11 Surprising Benefits of Iodine

What is iodine?

Also called iodide, iodine is a type of mineral that is naturally found in the earth’s soil and ocean waters. Many salt water and plant-based foods contain iodine, and this mineral is most-widely available in iodized salt.

It is important to get enough iodine in the diet. It regulates hormones, fetal development, and more.

If your iodine levels are low, your doctor might recommend supplementation. You should not take supplements without checking with your doctor first.

Read on to learn more about the uses and side effects of iodine, plus recommended daily amounts by age.

11 uses of iodine

Iodine is considered an essential mineral for our bodies. It is particularly important during pregnancy, and exposure in the womb may even help prevent certain health conditions later in life.

The following is a list of some of the most important uses and how they benefit the body.

1. Promoting thyroid health

Iodine plays a vital role in thyroid health. Your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the front of your neck, helps regulate hormone production. These hormones control your metabolism, heart health, and more.

To make thyroid hormones, your thyroid takes up iodine in small amounts. Without iodine, thyroid hormone production can decrease. A “low” or underactive thyroid gland can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism.

Given the wide availability of iodine in western diets, thyroid health is not typically impacted by low iodine levels in the United States.

You can get enough iodine from your diet by eating dairy products, fortified foods, and salt water fish. Iodine is also available in plant foods that grow in naturally iodine-rich soil. You also can get the mineral by seasoning your food with iodized salt.

While iodine promotes overall thyroid health, too much iodine can have a negative effect on the thyroid gland. That is why you should not take iodine supplements without your doctor’s recommendation.

2. Reducing risk for some goiters

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Your thyroid may become enlarged as a result from either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland.

Non-cancerous thyroid nodules (cysts) can also cause thyroid gland enlargement.

Sometimes a goiter develops as a direct response to iodine deficiency. This is the most common cause of goiter worldwide, though it’s not as common a cause in the United States and other countries with access to iodine-rich foods.

Iodine-induced goiters may be reversed by adding iodine-rich foods or supplements in the diet.

3. Managing overactive thyroid gland

Your doctor may recommend a special type of iodine called radioactive iodine to treat an overactive thyroid gland. Also called radioiodine, this medication is taken by mouth. It is used to destroy extra thyroid cells to help reduce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

The risk with radioactive iodine is that it can destroy too many thyroid cells. This can decrease the amount of hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism. For this reason, radioactive iodine is usually only recommended after anti-thyroid drugs have failed.

Radioactive iodine is not the same thing as iodine supplements. You should never take iodine supplements for hyperthyroidism.

4. Treating thyroid cancer

Radioiodine may also be a possible treatment option for thyroid cancer. It works in much the same way as hyperthyroid treatment.

When you take radioactive iodine orally, the medication destroys thyroid cells, including cancerous ones. It may be used as a treatment following thyroid surgery to make sure all cancerous cells have been removed from the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, radioactive iodine treatments significantly improve the chances of survival for people with thyroid cancer.

5. Neurodevelopment during pregnancy

You need more iodine in pregnancy. That is because iodine intake during pregnancy is linked to brain development in fetuses. One reviewTrusted Source found that babies whose birth mothers had an iodine deficiency during pregnancy were more likely to grow up with lower IQ’s and other intellectual delays.

The recommended daily intakeTrusted Source of iodine during pregnancy is 220 mcg. By comparison, the recommended amount in non-pregnant adults is 150 mcg a day.

If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about iodine supplementation, especially if your prenatal vitamin does not have iodine (many do not). Iodine supplements may also be necessary if you are deficient in the mineral.

You will also need to continue monitoring your iodine intake if you are breastfeeding. The recommended daily amount of iodine while nursing is 290 mcg. That is because the iodine you take up from diet and supplementation is transferred via breast milk to your nursing infant. This is a crucial brain developmental period, so infants need 110 mcg per day until they have reached 6 months of ageTrusted Source.

6. Improving cognitive function

The same neurological benefits of iodine during pregnancy may extend to healthy brain function during childhood. This also includes a reduced riskTrusted Source of intellectual disability.

It is likely your child gets all the iodine they need through their diet, but if you have any questions about their iodine intake, talk to their pediatrician.

7. Improving birth weight

As with brain development, iodine during pregnancy is associated with a healthy birth weight. One studyTrusted Source of pregnant women with goiters found that 400 mg of iodine taken daily for six to eight weeks was helpful in correcting goiters related to iodine deficiency. In turn, there was an overall improvement in birth weight in newborns.

While iodine intake can impact a baby’s birth weight and overall development, it is important to note that the above study focused on women in developing areas who were already deficient in iron.

