Iodine - A Comprehensive Exploration of a Vital Nutrient
There is one super nutrient that has the ability to break up
congestion in arteries, jumpstart a lagging endocrine system, and even protect
people of all ages from the destructive health consequences of nuclear radiation. That nutrient is iodine, a chemical element that occurs abundantly in nature.
Doctors and natural health providers have praised the vital
role iodine plays in promoting proper physical function and wellbeing for
centuries, however its role in health is largely unappreciated by the general
public. As natural health author Barbara
Minton wrote, “Iodine may just be the most overlooked mineral, yet its importance
to overall health and well being cannot be overstated.”
Renowned natural health physician Dr. David Brownstein has
stated that if he had only one natural item to use for treatment on patients it
would be iodine, a nutrient he believes “stands head and shoulders above the
rest.” He writes, “In all my years of
practicing medicine, I have yet to see one item provide such miraculous effects
on the body as iodine does.”
Iodine is an integral element in the optimal functioning of almost
every vital system in the body. It
naturally protects against infection, supports metabolic function, and acts as
an antioxidant to protect tissue from cancer.
The presence of adequate amounts of iodine in the body can improve
cognitive function, increase energy, and ensure babies are born without defects
or compromised intelligence.
In spite of its vital role, billions of people around the
world, from America to China,
suffer from iodine deficiency, a condition that unfortunately causes a host of
undesirable and dangerous side effects.
While deficiencies can be caused due to a lack of iodine rich resources,
they are most commonly caused by a lack of awareness of this essential
nutrient.
To combat this ignorance on such an important nutrient,
Health911 has compiled a comprehensive guide to the powerful element that is iodine. This document contains the following
information related to iodine:
- Physical Properties and Characteristics
- History
- Role in the Human Body
- Daily Requirements and Usable Forms
- Identifying Iodine Deficiency
- Consequences of Iodine Deficiency
- Applications as a Natural Remedy
Note: Health911 presents the following information for educational purposes
only and does not claim it is a replacement for the recommendations of a
trained professional. Before you start
or stop any form of supplementation or medication, check with your health care
provider.
Physical
Properties and Characteristics
Iodine (atomic number 53) is classified as a chemical
element. In the periodic table of
elements, iodine is considered to be a halogen.
Like other members of the halogen group, such as fluorine and bromine, iodine
is found throughout nature. It exists most
commonly in ionic form or as a compound, and is a fundamental part of minerals,
soil, plants, sea vegetation, and mammals.
It is most abundantly found in the form of iodide, a component of
seawater.
Iodine can occur in solid or gas form. Its most natural form is as a solid, which is
best described as glossy charcoal colored crystals. At high temperatures, iodine phases into a
purple-pink gas that has a pungent odor.
A pure liquid form of iodine can be procured through a delicate heating
and protraction process, however more commonly liquid iodine is made by
dissolving the solid crystals into a liquid base. Common bases for creating liquid iodine
include chloroform and ethanol. Iodine
may be dissolved in water, however it typically requires the assistance of
another element like potassium to reach optimal dissolution levels. Characteristics of liquid iodine vary greatly
depending on the base used, with colors ranging from deep red to orange to
brown.
History
Iodine was accidentally discovered as an element in 1811 by
French chemist Bernard Courtois while he was trying to isolate sodium carbonate
found in seaweed. At first, Courtois and his colleagues believed iodine to be a
compound similar to oxygen, however English scientist Humphrey Davy discovered
the unknown substance to have physical properties that resembled chlorine. It was officially cited as a new element by
both Imperial Institute of France and the Royal Society of London in 1813, and
named iodine from the Greek word for purple: “iodes.”
After its discovery, it was first used in medicine by Jean
Francois Coindet who found it effective in reducing the visibility of
goiters. However, it wasn’t until a
hundred years later that it found widespread use as a treatment for hypothyroidism. Dr. David Marine, an American scientist, administered
the first official study on the effects of iodine on goiters in humans in
1917. He tested iodine on over 2,000
school age girls in the Great Lakes region
who suffered from a goiter, and the overwhelming positive results of the study lead
to the utilization of iodized salt in 1924.
