Thyroid diseases such as Graves disease, Hashimoto's disease, and other disorders of the thyroid gland are on the rise. According to a recent article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, up to 13 million people may have undetected thyroid disease in addition to the millions already diagnosed.
The thyroid is a large gland at the base of the neck. It regulates metabolism and growth, and many hormones interact with the various thyroid hormones to guide everything from body temperature to heartbeat. Laboratory tests ordered by a physician detect varying levels of thyroid hormones. Physicians diagnose thyroid disease by a variety of blood tests, scans or both.
The Link Between Bromide and Thyroid Disease
Bromide is an element found on the periodic table of elements in the same line as iodine. It is part of a group of substances called halogens of which bromide, iodine, and chlorine and fluoride are all a part. Iodine is the element needed by the human body to produce thyroid hormones. A lack of iodine causes goiter, or an enlarged thyroid. Common table salt is often supplemented with iodine to ensure adequate dietary intake.
Bromide is a chemical frequently used as a pesticide or fungicide on food crops, most notably strawberries. It's also used in bread. Commercial bread factories use a bromide derivative claiming it helps bread rise more quickly and enhances the quality of bread. Bromide is also used to make plastics pliable and as a fire retardant, and consequently cars, mattresses, carpets and building supplies frequently exude bromide compounds into the environment, increasing bromide exposure.
While bromide use in the United States is legal and fairly common this chemical additive has been outlawed in many places including Europe. High concentrations of bromide have been linked to thyroid disease, breast cancer and other diseases.
The Bromide Dominance Theory and Thyroid Problems
According to the Bromide Dominance Theory, the problem with bromide lies in the fact that its chemical structure tricks the thyroid to accept it in lieu of iodine. It then disrupts the entire endocrine system, including sex hormones, thyroid hormones and more. Because bromide takes the place of iodine in the body, iodine stores are depleted despite adequate intake of iodine.
If this theory holds true, several implications point towards bromide and related halogens such as fluoride and chlorine exposure to such problems as:
- Thyroid disease: by displacing iodine, the thyroid is actually starved of iodine and cannot adequately produce thyroid hormones.
- Breast cancer: altering the delicate balance of sex hormones creates estrogen dominance by encouraging estrogen reception and discouraging progesterone.
- Kidney (renal) damage and skin problems have also been reported.
Avoiding Halogens and Encouraging Hormone Balance
Avoiding the halogen group may be more difficult today than ever before. Fluoride and chlorine are added to drinking water in most public water supplies, ostensibly to improve dental health and kill bacteria. Bromide-enhanced breads and pastry products can be spotted by reading ingredient labels. Another common place to find bromide is in orange drinks and orange soda pop, where it is often added as a stabilizer. Look for the word 'bromide' or words such as potassium bromate. "Enriched" flours may contain bromate or bromide without specifying it.
New carpet, upholstery, car plastics and household products often exude bromide. Ensuring fresh air circulation and researching manufacturing methods as well as buying 'green' products often helps.
Other Ways to Enhance Thyroid Function
Exposure to bromide and the halogen group of elements isn't the only cause of thyroid problems. Autoimmune thyroid diseases can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, and environmental toxins, and doctors do not yet know definitively why one person develops thyroid disease while another doesn't. Nor do they know exactly what causes it.
The following holistic measures often help thyroid disorders caused by chemical exposure such as bromide. Before trying any holistic remedies, consult your physician and use at your own risk. A naturopathic doctor or herbalist can also suggest appropriate supplements and amounts.
- Sea vegetables: Kelp, dulse and other sea vegetables used in Asian dishes can be enjoyed by everyone and provide a safe, natural source of iodine.
- Bladderwrack: An herbal supplement derived from sea vegetables includes iodine and is recommended by herbalists for thyroid support.
- Stress relief: Stress is known to trigger autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders.
- Diet: Eating a healthy, well balanced and plant based diet is essential for overall good health. Choosing organic produce avoids bromide used as a pesticide or soil conditioner. Many foods can also suppress thyroid function, so be sure to work with a nutritionist for a specific diet to heal thyroid conditions.
The thyroid is a complicated gland and a healthy, naturally functioning thyroid is essential for good health. By avoiding bromide exposure and limiting exposure to other halogens such as fluoride and chlorine, some people may be able to successfully reverse thyroid problems.
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