Iodine: The Essential Trace Element
Iodine is an essential substance found in our body that ensures a proper development and growth. By storing 60% of this mineral in our thyroid gland, iodine has a major role in regulating the secretion of hormones. Maintaining the health of the gland also leads to a good hormone synthesis.
Through association, iodine has an indirect effect on the metabolism of the entire body due to its connection to the thyroid gland. Also, iodine detoxes the organism and ensures the absorption of calcium and silicon.
Here are some iodine health benefits!
1.Improves the metabolic rate - It helps to produce hormones, which are controlling the metabolism. This process determines sleep cycles, absorption of nutrients, preserves blood pressure levels, ensures body temperature, weight gain and converts food into energy.
2.Boosts energy levels - Iodine transforms calories into energy and prevents them from depositing inside the body as excess fat.
3.Ensures healthy nails and hair - An absence of iodine leads to hair loss, brittle nails or teeth problems. This mineral also speeds up the hair's regeneration and prevents it from falling out by strengthening the follicle.
4.Protects from reproductive disorders - Besides preventing the fetus from suffering by cretinism or other neurocognitive conditions, iodine is responsible for a natural development of the reproductive system.
5.Strengthens the immunity system - Together with vitamin C, iodine fights free hydroxyl radicals and so, offers an immunity boost. It also stimulates the number of antioxidants responsible for a healthy organism.
6.Fights-off hypothyroidism - This condition is due to a poor function of the thyroid gland. Symptoms like a swollen neck and weight gain are common when facing with hypothyroidism.
7.Prevents cancer - Having anti-carcinogenic properties, iodine is important for cancer prevention and it can actually shrink cancer cells, eliminate them and even replace them with new healthy ones.
Possible dangers of an iodine deficiency
Affects the mood by leading to depression, frustration, severe mood swings, and irritability.
Affects the body through weight gain that may vary drastically, poor perception and fatigue.
Affects the health especially at pregnant women. It can lead to cretinism and mental retardation in fetuses. Other symptoms are coarse skin, constipation or infertility.
To prevent iodine deficiency, western countries have added iodine to salt and thus obtained iodized salt.
Caution when taking iodine supplements
More than 2,000 mg could pose health threats, especially for people who suffer from kidney problems or tuberculosis.
Although iodine ensures a healthy thyroid, an overdose can affect the gland and have the opposite effect, even leading to cancer
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid iodine supplements and take them only prescribed by their doctor.
Foods rich in iodine
Marine plants and animals are known to have an increased level of iodine. Seaweed, shellfish, deep-water whitefish, and kelp are great choices.
Canned foods are also abundant in iodine, like sardines, tuna, lobster, cod, clams or oysters.
If you're not a fan of seafood, spinach, soybeans, sesame seeds, turnip greens or squash will do the trick.