Role
in the Human Body
Iodine plays a key role in the proper functioning of the
human body. It is used by the thyroid
gland, a member of the endocrine system responsible for regulating metabolic
function, protein synthesis, and hormone production throughout the body. The thyroid absorbs iodine from the
bloodstream and uses it as an essential building block for the production of
its two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triodothyronine (T3). The amount of T4 and
T3 produced is directly related to the amount of iodine in the bloodstream, and
a lack or surplus of iodine has been linked to the development of hypothyroidism
(underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Click here to
read more about iodine and thyroid disorders
In addition to being absorbed by the thyroid to produce
hormones, iodine is also integral to basic thyroid function as it prevents
several other harmful halogen chemicals, like fluoride and bromine, from
accumulating and attaching to the gland. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD notes that iodine
and other halogens, while all chemically similar, “can act as competitive
inhibitors to each other.”
While most well known for its involvement in the thyroid,
actually 70% of the body’s iodine supply is found elsewhere, such as the eyes,
thymus, salivary glands, intestinal lining, breast tissue, and cervical
lining. Only around 3% of iodine in the
body is actually used by the thyroid.
However, while the medical community is clear about how the thyroid uses
iodine, it has yet to identify the role iodine plays in these other tissues.
There is some speculation among healthcare practitioners that it acts as an
antioxidant in some of the most fragile and free-radical prone tissues in the
body. Another theory is that the iodine
located in breast tissue is meant to be transported to infants during lactation
to aid in their cognitive development, however these theories are as yet
unproven.
Iodine also contributes to the regulation of estrogen; when
there is an inadequate amount of iodine in the body, estrogen levels
dramatically increase. Dr. Dave Derry, breast health specialist, states that
“iodine enables the excess cells [in the breasts] to be cleared out,”
essentially flushing out excess estrogen as well as withering and dead milk
gland cells.
Iodine also plays a vital role in the proper immune
functions of the body. One natural
remedy specialist called it a “potent germ killer” both in terms of the way it
functions in the thyroid and its presence in the thymus. The body’s entire supply of blood passes
through the thyroid three times per hour, including malignant entities like
bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful agents.
As the blood passes through the thyroid, the iodine molecules neutralize
those harmful particles and break them up until they are rendered ineffective. Additionally, iodine is found in notable
levels in the thymus, the central gland of the immune system, indicating iodine
is essential for the production of mature white blood cells.
Daily
Requirements and Usable Forms
According to the National Institutes of Health and the
National Library of Medicine, the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iodine
in adults is 150 mcg. Pregnant women and
lactating mothers have higher RDAs of 220 mcg and 290 mcg respectively. The
upper tolerance level for iodine established by the National Institutes of
Health is 1,100 mcg daily.
However, among some alternative health specialists, this RDA is low
and does not provide the body enough iodine to support optimal function. Mike Adams, editor of Natural News online
magazine, suggests that “conventional medicine’s recommendation of iodine
intake may be off by a factor of ten!”
There are a variety of ways a person can get their RDA of iodine,
including food, supplements, and skin applications. However, it should be noted that the
inclusion of any iodine supplementation should be done under the supervision of
a health care professional, as an overdose of iodine can lead to an overactive thyroid. Symptoms to be vigilant for include:
insomnia, unexplained weight loss, increase in thirst and appetite,
irritability, intolerance to heat, and unnaturally elevated mood.
Food
The primary way for the human body to get the iodine it
needs to function properly is by eating foods that contain the nutrient. Today, the most common way an individual gets
iodine is through iodized salt. In 1924, Morton Salt Company became the first
to add iodine into its table salt as a way to combat the growing incidence of iodine
deficiency in the United States. However, as awareness of the dangers of too
much sodium in the diet grows, many people are turning away from iodized salt
and becoming at risk again for iodine deficiency.
Luckily, iodine also naturally occurs in a variety of easily
accessible foods. The most naturally iodine
rich food is kelp, a form of sea vegetation.
Iodine found in kelp is present in the form of potassium iodide. However, yogurt, eggs, strawberries, garlic,
asparagus, lima beans, mushrooms, and cow milk also contain worthwhile amounts
of iodine. Fish, particularly shellfish
like shrimp, crabs, and lobster, can also contain good levels of iodine,
however the amount can vary drastically depending on the iodine content of the
waters they lived in.
