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Fertility Nutrition Pregnancy

Why Iodine is Essential to Preconception and Pregnancy Health

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
September 7, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

There are many nutrients and trace minerals essential during preconception and in pregnancy. One essential trace mineral is iodine.

Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function. The thyroid gland needs iodine to manufacture the hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) – these hormones are involved in regulating various enzymes and organic processes necessary for life, especially in preconception and during pregnancy. Examples of this include cell division and the metabolism of every cell in our bodies, growth, development and repair of the body, central nervous system development in a fetus and infant, and even proper ovulation. It is important to work to solve thyroid problems before conception.

If the thyroid doesn’t have enough iodine to do its job due to iodine deficiency, feedback systems in the body cause the thyroid to work harder which may result in a cascade of imbalances in the body.

Iodine for Preconception and Pregnancy Health

It is important to consume adequate amounts of iodine prior to conception to support…

  • proper function of the thyroid gland
  • normal levels of thyroid hormone
  • to avoid hypothyroidism
  • ovulation – low levels of thyroid hormone can cause women to stop ovulating leading to infertility
  • Metabolism, immune system function, weight management, even mental states (to avoid depression and anxiety)

and in pregnancy to avoid the serious complications for both the mother and the baby of iodine deficiency…

  • high blood pressure during pregnancy (for the mother)
  • hypothyroidism in an infant has the potential to cause:
    – mental retardation
    – cretinism (in extreme cases) – a disorder that involves severely stunted physical and mental growth

The developing brain is most damaged by iodine deficiency. Thyroid hormone is particularly important for myelination (insulating of the nerves) of the central nervous system, which is most active in the perinatal period of fetal development (from conception to about 20 weeks gestation or 140 days into the pregnancy) and early development just after birth until 6 weeks of age. Although truth be told, it can take up to 25 years for complete development of the brain.

Getting Enough Iodine in Your Diet

Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of iodine for people age 14 and older is 150 mcg/day. Speak with your healthcare provider before supplementing iodine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Iodine is a chemical that cannot be made by the body, but is easily corrected by resupplying the body with it through diet.

Food Sources of Iodine Include:

  • iodized table salt
  • sea salt or Himalayan Crystal Salt
  • seaweed – Kelp, Dulce, Nori, Arame, Hiziki, Kombu, and Wakame
  • salt-water fish – Cod, Sea Bass, Haddock and Perch
  • dairy and dairy products (yogurt) – full fat, raw, organic, grass-fed
  • eggs
  • navy beans
  • use a thyroid support supplement that contains iodine and other supportive nutrients.

Other foods that may contain iodine (if the soils are not depleted of iodine) are: onions, mushrooms, lettuces, spinach, green peppers, pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, even peanuts and whole wheat.

The health of the thyroid gland is critical to fertility. If you question your thyroid health it is best to speak with your healthcare provider about thorough thyroid testing. While iodine supplementation in special cases may be necessary, a diet composed of foods offering iodine in addition to supplementing with a whole food multivitamin may be sufficient enough to support adequate iodine levels.

We encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements including iodine and what may be best for your overall health.

References

  • 8 Iodine (2001) Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press
  • U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/35.html
  • National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
  • Myelination in Development. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://cogweb.ucla.edu/CogSci/Myelinate.html
  • Elson M. Haas MD and Buck Levin, PhD, RD (2006) Staying Healthy with Nutrition, rev: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine

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About the Author

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Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
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🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

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The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪

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Mar 17

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🌱 Using a greens powder such as FertiliGreens daily can be an easy way to get more greens in your diet….. But if you are new to green powders the taste may catch you by surprise.

💚I do think FeriliGreens is some of the best tasting greens powder out there, but here are to some tips to make taking your daily dose tastier… especially if you are new to taking the :

✅ Mix FertiliGreens into your fertility smoothie
✅ Mix with 8 oz of water and add a little juice for taste
✅ Mix with water and some chocolate stevia drops
✅ Mix with water and some cocoa powder and vanilla stevia drops

Do you take a greens powder daily? What is your go-to method.

I personally take mine mixed in water + all my powdered and liquid supplements mixed with some cocoa powder and chocolate stevia drops 😋

👇 If you would like to learn more about foods and nutrition shortcuts specifically for fertility start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type FOOD in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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🧘🏽‍♀️ Rose Fertility Meditation.... Take 2 minutes to unwind and support your fertility with this gentle meditation.

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Your journey towards motherhood is unique, but you don't have to go it alone 

🤍 Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who believe in you and your dreams 💫 

#fertilitycommunity #supportsystem #inspiration

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 15

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing
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