Iodine

Iodine is the Greek word for 'violet', the colour of this important mineral. The main functon of iodine is to produce hormones in the thyroid gland and is found in seafood and seaweed. Goiter which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, is common in parts of the world where the soil lacks iodine. In these areas sea salt is recommended as a natural supplement.


Special notes:
Iodine is toxic in high doses and may aggravate or cause acne. Large doses may interfere with hormone activity.

Cruciferous foods such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli contain substances that can cause hypothyroidism by antagonizing iodine, but cooking will prevent this. Anyone who eats large quantities of these vegetables should consider an iodine supplement.

Dosage is best taken as potassium iodide or as seaweed products. Take under the supervision of a GP or nutritionist.


Data:
Iodine is a mineral first discovered in 1812 in kelp. Iodine was extracted and named iodine because of it's violet colour. Iodine occurs naturally and is a crucial part of the thyroid hormones that regulate our energy levels. Iodine is found in seafood and seaweed and most table salt is fortified with iodine.


What's iodine good for:
Helps protect against toxic effects from radio active materials.

Prevents goiter.

Produces hormones from the thyroid gland.

Promotes healthy hair, skin, nails and teeth.

Burns excess fat.


Deficiency symptoms:
Deficiency is very common in many parts of the world, where iodine is not found in sufficient quantities in the soil and as a result the incidence of goiter and cretinism is very high.

Studies show that iodine deficiency is also linked to Parkinson's disease, cancer of the thyroid, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease among others.

Deficiency sysmptoms include an enlarged thryoid, dry skin, neurological problems, excess estrogen production, chronic fatigue, apathy, and reduced immune activity.


Good sources:
Fish and seafood, pineapple, raisins, seaweed, dairy produce.


Therapeutic uses:
Cuts and wounds (as an antiseptic, used externally), goiter, fibrocystic breast disease, thyroid problems.