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Basic properties of iodine: benefits and harm to the body. Application and significance for humans

More and more often we hear that the diet of modern people lacks iodine. Why is this microelement so important for health, and what are the consequences of its absence?

Why is it needed?

Iodine is the only trace element that is directly involved in the synthesis of hormones. It is involved in the production of the thyroid hormone - thyroxine, the creation of which accounts for up to 90 percent of iodine consumed in food.

Thyroxine (and, consequently, iodine) controls and enhances the intensity of metabolism: water-salt metabolism, metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also regulates heat exchange in the body, cell division and growth, the functioning of the liver and cardiovascular system.

In addition, the state of the nervous system, the emotional state of a person and his psychological health depend on this hormone.

If there is not enough iodine

If not enough iodine is supplied with food, the thyroid gland produces little thyroxine. This condition is called hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency.

Most often, the lack of iodine is the first to affect the functioning of the nervous system: a person becomes forgetful, his attention and reaction decrease, irritability and drowsiness appear, and sometimes even depression occurs.

In addition, the immune system weakens, fluid stagnates in the body, and in women menstrual cycle, and infertility may develop. Problems with the heart and blood vessels appear: arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, decreased hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Body weight also increases - after all, there is too little thyroxine for the process of energy consumption to proceed the normal way, and it is stored as fat reserves. If you eat well and exercise a lot, but cannot get rid of really extra pounds, you should consult an endocrinologist - a slow metabolism is sometimes one of the signs of iodine deficiency.

If iodine deficiency is not replenished for a long time, thyroid tissue begins to grow, trying to compensate for the lack of thyroxine production in the number of cells. This enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a goiter.
For whom is iodine deficiency most dangerous?

Iodine deficiency is especially dangerous for pregnant women. If this important microelement is missing, the pregnancy may be terminated prematurely, and the baby may be born dead or with a serious malformation - cretinism.

The growing body of children suffers no less from iodine deficiency: they begin to lag behind in mental and physical development. As a rule, this is a slowdown in body growth and impaired perception of information and speech.

How much iodine do you need?

It is easy to check whether there is enough iodine in the body using a urine test, along with which its excess is eliminated.

The “mesh” will not show anything

But the common method of assessing the rate of “absorption” of an iodine mesh applied to the skin is nothing more than a delusion dangerous to health.

After all, only iodine salts – iodides – are absorbed in the body. And an iodine solution contains molecular iodine - that is, a completely different form of iodine. And the rate of disappearance of the mesh depends only on body temperature and the external environment.

How to replenish iodine deficiency?

The most iodine is found in seafood: seaweed it is found in about 220 mg per 100 g, and in shrimp - 150 mg per 100 g. In meat, milk and dairy products, the iodine content is only 7–16 mcg/100 g. And in drinking water in most regions of our country there is very little of it - 0.2–2 µg/l.

If there is a clear lack of iodine in the diet, the endocrinologist may prescribe special vitamin and mineral supplements. preparations containing iodine. You cannot start taking them uncontrolled - the type of drug and its dosage are selected only after detailed tests.

In order to enrich the diet with iodine, specially labeled food products, to which is added from 10 to 30 percent daily norm this microelement.

The most popular among them is iodized table salt, which contains about 45 mcg/g of iodine. If you use it in food instead of regular food, you can get the entire daily requirement of iodine.

What you need to know about iodized salt?

Information about added iodine should be included on the salt package. For Russia, these are GOSTs 13830–91 and R 51575–2000. “Sea”, “fossil”, “phyto”, “with vitamins” salts do not contain a sufficient amount of iodine.

Iodized salt retains its properties for no longer than 3–4 months, even in a closed container.

Very much iodine evaporates from such salt during intense boiling. At in different ways When preparing food, its loss ranges from 22 to 60 percent.

Iodine also quickly evaporates from wet salt and open salt shakers.

The main thing about iodine

Iodine deficiency prevents us from losing weight and enjoying life, and its deficiency can only be determined by an endocrinologist based on blood and urine tests. The easiest way to compensate for iodine deficiency in the diet is to use only iodized salt in the kitchen.

When we hear the word “iodine”, we immediately imagine a medicine that is used to disinfect a wound and treat inflammation. With iodine you can quickly relieve bruises and bruises on the skin. But, above all, it is a chemical element whose properties make it a truly universal remedy. It is everywhere around us, although in small quantities: in soil and minerals, in plants and water. It is practically insoluble in water and can evaporate at normal temperatures.

