Worldwide, the most common cause of thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, is iodine deficiency.

The thyroid gland contains the largest concentration of iodine in the body. And it’s impossible to make thyroid hormone without adequate iodine levels.

Remember, the two most common thyroid hormones produced in the body — T4 and T3 — each contain iodine atoms.

After testing some 6,000 patients, my partners and I have found that more than 95 percent of people are iodine deficient.

In addition, I have spoken to thousands of healthcare professionals around the country, and my numbers are consistent with theirs.

Iodine deficiency not only causes hypothyroidism, it also causes other conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer, as well as endocrine problems such as breast, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.

Why are so many people iodine deficient? There are two major reasons:

1. They don’t get enough iodine in their diets.

2. Exposure to toxic halides has increased dramatically over the last 40 years.

The major sources of iodine in the food supply are oceanic animals and vegetables such as seaweed.

However, the longer the ocean-based product has been out of the water, the lower the iodine levels become.

Therefore, in order to get the most iodine, it is important to eat fresh seafood or seaweed.

Iodine can be competitively inhibited in the body by toxic halides such as bromine and fluoride.

Unfortunately, our exposure to these halides has increased dramatically in the last 40 years.

We consume excess bromine in many processed foods and drinks. It is mainly found in brominated vegetable oil (in many sodas and sports drinks) and brominated flour (in breads, pastas, and cereals).

It is also used as a fire retardant in mattresses, curtains, carpet, and computers among other products.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough iodine in iodized salt to supply the body with optimal levels. Therefore, it is necessary to take supplemental iodine.

Correcting iodine deficiency is a must. Ensuring adequate levels of vitamins A, C, and D, along with minerals such as magnesium and selenium will help.

Finally, eliminating sources of bromine from the diet is a necessity.

More information about iodine can be found in my book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.