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Iodine Deficiency Symptoms and Outcomes: Hypothyroidism, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension, and Diabetes

Health > Interrelated Illness Phases and Cycles

Summary. Something as simple as an iodine deficiency leading to hypothyroidism can have very severe outcomes as the health spirals out of control.

Detection and Treatment. The testing and treatment of iodine deficiency are the same. Purchase a small container of 2% tincture iodine and some cotton balls. Apply the iodine to your skin in a three inch square area on the side of the chest close to the under arm and again on the lower abdomen. The iodine should be visible for 24 hours before fading. If it fades in less than 24 hours, you are iodine deficient. Continue this every two days until the iodine patch remains for 16 to 20 hours.

Treatment Cost. The treatment cost of iodine deficiency is relatively inexpensive. When treated early on, the cost is a few dollars for the cotton ball and bottle of iodine shown above. However, it may not be detected until years later during the pre-diabetic phase (shown in the chart below). At that point, it can cost about $1,000 for the necessary lab work, medical consultation, and nutritional supplements needed to address the orchestra of health problems that will likely exist. Many people will not discover their deteriorated health condition until they are fully diabetic, have a heart attack, or have cancer. The treatment cost of those conditions is many thousands of dollars.

Health Impact of Iodine Deficiency. The chart below illustrates the relationship between different conditions that are increasingly interdependent as the cycle continues. A more detailed description is found below the chart. Click here or the chart for a larger view.

Chart Explanation. It’s well documented that iodine deficiency makes it difficult for the thyroid to function properly leading to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is generally associated with poor processing of carbohydrates which results in insulin resistance by cells making the pancreas produce more insulin. This generally results in a desire to eat more carbohydrates and other foods. This leads to obesity. Vitamin D deficiency is common among obese people. A deficiency of vitamin D, along with excessively high insulin, generally leads to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and eventually death. This cycle begins with a simple deficiency, but eventually results in a collapse of the body’s ecosystem.

Advisory. This document is intended to be informative and not to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It’s essential to have a wellness professional provide you with a personalized assessment of your overall health based on full blood work and saliva tests. This picture of your health, with an expert to interpret it, can give you an appropriate plan of action. Look for a clinic in your area similar to the Iowa City Washington Street Wellness Center.

Further Reading. Below are some articles for further reading on this topic.

By Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a freelance writer and tech consultant in Iowa City. He is also the founder and Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website. Learn more at AboutGregJohnson.com