Invigorating Iodine

Iodine is one of the least known and appreciated elements. It is a potent anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-cancer agent.

Iodine deficiency affects approx. 2 billion people around the world. NZ soils for example are low in iodine, and therefore the food we produce is frequently lacking in iodine. Research in NZ suggests that on average we consume 60% less than what we need in a healthy balanced diet.

Yet iodine is needed for numerous processes and systems in the body. It is stored in the skin, teeth, nails, bones and all the organs. A lack of dietary iodine may result in:

  • Dysfunctional thyroid (hypothyroidism)
    • Fatigue/Lethargy
    • Weight gain
    • Dry, rough scaly skin
    • Dry, coarse, tangled hair
    • Hair loss
    • Feeling cold frequently, slow to warm up, lack of sweating
    • Slow metabolism
    • Constipation
    • Immune system weakness
    • Autism
    • Possible enlargement of the thyroid gland
    • Anxiety & Depression
  • Dry mouth
  • Reduced alertness and brain function
  • Muscle cramps and joint pain
  • Decreased fertility and ovarian function
  • Menstrual irregularities

Conversely, proper iodine intake can allow you to:

  • Have healthy thyroid function
  • Stimulate normal hormone activity
  • Have proper immune system function
  • Have a balanced metabolic rate
  • Maintain optimum energy levels
  • Maintain your weight
  • Live with less muscle aches and pains
  • Be happier
  • Manage anxiety and depression more effectively
  • Have greater mental clarity
  • Tolerate cold
  • Have normal bowel movements
  • Have full and shiny hair
  • Obtain restful night at sleep
  • Have normal skin and supple fingernails
  • Have healthy ovarian function
  • Ease symptoms of PMT

If you suspect you may be iodine deficient, you can easily confirm this by trying the iodine patch test. This involves using ‘tincture of iodine’ available in the first aid section of your local pharmacy. Apply a small quantity of the orange coloured iodine onto clean dry skin – ideally in a place where you won’t look too silly in public and where material won’t rub on it such as your stomach, under your forearm or on your inner thigh. Once applied, observe and monitor the colour of your skin over the next day. If the colour completely disappears within 24 hours, you are iodine deficient. The body’s deficiency is also proportionate – the faster your body absorbs the iodine, the more deficient you are.

To help restore the appropriate amount of iodine in your body, a number of iodine supplements are available. However, dietary iodine intake is still the best first option. Dietary iodine is found in:

  • Sea vegetables (e.g. kelp)
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Iodised salt
  • Milk
  • Organic cranberries & strawberries
  • Organic yoghurt
  • Organic potatoes
  • Organic cheese

Iodine is best taken along with selenium, which is crucial in aiding the body to recycle iodine, which allows for more sustainable healthy thyroid function.

Proper iodine intake is a key way to ensure healthy organ function and optimum energy levels, along with Chiropractic care.

Resources:

  • http://www.iodine-resource.com/
  • https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-iodine.html
  • http://thisnzlife.co.nz/dr-libby-selenium-iodine-deficiencies/
  • https://www.womentowomen.com/thyroid-health/thyroid-health-and-selenium/
  • http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/29/iodine-deficiency-risk.aspx
  • http://articles.mercola.com/thyroid.aspx

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