What is iodine

Iodine is an element that is responsible for the normal growth of all mammals, including humans. If it did not exist in nature, life would look different; It’s even hard to imagine what people would be like.

Iodine enters the human body through water and food, and through inhaled air and through the skin - in small doses; then accumulates in the thyroid gland. Participates in the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine - hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is functioning normally, its cells extract iodine from the blood. At the same time, metabolism proceeds normally - which means that iodine affects the functioning of the whole organism.

It also helps the formation of cells necessary for our body, a kind of cleaners that capture and destroy foreign microorganisms and damaged cells. This element is of paramount importance for the normal growth and development of children and adolescents; participates in the formation of bones and cartilage, in protein synthesis, stimulates mental abilities, improves performance and neutralizes fatigue.

Iodine is also necessary for lipid metabolism and metabolism in subcutaneous tissue. It promotes the breakdown of fat and prevents the appearance of cellulite. A normal amount of iodine in the body helps burn fat during diets, keeps you active and gives you energy, and promotes healthy skin, nails and teeth.

How does iodine deficiency manifest itself and the consequences of its deficiency?

Iodine deficiency and deficiency develops in residents of areas where the soil and water are poor in this element. The deficiency condition is aggravated if the food of these people is poor in complete proteins and vitamins C and A. Then, “Hashimoto’s goiter” develops - a disease of the thyroid gland; immunity weakens and metabolic processes in the body are disrupted; memory deteriorates, the affected person’s energy is quickly depleted and fatigue is constantly felt; he is irritable, often has a headache, his weight changes sharply, he experiences severe sweating and drowsiness. Iodine deficiency diseases are the basis of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disorders.

Thyroxine and the thyroid gland

- iodinated thyroid hormone. It is an inactive compound representing 90% of the gland's production. It is capable of being converted into the active phase and converted under the action of enzymes into triiodothyronine. Two iodine-containing hormones optimize energy processes in the body and affect nervous system and functions of the heart, kidneys and liver.

Thyroxine affects blood pressure– increases it; mobility and mental activity depend on the level of the same hormone. Thyroxine affects metabolism and the speed of thought processes. This affects your heart rate.

With normal levels of the hormone in the blood, no excess weight, if there are no diseases that contribute overweight. This type of effect is associated with the role of thyroxine in metabolic rate. When a person with normal thyroxine levels eats more than necessary, the body produces more thyroxine and active fat burning follows.

The daily need for iodine depends on the type and physiological state of the person; features of puberty, pregnancy, breast-feeding etc., which require high doses. The World Health Organization has established the following daily iodine requirements for adults and children:

50 mcg for infants and children up to 12 months;
90 mcg for children 2-6 years old;
120 mcg for children 7-12 years old;
150 mcg for adolescents over 12 years of age;
100 mcg for adults;
200 mcg for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment with iodine for internal use requires dosage. It is taken for iodine deficiency. 90% of the element comes through food, and the remaining 10% through water and air. That is why a walk along the seashore is an addition to the menu, where the air is saturated with healing vapors of iodine compounds. When taken, iodine affects metabolism, enhances the functions of the thyroid gland and promotes the production of thyroid hormones, reduces cholesterol in the blood, and is necessary in the treatment of atherosclerosis. In addition, the microelement increases the fibrinolytic activity of the blood.

What is iodine tincture used for?

Tincture of iodine is an alcohol solution that is used to disinfect tissue around the damaged area. This is a good antiseptic, which is also used for purulent skin lesions. If treatment with iodine tincture on the damaged area is insufficiently effective, consultation with a doctor is necessary. In some therapeutic practices, iodine is also used to treat respiratory diseases and nasopharyngeal infections.

Official medicine defines iodine tincture as a topical remedy with a therapeutic effect on the skin and mucous membranes. The solution is also used as an additional remedy for muscle inflammation (applied to the skin above the problem muscle).

Composition of iodine tincture

Tincture of iodine is an alcohol solution. The classic formula contains 5% iodine in a 70% ethanol solution of potassium iodide and a small amount of purified water. In practice, weak solutions of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5 to 7% are used for treatment of mucous membranes and wounds.

A standard 5% tincture is also used to disinfect untreated drinking water; you will need 10 drops of tincture per liter of water.

Use of Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is a product for local external use in the form of a solution or ointment (a chemically stable complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone and iodine). Used in the treatment of dermatoses with secondary bacterial infection, affecting wounds and trophic ulcers, infections, the drug is effective in painful conditions with bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is applied in a thin layer several times during the day.

How do iodine vapors affect humans?

