Iodine is an important micronutrient — “important” in that it’s required to your physique to perform, however your physique doesn’t make it, so you will get it solely via your weight loss program. Iodine helps nearly each side of well being, primarily by serving to create thyroid hormones. Iodine additionally has antioxidant, anti-infection, and potential anticancer properties.
A hint mineral, iodine is present in seawater in addition to in sure rock formations and soil. Erosion and flooding have depleted soil iodine in lots of areas of the world, which has led to widespread iodine deficiencies and helps clarify why iodine ranges in meals are so inconsistent (extra on this later).
For those who take a look at the periodic desk of components, you’ll see iodine is a halogen, a class that additionally contains bromine, chlorine, and fluorine. Halogens and halogen-based compounds, referred to as halides, are sometimes utilized in industrial cleansing merchandise, in addition to in prescription drugs and meals components. Analysis has discovered that publicity to a few of these halogen-containing compounds can block the absorption of iodine within the thyroid. Nevertheless, consultants disagree about how a lot on a regular basis publicity could threaten thyroid well being — and what to do about it.
“Iodine is uncommon in loads of methods,” says Alan Christianson, NMD, creator of The Thyroid Reset Weight loss plan. “It’s a high-energy atom. It’s additional down on the periodic desk than anything we use nutritionally, so it’s chemically reactive. It has the capability to set off a large number of chemical reactions within the physique.”