Supplements
Humans can also get their recommended amounts of iodine
through supplemental forms. One of the
most popular supplemental iodine brands is the Formula II Iosol Iodine, a
liquid supplement that contains 153 mcg of iodine in each teaspoon. Lugol’s Iodine liquid supplement, containing
130 mcg of iodine, is considered equally effective. These liquid supplements can be incorporated
daily into your diet through liquid supplements added to water or juice.
Another type of iodine supplement is kelp tablets. These
vitamin-like supplements are meant to be taken several times daily and are made
from crushed kelp plant. Dr. Joseph M.
Kadans, author of the Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds,
wrote that “Kelp…is the richest source of organic iodine.” According to the George Mateljan Foundation,
a non-profit health advocacy group, one serving of kelp has 276.7% of an
individual’s daily required value for iodine.
Iodine
Tinctures
Iodine is also sold in tincture form to be used for
anti-septic care. Iodine tinctures are
sold over the counter and are meant for use on the skin to disinfect cuts and
keep wounds clean. Some medical
professionals have noted that painting a small patch of iodine tincture on the
skin can be an effective way to get iodine into the body as it will be absorbed
into the bloodstream, however this method is considered inefficient compared to
other means of getting iodine.
Note: Iodine
tincture solutions that are made for anti-septic care should not, under any
circumstances, be ingested as they can be extremely poisonous. Only iodine supplements that include specific
instructions on the manner of consumption should be ingested.
Identifying
an Iodine Deficiency
Over two billion people across the world suffer from iodine
deficiency, many of whom are surprisingly located in developing and first world
countries. There are several parts of
the world where iodine deficiency is considered epidemic due to a lack of
access to food that is rich in the element.
These areas tend to be landlocked with arid climates, such as
sub-Saharan Africa, India, Russia, and China.
At-Risk
Populations
Dr. Todd Nippoldt of the Mayo Clinic states that iodine
deficiency is rare in Western countries due to the fact that iodized salt
typically provides as much iodine as the body needs. However, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD claims that iodine
intake in the United States has
“dropped by 50% from 1971 to 2001 and continues to drop.” Dr. Teitelbaum cites the replacement of iodine
with bromine in wheat products as one major cause. Furthermore, Dr. David
Brownstein notes that only 10% of iodine found in salt is bioavailable (usable
by the body), a fact that makes the amount of iodine actually ingested in salt
significantly lower than commonly assumed.
Natural health writer Barbara Minton notes, “Adequate intake
of iodine was once a recognized problem that was solved by adding small amounts
of it in the processing of table salt.
Once this was done, the obvious symptoms of severe iodine deficiency
disappeared from view, and little further thought was given to the matter,
though sub-clinical symptoms remained.”
Minton also mentions the popular shift away from iodized salt to sea
salt has decreased Western intake of iodine significantly. A perfect example of her statements is that
in spite of its national wealth and access to iodine rich foods, Germany also
has a significant iodine deficient population.
Iodine deficiency is also common in individuals who eat
large amounts of certain foods that have been shown to block the thyroid’s
ability to absorb the nutrient. These
foods are known as goitrogens, and include cabbage, peaches, kale, pears,
broccoli, and spinach. Populations who
eat significant amounts of these items are at risk for insufficient amounts of iodine
and should have their levels checked.
Symptoms
of Iodine Deficiency
Sub-clinical and early stage iodine deficiencies are
characterized by distinctive symptoms of low thyroid function, including
depression, weight gain, low basal body temperature, intolerance to cold,
constipation, fatigue, and the visible enlarging of the thyroid gland known as
a goiter. These symptoms are quickly
corrected when iodine is added into the diet.
However, untreated iodine deficiency and its effect on the
production of thyroid hormone can over time lead to the development of more
serious and chronic conditions. In his
2008 Alternate Medicine Digest article
entitled, “Reviving the Thyroid,” Richard Leviton noted that a “dysfunctional thyroid
can produce serious health problems in the body's organs and physiological
processes, such as cholesterol levels that are too high or too low, chronic
infections and weight fluctuations.”