Inhaling iodine vapor on the seashore, an old therapeutic approach to strengthening the immune system and respiratory system. It is recommended to take walks along the seashore 7-10 days within half an hour to an hour after sunrise. When there is a high concentration of beneficial ions in the air and the effect is most effective.

Direct inhalation of iodine vapor obtained when passing into a gaseous state is dangerous: they are toxic, and their entry through the respiratory tract causes irritation and burns.

At the same time, iodine vapor is used at home for irritation of the upper respiratory tract. To do this, add five drops of iodine to boiled water and inhale the steam, covered with a towel. Breathe like this for 15-20 minutes twice a day.

With a small amount of iodine tincture - 5%, you can make a solution for gargling, for problems with the mouth and throat. Add one teaspoon of table salt and soda, and 2-3 drops of iodine to a glass of warm water. Stir and gargle 5-8 times a day. An excellent disinfectant.

Use as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds

Iodine is a proven antiseptic with a proven effect in eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. Iodine solution is regularly used when treating operating areas in surgery. Antiseptic preparations containing iodine are used in medical interventions, for example, when placing catheters, punctures, etc.

Iodine solution is used to disinfect the skin around the injury, with open wounds. The tincture is also suitable for those cases when it is necessary to dry an injured skin area. Iodine should not be used on an open wound or deep cut.

How to treat nail fungus with iodine at home

To treat fungus on toenails, a tincture is used; a solution with a concentration of 5% is suitable. When a fungal infection occurs, nail treatment is carried out every day, and for preventive purposes- once every three days. With regular use, you may feel a slight burning sensation, if it intensifies or you notice redness, treatment is suspended.

How does the procedure work? Each infected nail is treated with one drop of tincture. The procedure is performed twice a day. This causes your nails to turn yellow - we hope you won’t wear sandals like this. Also, you won't be able to use nail polish until the fungus is treated.

Iodine solution also works on fungi on the feet and between the toes. On average, it takes about 20 days to cure fungus on the skin and nails with iodine.

How does iodine help the thyroid gland with hypothyroidism?

When a person has hypothyroidism, the production of thyroid hormones decreases. This condition occurs when the gland tissue is damaged or due to iodine deficiency in the body. It is important to diagnose the cause of this condition; if this is the so-called “endemic goiter”, it is recommended to take iodine-containing drugs. A diet with an emphasis on iodine-containing foods, such as beets, garlic, walnuts, onions, is also recommended. chokeberry, strawberries and fish.

Radioiodine therapy - treatment with radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine is useful in the treatment of goiter, thyroid cancer, and hyperthyroidism. This type of treatment requires a hospital stay, for thyrotoxicosis - one day, and for tumor formation - up to 5 days. For treatment and diagnosis, special tools and equipment are needed.

How to gargle

You can gargle with iodine tincture - this is an old way of traditional medicine. It is used for sore throat and is suitable for adults and adolescents. Some recipes recommend five drops of a 5% iodine solution per 50 ml of water; rinsing is carried out in the morning and evening. According to other recommendations, the proportion is as follows: 7-8 drops of tincture are dripped into a glass of water and a teaspoon of salt and baking soda is added.

It is important not to overdose as there is a risk of throat irritation. It is safer to take a three percent tincture or buy water enriched with iodine ion vapor at a pharmacy. Iodine concentrate is also available with varying ionic contents of thermally stable iodine. It is used to prepare various iodized products according to special recipes.

Can I take iodine?

Self-medication while taking iodine tincture is dangerous and can cause burns to the respiratory tract; In addition, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of this approach, and at the same time there are warnings about subsequent dysbiosis. However, supporters traditional methods treatments use some recipes that they consider safe. We will quote them with the condition that you will use them after consulting your doctor, in order to avoid unwanted side effects and reactions:

Five drops of iodine tincture are dripped into a glass of water or fresh milk and drunk for heavy metal poisoning, endocrine diseases and inflammation of the respiratory tract;
A drop of iodine tincture in a glass of milk helps with atherosclerosis; add a spoonful of honey and drink once a week - in the evening, after meals;
When coughing, drink a glass of hot water with three drops of iodine;
For a runny nose initial stage, drink half a glass of water with five drops of iodine tincture. Inhaling the vapors of an iodine solution also helps with a runny nose.
A liter of water from an uncertified source can be “legalized” with 1-3 drops of tincture; drink after half an hour.

