IodineIodine Functions This important trace mineral is needed to make thyroid hormones, such as such as thyroxine, thyroxin, which are crucial for maintaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body. The hormones produced from iodine are also needed to help form bones, and for healthy skin, nails, hair and teeth. This mineral is detected in every organ and tissue. It is found in high levels in the thyroid, breast, liver, lung, heart, and adrenals. Iodine is essential in pregnancy. Iodine Deficiency When iodine is deficient the thyroid gland enlarges (this is called a goiter) to maximize the amount of iodine extracted from the blood. Symptoms of thyroid deficiency can include, constipation, obesity, weakness, mental slowness, hair loss, and depression. Those who avoid dairy, seafood, and iodized salt can become deficient in iodine. Recent research suggests that insufficient iodine is related to numerous disorders and diseases including some cancers. It has been found effective with hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions, goiter, fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, brain fog, constipation, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Although iodine deficiencies are relatively rare in Western countries, the amount of iodine in our diet is directly related to the amount of iodine found in the soil where most of our food is grown, and in the food eaten by the animals who produce our meat, eggs and dairy products. Farming practices that deplete mineral levels also pose a risk to getting adequate iodine in the diet. There is some evidence that low dietary iodine is associated with increased rates and risk for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer - probably due to gonadotropin stimulation with a resulting hyperestrogenic state characterized by relatively high production of estrogen and estradiol. Ryan Drum has a very comprehensive article on the uses of iodine. Food Sources of Iodine Include: Iodized salt, seafood, saltwater fish, kelp, asparagus, dulse, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sea salt, sesame seeds, soybeans, summer squash, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.
Herbal Sources of Iodine Include: Calendula, tarragon, and turkey rhubarb.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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