Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of your body. It is required by every single cell in your body, not just your thyroid. Your thyroid is the main organ that utilizes iodine, but it tends to take up most of the iodine in your body, leaving very little for other organs. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have enough iodine for all your cells to function correctly. In this article, we will explore the eight unexpected benefits of iodine that you need to know.
Determining Your Iodine Deficiency
The recommended daily allowance for iodine is 150 micrograms per day. However, this amount is insufficient for most people. People in Japan, where breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer rates are low, consume up to 100 times the recommended daily amount. The best source of iodine is sea kelp, but unfortunately, it is not present in our daily foods. Therefore, you may need to consider taking supplements to ensure that you get adequate iodine. To determine if you have an iodine deficiency, you can perform a simple test.
Get a little bottle of iodine and some cotton balls from your local drugstore. Apply a little iodine on a cotton ball and rub it on your skin for a two-inch diameter. If the stain disappears within an hour, you are iodine deficient.
Lets explore the 8 unexpected benefits of iodine that you need to know.
1. Shrinks Cysts
Iodine can help shrink cysts that form in different parts of your body. Cysts are often developed in breast tissue, ovaries, uterus, and thyroid when your body does not have enough iodine. These cysts can develop into nodules and eventually into cancer. Therefore, having sufficient iodine can prevent cysts from forming and reduce your risk of cancer. Iodine can also regulate estrogen dominance and bring it down to a normal level.
2. Reduces Skin Tags and Warts
Iodine can reduce the size of skin tags and warts. When applied topically, it can break down the tissues and reduce their size. If you have keloids or surgical scars, applying iodine on them can help break down the scar tissue and regenerate your skin.
3. Helps with Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms on your tendons, causing your fingers to get stuck. Applying topical iodine on the affected areas daily can break down the scar tissue and improve the condition within a month.
4. Helps with Scar Regeneration
Applying iodine on scars daily can break down the scar tissue and regenerate your skin. You may even see hair growth around the scar.
5. Improves Mood
Iodine can improve your mood and reduce depression. It is not clear how iodine works to improve mood, but it could be due to its effect on the thyroid gland, which can bring up your mood. Iodine may also be involved in certain neurotransmitters in your brain that affect your mood.
6. Reduces Parotid Gland Stones
Your parotid gland produces saliva, and having enough iodine can prevent stones from forming in the gland.
7. Reduces Hot Flashes and Heavy Menstrual Cycles
Iodine can balance estrogen levels, which can reduce hot flashes and heavy menstrual cycles.
8. Reduces Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is often related to too much estrogen in your body. Iodine can balance estrogen levels, which can reduce cystic acne.
In conclusion, iodine is a crucial mineral that is often overlooked in our diets. The benefits of iodine go beyond just supporting the thyroid gland, as every cell in our body requires iodine to function properly. From shrinking cysts and reducing scar tissue to improving mood and reducing the risk of cancer, the unexpected benefits of iodine are numerous. Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is common in many parts of the world, including developed countries. Therefore, it is important to incorporate iodine-rich foods like sea kelp and shellfish into our diets or consider taking an iodine supplement to ensure that we are meeting our daily iodine requirements. By prioritizing our iodine intake, we can improve our overall health and well-being in a multitude of ways.