DR. WALKER

Importance of Iodine In The Diet

What is Iodine?

Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is a non-metal and is a member of the halogen family, along with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and astatine. Iodine is a dark grey to purple-black, lustrous, solid element that has a relatively high melting point and is sparingly soluble in water. It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development in the body. Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide and can lead to goiter, hypothyroidism, mental retardation, and other developmental disorders.

How Does Iodine Work in the Body?

Iodine assists the thyroid glands in the neck to produce the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine is important for the control and functioning of the cells in the body. It is important for the growth of bones, nerves, and metabolic processes.

What Are the Health Benefits of Iodine?

a) Goiter Prevention: Goiter is a condition that occurs due to iodine deficiency which results in the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement may arise from either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. However, the intake of sufficient amounts of iodine into the body can help prevent and eliminate the risk of goiter.
b) Hyperthyroidism: This refers to an overactive thyroid gland as opposed to hypothyroidism. This condition arises due to the excessive production of hormones by your thyroid glands. Fortunately, iodine plays a key role in the production and regulation of hormones by the thyroid gland, thereby contributing to your thyroid health.
c) Decreases Thyroid Inflammation: Iodine helps in the promotion and maintenance of thyroid health. Being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, it decreases the occurrence of inflammation in the thyroid glands.
d) Fetal Development: During pregnancy, iodine plays a vital role in ensuring the proper growth and development of the fetus. It is advised that you get a sufficient amount of iodine during pregnancy. This is because a lack or low level of iodine can cause disability in the baby.
e) Immune Function: One major benefit of iodine to health is its function in improving immune function. By consuming an adequate amount of iodine, the ability of your innate immune system to fight off bacterial and viral infections is enhanced.
f) Fibrocystic Cystic Breast Changes: Fibrocystic breast disease is a noncancerous condition that often affects women of reproductive age and causes the formation of painful lumps in the breast. Iodine supplements have been observed to treat this condition.
g) Brain Development: Women are often advised to consume more iodine during pregnancy because of its association with brain development in fetuses.

What are the Side Effects of Iodine?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Burning sensations in the throat and mouth
• Stomach pain

What are Some Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency?

• Tiredness.
• Dry skin.
• Depression.
• Hypothermia.
• Constipation.
• Weight gain.

How Does Fluoride Affect Iodine in the Body?

There is some evidence that high levels of fluoride intake can interfere with iodine absorption and metabolism in the body. Fluoride is a more electronegative mineral that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. Due to its enhanced electronegative ability, it is capable of inhibiting iodine metabolism if consumed in excess. Also fluoride and iodine are both halogens and may compete for absorption in the body. When fluoride intake is high, it can displace iodine from the thyroid gland, which can lead to a decrease in thyroid hormone production and potentially cause thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. Because fluoride can easily displace iodine in the body this could ultimately affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Which foods are high in Fluoride?

Water: Pipe drinking water sources contain naturally occurring fluoride, while others may have added fluoride during treatment.
Grape juice: Grape juice is high in fluoride due to the use of fluoride-based pesticides in grape cultivation.
Soy products: Soybeans and soy products such as tofu and soy milk are high in fluoride.
Processed foods: Many processed foods such as cereals and snack bars may contain high levels of fluoride due to the use of fluoridated water during production.
Dental products: Toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride are high in fluoride, but are not meant to be ingested.

Which foods are high in Iodine?

Seaweed: Seaweed is one of the best sources of iodine. It is commonly used in sushi rolls and can be added to soups and salads.
Saltwater fish: Fish such as cod, tuna, and shrimp are good sources of iodine.
Dairy products: K2 milk, and K2 cheese, and yogurt (coconut, pili nuts, and A2 milk) are all excellent sources of iodine.
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of iodine, especially if chicks fed iodine-rich feed.
Prunes: Prunes are a good source of iodine, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Sweet potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of iodine, as well as other nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.
Strawberries: Strawberries are a good source of iodine, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants.

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