Use for indigestion

An old practice is to suppress severe indigestion with tincture of iodine. Suitable therapy for adults is 2-3 drops of solution per glass of water, which is drunk immediately. The solution has an unpleasant taste, so you should have some kind of bite to suppress nausea, such as a piece of lemon.

Iodine and aspirin for joint pain

Iodine with aspirin is a well-known combination from traditional medicine practice. It is believed to help with arthritis and rheumatism; It is used as an external remedy and relieves pain and stiffness. It is very simple to prepare a cheap antibiotic; five crushed aspirin tablets are dissolved in 10 ml of iodine tincture. The ointment is applied to the sore spot in the evening before bedtime and loosely wrapped with a bandage. With the same ingredients, you can make a healing oil by mixing white petroleum jelly from the pharmacy.

For pain in the legs, you can take a partial bath with warm water, in which 25 g of sea salt and 12 drops of iodine tincture are dissolved. Take 15 minutes every evening for two weeks.

For psoriasis

According to the recommendation of users on the Internet: you can use 5% iodine tincture against psoriasis. It is believed that baths diluted with iodine help in the healing process of psoriasis plaques. If your feet are affected, every evening fill a bowl with hot water and a tablespoon of sea salt, and add 20-30 drops of iodine to it. Keep your feet in it until the water cools down. Then, using a cotton swab soaked in the cooled solution, apply to the remaining stains and leave on the smeared area until dry. This therapy is practiced until the spots begin to disappear and the itching stops.

However, this approach only partially solves the problems of this disease. Since the underlying disease is related to the reactions of the immune system, it is important to balance it, and this helps healthy eating, cleansing the body, etc.

For hair

Iodine deficiency always affects the condition of the hair; the lack of this element affects the functions of the thyroid gland, and deviations in it become noticeable through symptoms such as hair loss, dry and brittle hair, fatigue, and irritability.
Regarding hair, you need to act in two directions: taking iodine-containing drugs or supplements if the doctor has identified abnormalities, or using an external mask and shampoos with added iodine.

The simplest approach is to cook herbal decoction, suitable for your hair type with the addition of five drops of iodine. A universal means of strengthening hair and restoring its shine and elasticity is green tea, to which 5-8 drops of iodine are added when cooling.

Make the following hair mask with iodine tincture:

Beat a raw egg with a spoonful of cream or whole yogurt; add 5-8 drops of five percent iodine tincture; lubricate the hair roots and massage, and then distribute over the entire length. Rinse with shampoo and warm water after an hour or an hour and a half.

Iodine and baby oil for hair removal

The combination of iodine and baby oil produces a mixture that can be used to painlessly remove unwanted hair. This home recipe requires a two percent tincture solution, which is mixed very thoroughly with oil. One tablespoon of iodine solution, and baby oil- one coffee cup. The treated area is lubricated and wiped with a cloth after five minutes. This mask not only removes hair, but also stops the growth of new ones after it is repeated 2-3 times.

Pregnancy test with iodine

In order to determine possible pregnancy, many women use iodine. This method, despite its unconventionality, is a very common, and most importantly, harmless way to determine the presence of pregnancy.

This method is often used because of its reliability. Also, it should be noted that iodine solution is almost always at hand, which makes it possible to find out if you are pregnant without any additional means. Iodine allows a woman to know if she is pregnant even in the smallest stages.

Scientists have found that an iodine solution, when in contact with the urine of a pregnant woman, gives an oxidation reaction. This happens due to the fact that iodine meets with female hormones, which are produced by the body only during gestation. Under the influence of this oxidation reaction, the iodine solution changes its usual brown to purple.

An interesting fact is that in translation from ancient Greek the word “iodine” is translated as “purple”. It was named so because since ancient times, this substance has been used to check the freshness of certain products, as well as their starch content.

How to take a pregnancy test using iodine

For the test you will need:

A small piece of napkin or paper.
Pipette.
Urine jar. It can be either glass or plastic. Urine must be collected in the morning.

The procedure itself is very simple.

To begin, apply a few drops of urine onto a napkin or paper using a pipette. Then take a few drops of iodine and apply it to the same piece of paper or napkin. After this you only need to wait a few seconds.

If the place where iodine was applied changes its color to purple or pink, this result indicates a positive test result. If the color is dark blue or brown, this indicates the absence of pregnancy.

This pregnancy test is popular because it is not difficult to carry out, and the test result can be seen immediately with the naked eye.

