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About Iodine

Health Benefits Of Iodine

Iodine

Iodine, also known as iodide, is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil and seawater. Iodine is found in seawater and plant foods but is most commonly found in iodized salt. If your iodine levels are low, your doctor may advise you to take supplements. So, why is it so crucial? Let’s look at some of its benefits.

 

Regulates Hormone Production

When you consume Iodine, it helps regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and other body processes. Iodine is a key component of these hormones because it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy DNA, including genes responsible for regulating metabolism.

Reducing Risk for Some Goiters

Goiters are more common in people who don't get enough Iodine in their diet. Goiter is also associated with breathlessness and difficulty swallowing. It's estimated that up to 90% of goiters can be prevented by adding Iodine to your food. If you have a goiter and your doctor has recommended treatment with oral Iodine health supplements, you will most likely feel better after taking them.

Prevention From Nuclear Fallouts

In the event of a nuclear emergency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using potassium iodide (KI) to protect the thyroid from radiation damage. They are available as tablets as well as liquids. Although no guarantees can be made, the sooner KI is administered, the better the thyroid will be protected in such emergencies. KI poses significant risks, including inflammation, gastrointestinal upset, and allergic reactions. It also increases the risk of thyroid disease. If you already have thyroid disease, complications are more likely.

Supports Thyroid Health During Pregnancy

You will be surprised to learn that Iodine is essential for fetal brain development. This can be seen in pregnant women with low-iodine levels, which are linked to a higher risk of having a baby with neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs occur when one or more parts of the spinal cord don't form properly during pregnancy, causing severe brain damage or death. The thyroid hormones produced by the body help control how fast a child grows during childhood and adolescence. They regulate how efficiently their body uses energy from food sources throughout life. When these hormones are deficient during pregnancy or early childhood (before age 3), they can hamper proper brain development later in the child's life.

Boosts Energy Levels

Iodine deficiency has been linked with breast cancer. This is because Iodine helps prevent cell division in breast tissue cells. Studies have shown that women who take supplemental Iodine may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 30%.

Assists in Recovery From Radiation Exposure

Iodine can help people recover from radiation exposure. This is achieved by eliminating radioactive strontium isotopes from your body. The radioactive isotopes are absorbed and deposited in your thyroid gland. This damages the cells surrounding it, resulting in autoimmune reactions that cause redness and swelling around your thyroid gland. Using supplements helps prevent this damage while also improving immune function.

For Breast Pain​

Iodine is used for breast pain and may help treat fibrocystic breast disease. This noncancerous condition primarily affects women of childbearing age and results in painful breast lumps. Iodine is also used in PMS breast supplements, for relieving breast pain and tenderness due to PMS. Do not attempt to self-medicate on Iodine for breast pain despite claims that Iodine may help. Iodine should be used only if your doctor specifically recommends it for this condition. Otherwise, you risk getting iodine poisoning.

May Improve Lung, Heart, and Brain Health

Iodine also has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Thyroid hormones are also necessary for normal lung development, as well as the development of other organs like the heart and brain. The thyroid gland produces these hormones, which enter your bloodstream via the thyroid gland in your neck. Because your body needs Iodine to make these hormones, your body will stop producing them if you don't get enough from your diet or supplements.

Helps With Disinfecting Water

Iodine is the only disinfectant used on water. This is especially useful when drinking water is scarce due to travel or natural disasters. You can treat water with a 2% liquid iodine tincture (5 drops per liter of plain water). If the water is cloudy, add ten drops per liter. You can also use iodine tablets, but the concentration depends on the manufacturer. Despite its role in water disinfection, there are concerns that it may increase the total iodine intake in humans, which could have adverse health consequences.

Can Aid in Digestion

Iodine is also a necessary mineral that helps with the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help to break down food and convert that energy into energy, which is then used to power your body. If you don't get enough Iodine in your diet, it can lead to digestive problems like bloating, lactose intolerance, cramps, and constipation.

Side effects Of Iodine

Taking a supplement like Iodine, on the other hand, may have unintended consequences. These side effects could range from mild to severe. Here are some of them.

Headaches

Headaches caused by Iodine can be mild or severe. The severity of headaches depends on the dose and type of Iodine used. Iodine has been shown to cause headaches in some people when taken in high doses for long periods. This is why it's essential to consult your doctor before taking iodine supplements.

Increased Urination

Another common side effect of Iodine is increased urination. Urine may be more frequent or darker in color. If you experience any of these symptoms, try taking a break from your iodine supplements for a few days and see if the problem goes away by itself.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by increased bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the body. Enzymes can break it down into other substances that are then excreted from the body through urine or stools. Jaundice occurs when too much-unmetabolized bilirubin is circulating in your bloodstream, which causes it to collect in tissues throughout your body.

Asthma

Iodine can cause asthma attacks. It's one of the most common side effects of taking supplements. This is because Iodine is a known bronchial dilator and can increase airway inflammation in people with asthma or other breathing problems. If you experience episodes of mild to moderate asthma and are on iodine health supplements or medication, your doctor should monitor the levels of this Iodine in your blood regularly. The thyroid hormones produced by the body help control how fast a child grows during childhood and adolescence. They regulate how efficiently their body uses energy from food sources throughout life. When these hormones are deficient during pregnancy or early childhood (before age 3), they can hamper proper brain development later in the child's life.

Stomach Upset

Iodine can cause stomach upset or nausea. This is due to the Iodine interacting with stomach acid, which causes a sensation of burning or irritation. You may also experience diarrhea or vomiting if you have too much Iodine in your system at once.

Conclusion

Iodine is clearly an essential nutrient. You can obtain Iodine from foods such as iodized salt, seafood, and certain vegetables. You need Iodine supplementation to lower the risk of iodine deficiency or to treat conditions such as hypothyroidism and goiter. However, it is critical to be aware of its side effects. Consult your doctor about your specific iodine requirements.