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10 Iodine Health Benefits (& Why We Need More of It)
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You have probably heard of the importance of essential minerals such as magnesium and selenium for staying healthy and vibrant at any age. But how much do you know about iodine?
The fact is that iodine is utilized for just about every function in your body. Yet many people are unaware of their body’s need for iodine, and that iodine deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide.
10 Important Iodine Benefits
Here are 10 reasons why maintaining sufficient iodine levels is an absolute MUST for your health:
#1. Iodine Is Necessary for Metabolism and Thyroid Function
Metabolism is the act of converting food into substances your body can use. Iodine is an important part of this process. It helps the body break down food into nutrients via the thyroid gland and other mechanisms. Iodine is the literal “fuel” for the thyroid. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the main hormones that the thyroid produces.
For these hormones to be created, they need iodine. Good thyroid health also helps your body keep a steady heart rate, regulate temperature, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight [1].
#2. Iodine Helps Your Brain Stay Sharp
Iodine deficiency has been linked to cognitive decline in countless studies and is one of the “world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause[s] of brain damage,” according to the World Health Organization [2]. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to autism in a recent University of Arizona study [3].
Furthermore, a 2013 Australian investigation published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that iodine supplementation improved the perceptual reasoning of slightly deficient children considerably [4].
#3. Iodine Protects the Body From Toxins
Fluoride, chlorine, and bromine are dangerous chemicals found in everything from new car interiors to tap water. They can also severely hinder thyroid function. Maintaining healthy iodine levels can block these “halide” chemicals from accumulating [5].
Iodine can also protect against xenoestrogens – “chemical mimics” – that can lead to reproductive conditions like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids [6]. Some experts, such as author and natural health advocate Dr. Mark Sircus [7], point to the possibility that iodine may also help with mercury detoxification.
#4. Iodine Protects You From Radiation
In addition to flushing the dangerous “halides” mentioned above, iodine can also protect you from radiation exposure. It is a natural protectant from UV radiation for the eyes, according to a 2004 Austrian study [8].
Iodine supplementation can also be used to help individuals suffering from long-term radiation exposure. The effects of too much radiation can happen because of accidents, medical devices, and the radiation emitted by TSA scanners at airports.
A 2008 study [9] published in Radiation Research discovered that “terahertz radiation” like that found in airport x-ray scanners is linked to genetic mutation. Adequate amounts of iodine in the body is a must for anyone who travels a lot.
#5. Iodine Is a Natural Antiseptic
Maybe you remember that brownish-red solution your mom used to apply when you had a cut? For everything from cleaning wounds to purifying water, iodine is a sterilizing substance that can kill unhealthy organisms, bacteria and viruses.
A 2015 Iranian study found that a low-concentration iodine antiseptic used after oral surgery helped instigate first-stage wound healing in the surgery area, leading to faster recovery and less chance of infection [10].
#6. Iodine Is a Powerful Antioxidant
According to some experts [11], iodine may be as powerful in this regard as vitamin C! It can help reduce free radical damage that may lead to gene mutation and disease. It is a great boon for the immune system as it helps clean the blood of harmful pathogens.
A 2013 meta-analysis [12] published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in the journal Thyroid found that iodine is “an antioxidant as well as an antiproliferative and differentiation agent” which can help clear up free radical damage in many organs of the body. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory.
#7. Iodine Ensures Reproductive Health
Did you know that Japanese women have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world? A 2003 report published in the journal Breast Cancer Research postulated that this could be a direct result of eating iodine- and selenium-rich seaweed, which is a staple in the Japanese diet [13].
Iodine is fuel for reproductive glands as well as the thyroid. Studies suggest that getting enough iodine can help prevent fibrocystic breast disease, preeclampsia, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even breast cancer. Enough iodine in the body is also one aspect of a healthy pregnancy [14].
#8. Iodine Helps Prevent Hair Loss
Besides protecting the skin and eyes from UV radiation, adequate levels of iodine can give your skin and hair a healthy glow. This is because iodine is involved in cellular rejuvenation [15]. Healthy iodine levels also help prevent hair loss because of the nutrients supplied to the thyroid gland [16]. Iodine in combination with other essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc can be a powerful internal tonic for thinning hair.
#9. Iodine Maintains Strong Teeth and Bones
Iodine assists in the production of strong teeth and bones by being a key player in calcium absorption. In fact, the connection between low iodine, low calcium absorption, and hypothyroidism has been known by researchers for at least the last hundred years [17].
One of the functions of the thyroid is the production of calcitonin, a hormone which helps balance blood calcium levels. This mechanism not only leads to maintain strong bones; it also plays a role in healthy functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles.
#10. Iodine Helps Stabilize Your Mood
It is well known that low iodine levels can have an impact on the brain, as mentioned above. More recent research has also linked iodine deficiency to depression and anxiety. A 2004 study conducted by German researchers and published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience [18] found a link between “alterations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and mild cases of depression and anxiety.”
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. Fluctuations in TSH are often an indication that the thyroid is not getting enough iodine to do its job [19].
How Can You Get Enough Iodine?
Odds are you are eating many whole foods, which already contain iodine. Among these are seaweed, high-quality seafood, eggs, strawberries, cranberries, dairy products, and dark green leafy vegetables. Sadly, because of poor soil quality and other factors in our toxic world, this may not be enough.
A study conducted by Royal North Shore Hospital in St. Leonards, Australia, found that 74% of healthy adults may not be getting adequate amounts of iodine through diet alone [20].
