Iodine is a trace mineral that we need in small daily doses
Iodine plays a central role in supporting healthy thyroid function. It is a key component of the hormones T3 and T4, which control metabolism, body weight, temperature, muscle strength and the nervous system, and influence proper development during pregnancy. T3 contains three iodine molecules, while T4 has four iodine molecules.
Iodine supports brain development in children and healthy mental function in adults. If we don’t have enough of it, we can develop symptoms such as depression, weight gain, hypothyroidism, infertility, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, memory problems and sensitivity to cold. Also, women can have heavy or irregular menstrual cycles or breast problems, and men can have an enlarged prostate.
Iodine helps maintain:
- Hormonal health
- Regulation of body temperature
- Cardiovascular health
- Detox from heavy metals
- Normal energy levels
- Breast health and menstrual cycle
- Immunity and respiratory system
- Healthy skin
- Good mood
- Normal body weight
Causes of iodine deficiency
There are a number of reasons why iodine levels may be low.
As with all essential nutrients, a healthy diet is the basis for obtaining the necessary amounts of iodine, and this can be a challenge in many areas of the world today.
- Iodine is a relatively rare mineral that is only found in small amounts in certain foods
- Soil contamination with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers can deplete iodine sources in the soil
- Fluoridated drinking water blocks iodine absorption
- Vegetarian diets contain limited sources of iodine
- Selenium deficiency, which is crucial for restoring iodine, as it acts as a catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormones
Antagonists of iodine, fluorine , chlorine and bromine , interfere with its absorption in the body
Iodine belongs to the group of halogen elements, together with fluorine, chlorine and bromine.
They all share some common molecular features, such as the ability to combine with metals to produce salts, and also have an equal number (7) of valence electrons in their outer shells. Because of this, the thyroid gland cannot distinguish between them, so it will absorb fluorine, chlorine or bromine instead of iodine, and will thus be left without the necessary iodine for the production of T3 and T4 hormones.
This means that these three elements are goitrogenic , because they interfere with thyroid function.
Unfortunately, the presence of fluorine, chlorine and bromine in our environment has increased over time.
Chlorine is used to disinfect public water pipes and water in swimming pools, and to bleach flour.
Many cities also add fluoride in the form of fluoride to their water systems, with the intention of protecting teeth from tooth decay.
Bromines and bromides are found in a variety of products, from soft drinks, flour and baked goods, to plastics and furniture.
Soy is also a goitrogen that interferes with iodine metabolism. Although we can avoid major sources of soy, such as soy milk, it is often hidden in the ingredients list of processed foods, so it is important to read the declarations if we want to preserve iodine levels.
Which food contains the most iodine?
Most of the foods with the highest levels of iodine come from the sea. 
Sea vegetables such as nori, wakame and kombu (kelp) are at the top of the list. It can contain up to 500% of the USDA Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). In Japan, sea vegetables are eaten almost every day. According to some estimates, the average Japanese consumes between 1000 and 3000 micrograms of iodine per day.
The next group of foods with a high content of iodine is sea fish (cod, sardines, salmon, tuna), caviar and shellfish, and eggs from organic farming.
Vegetables contain the most iodine: garlic, lima beans, zucchini, spinach and spinach, and fruits : prunes, strawberries, cranberries and pineapple.
To provide a simple alternative to increase iodine in the body, Earth Harmony Naturals has created an alcohol-free organic tincture in the form of potassium iodide, a very stable form that can be easily absorbed by the body.
This natural tincture contributes to overall metabolic health, and especially to the protection of the thyroid gland, which is important for the maintenance of all vital systems in the body.
Tips for taking potassium iodide tincture
Add 1 drop of the tincture to a little water and drink it after a meal or as recommended by a health advisor
For optimal thyroid function, it is important to take selenium in addition to iodine. It is good to take it through food or as a dietary supplement
