IODINE
Iodine is used by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls many functions of the body either directly or indirectly. Consider then a lack of iodine can cause problems with sexual function, childbirth, lactation, metabolism, blood vessels and the body's thermostat. A lack of this mineral can also cause cretinism, a condition in which growth is retarded, the bones deteriorate and mental retardation develops. This usually happens while the baby is still in the womb due to the fact that the mother herself is deficient in iodine.
The thyroid gland regulates our body's metabolism or the rate at which we can burn food. If our thyroid is too slow we might be lazy, sluggish, chubby and ill focused. If our thyroid is too fast we may be irritable, active, nervous and jumpy. Too much or too little iodine in our systems can affect our personalities a great deal as well.
The thyroid also affects one's body temperature. Not enough iodine in the body can make one cold, especially in the outer extremities (hands and feet). No matter how many clothes you put on you never will get warm. Too much or too little iodine can also be responsible for acne. (Kind of makes us wonder how many adolescents are deficient in this element).
Speech, nails, teeth, hair, skin and mental acuity are all dependent on iodine being present in the body. Iodine may also play a part in plaque reduction in the arteries. This seems to make some sense as iodine increases circulation thus increasing oxygen and transport of other vital elements directly pertaining to that problem.
In an article written in the Western Journal of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, the importance of iodine during pregnancy was clearly stated. Three scientists from the University of Oregon Medical School found that giving women iodine during their pregnancy kept their basal metabolic rate in the normal range. If the basal metabolic rate was high, iodine would lower it, if it was low, iodine would raise the rate. In essence it acted as a balancing mechanism. (The basal metabolic rate or BMR as it is known is the rate at which energy is used by an organism at complete rest expressed by the amount of heat given off in a certain amount of time). These same researchers also found that mothers given iodine during pregnancy experiences less difficulty with delivery, nursing and post pregnancy recovery time compared to those not receiving an iodine supplement. A lack of iodine has also been linked to miscarriages and stillbirths. It is believed that women need more iodine during pregnancy than at any other time.
Iodine may also be beneficial to those who are trying to lose or gain weight as it regulates the body's use of food.
J.I. Rodale once wrote:
"The fact that some iodine is lost in perspiration could be one of the reasons why polio generally strikes during the summer, and after undue exertion when one would tend to perspire freely. During the summer also, the secretions of the thyroid gland are lowest, thus resulting in less iodine available to the body. These two items-less iodine, in summer due to the under-activity of the thyroid and loss of iodine due to perspiration-could very well be the main reasons why polio strikes during hot weather."
Mr. Rodale went on to say:
"I wonder whether present day farming methods, with the use of chemical fertilizers, are not partly responsible for the great increase in polio? We once made a test of wheat that we grew by organic methods, that is, with the use of decomposed organic matter such as manure, weeds, leaves, etc. compared with the same variety of wheat grown by a neighboring farmer with chemical fertilizers. Some iodine was found in our wheat but not in the other. Organically grown foods are generally richer in minerals and vitamins. We believe we have unearthed something in medical literature which is extremely significant."
For a while it was suggested that sea water be used to irrigate crops so that the minerals would be replaced in the soils and thus given back to our plant life. Charles B. Ahlson, retired agronomist for the Department of Agriculture, Soil and Conservation Service, told of several such studies in his book entitled, 'Health from the Sea'. He found that plants absorb a larger amount of minerals deposited in the soil by sea water. A study of carrots showed that their mineral uptake increased by 28% when supplied with sea water. The same study was performed on several other crops with the same result.
Another interesting statistic involving the Selective Service can also be found in Mr. Ahlson's book. It reads, 'There is one set of statistics that hit the headlines and made people sit up and take notice: the figures on the rejections of the Selective Service Registrants. In testifying before a Senate committee investigating health conditions, Colonel Leonard G. Roundtree, an eminant physician and Chief of the Medical Division of the Selective Service System, said in July of 1944,
"We are just completing the creation of the greatest fighting force the nation has even seen. Instead of finding a rugged, virile manhood, we have found a great many of what we call the five D's, defects, deficiencies, disabilities, disease and disorders, and the number has been appalling...."
As iodine deficiencies grow one can expect lethargy, a lack of mental focus or reaction, sexual apathy and dry, brittle hair just to name a few. Goiter will more than likely increase as well.
It is believed that the average adult body contains between 20-50 mg of iodine. More than 60% if this is contained in the thyroid, the rest is in the reproductive organs, the muscles and the blood. Thyroid hormones are key to the growth and development of our organs, especially the reproductive organs, and the epidermal layers of the brain. It requires iodine to help with the manufacture of proteins, carbohydrate absorption, cholesterol synthesis and the conversion of carotene to vitamin A.
Recently iodine has been looked to as a possible treatment for fibrocystic breast disease. Canadian scientists published a review of their trials in 1993 in the Canadian Journal of Surgery. Different iodine preparations were used to treat fibrocystic breast disease. These included protein bound iodine, molecular iodine and sodium iodide. All were beneficial to some degree with the molecular iodine being the most helpful.
Recent data from China has also linked hearing loss in children to a lack of iodine. Iodine has antiseptic properties and is still used in many medical institutions as a topical aid. It helps to kill bacteria and fungi. For this reason many women will use it topically as a douche for chlamydia and candida.
Iodine is also useful in areas with the possibility of radioactive fallout. Iodine can protect the thyroid from radioactive damage. In nuclear mishaps, radioactive iodine is released into the air and can be taken up by the thyroid thus causing cancer. Proper treatment with the correct iodine can remedy this.
Iodine also increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, the reactions in the nervous system and the hearts ability to utilize oxygen. The best sources of iodine kelp, seaweed, navy beans, strawberries, seafood (organic), garlic, mushrooms and vegetables raised in mineral rich soils. Iodized salt is NOT a good candidate for supplementation.
This post is meant for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure disease. Please consult a physician before beginning a supplemental program.
As is customary with our posts, we are including some links below where you can find out more about iodine and its uses. Enjoy and stay healthy!
