After getting back from a relaxing holiday, we always add a little extra iodine into our diet or top up with lugols. Swimming in pools can be a big part of our break so the extra iodine is to support our thyroids after the exposure.
Did you know that not only chlorine in pools but also fluoride in tap water and bromide in everyday products can negatively impact your thyroid? Here’s why—and how you can maintain the balance.
At the heart of thyroid health is iodine, a vital nutrient that the thyroid gland uses to produce essential hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate many critical processes in the body, including metabolism, temperature, and growth.
However, the problem arises when other similar elements—called halogens - such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide, start to interfere. These chemicals can displace iodine in the body, tricking the thyroid into absorbing them instead of iodine. When this happens, it disrupts the thyroid’s ability to produce the hormones it needs, potentially leading to conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
But how do these substances enter our body, and what can you do about it?
Chlorine: The Swimming Pool Culprit
Most people don’t think twice about a dip in the pool, but chlorine, used to disinfect water, can seep into your skin or be inhaled while swimming. Even frequent exposure to chlorinated tap water can be problematic. Chlorine is chemically similar to iodine, and it competes with iodine for absorption by the thyroid.
After our holiday filled with plenty of pool time, we became especially mindful of how much chlorine exposure we had accumulated. Regular exposure, whether through pools, tap water, or long showers, can slowly reduce your iodine levels, leaving your thyroid struggling to produce enough hormones. This depletion might not show symptoms immediately, but over time, it can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, and other thyroid-related issues.
Fluoride: A Double-Edged Sword
Fluoride, commonly added to tap water to promote dental health, poses another risk. Like chlorine, fluoride is a halogen and competes with iodine for absorption by the thyroid. While the natural form of fluoride has benefits for your teeth, prolonged exposure of the chemical fluoride can reduce the iodine available to your thyroid, resulting in iodine deficiency.
Chemical Fluoride is also present in some toothpaste, so brushing your teeth and drinking unfiltered tap water can compound the problem over time. This raises concerns for those who may already be at risk for thyroid dysfunction or iodine deficiency, such as people who live in areas where iodine-rich foods are not common.
Bromide: A Hidden Ingredient in Everyday Products
You may not be as familiar with bromide, but it is a common chemical used in a variety of everyday products. Found in bromated flour (used in many baked goods), certain soft drinks, and even fire retardants in furniture, bromide is another halogen that can displace iodine in your body.
When you consume bromide-containing products regularly, it not only competes with iodine, but it can also block your body’s ability to utilise what little iodine it has left. Over time, this can cause symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, including brain fog, weight gain, and fatigue.
How to Protect Your Thyroid from Harmful Halogens
Now that you know how chlorine, fluoride, and bromide can affect your thyroid, what can you do to minimise their impact? While it’s impossible to avoid these chemicals completely, there are several steps you can take to protect your thyroid:
1. Consume Iodine-Rich Foods
Consuming iodine-rich foods can help ensure your body gets the iodine it needs. Foods like seaweed, eggs, raw milk, and fish are excellent sources of natural iodine. Incorporating these into your diet can support thyroid function and help counteract the effects of halogen exposure. Bathing in our very own Aalgo seaweed will also flood the body with lots of amazing nutrients as well as iodine.
2. Consider Iodine Supplements
If you’re concerned about iodine deficiency, you may want to consider taking an iodine supplement. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure you’re taking the right dosage for your needs. Our family trick is to paint lugols iodine on the skin before bed - if it’s disappeared by the morning you might want to do it again for the next couple of nights to make sure you’re topped up.
3. Filter Your Water
Installing a high-quality water filter in your home can reduce your exposure to chlorine and fluoride in tap water. We offer filters specifically designed to remove these chemicals.For even better results, consider using structured water for optimal intracellular hydration. Structured water is thought to be better absorbed by the cells, offering deeper and more effective hydration.
4. Avoid Bromated Flour and Other Products
Read labels carefully and avoid products made with bromated flour, which is commonly used in baked goods. Check soft drinks for brominated vegetable oil (BVO), and be mindful of household items that may contain fire retardants. Small changes, like buying bromide-free bread or opting for natural cleaning products, can make a difference.
By becoming more aware of these hidden thyroid disruptors and taking steps to limit your exposure, you can help protect your thyroid and maintain better overall health. It doesn’t take drastic measures—just small, mindful changes in your daily habits, like filtering your water, adjusting your diet, and being conscious of the products you use. Balance is always key and trust in your body to tell you what it needs.
Your thyroid is the engine that powers so many essential functions in your body. By giving it the support it needs, you’ll not only feel better but also prevent long-term health issues.