Properties and role of iodine in the body, what foods contain, instructions

The benefits and harms of iodine are a hot topic, since this substance can often be found in food, and an iodine solution is present in any medicine cabinet. To understand the properties of iodine, you need to study it in more detail.

General characteristics of iodine

Iodine is not only a yellow-brown liquid that is used to treat wounds. Initially, it is a chemical element, a solid crystalline substance of dark purple color with a specific odor.

In order to transfer the substance to a liquid state, it is heated under pressure and a disinfectant is obtained. Interestingly, with ordinary heating, the substance turns into a vapor state, but after cooling, the violet vapor does not turn into a liquid, but returns again to the form of dark solid crystals.

Iodine is not the most common chemical element. However, in nature, it is found everywhere, albeit in small quantities.

Why is iodine useful and what does the body need it for?

The benefits and harms of iodine for the human body are very great. This element is strictly necessary for healthy life, its properties are directly responsible for the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Iodine:

• takes part in the synthesis of hormones;
• determines the quality of the exchange system;
• is responsible for body temperature in general and for thermoregulation processes;
• maintains a healthy state of the nervous system and hormonal levels;
• helps to strengthen hair, nails and teeth;
• it is necessary to maintain a normal weight and for the rapid breakdown of adipose tissue;
• is responsible for human immunity, since only with a sufficient amount of iodine is the normal number of phagocytes necessary to fight the pathogenic flora formed.

In addition, the substance is essential for a healthy condition of the musculoskeletal system and muscular system. The benefit of iodine for the woman's body is that the element maintains an even hormonal background and does not allow sharp emotional changes. As for the benefits of iodine for men, the substance is responsible for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. In addition, its properties help maintain a healthy weight and energy reserve.

Daily intake of iodine for adults and children

There are certain norms of a useful substance in the human body that are not harmful. For health it is necessary to receive per day:

• 150 mcg of substance for adults and adolescents from 12 years old;
• 250 mcg substance for pregnant women and lactating mothers;
• 120 mcg iodine for children 6 to 12 years old;
• only 90 mcg for babies under 6 years old.

If a substance is present in the body too much or too little, it causes the same harm.

Symptoms of a lack of iodine in the body

Against the background of improper nutrition, a lack of a useful substance often develops. Iodine deficiency in the body can lead to very serious consequences, first of all, to thyroid diseases and hormonal imbalance.

The following symptoms indicate a lack of iodine in the body:

• rapid gratuitous weight loss or sudden weight gain;
• impairment of memory and concentration;
• weakening of immunity;
• frequent migraines, dry mouth, sweating;
• a constant feeling of drowsiness and fatigue;
• increased irritability;
• depression or bouts of unreasonable fear and anxiety.

To do this, apply a wide iodine mesh to the thigh or forearm, and after 12 hours look at its condition. If the marks on the skin completely disappear during this time, we can talk about a pronounced deficiency of a useful substance and the associated harm.

Symptoms of excess iodine in the body

If the content of a substance in the tissues exceeds the usual daily norm, this also harms health. The properties of the substance begin to have a toxic effect and noticeably worsen the state of health. The following signs of an excess of iodine in the body can be distinguished:

• loss of energy, frequent migraines and chronic fatigue;
• tendency to anxiety and depression;
• tachycardia;
• numbness of skin areas, rashes of an unknown nature, acne;
• iododerma - pronounced damage to the skin;
• iodism - inflammation of the salivary glands and mucous membranes against the background of an iodine overdose.

An excess of a useful substance in the body can occur both against the background of excessive use of drugs and products containing a chemical element, and against the background of iodine metabolism disorders. In the latter case, the help of a qualified doctor is needed, who will prescribe medications and help adjust the diet to reduce harm.

How to make up for iodine deficiency

The harm from a lack of a useful element is much more common than from an overabundance. By itself, a chemical element is not synthesized by the body, it can only be obtained from the outside. There are several ways to make up for a substance deficiency.

1. Iodized food - with iodine deficiency, the benefit will be from table salt with the addition of iodine, sea salt, seaweed.
2. Dietary supplements with a high content of the substance - such preparations can be freely purchased at the pharmacy. Usually they contain a chemical element in completely safe volumes, its properties will not be harmful, unless the person has strict contraindications.
3. Sanatorium treatment on the seaside. The substance is found in large quantities in seawater, therefore, with its deficiency, sea bathing is of great benefit, during which the substance enters the body directly through the skin.

The benefits of using iodine will only be with a competent approach to the use of supplements and products containing the substance. You cannot exceed the recommended dosages.

Products containing iodine

The chemical element is present in various quantities in many products. But some of them are especially rich in substance.

