12 Uses For Iodine (And Other Tips, Research, and Resources)

The following article will give you an understanding of the most common uses for iodine as a supplement, as outlined by clinical research and by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, you will also learn about a simple at-home test that can give you a better idea if you have an iodine deficiency.

Iodine Uses

1. Radiation Exposure

Potassium iodine has been used to help individuals exposed to radiation by reducing the harmful accumulation of radioactive substances in the thyroid. However, It has been said that nascent Iodine may be 4-7 times more effective than potassium iodide and is much safer to use.

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2. General Use as a Sterilizing Agent

Almost all sterilization products for the body have iodine. It is a wonderful wound cleaner, and has even been used to purify water in tablet or liquid form.

3. Preventing Goiter

Irritation of the throat area and thyroid gland is known as a “goiter”. To prevent this condition, it is suggested to take the daily recommended amounts of a nascent iodine supplement to boost overall thyroid health.

4. Boosting Metabolism

Due to improper thyroid function, metabolism of the body may slow down. Supplementing with nascent iodine may help ensure the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, which in turn helps regulate the metabolism. It can also aid the body in keeping warmth, steadying the heart rate, maintaining a health body weight, and promoting overall digestive health. Here are a few more tips to boosting metabolism.

5. Harmful Organisms

A nascent iodine solution can be used to assist the body in fighting off harmful organisms. Using an iodine tonic as a throat gargle is also helpful for a cough. Iodine also acts as an expectorant of mucous from the common cold and other respiratory ailments.

6. Breast Health

Much research is currently being conducted on the role of iodine in breast health and overall shape and function. Similarly, iodine is a key mineral in mother’s milk, and is passed on to children for their proper growth and development. However, most nursing mothers are extremely deficient in Iodine.

7. Ovarian Health

Again, much research confirms the link between a lack of iodine and ovarian problems, such as cysts, and reproductive ability.

8. Neurological Health

Children can suffer from mental illness and disabilities due to a lack of iodine. It is important that mothers supplement with this micronutrient as a preventative measure. I recommend using only a safe nascent iodine.

9. Vaginitis

Iodine douches have been used to reduce vaginal irritation, itching and discharge associated with chronic yeast imbalances.

10. Eye Health

Iodine is commonly used as a treatment for a number of different eye conditions. It is also a natural protectant against UVB radiation.

11. Skin and Hair Health

Iodine is a common aid for skin conditions, such as acne, as well as hair loss. The healthy development of skin, teeth, nails and bone are all related to normal iodine levels.

12. Powerful Antioxidant

Iodine is just as important as vitamin C in terms of antioxidant activity. Specifically, it is a strong antioxidant for the blood. Learn more about the benefits of antioxidants.

Tips for Taking Iodine

Taking an iodine supplement is easy, safe and effective. Although it has a mild metallic taste, it can be taken in fruit juice or water.

Normally, iodine is taken in its sodium iodide form, but I recommend using a more bio-available form of nascent iodine. This form can more readily be absorbed by the human body and tissues.

Iodine Deficiency At Home Self Test:

Purchase a USP Tincture of Iodine from your local drugstore. Use a cotton ball to absorb some iodine from the tincture.
Rub about the size of a silver dollar of iodine on your upper inner arm midway between the bicep and tricep muscle. Note the time of application.
If the brownish/orange color disappears within 2-4 hours after application you are extremely deficient and could use supplementation. If you are not deficient in iodine then the circle should remain slightly orange 24 hours later.

NOTE: USP Iodine tinctures or solutions you purchase at a drugstore are not for internal or supplemental use. Do not ingest! If you are deficient use a safe nascent iodine supplement.

Drug Interactions: Consult with your doctor before supplementing with iodine if you are currently taking antithyroid drugs, Lithium or Warfarin, as iodine may interfere with the action of these medications.

– Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

Article References:

Jun JY, Manni A. Medical management of persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2008 Dec;41(6):1241-60, xi-xii. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2008.05.005. Review.

de Benoist B, McLean E, Andersson M, Rogers L. Iodine deficiency in 2007: global progress since 2003. Food Nutr Bull. 2008 Sep;29(3):195-202.

Harihara Y, Konishi T, Kobayashi H, Furushima K, Ito K, Noie T, Nara S, Tanimura K. Effects of applying povidone-iodine just before skin closure. Dermatology. 2006;212 Suppl 1:53-7.

Azizi F, Mirmiran P, Hedayati M, Salarkia N, Noohi S, Rostamian D. Effect of 10 yr of the iodine supplementation on the hearing threshold of iodine deficient schoolchildren. J Endocrinol Invest. 2005 Jul-Aug;28(7):595-8.

Henzen C, Buess M, Brander L. [Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (iodine-induced Basedow’s disease): a current disease picture]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1999 May 1;129(17):658-64. German.

Minelli R, Braverman LE, Giuberti T, Schianchi C, Gardini E, Salvi M, Fiaccadori F, Ugolotti G, Roti E. Effects of excess iodine administration on thyroid function in euthyroid patients with a previous episode of thyroid dysfunction induced by interferon-alpha treatment. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1997 Sep;47(3):357-61.

Koutras DA. Control of efficiency and results, and adverse effects of excess iodine administration on thyroid function. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 1996;57(6):463-9. Review.

Galofré JC, Fernà¡ndez-Calvet L, Ràos M, Garcàa-Mayor RV. Increased incidence of thyrotoxicosis after iodine supplementation in an iodine sufficient area. J Endocrinol Invest. 1994 Jan;17(1):23-7.

Grio R, Zaccheo F, Mazza D, Cellura A, Malara D, Giobbe C, Marchino GL, Calleri W, Bernardo R, Russo P. [Effectiveness of povidone-iodine in the treatment of non-specific vaginitis]. Minerva Ginecol. 1990 Apr;42(4):129-31. Italian.

Estes NC. Mastodynia due to fibrocystic disease of the breast controlled with thyroid hormone. Am J Surg. 1981 Dec;142(6):764-6.

Nyirjesy P, Weitz MV, Grody MH, Lorber B. Over-the-counter and alternative medicines in the treatment of chronic vaginal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 1997 Jul;90(1):50-3.

Schlienger JL, Goichot B, Grunenberger F. [Iodine and thyroid function]. Rev Med Interne. 1997;18(9):709-16. Review. French.

Teas J, Pino S, Critchley A, Braverman LE. Variability of iodine content in common commercially available edible seaweeds. Thyroid. 2004 Oct;14(10):836-41.

Yu H, Tak-Yin M. The efficacy of povidone-iodine pessaries in a short, low-dose treatment regime on candidal, trichomonal and non-specific vaginitis. Postgrad Med J. 1993;69 Suppl 3:S58-61.

Zimmermann MB, Jooste PL, Pandav CS. Iodine-deficiency disorders. Lancet. 2008 Oct 4;372(9645):1251-62. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61005-3.

The Department of Health and Human Services, The Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. 6th edition. U.S. Government Printing Office. 2005 January.

Previous articles by Dr. Group:

About the author:

Dr. Edward F. Group founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.

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