Why are synthetic hormones in the environment good?

What prevents halogen substitution in thyroid hormones?

• A halogenated compound in vitro will generally undergo substitution when exposed to a reactive source of other halogens if those halogens are further up the group than the halogen in the initial compound. This is a similar process to the substitution of hydroxyl groups by fluoride groups in the hydroxyapatite of teeth, although of course a hydroxyl group is not a halogen. There is absorption through the buccal mucosa, and some fluorine compounds in toothpaste, and of course large amounts of water, enter the internal environment via the GIT mucosa. The iodine content of the diet is generally quite small but is absorbed efficiently. Thyroid hormones are presumably mainly bound to globulins in the plasma or in the thyroid vesicles, but something like active transport must be taking place to facilitate the transfer of iodine into the likes of thyroxin, triiodothyronine and the rest. The concentration of fluorine compounds in most toothpaste is quite high and its concentration in water is rather low but far from negligible. So my question is this: why is the iodine in thyroid hormones not at least sometimes replaced by fluorine, or for that matter chlorine? Would such a substitution create a false negative in a thyroid function test?

• Answer:

  Iodine can be replaced by halogens fluorine, chlorine and bromine as they all have exactly 7 electrons in their outer shell and can attach to the same receptor sites. Based on atomic weight, bromine (79.90), chlorine (35.45) and fluorine (18.99) are able to displace iodine (126.70). One halogen can displace another one of a higher atomic weight but cannot displace one of lower weight. Thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), made up of 1 tyrosine molecule and 4 iodine molecules, can be constructed with 4 molecules of fluorine, bromine and/or chlorine instead of iodine which renders the T4 absolutely useless. The effects of fluorine, chlorine and bromine can increase TSH levels. That said, hypothyroidism can exist despite "normal range" TSH levels. Bromide is found in kelp/seaweed, nuts, citrus flavoured soft drinks, water purification, pesticides, fumigants, photographic film, dyes, flame retardants, carpet, upholstery, electronics, mattresses, OTC antitussives, pesticide residues on food, spa pools and swimming pools, asthma inhalers and other prescription drugs, plastic products, personal care products, some bread products (potassium bromate). Fluorine is found in toothpaste, fluoridated drinking water, infant formula, cereals, non organic grape juice, wine, beer, soda, tea (higher in decaf), freon, insecticides, fluoridated salt, non stick coatings, many prescription drugs. Chlorine is found in tap water, spa pools and swimming pools, non-stick PTFE for frying pans, bakery tins and irons, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) resins used for their barrier coating properties - particularly in food packaging, solvents, agrochemicals, various prescription drugs, toxic compounds like PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls). Besides avoiding/limiting your intake, there are supplements and filters that help detox fluoride, chlorine and bromine. Iodine will help eliminate the excessive fluoride, bromine and chlorine. To note: excessive iodine intake may lead to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis/worsen existing autoimmune thyroiditis. In rare cases, hyperthyroidism can actually be caused by too much iodine. Detoxing fluorine - iodine, reverse osmosis filter, tamarind, boron, liver cleanses, saunas, lecithin, calcium/magensium - 2:1 ratio, vitamin C, bentonite clay, fulvic acid, cilantro pesto with chlorella, DMSA or any other chellation therapies. Detoxing bromide - iodine, salt (bromide binds to the salt and then is flushed from the body via the kidneys). Detoxing chlorine - iodine, reverse osmosis filter, faucets/shower filters. More information.... http://www.samsherbalnutrition.com/files/19273930.pdf http://drknews.com/some-studies-on-iodine-and-autoimmune-thyroid-disease/ http://ezinearticles.com/?Iodine-Thyroid-Connection&id=6013369 http://library.thinkquest.org/C004050F/use.htm http://www.naturalnews.com/026605_fluoride_fluorides_detox.html#ixzz1TmREV2zi http://dreampeddler.in/blogs/chlorine-the-silent-killer/ http://www.iodine4health.com/special/halogens/brownstein_halogens.htm