Sugar syrup for bees with nosematosis

Magic powder: iodine and ammonia

Mixing these components is one of the experiments in recreational chemistry. To implement it, you need equal amounts of ammonia and iodine from the pharmacy. As a result chemical reaction a precipitate and a clear liquid are formed - our interest is directed to the precipitate. Filter it thoroughly and spread a small amount onto sheets of paper. Dry in the shade. Traces of fallen sediment, when touched, emit a crackling sound - thunder. This is a chic room, especially among teenagers.

Iodine on potatoes. Detection of starch in milk

If we drop a few drops of iodine tincture on potatoes, they will turn blue - this is due to the presence of starch in the tubers. This reaction can be used to test whether starch is added to fresh milk to mask dilution with water. Even one drop of iodine in a cup of milk is enough to check the content of the product - if starch is present, the reaction will be exactly the same as for potatoes.

Lugol's solution is named after its creator, Lugol. The drug was created in the early 19th century and has been used for a long time as an effective antiseptic, including for internal use and enemas. It is a combination of iodine, potassium iodide and water or glycerin. The drug contains up to 5% iodine and practically resembles the well-known tincture of iodine, without alcohol. Lugol's solution is used for wounds and skin irritations, as a prophylactic against endemic goiter, atherosclerosis, complex treatment syphilis and much more.

After the Chernobyl accident, it was one of the main preventive measures for the population to prevent the accumulation radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland.

Lugol's throat solution

For diseases of the nasopharynx and affected mucous membranes, the places are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in a solution - the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, throat with atrophic rhinitis of the nasal cavity, as well as chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually recommended to repeat the procedure two or three times a day for 2-3 days.

Lugol's spray - for children and adults

The solution has an unpleasant taste, so a spray is recommended for children, with which it is easy to reach the problem area of diseased mucous membranes. One injection is prescribed 4-6 times a day for 2-3 days; then we continue 2-3 times a day, up to three times a week for two months.

Foods rich in iodine

The main source of iodine for the body is food. We will specifically mention iodized and sea salt because they help maintain normal iodine intake. The most iodine-rich seafood products are fish, tuna, cod, shrimp, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products, potatoes, green beans, plums and blueberries, seaweed, bananas and strawberries. Canned corn is beneficial white bread.

Which foods contain the most iodine and selenium?

Seafood and dairy products must be consumed due to the rich presence of selenium in them. Selenium deficiency also impairs thyroid function and causes various problems in the gastrointestinal tract, vision and makes the immune system more vulnerable to negative effects. Taking optimal doses of iodine and selenium is mentioned among cancer prevention measures.

Seeds and nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are another source of selenium. It is also present in berries such as strawberries and grapes, grains and meat.

Prices for drugs with iodine

Information about these prices is for 2017. Changes could occur.

Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is the active ingredient in many antiseptics - products used to treat wounds, burns, infections and inflammation, such as Braunovidone, Braunol, Iodosept, etc. As a rule, Povidone-iodine derivatives are not expensive and are easy to use and last a long time . The price is 250-500 rubles.

Iodine tablets

The available "iodine" form is potassium iodide tablets, equivalent to 94 mg of iodine. A package of 100 tablets costs about 100 rubles. The product is recommended for problems with the thyroid gland and is taken in doses and duration determined by a specialist.

Yodoral

Yodoral is a dietary supplement - potassium iodide capsules from Optimox Corporation. Sold on iherb.com, costs approx. 2500 rub. for 180 capsules and 1400 rubles for 90 capsules. Before taking this drug, consult your doctor about the dosage and duration of use.

Iodoform

Another antiseptic and disinfectant; crystalline volatile substance with a strong odor - for purulent wounds and ulcers. 25 grams in a dark glass bottle cost approximately 500 rubles. It is a compound of iodine, hydrogen and carbon. It is also used as an anesthetic.

Iodixanol

X-ray contrast agent for cardiac angiography, coronary angiography, cerebral angiography, abdominal aortography, blood vessel examination, urography, research gastrointestinal tract, myelography, arthrography. Also applicable to studies of children. Iodixanol price from 18,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Iodomarin

A widely used iodine preparation that can be accurately dosed depending on the application. Average price from 120 to 350 rubles.

Iodine active

An organic compound of iodine that is built into the milk protein molecule. With a lack of iodine, the trace element is actively absorbed and the excess is excreted from the body rather than entering the thyroid gland. Cost from 65 to 270 rubles per pack, depending on the number of tablets.

Endocrinol

It is a source of flavonoids and vitamin E. It helps improve the functional state of the thyroid gland. Price per pack from 190 to 400 rubles.