Unless your doctor has determined you are iodine deficient, taking supplements are not likely to impact your baby’s weight at birth. In fact, taking iodine unnecessarily can cause health issues.

8. May help treat fibrocystic breast disease

It is possible that iodine supplements or medications can help treat fibrocystic breast disease. This non-cancerous condition is most common in women of reproductive age, and it can cause painful breast lumps.

Although there is some promise that iodine might help with fibrocystic breast cysts, you should not attempt self-treatment. Only take iodine for this condition if your doctor specifically recommends it. Otherwise, you could be at risk of side effects from iodine toxicity.

9. Disinfecting water

Iodine is just one method of water disinfection. This may be especially helpful if you do not have access to potable water due to traveling or effects from a natural disaster.

Two percent liquid iodine tincture may be added to water in five-drop increments per one quart of clear water. If the water is cloudy, add ten drops per quart.

Iodine tablets may also be used, but the instructions can vary by manufacturer.

Despite the role iodine can play in disinfecting drinking water, there is also some concerns that it can increase total iodine intake in humans and lead to adverse health effects. Total iodine intake should not exceed 2 mg per dayTrusted Source.

10. Protection from nuclear fallout

In the case of nuclear emergencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of potassium iodide (KI) to protect the thyroid gland from radiation injuries. These are available in tablet and liquid formulas.

While not completely foolproof, the sooner KI is taken, the better the thyroid is thought to be protected in the event of this kind of emergency.

There are serious risks associated with KI, including gastrointestinal upset, inflammation, and allergic reaction. You are also at increased risk for thyroid disease. Your risk for complications is higher if you already have thyroid disease.

11. Treating infections

Iodine can be used topically in a liquid form to help treat and prevent infections. It works by killing bacteria in and around mild cuts and scrapes.

Topical iodine should not be used on newborn babies. It should also not be used for deep cuts, animal bites, or burns.

Follow directions on the packaging for dosage information, and do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.

How much iodine do you need?

To reduce our risk for iodine deficiency, the National Institutes of HealthTrusted Source (NIH) has the following recommendations for daily intake based on age:

Age	Daily recommended amount in micrograms (mcg)
birth–6 months	110 mcg
infants between 7–12 months	130 mcg
children 1–8 years old	90 mcg
children 9–13 years old	120 mcg
adults and teens, 14 and older	150 mcg
pregnant women	220 mcg
nursing women	290 mcg

 

Side effects of iodine

Possible side effects from too much iodine include:

• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• fever
• burning sensations in the throat and mouth
• stomach pain

In more severe cases, iodine toxicity may lead to coma.

You should not take iodine if you have a thyroid condition, unless recommended by your doctor.

Young children and the elderly are more prone to iodine side effects.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency can only be diagnosed via urine tests.

The symptoms of low iodine levels are primarily detected through thyroid symptoms, such as:

• a visible goiter
• thyroid gland that’s painful or tender to the touch
• breathing difficulties, especially when lying down
• difficulty swallowing
• fatigue
• extreme feelings of coldness, despite normal temperatures
• hair loss
• depression
• brain fog
• unintentional weight gain

 

Who should take iodine?

Your doctor might recommend iodine supplements if your levels are low. The only way to know for certain is by checking your levels through a urine test. After that point, your doctor may recommend a supplement.

Iodine is available in stronger formulas through a prescription. However, these are used for serious health conditions only. For example, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength iodine if you have been exposed to radiation or have an overactive thyroid gland.

If you suspect you need iodine support, check with your doctor to see if you are a candidate.

 

The Role of Iodine in Cardiovascular Health

Iodine and iodine-rich foods enjoy a long history as natural therapies for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Even when no overt symptoms are evident, hypothyroidism can contribute to heart disease and stroke, and it increases the risk of death from these conditions.

Thyroid dysfunction creates unfavorable disturbances in lipid profiles, elevating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels and raising the risk of atherosclerosis. Hypothyroidism also weakens the heart muscle, causing it to “squeeze” less firmly with each contraction; it can cause cardiac arrhythmias as well. 

These effects may not be evident at rest but become important during moderate exercise. Low thyroid function is also associated with higher waist-to-hip ratios, an obesity-related risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Restoring normal thyroid function helps reverse multiple cardiovascular risk factors, most notably adverse lipid profiles. Yet mainstream medicine has traditionally used thyroid hormone treatment, which may be dangerous if its over-drives an already weakened heart.

Iodine therapy shows promise in safely and effectively modulating these health concerns.

