Iodine.

Unlike some other vitamins and minerals whose benefits are well known, such as vitamin C (helps fights colds) or vitamin D (keeps your bones healthy), you may not be 100% sure what iodine is, or how it can help to keep you healthy.

Iodine is important for a number of things, including the health of your Thyroid.

I’m Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, a Toronto thyroid naturopath and I want to bring some clarity to why you should care about getting enough iodine.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Iodine?

Iodine is a mineral used by the body to manage hormone levels.

It’s important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and a lack of iodine can result in a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), as it tries to work harder to produce hormones.

Your body can’t produce iodine on its own, so you have to get it through your diet.

Sources of iodine include iodized salt, seafood, and some vegetables such as seaweed, baked potatoes, and navy beans.

Of course, iodized salt is considered the least healthy option for dietary iodine, since there are many drawbacks to eating this type of salt.

Health Benefits Of Iodine

In addition to being vital to thyroid function, iodine has a number of other health benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about the important role this mineral plays in your body.

1. It Keeps Your Thyroid Healthy

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your throat, which regulates hormone production.

It uses iodine to do this, and an under-active thyroid gland can result in a condition called hypothyroidism.

Too much iodine may have detrimental effects on the thyroid, so it’s best to speak with a qualified practitioner if you’re considering an iodine supplement.

2. It’s Good For Infections

Topical iodine kills bacteria and can be used on cuts and scrapes to prevent infections from developing.

However, it should not be used on burns, animal bites, or deep cuts.

Additionally, make sure to follow directions and not use topical iodine for longer than 10 days.

3. It Helps Keep Your Baby Healthy In Utero

Pregnant people require higher levels of iodine, since iodine is an important factor in brain development in fetuses.

A 2015 journal review in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found pregnant people with iodine deficiency were more likely to have babies with intellectual delays.

Additionally, a 2015 study found just one single dose of iodized oil was enough to correct iodine deficiency in both pregnant people and newborn babies.

As well, iodine supplementation had positive implications for the weight of newborns.

4. It Can Improve Cognitive Health In Children

Iodine may provide neurological benefits which are linked to healthy brain function in children.

A 2014 study in the journal Endocrine Development notes that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable intellectual deficits in children.

5. It Can Disinfect Water

Sometimes when travelling you may visit places where with questionable water quality.

Water quality can also be affected by natural disasters.

Iodine, in tablet or tincture form, can be used to disinfect water.

If using iodine to disinfect water, though, it’s important to limit overall intake, as too much may have detrimental health effects.

Symptoms Of Iodine Deficiency

Some of the signs to watch for which could indicate you aren’t getting enough include:

● Weight gain
● Difficulty concentrating
● Goiter
● Tender or painful thyroid gland
● Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
● Tiredness
● Feeling cold
● Hair loss
● Trouble swallowing

Can You Overdose On Iodine?

The answer is yes, you can overdose on iodine.

Signs you may be getting too much iodine include:

● Vomiting and nausea
● Fever
● Stomach pain
● Diarrhea
● Burning sensations in the throat and mouth

Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic

Are you worried about getting enough iodine?

Do you have thyroid issues which could result in further health issues?

Or perhaps you’re expecting a child and want to ensure you’re doing everything you can while they are in the womb to give them the best chance at a healthy and full life.

I’m Dr. Pat Nardini, ND and I have a special interest in helping patients with thyroid issues.

Contact me today for a free 15-minute health clarity session, where I will help you to understand the ways naturopathic medicine can help you.

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