On today’s Good Day Health Show - ON DEMAND…

Dr. Jack Stockwell, a NUCCA Chiropractor and GAPS Practitioner in SLC, UT (866.867.5070 | ForbiddenDoctor.com | JackStockwell.com), covers the the biggest news in the health and wellness space from a holistic, naturopath perspective. In this episode, Dr. Jack begins with the body’s need for iodine and why it seems to have dropped off the medical radar in recent decades. The iodine’s role plays into a healthy thyroid gland. So, why are we depriving ourselves of iodine? 

Additionally, Iodine is critical during pregnancy for producing maternal thyroid hormones that directly regulate fetal brain development, neurogenesis, and myelination. Severe deficiency can cause permanent, irreversible intellectual disabilities and a reduction in child IQ by 8 to 10 points. Even mild-to-moderate deficiency can impair a child’s cognitive function, language development, and fine motor skills

Here are the key impacts on fetal brain development: 

• Essential Thyroid Function: Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones. In the first trimester, the fetus relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones, which require sufficient iodine.
• Brain Structure Development: Proper iodine levels are essential for neurogenesis (creation of neurons), neural migration, and myelination (insulation of nerve fibers).
• Irreversible Deficits: Severe iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability worldwide. It can lead to cretinism, characterized by severe intellectual impairment and neurological damage.
• Cognitive and Motor Skills: Mild to moderate deficiencies have been linked to lower IQ, reduced verbal skills, and lower overall cognitive scores in children. 

Some important considerations: 

• Increased Demand: Iodine requirements increase during pregnancy due to higher production of thyroid hormones and transfer to the fetus.
• Optimal Range: While deficiency is harmful, excessive iodine intake can also cause health issues.
• Prevention: Ensuring adequate iodine intake through iodized salt or prenatal supplements, especially in deficient areas, is key to preventing these developmental issues. 

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