Iodine
Deficiency Tests
To check if you have an iodine deficiency, simply paint a
small tincture of iodine onto the skin of your abdomen and keep an eye on it
for 24 hours. If the painted area disappears before 24 hours are up, it can
signify an iodine deficiency as your body absorbs it as quickly as possible.
However, if the painted space remains visible on your skin for over 24 hours an
iodine supplement is unnecessary.
Another way to effectively test for iodine deficiency is to
perform an at-home urine test. Unused iodine
is excreted form the body in liquid waste.
Several companies offer test kits that allow you to take a urine sample
and send it to their laboratories for inexpensive analysis of iodine levels
Consequences
of Iodine Deficiency
Due to its vital role in thyroid function and natural
presence throughout body tissue, it is no surprise that when an individual
becomes deficient in iodine there can be serious physical consequences.
Effect
on Infants and Children
One
cruel example of the consequences of chronic iodine deficiency is that it
causes permanent mental retardation in children and infants. A study completed
at Johns Hopkins
University reported that babies
born to women with low thyroid function are more likely to have cleft lips or
palates, additional appendages or digits, or brain, kidney, and heart
defects. Fetuses that do not receive
enough iodine while in the womb are at greater risk for being born with already
compromised intellectual or mental function.
Coronary Conditions
Coronary
conditions, such as coronary artery disease, arterial fibrillation, and
congestive heart failure, are some of the most dangerous companion conditions
associated with thyroid dysfunction due to iodine deficiency. Hypothyroid individuals are at high risk for
developing coronary artery disease because of their increased levels of LDL
cholesterol. Also known as heart disease, coronary artery disease occurs when
plaque builds up on the walls of arteries and effectively shrinks their
diameter to restrict blood flow. If left
untreated, coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.
The
relationship between hypothyroidism and coronary artery disease was first noted
by thyroid research pioneer Dr. Broda Barnes.
Dr. Barnes studied the autopsy records of patients in an Austrian city
between 1930 and 1970 and reported that deaths due to heart attack rose more
than 1,000% across the years of the study.
He notes that before antibiotics were introduced in the 1940s, the most
common cause of death was infection, however in the 1950s and 1960s deaths from
heart attack rose dramatically because people were living longer and plaque had
more time to build up in the arteries.
Dr. Barnes reported that most of the individuals who died from heart
attacks also showed evidence of being hypothyroid, creating a positive
correlation between the two conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Another
condition that is directly caused by hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency is
chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that occurs when an individual
experiences serious exhaustion that is not alleviated by rest and sleep. The Center for Disease Control has identified
unexplained and persistent fatigue, impairment of short term memory, sore
throat, inability to concentrate, muscle and joint pain, swollen axillary or
cervical nodes, chronic headaches, and a disruption of occupational or social
activities as the clinical quantifiers of the condition. Dr. John Lowe states
that, “the most common cause of fatigue is inadequate hormone regulation of
cell function,” which is the direct result of an inadequate amount of T4 and T3
in the bloodstream.
Sexual Dysfunction
There
are a host of sexual dysfunctions which are common among individuals with
chronic iodine deficiency. Both men and
women note a marked decrease in their ability to become both physically and
mentally excited. Women who are iodine
deficient can experience a wide range of reproductive conditions as a result,
with infertility as one of the most common issues. The Mayo Clinic notes that as metabolic
function decreases due to low thyroid hormone production, ovulation may slow
down or completely stop. Additionally,
the uterine lining will not fully develop each month, reducing the chances that
a fertilized egg will attach and commence a pregnancy.
Women
who are iodine deficient are also at greater risk for experiencing
miscarriages, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian fibroids, cystic ovaries, and
stronger PMS and menopausal symptoms as the result of their condition due to
irregular estrogen dominance.
Cancer
Breast
cancer is another known result of a diet chronically deficient in iodine. Unlike some other conditions associated with iodine
deficiency, breast cancer is not the result of low thyroid function but simply
the lack of iodine in the breast tissue.
Iodine in the breast tissue has been shown to prevent cancer development
due to its regulation of estrogen and work as an antioxidant. When there is not enough iodine present in
the tissue, free radical and malignant cell growth is fueled by the unregulated
estrogen. There has also been initial
research to suggest a link between iodine deficiency and stomach cancer.
