Iodine is necessary and crucial for the thyroid gland in producing the thyroid hormones, which are taking care of our metabolism. But Iodine is playing a role in a lot of other vital processes in the body. In fact, the ovaries have the second highest concentration of Iodine in the body after the thyroid gland.
The body is able to function well and has a good chance of longevity if the right nutrients are provided, and this includes iodine.
According to Dr. David Brownstein, one of the leading researchers in Iodine and Iodine’s importance to our health, more and more of us are deficient in this chemical with up to 95% of us having low iodine levels.
Iodine affects the enzyme systems responsible for degradation, the change and secretion of many substances in the body, including drugs and chemical substances.
Most significant is the importance of Iodine for the function of the endocrine glands, the thyroid gland, breasts, ovaries, uterus and prostate. We are seeing more and more patients with metabolic problems, yet it is probably only the tip of the iceberg. Just to put the problem into perspective, thyroid cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States.
Iodine’s primary task is to maintain a normal architecture in the endocrine glandule tissue. If we lack Iodine we form cysts. These are more commonly found in the breasts, ovaries, uterus, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, prostate and pancreas.
The good thing about Iodine is that it has apoptotic properties, which means it can stop a cancer cell from continuing to divide, restricting the growth of the cells. Many cancer researchers, including Dr. Max Gerson, honors the importance of Iodine in the fight against cancer.
Interestingly, over 80% of women suffer from fibrocystic breast disease, ie form small or large benign growths in the breasts. These cysts can be a precursor to breast cancer. Having Iodine deficiency can lead to goitre, enlarged thyroid gland, severe brain dysfunction, nervous system disorders and low metabolism.
Iodine is found in fish, seafood, shrimp, seaweed, kelp, kombu, sea spaghetti, egg yolk, meat, brown rice, vegetables and fruit. Therefore, Iodine deficiency occurs especially if we do not eat enough of these foods. In some cases white table salt is artificially enriched with Iodine, but it is not a good source as Iodine evaporates easily and also table salt is sodium chloride with added aluminium powder as an anti-caking agent both of which are most unhealthy for the human body. Therefore it is best for us to consume either sea or mountain salt, such as Himalayan salt, which has naturally occurring Iodine.
Iodine is found in fish, seafood, shrimp, seaweed, kelp, kombu, sea spaghetti, egg yolk, meat, brown rice, vegetables and fruit. Therefore, Iodine deficiency occurs especially if we do not eat enough of these foods. In some cases white table salt is artificially enriched with Iodine, but it is not a good source as Iodine evaporates easily and also table salt is sodium chloride with added aluminium powder as an anti-caking agent both of which are most unhealthy for the human body. Therefore it is best for us to consume either sea or mountain salt, such as Himalayan salt, which has naturally occurring Iodine.
Do you have enough Iodine?
Through a urine test we can test if we have enough Iodine in the body. This is done in a laboratory, but there is an easy test that can be done at home can give an indication of our Iodine levels.
We use Lygol’s Iodine solution, which contains Iodine and potassium. A 2 euro sized circle is painted on the forearm. The skin becomes amber coloured. It should be monitored over the next 24hrs. If it fades in less than 4 hours, there is an indication of severe Iodine deficiency. The stain should preferably be visible for up to 24 hours, to let us know we have enough Iodine.
In case of Iodine deficiency, Iodine tablets or just Lygol drops can be used in a glass of water. We recommend you consult with your doctor before supplementation. In the clinic we provide guidance on the different tests and we have Lygols Iodine solution. You are welcome.
About the author
Dr. Pernille Knudtzon, MD, Specialist in Family Medicine, Acupuncture, New Health Technology and NLP Trainer runs Vitafakta Health Clinic in Southern Spain. Her main medical training was done in Denmark. But curiosity led her to travel and study Holistic Medicine and Lifestyle aspects in many places around the world over the last 30 years. From her consultation in southern Spain she is now providing Personal Health Consultations based on a holistic health and functional medicine approach. She focuses on Health, Wellbeing and Vitality and guides her clients to live a healthy life and to thrive and shine the most. She is presently studying Functional Medicine at the Institute of Functional Medicine https://www.ifm.org/.