In an increased amount, the useful substance contains:

• in sea fish and seaweed, oysters and shrimps, squid and mussels, fish oil;
• in vegetables and herbs - radish and potatoes, carrots and onions, beets and garlic, as well as rhubarb, cabbage, tomatoes, spinach and asparagus will benefit;
• in fruits and berries - a lot of substance is present in persimmons and bananas, apples and cherries, plums and apricots, as well as in dark grapes, chokeberry, black currant, strawberries, strawberries;

• in nuts - cedar or walnuts;
• in chicken yolk;
• in buckwheat and millet groats;
• in milk, cottage cheese and hard cheeses.

To experience all the benefits of iodine inside, it is enough to eat inexpensive, but various foods - this will help to avoid iodine deficiency.

Iodine treatment in traditional medicine

The health benefits of iodine are widely used in home treatments. The properties of a substance present in any home medicine cabinet are used not only for treating abrasions and cuts, but also for many other purposes.

Nail fungus treatment

Plain iodine at 5% concentration is a useful remedy against nail fungus. For treatment, it is necessary to apply a drop of funds to each sore nail twice a day - it is better to do this with a cotton swab or swab. As a result of the procedure, the nail should be completely saturated with the substance and turn yellow.

To achieve the maximum effect with a useful solution, it is worth treating not only fungal, but also healthy nails - for prevention purposes. You need to repeat the procedure every 2 days so as not to get harm.

From the heel spur

With a heel spur, there will be benefits from iodine on the heels - the properties will prevent the development of inflammation and improve blood circulation, warm the tissues. The greatest benefit in the treatment of the disease is brought by foot baths with a solution - 2 large tablespoons of a liquid substance must be diluted in 3 liters of hot water. To enhance the beneficial effect, you can also add 1 large spoonful of baking soda to the water.

You need to keep your feet in the water for about a quarter of an hour, the temperature should not exceed 42-45 ° C. After the end of the procedure, the feet must be thoroughly wiped and once again lubricated with a solution of the heels, and then put on warming socks.

With hypertension

Chronically high blood pressure with a substance is treated according to an unusual Indian method. According to her rules, therapy continues for 10 days in early March and early September, then breaks follow for 20 days, and then the treatment is repeated.

You need to use the solution as follows:

• 1st day - using a cotton swab, the solution is applied with a thin strip around the left wrist;
• 2nd day - the circle is applied around the right ankle;
• 3rd day - circle the right wrist with a solution;
• 4th day - a circle is drawn along the girth of the left ankle;
• 5th day - the circle is applied over the left elbow;
• 6th day - a circle is drawn over the right knee;
• 7th day - the substance is applied over the right elbow;
• 8th day - the solution is applied over the left knee;
• 9th day - a line is drawn along the back from the left shoulder to the right thigh diagonally;
• 10th day - a line is drawn with a solution on the back from the right shoulder to the left thigh.

In the process of treatment, the benefits of the solution for the body are combined with the benefits of influencing biologically active points.

From a cold

With a severe runny nose, you can use the properties of the substance instead of pharmacy drops - you need to dissolve 7 drops of the agent in 2 teaspoons of boiled water. The resulting liquid is instilled into each nostril, 1 drop as needed.

Inhalation also helps against a cold. It is simple to perform them - you need to take several deep breaths over the bubble with the solution of each nostril.

For cough and bronchitis

The beneficial properties of the substance help get rid of a lingering cough with ARVI and bronchitis. It is enough to apply the mesh on the chest every evening for several days.

With angina, tracheitis and laryngitis

In case of inflammation in the throat, a drop of the agent must be dissolved in a glass of water along with a teaspoon of salt, mixed and rinsed with a solution. It is recommended to repeat the procedure up to 6 times a day.

With otitis media

With inflammation of the outer or middle ear, regular iodine helps well.Dip a cotton swab into the solution, and then gently lubricate the inner walls of the ear. Disinfecting properties will help get rid of inflammation and relieve pain. You need to repeat the treatment procedure daily for 7 days.

After injections and vaccinations

A 2.5% iodine solution or so-called blue iodine helps to relieve local edema after an injection. A mesh should be applied to the sore spot three times a week, the total treatment is continued for no more than 2 weeks in a row to avoid harm.

It is important to note that the substance is only suitable for treating injections. It is impossible to treat the vaccination sites with them - it will do harm. If the vaccine becomes inflamed and sore, you should see your doctor.

From varicose veins

The properties of the solution have a beneficial effect on varicose veins. Apply it as follows:

• a small amount of apple cider vinegar is rubbed into the affected area of ​​the skin;
• a cotton swab is moistened in a solution of the substance;
• draw a grid on the skin with a mesh size of 1 cm.

You need to repeat the procedure every day, and it is better to do it in the evenings, so that you go to bed immediately after that. After a month of therapy, the condition of the veins should improve markedly.

