Discover 7 Life-Changing Benefits of Using Iodine in Your Daily Life

Christopher

Last modified: July 9, 2023

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Iodine uses in your daily life can offer numerous life-changing benefits. It supports thyroid health, regulates metabolism, improves cognitive function, promotes healthy pregnancy and fetal development, boosts immune function, enhances energy levels, and aids in maintaining healthy skin.

Promote thyroid hormone production

Iodine is a mineral that boosts thyroid hormone production. Therefore, iodine is essential for preventing thyroid diseases [3]. The thyroid gland promotes the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones, in turn, control heart rate, metabolism, and several other body functions.

Your thyroid gland absorbs iodine in trace amounts to generate thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone synthesis may be reduced in the absence of iodine. A disease known as hypothyroidism can result from a low intake of iodine or an underactive thyroid gland [4]. Therefore, you must take liquid iodine supplements to keep your thyroid gland and body healthy.

Reduce the risk of thyroid cancer

You’ll undoubtedly question if iodine can treat a condition that requires surgery. Yes, it indeed can [5]. Patients with thyroid cancer may benefit from radioactive iodine therapy. Your thyroid almost entirely absorbs the iodine you ingest. Radioactive iodine exposure kills thyroid cancer-causing cells.

Moreover, regular use of iodine supplements, iodine-rich foods containing seafood, seaweed intake, dairy products, chicken, and kelp, can reduce the chances of having thyroid cancer [6].

To conclude, recommended iodine intake can reduce your risk of thyroid cancer, while radioactive iodine therapy can help your body kill cancerous cells.

Treat fibrocystic breast disease.

Painful cysts develop in the breasts in fibrocystic breast disease, a non-cancerous condition. Low thyroid levels in the body are one factor responsible for fibrocystic kidney disease. Therefore, dietary supplements of iodine help you fight fibrocystic breast disease [7].

Young women suffering from severe iodine deficiency in their reproductive years are affected by fibrocystic breast disease [8]. Women also may experience fibrocystic disease after menopause. Additionally, iodine intake could lower breast cancer risk and treat fibrocystic breast disease [9].

Promote brain development and boost cognitive function

A pregnant woman requires enough iodine in her daily diet. The recommended daily allowance for pregnant women is 220 micrograms [10]. This is because iodine consumption during pregnancy has been associated with fetal brain development.

According to one study, children whose birth moms experienced an iodine deficit while pregnant had a higher likelihood of developing lower Levels of intelligence and mental retardation as adults [11]. Severe iodine deficiency causes delayed cognitive function and brain development, negatively impacting your child’s academic achievement.

Therefore, you must eat adequate iodine supplements prescribed by doctors. Enough iodine can boost cognitive function and even promote the brain development of your child, which results in sharp memory and fast learning capacity.

Protection against nuclear emergencies

One of the mind-blowing uses of iodine is protection against nuclear emergencies. Iodine provides a fantastic remedy against radiation. Potassium iodide works as a blocking agent against radiation in case of radiation emergencies [12].

In the case of a radiation emergency at a nuclear power plant, significant amounts of radioiodine are discharged into the atmosphere. People exposed to radioactive iodine that is emitted after nuclear accidents, like Chernobyl, have been helped by potassium iodide. Potassium iodide floods your thyroid by using a safe form of iodine to prevent your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive ions [13].

Prevent Infections

Iodine works as a powerful antioxidant for your blood. It prevents infections in the strangest and most astonishing ways [14]. Iodine, high in antioxidants that boost immunity, can prevent infections, including endemic goiter, hypothyroidism, cretinism, mental retardation, fibrocystic disease, and thyroid cancer.

Iodine is therefore viewed as a potential treatment for various illnesses and conditions, notably those involving the thyroid gland. Consult your doctor for iodine supplements but also avoid taking excess iodine.

For an adequate dosage of iodine in your diet, you can even intake iodine solution as it absorbs faster in your blood. However, avoid taking dietary supplements on an empty stomach or before breakfast because the acid in your stomach can cause coagulation necrosis.

How does iodine support thyroid health?

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones. Adequate iodine intake helps regulate thyroid function, promoting proper metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance.

Can iodine improve cognitive function?

Yes, iodine plays a crucial role in brain development and function. Sufficient iodine levels support cognitive abilities, memory, concentration, and overall mental clarity.

Does iodine have benefits during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Adequate iodine intake is vital for pregnant women as it supports healthy fetal brain development and prevents complications like intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. It also helps maintain the mother’s overall health during pregnancy.

The Bottom Line of Iodine Uses

Iodine is a versatile and essential mineral with numerous benefits for our bodies and daily life. From supporting thyroid function to purifying water and treating wounds, the uses of iodine are diverse and fascinating. By incorporating iodine-rich foods and supplements into our diets, we can ensure that we reap the many benefits of this valuable mineral. So next time you reach for the salt shaker, remember the many other ways that iodine can enrich your life.

References

Dasgupta PK, Liu Y, Dyke JV. Iodine Nutrition: Iodine Content of Iodized Salt in the United States. Environmental Science & Technology. 2008 Feb;42(4):1315–23.
Pearce EN, Andersson M, Zimmermann MB. Global Iodine Nutrition: Where Do We Stand in 2013? Thyroid. 2013 May;23(5):523–8.
Sundick RS, Bagchi N, Brown TR. The Role of Iodine in Thyroid Autoimmunity: From Chickens to Humans: A Review. Autoimmunity. 1992 Jan;13(1):61–8.
Holland K. Everything You Need to Know About Hypothyroidism [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2017 [cited 2022 Oct 10]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/symptoms-treatments-more
Kaplan MM. Progress in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America. 1990 Sep;19(3):469–78.
Choi WJ, Kim J. Dietary Factors and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Review. Clinical Nutrition Research. 2014;3(2):75.
Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Canadian Journal of Surgery Journal Canadien De Chirurgie. 1993 Oct 1;36(5):453–60.
Rappaport J. Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women. Journal of Cancer. 2017;8(2):174–7.
Stadel BruceV. DIETARY IODINE AND RISK OF BREAST, ENDOMETRIAL, AND OVARIAN CANCER. The Lancet. 1976 Apr;307(7965):890–1.
National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements – Iodine [Internet]. Nih.gov. 2017 [cited 2022 Oct 10]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/
Monahan M, Boelaert K, Jolly K, Chan S, Barton P, Roberts TE. Costs and benefits of iodine supplementation for pregnant women in a mildly to moderately iodine-deficient population: a modeling analysis. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2015 Sep;3(9):715–22.
Research C for DE and. Potassium Iodide (KI) as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2020 [cited 2022 Oct 10]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/potassium-iodide-thyroid-blocking-agent-radiation-emergencies
Nauman J, Wolff J. Iodide prophylaxis in Poland after the Chernobyl reactor accident: Benefits and risks. The American Journal of Medicine. 1993 May;94(5):524–32.
Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism, and, Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism. 2010;14(1):13–7.

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Christopher

Christopher is a wellness and health expert specializing in iodine and chlorophyll. With years of experience in the field, Christopher has become a trusted authority on these essential nutrients and their benefits for the body.

His research and writing have been featured in numerous publications, and he is dedicated to helping people understand the importance of these vital nutrients in maintaining optimal health. If you're looking to improve your well-being through diet and nutrition, Christopher is the expert to turn to.