The Value of Iodine

Iodine was discovered by the French chemist Bernard Courtois in 1811. Courtois uncovered this new element when he was extracting sodium and potassium compounds from seaweed ash. It occurs naturally and is mainly found in oceans and brine pools. Seaweed or kelp is a primary source of natural iodine. Iodine is an element and it is required by every single cell in the body.

Iodine is essential to life and especially crucial for brain development in children. It has a huge role in the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. The most known deficiency symptom is Goiter, which causes an enlargement of the thyroid gland (swelling in the lower neck and larynx). The study shows that over 74% of the population is deficient today.

In 1924, after iodine-deficiency was recognized, the Morton Company started adding it to common table salt. In the U.S., the recommended dosage for deficiency was established at 3000-6000mcg. Meanwhile, the average Japanese consumption of iodine ranges from 5280-13.800mcg without any harmful effects.

Iodine has many healing properties

With its antiviral properties it was found very effective to gargle with iodine in water for a sore throat. Its anti-bacterial qualities make it great for treating ulcers, wounds and boils. As an anti-fungal, it is can be quite effective in treating cold sores, thrush and rashes. As an anti-parasitic it can help fight tapeworm and other parasites. And as an anti-toxin it helps to cleanse your body of heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic and aluminum.

It’s anti-bacterial properties can help fight against infections such helicobacter pylori (often referred to as h-pylori), a dangerous bacteria in the digestive tract which can cause ulcers and gastric cancer. 

Iodine Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of Iodine deficiency include: dry skin, muscle pain, headache, weight gain, poor memory, constipation, muscle cramps, depression, weakness and brittle nails, slow metabolism, leg swelling, ovary and breast cysts, hair loss, fatigue ( esp around 2-3pm e, insomnia and mental imbalance, irritable bowel, hyperactive disorder, fibromyalgia, various autoimmune diseases.

Benefits of Iodine

Some of the many benefits include:

• It is vital for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and its production of thyroid hormone. Selenium works intimately with iodine as precursors to thyroid hormones. The selenium content of the thyroid is higher than that of any other body part. It’s crucial to the conversion of T4 hormone to the more active form T3.
• It helps regulate your adrenals, liver, pancreas and sex hormones.
• It can prevent autoimmune disorders, including thyroid dysfunction.
• It reduces cholesterol.
• It can improve energy.
• It attracts ionizing radiation and excretes it.
• It alkalinizes the body as it is an alkaline mineral.
• Just like Vitamin C, it stimulates the activity of antioxidants throughout the body. As a result it can help defend against heart disease.
• It is very important for our metabolic rate.
• It supports our reproductive system.
• It can reverse and resolve fibrocystic breast disease.
• It is also been shown that Iodine has anti-aging properties.
• It kills Candida, other fungi and microbes.  
• Iodine greatly helps to overcome autoimmune diseases, sinus problems, asthma, lung cancer, and also intestinal diseases, including inflammatory conditions.
• The most important health benefit, apart from its thyroid influence, is its anti-carcinogenic properties. It has been shown that cancer cells shrink after being injected with iodine which are then replaced with healthy cells.
• It is necessary for optimal function of the breasts, ovaries, endometrium and prostate.
• Iodine exhibits activity against bacteria, molds, protozoa, yeasts and many viruses. 
• Iodine is essential for a healthy brain development in the fetus and young child. A woman’s iodine requirements increase substantially during pregnancy to ensure adequate supply to the fetus. It is recommended that one increase 3-4 times the dosage.

Food sources of iodine include most sea foods, butter, pineapple, eggs, bananas, cranberries, green peas, prunes and artichokes, dark greens, asparagus and other veggies. Certain vegetables, such as cabbage and spinach, can block iodine absorption when eaten raw and are called goitrogens. Kelp, which you can get in capsule form, is one of the best natural sources.

Here at Renewed Vitality we have our supplement for Iodine and I am happy to help you with this.

Veronika- Medical Product Specialist