 

Iodine Protects Against Stomach Cancer[BK1] 

The thyroid gland, breast tissue, and portions of the digestive tract share similarities in that all of them contain a rich concentration of iodine.  Stomach lining cells in particular concentrate iodine, capitalizing on its antioxidant effects.

This has led medical researchers to investigate whether iodine deficiency plays a role in cancers of the digestive tract.

They found that people living in iodine-deficient areas of the world are not only prone to iodine-deficiency goiters, but also have higher rates of stomach cancers.  Stomach cancer patients in a landlocked area of Iran were 2.5 times as likely to have severe iodine deficiency than control patients.  

Gastric cancer is the most common cancer in parts of northeastern Turkey where iodine deficiency is common, and iodine levels in gastric cancer tissue were markedly lower than those in surrounding healthy tissue.

Increased iodine intake has been strongly correlated with a reduction in stomach cancer rates in recent years.

 

Iodine from the sea:  The most effective natural form

Earth's oceans are the main source of iodine on the planet, and nowhere is iodine as highly concentrated as in seaweed. Seaweeds such as kelp and bladderwrack can concentrate and storing iodine at high level.  Scientists speculate that these primitive plants accumulate iodine to protect themselves from oxidative stress in the open ocean. Humans can reap the benefits of this natural process because the iodine in the seaweeds is in the most biologically available form, making it ideal for consumption.

 

In Summary

Iodine is an essential nutrient. People with access to iodized salt, seafood, and certain vegetables can get enough iodine from their diet.

Iodine is critical to healthy thyroid function. Its deficiency can cause weight gain, low energy, depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and a variety of cancers.

Yet rates of iodine deficiency have reached epidemic levels, increasing fourfold over the past 40 years. A startling 74% of normal, “healthy” adults may no longer be consuming enough.

Recent scientific analysis reveals that many commercial table salt brands now contain inadequate amounts of iodine. Emerging evidence points to the severe impact of low iodine on a wide range of health issues, including increased risks of breast cancer and fibrocystic breast diseases.

In some cases, you may need iodine supplementation to help reduce your risk for iodine deficiency, or as a treatment for certain medical conditions, such as underactive thyroid or goiter.

11 Proven Benefits of Olive Oil

 

The olive tree is one of the oldest known cultivated trees on the planet. The olive was so prized for its health benefits and taste; it may have even been considered a source of wealth in ancient times.

Today, olive oil is consumed all across the world and is still an integral part of the Mediterranean diet.  I have started taking a shot of olive oil first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It’s a great way to feel satiated in the morning and get the body up and running.  It has helped me to bring up my good cholesterol level since I started on this regiment.   I believe the benefits of taking a spoonful in the morning are far more and I intend to continue as long as olive is around (Watch me take a spoonful of olive oil).   

Here are other benefits of olive that we often ignore to recognize and take it for granted.   Many of these are proven and are backed by science.

Proven Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil offers many benefits for the mind and body. Whether applied topically or eaten with meals, olive oil can help support health and well-being.

1. May Help Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.

Oleic acid makes up 73% of the oil content in olive oil. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation. It’s also been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein.

Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation-causing free radicals. One of the key antioxidants that works against inflammation is oleocanthal, which has been shown to have similar effects to ibuprofen.

2. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Olive oil is often promoted as a heart-healthy fat, and there is evidence that extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can benefit the heart in many ways.

For starters, EVOO is rich in polyphenols that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also help reduce plaque formation in the arteries and cholesterol levels. 

One study found that regular consumption of EVOO helped reduced the dosage for hypertension drugs in participants.

3. Antibacterial Properties

Research shows that olive oil may have antibacterial properties that may destroy the bacteria associated with stomach cancer and ulcers.

Test-tube studies have also found that EVOO may even help fight against strains of bacterium that are resistant to antibiotics. One human study suggests that taking 30 grams of EVOO daily can help eliminate certain bacterial infections in up to 40% of people in just two weeks.

The antibacterial properties of olive oil may help combat infection.

4. A Rich Source of Antioxidants

Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants that can help fight damaging free radicals. Along with its fatty acids, which have antioxidant properties, this oil also contains vitamins E and K, both of which are antioxidants.

The body is constantly fighting oxidative stress. Oxygen inside of the body splits into single atoms (called free radicals), and because electrons like to be in pairs, these single atoms roam the body looking for other electrons to pair with. As they roam and scavenge the body, they damage proteins, cells and DNA.

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals to help prevent this damage. When the body can’t fight back against oxidative stress, it can lead to disease.

In addition to fighting inflammation and free radicals, olive oil can also help prevent the oxidation of blood cholesterol.

EVOO contains more than 20 different phenols, a group of antioxidants that may have cancer-fighting and heart health-promoting properties. Phenols can be powerful cell protectors.

