The growth of iodine’s significance is clearly visible. Many companies are advertising on TV and radios promoting their product as iodine-rich sources.
Why? Because iodine is one of the essential components that fuel the body’s mechanism.
Iodine is one of the key sources which makes and regulates T3 and T4 hormones. These are used by the thyroid system to improve metabolism, cardiac health, female reproductive health, and body temperature.
It thus helps the body to nourish the thyroid system and control the production of thyroid hormone.
Iodine also has numerous other benefits other than benefiting the body with the maintenance of the thyroid system.
Importance of iodine:
Iodine has numerous benefits that aid in development and growth.
Metabolism
Iodine plays a crucial role in influencing the production of thyroid hormones, which control the body’s metabolic rate.
It, in turn, helps the body in regulating functions like absorbing & transforming food into usable energy and inducing proper sleep.
A good metabolism also supports the individuals in maintaining a healthy weight balance.
The other critical functions include: maintaining body weight, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
It also plays a role in regulating & synthesizing proteins and also ensuring their proper distribution, which is essential for maintaining proper health in the body.
Toxins
Iodine is considered one of the essential components in detoxing and cleansing the body.
It exhibits this property by binding to heavy metals and removing them out of the body.
Besides, iodine also has antibacterial properties that help the body in fighting bacterial infection and also the removal of harmful bacteria that causes gastrointestinal issues.
Immune system
Iodine boosts the immunity levels in the body. It stimulates and enhances the antioxidant property, which can protect the body against various illnesses and chronic diseases.
Hair
Iodine is one of the essential elements which is generally used to treat hair loss. It also enhances the follicle strength and speeds up hair growth.
Pregnancy
Iodine is closely linked to the healthy development of fetus and childbirth. It is known to play a vital role in the brain development of the fetus and well-performing neurological functions during childhood.
Besides, it also helps in improving the birth weight of the child.
Bones and teeth
Iodine has been known to assist the body in absorbing calcium, which in turn produces strong bones and teeth. Iodine benefits thyroid glands and thyroid are also known for the production of a hormone called calcitonin.
This hormone helps in maintaining blood calcium levels. It not only helps in keeping bones or teeth healthy, but also helps in the proper functioning of cardiac, nervous, and muscular systems.
Apoptosis
Iodine induces programmed removal of old and diseased cells, which can otherwise be harmful to humans.
Foot ulcers
Iodine is known to exhibit healing benefits when applied or used in treating foot ulcers.
Other benefits of iodine:
- Iodine mouthwash is used in treating inflammation of the mouth. It can also help in getting rid of infections in the gums.
- Iodine douche can relieve symptoms of vaginitis.
- Tincture of iodine is used as an antiseptic and cleaning of wounds on the skin.
- Women who have significant amounts of iodine in their bodies are known to be able to prevent breast diseases, ovarian diseases, vaginitis, and even breast & ovarian cancer.
- Iodine is recommended by the CDC as one of the best sources to protect the thyroid gland from the adverse effects of radiation.
- It is considered an anti-cancer agent.
- Iodine is known to keep the brain sharp and stabilize the mood.
Seaweed and iodized salt are the most natural and the most recommended sources of iodine.
Other natural sources of iodine:
- Dairy products including milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Bread & cereals
- Fish such as tuna & cod
Iodine should be taken in the recommended amounts. Too little iodine can cause iodine deficiency, which can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Excess of iodine in the body can lead to the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of Iodine deficiency:
- Unexpected weight gain
- Swelling in the neck
- Troubled breathing and swallowing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hair loss
- Mental disability
- Constipation
Too much iodine in the body can lead to iodine-induced hypothyroidism. The common symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain
- Weak pulse
- Burning of stomach, mouth & throat
- Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Topical iodine: In some cases, when iodine is used directly on the skin, it can cause redness or pain.
Conclusion:
As mentioned above, iodine is one of the essential components in regulating the thyroid system and various other functions in the body.
The best way to intake iodine is through everyday high-nutrient dietary choices. Most multivitamin supplements also contain iodine.
But, they are available in the form of sodium iodide and potassium iodide, which can be taken after consulting a physician.
It should be noted that a healthy diet contains good amounts of iodine. So, make sure not to take any iodine supplements which can reverse its benefits and create a toxic environment in the body.
About The Author:
Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga, and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