In addition, holistic health experts agree that relying on iodized table salt to get the right amount of iodine is not a wise option. This is because in order to produce commercial salt in the cheapest way possible, today’s manufacturers rely on harsh chemicals, which eventually wind up sprinkled on our dinner plates [21].
When it comes to iodine supplements, choose only the best.
Keep your standards high when it comes to iodine supplementation. Remember that iodine is the food of the thyroid, and the thyroid is the “command center” of all your hormones! You wouldn’t put junk into your mouth to feed your body, would you? Don’t put it in your thyroid either!
Iodine deficiency is widespread, not just in the U.S., but also globally. The World Health Organization estimates that roughly two billion people worldwide suffer from some form of iodine deficiency [22].
Don’t be another statistic. Stand out from the crowd by enjoying all the amazing health-supporting benefits that iodine can provide!
When your organs are working hard to detoxify, you want the purest form of iodine possible to help them work more efficiently. It only makes sense to use an organic form that’s totally natural and free of chemicals. Organixx Iodine is one of the only formulas that is USDA Certified Organic. It’s a pure, nascent form of iodine which your thyroid can use immediately.
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Article Summary
Iodine deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide.
10 reasons to maintain healthy iodine levels:
- Iodine is necessary for metabolism and thyroid function
- Iodine helps your brain stay sharp
- Iodine protects the body from toxins
- Iodine protects you from radiation
- Iodine is a natural antiseptic
- Iodine is a powerful antioxidant
- Iodine ensures reproductive health
- Iodine helps prevent hair loss
- Iodine maintains strong teeth and bones
- Iodine helps stabilize your mood
Iodine is the food of the thyroid, and the thyroid is the “command center” of all your hormones.
Keep your standards high when it comes to iodine supplementation. Look for high quality organic iodine supplements such as Organixx Organic Nascent Iodine.
Iodine must not be used if you have Hyperthyroidism!!!
I had graves disease and it wasn't till I started using liquid food grade iodine that I started getting better.
Interestingly the jury is still out on that one. In the past hyperthyroidism has been treated successfully with iodine, and also without. What is clear is that it is a necessity. Been doing the hyperthyroid path myself and it appears that whether there is iodine or not, there was still hyperthyroidism. My question is, what else are we missing, because the simple equation hyper = avoid iodine is not the solution. Which toxins do you have in your body? Is it an envelope virus sitting in your thyroid? Is it that you have dead teeth rotting in your mouth? Just for starters. The standard medical response is always to avoid iodine if you are hyperthyroid, and is reasonably precautionary, but it does not always provide the solution. Always keep asking questions and exploring.
I take black cumin SEED oil capsules and raw zinc with iodine. Battled a severe health crisis no doctors could seem to help not acknowledge. I started with the above mentioned items and feel 200% healthier. God bless
where did you get you black cumin seed oil and raw zinc with iodine?
I ordered some from Amazon last week.
Ive heard many times that a iodine deficiency can cause thyroid problems. Research it on your own. Much of what we were taught growing up is a lie. Just like blood pressure and cholesterol. Those were lies.
My husband died from cholesterol medications. He was left on them too long. Rather than fix the problem they just covered it up.
I ended up in the ER from Cholesterol Med. and the push me year after year to get on it and i refuse. And my last Do. over rides me plan to not take it ever again and has other Doc. contact me that what Im say and wont is not what is good for me. Crazy Drug pushers it what I say they are.and making money of making you sick.
I have read in numerous studies that people with Hashimotos Thyroid Disease should not take iodine as it’s like adding fuel to the fire. Can you comment on this?
That’s very true I have just recovered from hyperthyroidism and cut back on eating certain foods rich in iodine but the occasional time I “cheated” I would get palpitations
I have been diagnosed with Hashimotos. How do I know if I still need iodine?
Dr David Brownstein, Look him up!
I suffer from hypothyrodism. Check out David Brownstein, MD book.
IODINE: Why You Need It/ Why You Can't Live Without It: 4ty Edition
It explains the need for Iodine. Easy to read , clear and concise! I hope this helps.
We would suggest reaching out to your health care practitioner about this Gwen.
I have no thyroid had it removed want to come off t3 and t4 will this help?
was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 15 yrs ago been taking it ever since but just over 15 months ago I went vegan my health has improved 100 fold .tired of paying out for a synthetic substance to put in my body really hope this can help
Can you take this when you are using hormone replacement thereapy like Thyroxine?
thyroxin is bad news switch to armor non synthetic or thyroid all and lugols and or nacent iodine one is energizing and lugols is calming in a way
Yes!!! For sure they treated hypo thyroid with Armour for 100 years successfully!
My sister was fighting throat cancer and was going down hill. I researched and an iodine supplement was one of the items which I asked IHerb in California to rush to her on Vancouver Island. Also High quality Curcumin, Quercetin, AHCC and Lipo Somal vitimin C. Unfortunately she would not take anything other than the C and died in December last. I myself had been experimenting with Curcumin and Quercetin, food sources of Vitamin B17. Later I added Graviola. I looked up Thyroid Cancer to find that what I had believe to be pimple under my chin had grown to the size of a pea without my noticing. What I had noticed was that my dog kept licking the thyroid area which was sore - I thought that this was in my throat at first. Shortly after adding the Graviola, a lump came up which appeared to be attached to the nodule, also two lumps beside my Thyroid. They all disappeared within days and the nodule has shrank to almost nothing. For some time I have been using Himalayan salt (with plenty of Potassium) and take one or two kelp tablets most days. For many years though I have no noticeable eye brows at the outer ends. I think that after all this that perhaps I should add an iodine supplement myself. M.
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your sister Margaret. We hope you are doing well now!