Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/800850
Iodine is a mineral known to be important for thyroid function. However, doctors are rarely taught how important adequate iodine intake is. The thyroid gland affects a huge list of functions in the body, and iodine is needed for proper thyroid function. Along with thyroid function, iodine is important for a whole host of reasons. Iodine is a mineral similar to calcium and magnesium. It is associated with the ocean and is found in large amounts in seaweed. It is also found in other plants and animals from the sea. Countries that depend on significant dietary intake of seafood and seaweed, such as Japan, boast a much higher iodine intake than many landlocked countries. Lack of iodine can lead to several different problems, including poor thyroid function. When the thyroid gland lacks iodine it may increase the size of the goiter. This enlarged gland searches out any iodine in the body. Scientists learned long ago that iodine supplementation, commonly done by adding it to salt, might help lessen iodine deficiency. Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is much more common than we realize. Over one billion people may be at risk for iodine deficiency. This has huge implications since low iodine is associated with mental retardation. Some estimates suggest that nearly 20 million infants may be at risk for brain damage or mental retardation due to low iodine during the mother's pregnancy. Proper amounts of iodine are needed for growth and development of the brain. Other Importance of Iodine conditions linked to low iodine include ADHD, pregnancy loss, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other nervous system diseases. Iodine support can help with many issues. Iodine is needed as the major mineral for the thyroid. Clinically, many people experiencing the common symptoms of low thyroid function such as fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain, dry skin and weak nails find benefit with iodine supplementation. Often these patients have normal thyroid tests but still feel that something is considerably out of balance. Iodine has been used to treat infections and help travelers purify water in the wilderness. Iodine is helpful to treat and prevent the formation of cysts, including ovarian and breast cysts. Many women have found significant relief from fibrocystic breast pain through iodine treatment. Many doctors feel that iodine deficiency is increasing. This is due to lack of iodine in the diet and because certain minerals may be blocking iodine from doing its job in the body. Iodine is in the same mineral family as three other elements: fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. These three elements are readily found in our environment; fluoride is added to water, and bromine is in many packaged foods. As exposure to these chemicals increase, there is a growing competition between iodine, fluorine, chlorine, and bromine in the body, Page 66 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com