Iodine
What does it do?
Iodine is an essential nutrient for production of the body’s thyroid hormones and therefore is required for normal thyroid function. The thyroid hormones are responsible for our basal metabolic rate (BMR) – that is, the body’s use of energy. Thyroid is required for cell respiration and the production of energy as ATP and further increases oxygen consumption and general metabolism.
They are also needed for normal growth and development, protein synthesis and energy metabolism. As thyroid stimulates the energy production of the cellular mitochondria and affects our BMR, it literally influences all body functions. Nerve and bone formation, reproduction, the condition of the skin, hair, nails and teeth, and our speech and mental state are all influenced by thyroid as well.
Deficiency Signs
Deficiencies of iodine have been very common. It can leave to goiter and/or hypothyroidism. This leads to slower metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, sluggishness, dry hair, thick skin, poor mental functioning, decreased resistance to infection, a feeling of coldness, and a decrease in sexual energy. More advanced hypothyroidism may lead to a hyperactive, manic state and hypertension, which is paradoxical since it can happen with an overactive thyroid as well.
Food Sources of Iodine
The life from ocean waters provides the best source of iodine. Fish, shellfish and sea vegetables and dependably rich sources. Cod, sea bass, haddock and perch are a few examples of iodine-rich sea animals consumed by humans; kelp is the most common high-iodine sea vegetable. Kelp in particular is rich in other minerals and low in sodium and thus is a good seasoning substitute for salt.
The use of iodized salt has reduced most iodine deficiency.
Best Supplement
Ideally we can meet our iodine requirements by eating seafood, seaweed and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil.
Top of page