5. May Help Prevent Obesity

Excess dietary fat can cause weight gain, but research shows that the Mediterranean diet – which is rich in olive oil – may actually prevent obesity.

One study involving 7,000 Spanish college students found that olive oil consumption was not linked to weight gain.

Some plant phenols may also help combat obesity by regulating cell function. The polyphenols in EVOO can help boost insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism while regulating blood sugar levels.

The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can also promote healthy weight and prevent obesity. Animal studies have found that diets rich in monounsaturated fats prevented weight gain and the accumulation of fat.

Olive oil is also an excellent source of medium-chain triglycerides, which has been linked to weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

6. May Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes

At least 400 million people across the world have type 2 diabetes. With more people leading sedentary lifestyles and eating poor diets, type 2 diabetes has become a growing problem across the world.

Olive oil may help prevent type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that olive oil can help regulate blood sugar levels while improving insulin sensitivity.

One clinical trial involving 418 people found that following the Mediterranean diet with a high consumption of olive oil reduced the risk of diabetes. Risks were lower even without significant changes in physical activity or body weight.

7. May Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

An estimated 50 million people have dementia across the world, and up to 70% of those cases are Alzheimer’s disease.

The neurodegenerative condition is believed to be caused by a build-up of beta-amyloid plaques in brain cells.

One study in mice found that olive oil contains substances that can remove those plaques.

Another human study found that following the Mediterranean diet with olive oil helped brain function.

A separate study found that mice receiving extra virgin olive oil performed better on memory and maze tests compared to mice that didn’t receive the oil. Brain tissue analysis also showed that the olive oil-eating mice had better neuroplasticity and synapse function compared to the control group.

8. Great for the Skin

Olive oil is a common ingredient in beauty and skincare products. It's an excellent moisturizer, and it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants that benefit the skin, including vitamins A, D, E and K.

The antioxidants in olive oil may also help reverse the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Its antibacterial effects can help combat acne by killing bacteria.

Olive oil is an excellent skin moisturizer, and it’s also comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. It also acts as a barrier to protect your skin against irritants.

While you can apply olive oil to your skin (it’s also found in many moisturizing and skin treatment products), you can also consume it in your diet to enjoy its skin-healing benefits. It can be used all over.

9. Promotes Healthy Gallbladder Function

Drinking olive oil can benefit the gallbladder by increasing the production of bile and pancreatic juices.

Healthy production of bile and pancreatic juices can help decrease the risk of gallstones and is necessary for the breakdown of fats.

Olive oil and lemon juice has been used for centuries in European folk medicine to flush gallstones, so it’s no surprise that it can also be used to help prevent them in the first place.

10. Promotes Healthy Bones

Throughout most of our lives, our bones are constantly breaking down and reforming. After age 50, the breakdown of bone starts to outpace the formation of bone. In some cases, bone loss can lead to the development of osteoporosis.

Preventing or minimizing bone loss is key to preventing osteoporosis.

The polyphenols in olive oil can help keep your bones healthy and strong as you age. Olive oil can help increase bone formation while helping with the breakdown of calcium.

In fact, research shows that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, unrefined grains and fish can help reduce hip bone loss in just 12 months.

Oleuropein, a primary phenolic compound in olive oil, may boost osteoblast formation, which can help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

Animal research has shown that anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil may help prevent bone loss.

11. May Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis

At least 20 million people worldwide are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chronic inflammatory disorder not only affects the joints, but can also damage blood vessels, the lungs, skin, eyes and other body systems. It’s considered an autoimmune disorder, and it can cause painful joint stiffness.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis isn’t well understood, but it causes the immune system to erroneously attack healthy cells.

Research shows that olive oil may reduce oxidative stress (thanks to its antioxidants) and improve inflammatory markers in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

One study also found that, when combined with fish oil, olive oil helped improve joint stiffness and handgrip strength in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Maximizing the Benefits of Olive Oil

To truly maximize the benefits of olive oil, you need to make sure that you’re consuming the right type.

Pure, cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil retains more bioactive compounds and antioxidants than more refined versions of the oil.

Make sure that you buy from a reputable brand, as many olive oils that are labeled “extra virgin” are diluted with more refined oils. Check for quality certification and read the ingredients label to make sure you’re buying authentic extra-virgin olive oil.

Olive oil offers many potential health benefits, and it’s a healthy fat that’s easy to add to your diet. Whether you take a “shot” in the morning on an empty stomach or add it to your daily meals, there are so many ways to reap the benefits of olive oil.  So, enjoy your olive oil and improve your health!

You can see my recommendation and buy it Here.   

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