Jacob
Teitelbaum, MD notes that the United States has three times the amount of
breast cancer as Japan, and the largest difference in these two first world
countries is that Japan consumes significantly higher levels of iodine.
Applications
as a Natural Remedy
Iodine has long been heralded as a natural remedy by
alternative therapy specialists for a variety of health conditions, such as
thyroid disorders, infections, and radiation exposure.
Hypothyroidism
Iodine has been shown to be very effective in treating or
supporting treatment for individuals suffering from hypothyroidism. In addition to encouraging patients to
consume iodine rich foods, natural remedy specialists often encourage the
incorporation of liquid supplements or tablets into the daily diet.
Formula II Iosol Iodine is often one of the most heartily
endorsed brands by alternative therapists. This supplement is made by
extracting the iodine crystals from the potassium molecules found in kelp,
yielding pure iodine which is combined with a water soluble base. As health expert Byron Richards notes, this
creates an “iodine supplement with high bioavailability,” meaning it is
effectively used by the body.
Natural Remedy specialist Dr. David Williams notes that
Iosol “helps promote energy by reducing fatigue and inability to
concentrate.” Several drops of Iosol can
be added to water and taken daily to help remedy the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Lugol’s Iodine liquid supplement is
considered equally effective has received similar praise from users who claim
it is “life changing.”
Dr. Jonathan Wright advises hypothyroid patients incorporate
several kelp tablets into their daily regimen as staple elements. From his experience, kelp as a source of iodine
is an effective way to assist other remedies, such as natural thyroid
supplements, as well as help regulate some of the common side effects of hypothyroidism
like upset menstrual cycles and chronic fatigue. He recommends Icelandic kelp
tablets, which each contain 225 mcg of iodine.
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph. D, reported that “T4 levels often
increase slightly with 6 kelp tablets once a day at lunch…[they] are also
natural sources of iodine and can serve as beneficial dietary additions in
cases of hypothyroidism.” However,
Tillotson notes that intake of kelp tablets while taking prescription thyroid
medication should be done carefully and under medical supervision as the
drastic increase in iodine can “interfere with thyroid tests and can even lead
to hyperthyroidism or a goiter.”
Atherosclerosis
There have been some reports that utilizing daily iodine
supplements can help clear clogged arteries due to atherosclerosis. Dr. Jonathan Wright notes that
atherosclerosis occurs when “the body’s arteries are blocked by a buildup of
cholesterol. Potassium iodide has the ability to dissolve oils, fats, and waxes
like cholesterol. I usually recommend four to six drops [combined with] a
niacin containing b-complex vitamin.”
Alternative
to Antibiotics
Most alternative therapists praise iodine for its ability to
effectively replace antibiotics in the fight against infection. Mark Sircus, OMD, has stated that “eventually
antibiotics are going to be seen as one of the worst things to ever come out of
pharmaceutical science because in the end, they have made us only weaker in the
face of ever increasingly strong super bugs that are resistant to all the antibiotics
doctors have at their disposal.” Sircus
points to the persistence of breast cancer, autism, and pneumonia as being
directly related to the ongoing use and abuse of antibiotics.
He cites iodine, however, as a “potent replacement for much
of the antibiotics that are literally destroying people’s lives.” Iodine tinctures have been used as
anti-septic agents for decades, as they have the ability to destroy almost all
harmful bacteria and virus cells within two minutes of application on the skin.
Sircus notes that iodine has the ability to destroy all types of harmful
agents, ranging from bacteria to mold to viruses to yeast. Dr. David Derry has
stated “iodine is by far the best antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-septic of all
time.”
Sircus and Derry note
that high doses of ingested liquid iodine (15 or more drops daily) combined
with a topical application on open sores is the best remedy for any type of
infection.
Hyperthyroidism
A special radioactive isotope of iodine is also used very
effectively in the treatment of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) as an
alternative to invasive surgery.
Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can be just as dangerous as pervasive hypothyroidism,
leading to serious coronary events, stroke, and death. If a patient’s symptoms and hormone levels
are not adequately controlled through anti-thyroid medication, endocrinologists
may suggest all or part of the gland be removed through radioactive iodine
treatment.