Contraindications

With long-term use of drugs containing iodine and hypersensitivity, responses such as runny nose, increased salivation, lacrimation, urticaria, rash, and Quincke's edema may occur. You should not use drugs with iodine for pulmonary tuberculosis, pregnancy, kidney disease, chronic pyoderma.

Overdose

Home iodine prophylaxis and self-treatment iodine-containing products can lead to overdose. Symptoms:

Thirst,
Difficulty breathing
Nausea,
Vomit.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Unregulated use of iodine supplements can cause iodine accumulation in the body, which affects the condition and function of the thyroid gland. An overdose can also have toxic effects leading to death.

10 facts you need to know about iodine and thyroid health

As you know, the speed of our metabolism depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. And sometimes the fact that we gain weight when, it would seem, we should lose it, or, conversely, we eat for three and still cannot gain weight, is due to the increased or decreased production of thyroid hormones. According to statistics, among endocrine diseases, thyroid pathologies occupy first place. Fatigue, apathy, lack of strength, depression, drowsiness, nervousness, memory impairment - all this can be typical symptoms of a lack of iodine in the body - the main microelement necessary for the health of the thyroid gland. It is iodine deficiency that is the main culprit of thyroid diseases. And often it undermines health gradually.

1. According to scientists, about 35% of the world's population, that is, every third of us, suffers from iodine deficiency. There are many studies showing that most residents of areas remote from the sea suffer from iodine deficiency.

2. According to the Ministry of Health, Russian residents on average consume about 40-80 mcg of iodine per day while adults and adolescents require 100-150 mcg, for children under one year of age the norm is about 50 mcg, for children under six years of age - 90 mcg. By the way, many doctors advise looking for the reasons for increased fatigue in schoolchildren and their poor performance in iodine deficiency.

3. Over a lifetime, a person consumes only about 3-5 g of iodine- no more than a teaspoon. For adults, the daily requirement for it, according to the norms World Health Organization,- 100-200 mcg, depending on age and health status. Pregnant and lactating women need the most iodine - 200 mcg. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency becomes especially dangerous; it can lead to spontaneous abortion, mental defects in the unborn child, and many other unpleasant consequences. The fact is that for the normal development of pregnancy and fetal development, thyroid hormones are needed, and since the fetal thyroid gland begins to work only from the second trimester of pregnancy, in the first months the embryo develops exclusively due to maternal hormones.

4. As scientists have found, 10-20% of the total amount of iodine that enters the body is immediately “taken” by the thyroid gland. Every day she consumes about 75 mcg (this amount also includes iodine circulating in the blood).

5. Record holders for iodine content - fish and seafood(those that we eat raw are especially useful - oysters, scallops, etc.), as well as cod liver. If you need to eat a kilogram of cod to replenish the daily requirement of this microelement, then 100 g of its liver contains about 370 mcg of iodine. Among plant foods, iodine is most abundant in walnuts and feijoa. But the most useful source of iodine, in the opinion of most nutritionists, is seaweed, or kelp; to replenish the daily requirement of iodine, it is enough to eat only 100 g of seaweed per day.

Alexey Kovalkov

nutritionist, presenter of the programs “Food with and without rules”, “Family Size”

Iodine bound to organic molecules is absorbed most effectively; it is most stable even during heat treatment. Kelp contains large number easily digestible iodine bound to organic molecules (on average up to 0.3% of dry weight) - more than all known medicinal plants. It is not for nothing that in many countries powder from kelp or its closest “relatives” - brown algae - is added to many products, including bread.

6. Calcium, selenium, vitamins B, C, D, and vitamin E help iodine to be better absorbed(the lack of the latter also greatly affects the work endocrine system). By the way, these vitamins and microelements can be found in seaweed and seafood.

7. Don't forget that there are foods that block the effect of iodine on the thyroid gland or even simply destroy it. Scientists include peanuts, sweet potatoes, maize, and soybeans. Radishes, radishes, horseradish, some types of cabbage and lettuce also contain organic substances that can reduce the production of thyroid hormones (especially if these vegetables are consumed in large quantities).

8. Iodine can be destroyed by fluorine- It is no coincidence that in regions where water is fluoridated, iodine deficiency is more common. Some scientists even advise being careful with fluoridated toothpastes - they strengthen teeth, but, again, they can deprive the body of the fluoride it needs.

9. Iodized salt, in the opinion of many nutritionists,- is far from the best option for preventing iodine deficiency. First of all, because iodine is an extremely volatile element, it is very quickly destroyed by humidity, light and high temperatures. Accordingly, after frying or boiling, there is practically no iodine left in iodized salt. And this is not to mention the fact that during 4-6 months of storage of such salt, iodine evaporates.

