15 Must-Know Facts About Iodine
It is not an understatement to say our existence, and the quality of our lives depends on having adequate iodine levels.[1] Despite this, mainstream medicine generally ignores the importance of this element. The following fifteen facts will reveal how important iodine is and how much better your life can be with balanced levels of this life-giving element.
Facts About Iodine
Length: 2 minutes
15 Must-Know Facts About Iodine
1. Iodine Is an Essential Element
The thyroid creates hormones to regulate metabolism and cellular function. The two most important hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), require iodine for formation. Without iodine, the thyroid underproduces these hormones, leading to hypothyroidism and other metabolic disorders.[2]
2. Iodized Salt Is Not a Good Source of Iodine
Most table salt has been iodized to eliminate iodine deficiency. Unfortunately, the process of manufacturing this salt can include adding artificial versions of iodine and other chemicals, making it anything but healthy. Plus, to make it white, most table salt is bleached. Dietary iodine can be found in better sources. As far as salt goes, I recommend Himalayan crystal salt.
3. Iodine Deficiency Remains a Concern
Much of the world continues to experience iodine deficiency.[3] While many developing countries lack adequate dietary iodine, people in western countries are increasingly at risk of iodine deficiency from diets based on processed foods. More and more food is grown in iodine-deficient soil, and processed food can introduce toxic compounds that disrupt the body's absorption of iodine.
4. Iodine Deficiency & Breast Cancer Are Linked
Although breast cancer has a number of causes and taking an iodine supplement is not a cancer-preventative, studies have shown a correlation between breast cancer and thyroid disorders.[4] The thyroid gland and breasts require iodine to function properly. People in countries with higher consumption of iodine-rich foods, particularly women who eat seaweed, experience such issues less frequently.[5]
5. There Are Many Good Dietary Sources of Iodine
Most foods rich in iodine come from the sea. Sea vegetables like dulse seaweed, kelp, arame, kombu, nori, sea palm, and wakame are some of the richest sources of iodine. Other sources include fish seafood, eggs, raw milk, dark leafy greens, and prunes. If you choose a plant-based diet, you may want to supplement with iodine, particularly if you are not a fan of seaweed.
6. "Iodine Allergies" Are Not Caused by Iodine
While many doctors mistakenly refer to iodine allergies, rest assured no one has exhibited an allergy to this vital nutrient. Most allergies attributed to iodine result from a response to iodine-based radio-contrast media "dye" used to sharpen images from x-rays or CT scans.[5] Also, "iodine allergies" associated with seafood occur as reactions to proteins in the seafood, not as a reaction to iodine.
7. Iodine Helps Fight Harmful Organisms
Iodine has been used for centuries as a means to address harmful organisms. Many hospitals use iodine to maintain a sterile environment.[6]
8. Iodine Protects the Thyroid From Radiation
During a nuclear event, radiation in the form of iodine-131 can be released into the air. Exposure to this radioactive isotope can result in thyroid damage and hypothyroidism.[7] The only way to protect the thyroid is to take non-radioactive iodine, such as atomic iodine, to flood the thyroid with a healthy, stable isotope. This prevents the absorption of the radioactive iodine by the thyroid.
9. Pregnancy Exacerbates Iodine Deficiency
During pregnancy, women require higher amounts of iodine to meet their daily requirements and that of the developing fetus. If not properly addressed, mild iodine deficiency can cause thyroid imbalance and hypothyroidism that can become a chronic concern, even post-partum.[8]
10. Adequate Iodine Prevents Goitrogenic Effects
Goitrogens are compounds that inhibit hormone creation by the thyroid. These compounds can be found in foods, including otherwise-healthy cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli. While most people do fine eating goitrogenic foods, when people with thyroid conditions eat them, it can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism. Iodine therapy has been recommended and used to address the complications created by these compounds and help the body speed their removal.[9, 10]
11. Inadequate Iodine Leads to Slowed Development
Health authorities discovered years ago that iodine deficiency, especially during fetal growth, leads to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dietary supplementation with iodine after birth and during childhood has been shown not to counteract the result of iodine deficiency while in utero.[11] Maintaining appropriate iodine levels during pregnancy (and supplementing when appropriate) is an essential way to support proper brain development.
12. Medications Interrupt Iodine-Thyroid Function
Medications that use or mimic iodine can interrupt thyroid function. Some drugs like amiodarone can lead to hyperthyroidism (the overproduction of thyroid hormones).[12] Other drugs that can impact thyroid hormone metabolism include interferon and dopamine.[13]
13. Iodine Encourages Detoxification
Healthy levels of iodine prevent toxic chemicals such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine from interfering with thyroid function.[14] Exposure to these chemicals is frequent as they are found in food, water, and household chemicals. Iodine supplementation helps prevent these chemical toxins from accumulating in the body. This allows the body to pass these toxins out of the system.
14. Iodine Rejuvenates Skin From the Inside Out!
Iodine promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair.[15] It stimulates cellular function, resulting in the regeneration of the lower layers of these cells. By rejuvenating the skin from the inside out, so to speak, iodine encourages a smooth complexion, lustrous hair, and strong nails.
15. Atomic Iodine Is the Ideal Supplement
Many iodine supplements contain potassium iodide. The body has to break up this iodide form into its components (which requires energy and produces byproducts) before it can be used. Atomic iodine delivers the atomic form — the same bioavailable form the thyroid uses for hormone creation. This helps to maximize the absorption of the iodine supplement.
Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Length: 61 minutes
References (15)
- PubMed Health. How does the thyroid work? Last updated: January 7, 2015.
- Medline Plus. Iodine in diet. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2010;14(1):13-17.
- Smyth PP. The thyroid, iodine and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research : BCR. 2003;5(5):235-238.
- Dewachter P, et al. Iodine allergy: point of view Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2005 Jan;24(1):40-52.
- Tomlinson M, et al. Survey of iodine deficiency and intestinal parasitic infections in school-going children: Bie Province, Angola. Public Health Nutr. 2010 Sep;13(9):1314-1318.
- Sinnott B, et al. Exposing the Thyroid to Radiation: A Review of Its Current Extent, Risks, and Implications. Endocrine Reviews. 2010;31(5):756-773.
- Zimmermann MB. The effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy and infancy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012 Jul;26 Suppl 1:108-117.
- Dakubo JC, et al. Pathology and the surgical management of goitre in an endemic area initiating supplementary iodine nutrition. West Afr J Med. 2013 Jan-Mar;32(1):45-51.
- Gaitan E. Goitrogens. Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1988 Aug;2(3):683-702.
- Hynes KL, et al. Mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with reduced educational outcomes in the offspring: 9-year follow-up of the gestational iodine cohort. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 May;98(5):1954-1962.
- Maby-Mottet V, et al. [Amiodarone and thyroid]. Rev Med Suisse. 2012 Nov 14;8(362):2175-6, 2178-2180.
- Nishikawa M, et al. [Drug-induced thyroid dysfunction]. Nihon Rinsho. 2012 Nov;70(11):1958-1964.
- Vobecký M, et al. Interaction of bromine with iodine in the rat thyroid gland at enhanced bromide intake. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1996 Sep;54(3):207-212.
- Basavaraj KH, et al. DIET IN DERMATOLOGY: PRESENT PERSPECTIVES. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55(3):205-210.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