The treatment works to reduce the size of or eliminate the thyroid
by killing the cells of the gland through an ingested dose of radioactive iodine. As the thyroid is the only gland in the body
that absorbs iodine, and when it absorbs radioactive iodine it brings the radiation
into the gland where it destroys cells from the inside out, effectively burning
off all or part of the gland over the period of one to two months. The amount of gland affected can be
determined by how much iodine is ingested.
Most patients see the desired results after one dose of the chemical,
however two or more doses may be administered if necessary.
This procedure is most often chosen because it provides
little to no damage to any other part of the body and may be done as an outpatient
procedure. After an individual ingests a
dose of radioactive iodine they must have little to no contact with others due
to the fact that they are radioactive; however, this self-enforced quarantine
only needs to last for a few days post-treatment.
While the ease and safety of the procedure is certainly a
pro, the con of radioactive iodine treatment is that it is an inexact
science. The amount of the dose is an
educated guess on the part of the endocrinologist based on laboratory results
for iodine uptake, and it is unknown how much of the thyroid will be destroyed
until after two months have passed. The
result is that many hyperthyroid patients who undergo the treatment end up with
a smaller than normal thyroid gland or no thyroid gland, making them hypothyroid
and dependent on synthetic thyroid hormone for life.
There is no indication that ingesting radioactive iodine
increases an individual’s risk for developing thyroid cancer nor any other form
of cancer. Furthermore, radioactive iodine
will not compromise the ability of a woman to bear healthy children after the
treatment.
Treatment
for Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition that occurs due to
changes in a woman’s hormone levels at the peak of her menstrual cycle.
Fibrocystic breasts are very common among women of childbearing years. Symptoms
of fibrocystic breasts can vary from woman to woman, however the most common
symptom is the formation of non-cancerous lumps typically located on the upper
breast or outer side of the breast up to the armpit. These lumps, individually
referred to as “fibroids,” become noticeable a week before a woman’s period is
due to start, and typically subside as soon as bleeding begins. In addition to
the development or swelling of fibroids, a woman may notice that the texture
and consistency of all of her breast tissue changes and her breasts become
tender, sore, or feel “swollen.” While changes in breast tissue are alarming,
fibrocystic breast disease is not a form of cancer or a precursor to cancer. It
is estimated to occur in up to 80% of women.
Iodine is a commonly recommended treatment for fibrocystic
breasts because it is very effective in treating fibroids. Dr. Dave Derry
suggests that a lack of iodine in the body can lead to the development of
fibrocystic breasts.
Naturopath Tori Hudson recommends supplemental iodine for
the treatment of fibrocystic breasts, and suggests utilizing a liquid brand,
like Lugols, that can be purchased over the counter at alternative health
stores. Iodine can reduce the body’s sensitivity to estrogen and can, as health
writer Julia Tolliver Maranan notes, “actually shrink the dense connective
tissue, usually within three months.”
Dr. Jonathan Wright also suggests iodine for the treatment
of fibrocystic breasts, recommending that mild to moderate cases ingest both
iodine and magnesium supplements. For
more severe cases, where the discomfort is interfering with daily functioning,
he advises swabbing the interior of the vagina with iodine and then following
it immediately by an IV injection of magnesium. He writes, “The iodine needs to
be placed as close to the ovaries as possible to get the best results.” Dr.
Wright asserts that within 60 minutes you can feel the difference in the
texture and consistency of breast tissue.
The iodine formula that Dr. Wright recommends to his
patients is called SSKI, a combination supplement of both iodine and potassium.
He suggests taking eight drops of the formula daily in a glass of water or
milk; however he recommends when using this product that a close eye is kept on
thyroid hormone levels as iodine can disrupt normal function. Dr. Wright states
that he has seen this treatment show results after two to five months.
Treatment
for Estrogen Dominance
Iodine is also used for the treatment of estrogen dominance.