10. A trip to the sea is also a good way to replenish iodine “reserves” in the body. Of course, they won’t last long, but even a week at the seaside will be beneficial for your health. And while on the coast, eat more fish and seafood - the shorter their path to our table, the more iodine they contain.

Memory impairment, drowsiness, irritability - all this indicates a lack of iodine. But should you believe the advertisements? I took an iodine tablet and all my problems went away. In what doses and how to take iodine correctly?

The thyroid gland has the greatest need for iodine of all organs. It is she who synthesizes the most important hormones. It is worth paying more attention to this small but so important organ.

What if you decide that the thyroid gland is not the most important organ?

You are mistaken, because if you neglect her health, you can acquire the following diseases:

diabetes,
obesity,
hair loss,
brittle nails,
infertility.

And this is just the beginning.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect the human immune system, as well as brain function.

But all the symptoms that we talked about earlier may not arise due to iodine deficiency. Many other factors may be associated with them, so to find out whether we need iodine, it is worth undergoing a special examination, making accurate diagnoses, and not our guesses.

With each daily meal a person should receive a certain amount of iodine. But it is impossible to predict how much iodine you received from this or that food.

Signs of iodine deficiency in the body

The first signs of iodine deficiency in the body may be a sharp deterioration in health and poor health. If such symptoms last a long time or, as one might say, are already in an advanced stage, then a goiter may form on the thyroid gland.

Only a doctor can accurately determine the degree of iodine deficiency in the body and make an accurate diagnosis.

If you feel a lack of iodine, you are experiencing poor health, weakness, for preventive purposes you can take a course of iodine-mineral complex.

If after two weeks of taking the drugs you do not feel any improvement, then you need to dig in a completely different place.

If the opposite is true and you feel better from taking the drug, you can safely continue to take it for another 3 weeks.

If after taking an iodine-mineral complex, after a while you feel worse again, then you should contact a specialist who will find out the reason for your poor health.

Regular courses of iodine-mineral preparations are considered the most effective way out of this situation.

The risk of iodine deficiency can only be reduced proper nutrition. First of all, it's seafood. Also, products such as milk, feijoa, cereal and sour cream are full of iodine. It is worth adding exactly these foods to your diet that will help prevent iodine deficiency.

This tool will be discussed below. We will also tell you about what types of the mentioned drug exist, for what purposes they are used, and so on.

Iodine solution: instructions for use

Iodine has antimicrobial properties. This drug is characterized by a pronounced local irritant effect. At high concentrations it has a cauterizing effect.

The local use of iodine is due to its ability to precipitate tissue proteins. In case of deficiency, the synthesis of thyroid hormones is disrupted. In atherosclerosis, they cause a slight decrease in the concentration of beta-lipoproteins and cholesterol in the blood.

What other properties does elemental iodine have? The instructions for use indicate that this drug can increase the lipoproteinase and fibrinolytic activity of blood serum, as well as slow down the rate of its coagulation.

Methods of application

How should iodine be used? The instructions for use state that damaged areas of the skin are often treated with an alcohol solution.

For oral administration, the dosage of this drug is set at individually, depending on the patient’s age and indications.

Locally, this drug is used to wash supratonsillar spaces and lacunae. The procedures are carried out 4-5 times at intervals of 2-3 days.

To irrigate the nasopharynx, iodine solution is prescribed 2-3 times a week for 3 months.

This product is used for rinsing and instillation into the ear for 2-4 weeks. For burns and in surgical practice, gauze napkins are moistened with iodine and applied to the affected surface.

"Iodine-active": instructions for use

Reviews from experts say that iodine in the composition of the drug “Iodine-Active” is well absorbed when there is a deficiency of this element in the body, and when there is an excess, it is eliminated quite quickly, bypassing the thyroid gland. This effect is due to the fact that iodine is able to be cleaved from milk protein under the influence of liver enzymes produced when it is deficient. When there is too much iodine in the human body, enzymes are not produced. Thus, “Iodine-active”, instructions for use of which are presented below, is excreted without being absorbed into the blood.

Composition, form, indications, contraindications

"Iodine-active" goes on sale in the form of tablets. It contains skim milk powder, lactose monohydrate and iodocasein.

This drug is prescribed for iodine deficiency, as well as to reduce the risk of developing diseases that are associated with a deficiency of this element. “Iodine-active” should not be taken if you are individually intolerant to its components.

