Thyroid problems are a common yet often overlooked issue that can have a major impact on one's health and well-being.  This was the case for Elle Russ, who experienced two bouts of hypothyroidism within 10 years.  Elle is a #1 bestselling author, world-renowned thyroid health expert, and thought leader on confidence and self-esteem.  She has written for Entrepreneur and has been featured in Success, HuffPost, Podcasting Magazine, Mind Body Green, Prevention, while offering affordable online courses and free masterclasses.  Her hypothyroidism presented as menstrual irregularities, which her doctor dismissed and instead put her on birth control pills to mask the symptom.  This decision was highly misguided as Elle soon experienced a host of other symptoms including acne, hair loss, rapid weight gain, fatigue, mood swings and constipation.  It took E.R. 7 years to get properly diagnosed and treated for her thyroid condition because many doctors are uninformed about thyroid issues or unwilling to look into it further due to their ego or lack of time.  What are some things that can contribute to low thyroid function? Elle states that:  "Low thyroid function can have a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and constipation to difficulty concentrating and mood swings. While the causes of low thyroid function can vary, some common factors can contribute to this condition."   "First and foremost, diet plays a major role in maintaining healthy thyroid function. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates is not only unhealthy for your overall health, but it also disrupts the balance of hormones that your thyroid needs to stay healthy. Additionally, gluten sensitivity has been linked to hypothyroidism in some cases. Therefore, it is important to eat a clean diet consisting mostly of unprocessed whole foods such as fruits and vegetables."    "Another factor that can contribute to low thyroid function is sleep deprivation or an irregular sleep cycle. Not getting enough sleep or having an inconsistent sleep schedule can disrupt hormone production and cause fatigue as well as other symptoms associated with low thyroid function. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and get at least 8 hours of sleep each night."   "Finally, having a strong support system is essential for maintaining healthy thyroid function. Having a “tribe” of supportive friends and family can help reduce stress and provide emotional support when needed. This can help keep hormones in balance and prevent the development of low thyroid function." The importance of Iodine in hypothyroidism Iodine is a key component in the production of thyroid hormones and is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.  Without adequate iodine, hypothyroidism can develop due to decreased production of hormones.   Historically, low levels of iodine were responsible for a phenomenon known as the “Goiter Belt” in the Midwest United States.  This was due to a lack of iodine from ocean air, seawater, and food grown in that region.  To combat this issue, people began taking iodine supplements which helped reduce the incidence of hypothyroidism in the region.    Today, many people are deficient in iodine due to poor dietary habits and exposure to chlorine and bromine which can displace iodine from receptors.  This can be particularly dangerous for those who swim frequently in chlorinated pools as chlorine can further deplete iodine levels. It is important to note that adults do not need fluoride in their toothpaste anymore, as it is not beneficial and may even be harmful.  To optimize iodine levels, adults should consider taking a thyroid support complex that contains trace amounts of iodine.  Alternatively, iodine can be obtained through food such as seaweed or cruciferous vegetables, although the jury is still out on whether raw or cooked vegetables are better.