate with each other. The presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter that then binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic cell.
How neurotransmitters relate to the endocrine system and thyroid health.
Thyroid hormones participate in the genetic expression necessary for the release of neurotransmitters. Low levels of iodine result in low levels of thyroid hormones which result in low levels of neurotransmitters.
Iodine and serotonin
Several studies have shown that low T3 levels result in reduced serotonin levels in the brain. If you don't respond to SSRIs for depression, it could be due to a thyroid hormone imbalance. The result is depression.
Iodine and GABA
In animals and humans there is a direct link between thyroid and GABA levels. Thyroid hormones affect the enzymes responsible for GABA synthesis and degradation, glutamate and GABA levels, GABA release and reuptake, and GABA(A) receptor expression and function.
GABA is your brain's natural Valium. GABA can help relieve stress after getting angry. Or even prevent a stress response in the first place. Low levels of iodine cause low levels of thyroid hormones that affect GABA. Which can cause depression or anxiety.
Iodine and dopamine
Thyroid hormones play a role in the release of dopamine in the brain. One study showed that an imbalance between thyroid hormones and dopamine could be responsible for restless legs syndrome.
Iodine and acetylcholine
Thyrotropic-releasing hormone (TRH) increases the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). One study showed that people with hypothyroidism had a significant decrease in acetylcholine in the hippocampus, and that T4 administration normalized ACh levels.
Iodine insufficiency can cause hypothyroidism, and negatively affects ACh synthesis in the brain. Affecting cognition, memory, learning, memory and mood.
Lack of iodine in the diet negatively affects neurotransmitters in the brain. And it can lead to depression, brain fog, anxiety, learning and memory problems, and ultimately lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Iodine deficiency and ADHD
A 10-year study conducted in Italy investigated children born to 16 women from an iodine-deficient area (Area A) and 11 control women in an iodine-sufficient area (Area B).
ADHD was diagnosed in 11 of the 16 children born in Area A, but none in Area B. The total IQ score was almost 20 points lower in children in Area A compared to Area B.
The researchers noted that the prevalence of ADHD in children born in Area A could only be compared to that of similar children with resistance to thyroid hormones. And that iodine deficiency was the likely cause of ADHD due to a critical reduction in the intracellular thyroid hormone T 3 available to the developing brain.
Recommended dose of iodine
The recommended dose of iodine is very difficult because each person needs different amounts depending on their body's ability to use iodine. And the level of exposure you have to everyday toxins like fluoride, chlorine and other halides. If you have a serious health problem, your doses will need to be higher than those of someone trying to maintain good health.
Optimal maintenance and cognition: Naturopathic doctors recommend up to 50 mg of iodine per day.
Cancer – Cancer is the result of mutated cells. Iodine is essential for the P53 gene, which prevents damaged cells from dividing. Iodine and selenium help P53 do its job of eliminating abnormal cells. Cancer patients have successfully used between 50 and 300 mg of iodine per day.
Supportive supplements to take with iodine include:
Selenium: 200 mcg per day. Selenium is required for the production of T 3 . And helps in detoxification.
Vitamin C: 2000 to 5000 mg per day helps support thyroid symporters that transport thyroid hormones throughout the body, including across the blood-brain barrier, and aids in detoxification.
Magnesium – 400 mg per day.
Iodine is fat-soluble and should be taken with food, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Supportive supplements can be taken at the same time as the iodine dose.
Iodine should be taken early in the day because it can increase energy levels so much that you may have trouble sleeping.
Side effects of iodine
Most forms of iodine can cause diarrhea and bloating. Especially at higher doses. People with a sensitive stomach may experience stomach pain and this is why we suggest taking iodine with food.
It is also possible to overdose on iodine. So start with a lower dose and see how your body reacts. Symptoms of an iodine overdose include abdominal pain, delirium, fever, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Iodine is a powerful method of removing toxins and heavy metals from the body that can also produce unpleasant effects. If you experience flu-like symptoms when you start taking iodine, there is a good chance that you are feeling the effects of toxins being removed from your cells and body.