Dosage

In what dosage is Iodine-Active prescribed? The instructions for use indicate that this drug should be taken by adults and adolescents over 14 years of age, 1-2 tablets with meals (once a day).

Antiseptic drug "Povidone-iodine"

What components does Povidone-iodine contain? The instructions for use state that it active substance is povidone-iodine. Glycerin, novoksinol, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate 12-hydrate, demineralized water and macragol.

This product is available in the form of a 10% or 7.5% solution for external use with the formation of foam, as well as in the form of suppositories, ointments and concentrates for preparing solutions.

Indications for use

The indications of the drug "Povidone-iodine" depend on the form of its release. It is used for burns, infectious wounds, abrasions, bedsores, dermatitis, trophic ulcers, bad breath, fungal skin lesions, gynecological practice etc. This medication is also used as a disinfectant.

Methods of application

How should I use Povidone-iodine? The instructions for use state that this drug is intended for washing and lubricating infected areas of mucous membranes and skin. If required, use gauze bandages soaked in

If the medication is intended for drainage systems, it must be diluted with water.

Povidone-iodine suppositories are used deeply, intravaginally. The dosage, regimen and duration of use are determined only by a doctor.

The drug "Potassium iodide"

In what form is it produced? The instructions for use state that manufacturers produce this product in the form of tablets, drops and solution. This medication is used to treat hyperthyroidism and the development of endemic goiter. It is also often prescribed in preparation for surgical interventions in patients with severe thyrotoxicosis.

Potassium iodine is used to prevent diseases of the thyroid gland affected by radiation. It is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of syphilis.

Drug dosage

The drug "Potassium iodide" is taken orally in the form of tablets and solutions. The medication should be taken with sweet tea, milk or jelly to prevent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Patients with endemic goiter are prescribed 0.04 g of the drug once a week. For diffuse goiter, the medication is also used in the amount of 0.04 g, but three times a day. After this, the dosage is changed: 0.125 g twice a day. The duration of treatment for such diseases is 20 days.

To thin sputum, doctors prescribe a 1-3% solution of potassium iodide. In this case, the drug should be taken 3 large spoons three times a day.

Iodine monochloride

How it works The instructions for use indicate that this is an antiseptic drug that has an antimicrobial effect against many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi and viruses. It is also highly effective against eggs of a number of helminths, spores of anaerobic bacteria and coccidia oocysts.

Vapors of the undiluted drug cause quite severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, clouding of the cornea and conjunctivitis. With prolonged exposure to the skin, iodine monochloride causes ulceration and burns.

What is it used for?

Iodine monochloride is used for:

aerosol treatment of air in poultry and livestock buildings;
forced and preventive disinfection of the surfaces of poultry and livestock buildings, as well as the technological equipment located in them, auxiliary facilities and equipment;
treatment of animals that have been affected by ringworm;
processing the udder of cows.

Application

How should iodine monochloride be used? The instructions for use state that disinfection with this product is carried out by fine-droplet irrigation using spray equipment.

To treat animals that are sick with ringworm, the affected areas of the skin are treated with a 10% aqueous solution. The drug is applied in small portions using a cotton-gauze swab or brush, and then rubbed in thoroughly. It is advisable to carry out this procedure outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

For treatment (antiseptic) after milking, use a 0.5% solution of iodine monochloride, which is applied by spray.

Blue iodine

In addition to its antiseptic effect, blue iodine has irritant and also some poisonous effects.

There are quite a few areas where this type of drug is used.

Blue iodine solution is used to combat diseases such as:

dysentery, respiratory inflammation, acne, alcohol intoxication, colitis, hepatitis;
flatulence, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, ulcers and wounds on the skin, tuberculosis, various burns;
periodontal disease, food poisoning, dysbacteriosis, deterioration of the pancreas, chlamydia, intestinal or stomach ulcers;
salmonellosis, increased excitability, trichomoniasis, ulcerative erosions in the mouth, iodine deficiency, decreased intellectual activity, fungal infections;
gynecological diseases, hormonal imbalance, alveolitis, immune pathologies, stomatitis;
vascular atherosclerosis, dendritic and discal keratitis, pustular skin lesions, tonsillitis, mastitis.

Usage

How is blue iodine used? The instructions for use indicate that as a preventative measure, you should drink 4 dessert spoons of it, after adding it to 200 ml of plain water. It is enough to perform this procedure twice a day for 3 months.

If necessary, the dose of the drug can be increased.

In order to improve the taste, the product can be mixed with non-acidic natural juices or warm green tea.