Estrogen dominance is a physical state that occurs when there is too much
estrogen or too little progesterone in the blood. Estrogen is arguably the most
essential hormone involved in all elements of creating, supporting, birthing,
and then sustaining a baby. In addition to running the menstrual cycle,
estrogen is also key for preparing the body for pregnancy and initiating the
lactation process. It also serves important functions outside of the
reproductive cycle, including reducing calcium loss, maintaining a clear
complexion, providing energy, and clearing cholesterol blockages from the
coronary arteries.
Progesterone, another key female hormone, works in tandem
with estrogen in the reproductive process; its basic role is to provide a
natural partner and counterbalance to estrogen. In addition to promoting
emotional balance, progesterone counteracts the effects of estrogen in many
ways, such as reducing water retention and assisting in the proper processing
of alcohol, sugar, and high fat foods.
When progesterone levels are too low, the effects of estrogen become
more pronounced.
Estrogen dominance has been linked not only to the
development of fibrocystic breasts but also to the development of breast
cancer. It can also cause water retention, weight gain (as it affects the
body’s ability to process fat), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cervical dysplasia. Some indications of too
much estrogen in the body include insomnia, tremors, sensitive skin, short term
memory problems, heavy menstrual period symptoms, and severe PMS.
Iodine is involved in the regulation of estrogen production;
studies have shown that when there is a lack of iodine in the body estrogen
production spikes. When someone is estrogen dominant, adding more iodine into
the body, through topical application, liquid supplements, or increasing foods
that are rich in iodine, can help naturally correct the problem and reduce the
potentially dangerous effects of estrogen dominance. Switching to iodized salt
from un-iodized salt can also contribute to maintaining normal estrogen levels;
however, it is important to monitor salt consumption as too much can negatively
affect the body and lead to dehydration.
Treatment
for Radiation Exposure
Studies done over the past forty years have identified potassium
iodide, a chemical compound similar to iodized salt, as an effective and
natural treatment for individuals exposed to types of nuclear radiation that
involve radioactive iodine. The potassium iodide works to block the thyroid
from absorbing radioactive iodine when taken in the proper dose (which varies
by age) within 4 hours after exposure.
In addition to laboratory and controlled tests, potassium
iodide was proven successful in reducing the incidence of thyroid cancer in
children and adults affected by the 1986 meltdown at the Chernobyl Nuclear
Reactor. Because of its effectiveness,
it has been embraced by the World Health Organization and the United States
Department of Homeland Security as a reliable response to a nuclear emergency.
However, it is important to note that potassium iodide is
not considered a magic shield when it comes to radiation poisoning. Health
officials have stated that it is only effective for reducing the risk of thyroid
cancer and does not protect against other potentially life threatening results
of radiation exposure. It is also only
effective against radioactive iodine exposure, and does not protect against the
effects of other nuclear material such as that used to make “dirty bombs.”
Conclusion
In order to enjoy lasting and total health, the complex and
diverse role iodine plays in the proper functioning of the body cannot be
underestimated. Iodine has the unique
ability to positively affect an individual’s health immediately while laying
the foundation for long term health by not only assisting thyroid function but
also fighting off insidious infection and malignant cell growth. Iodine is the key element in physical and
mental development, and just a few micrograms a day can make the difference
between a long life and short one, a healthy baby and a permanently challenged
one.
While the consequences of iodine deficiency are intimidating
to say the least, the positive news is that iodine deficiencies are easy to
correct. Furthermore, many of the
negative consequences of iodine deficiency can be rectified simply by
rebalancing the proper amount of the nutrient in the body.
If you are concerned you are not getting enough iodine in
your daily diet, we here at Health911 encourage you to contact your doctor or
natural remedy specialist immediately to figure out the best dosage and type of
supplement you can take to improve the quality of your life.
Because now that you know about the incredible and broad
responsibilities iodine plays in your health, you can’t afford to not get
enough!
Sources
and Additional Resources
Books
- Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It,
Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternative Press, 2009.
- Derry, David. Breast Cancer and Iodine: How
to Prevent and How to Survive Breast Cancer. Trafford Publishing, 2001.
Articles
- Brownstein, David. “Iodine, the Most
Misunderstood Nutrient.” Natural Way to Health July, 2008.
- Laredo, Mary. “Iodine Deficiency and Its Link to
Diseases in the Body.” Natural News February 2007.
- VanZile, Jon. “Potassium iodide: Protecting
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