Treating warts

The substance is an effective remedy for warts. Apply it like this - with a cotton swab dipped in a brown solution, gently process the desired area of ​​the skin twice a day. You need to repeat the procedure for a week, during which time the wart should die and reject on its own.

From depriving

The disinfecting beneficial properties of iodine solution help to cope with shingles. The affected areas on the skin should be treated with a disinfectant every day to help quickly cope with the disease.

It must be remembered that iodine must be applied in a thin layer, otherwise you can get burned.

Joint treatment

The benefits of an iodine mesh on the joints will help get rid of pain and swelling in arthritis and rheumatism. It is necessary to apply the mesh daily, trying to draw cells with an area of ​​1 cm each.

In addition, the following remedy is used to treat joints:

• mix 10 ml of iodine with 10 ml of camphor oil and 300 ml of alcohol;
• 10 tablets of analgin are ground into powder and stirred in the resulting liquid;
• the remedy rub the sore joints every day.

The beneficial composition relieves pain and reduces swelling. However, it can only be used on clean, undamaged skin.

Important information... Aspirin has been used successfully in medicine to treat joint diseases. A mixture of iodine with aspirin or cardiomagnum apply with a cotton swab to the affected area, insulate and leave overnight. The cotton swab must be removed so that there is no burn.

Thyroid goiter

Against the background of a lack of substance in the body, a so-called goiter can form on the thyroid gland. It is successfully treated with the properties of iodine - parallel strips 3 cm long are applied to the goiter itself every 2-3 days. After each week of treatment, it is necessary to take a break of 7 days, and the total therapy is continued for about six months.

Changes in the level of iodine in the body can be judged, among other things, by the rate of iodine absorption. So, if the mesh remains on the skin for 2 days or longer, the frequency of application should be reduced.

Other uses of iodine in traditional medicine

At home, iodine is used to treat many different diseases. Other recipes include the following:

• iodine from gynecological inflammations - a mesh should be applied daily to the lower abdomen with an iodine solution, in a week the condition should improve;
• iodine from intestinal disorders - dissolve a couple of drops of the substance in a glass of water and take the agent inside.

When using useful iodine internally and externally, caution and moderation must be observed, otherwise symptoms of an overdose of the substance may appear.

The use of iodine in cosmetology

Numerous videos on the benefits of iodine demonstrate that the properties of the solution help not only with diseases, but also with cosmetic defects. With the help of iodine, you can improve the condition of hair and skin, restore youth and freshness to your appearance.

Strengthening nails

The benefits of iodine for strengthening nails will help restore shine and strength to the nail plates. A cotton pad or swab should be moistened in a solution of iodine, and then gently apply the liquid on the entire surface of the nail with light movements, trying to make only one thin layer.

If you carry out the procedure in the evening, then in the morning the properties of iodine will be completely absorbed by the body, and there will be no yellowish tint on the nail. So that the procedure does not turn into harm, it needs to be carried out only once a month, and in especially advanced cases - up to 4 times a month.

Facial masks

The benefits of iodine for facial skin are expressed in the fact that the product moisturizes the epidermis, cleanses and removes acne and blackheads. For example, to improve the tone and slightly brighten the face, you can make the following mask:

• a large spoonful of castor oil is mixed with 2 drops of iodine;
• add a teaspoon of petroleum jelly and honey to the product;
• the ingredients are mixed well and applied to the face.

It is recommended to keep a useful mask for 2 hours - iodine takes quite a long time to fully absorb. With regular use, the mask will remove age spots, make freckles less noticeable and, moreover, restore youthful elasticity to the skin.

Iodine for beauty and health of hair

The benefit of iodine for hair is that the chemical element has a beneficial effect on the hair roots, prevents hair loss and stimulates their rapid growth. In order to strengthen hair, you can use the following mask:

• a raw egg is mixed with a large spoonful of sour cream;
• a couple of drops of iodine are added to the mixture;
• the product is applied to the scalp at the roots and rubbed lightly.

Leave a useful mask for an hour, then wash off with shampoo.

With the help of the properties of iodine, hair can not only be strengthened, but also colored. For example, you can:

• mix half a pack of henna and basma;
• add 2 large spoons of instant coffee to them;
• dilute the ingredients with water and drip about 8 drops of iodine;
• apply the product to hair for 2 hours.

After washing off the mask, light brown or dark hair will acquire a brown tint for a while.

How to enlarge breasts with iodine

Iodine is beneficial for the breast - a mesh from the solution is applied to the area of ​​the mammary glands, and due to the flow of blood, the size of the bust slightly increases. However, the result does not last long, and you should not get carried away with iodine to increase the bust - too frequent use will be harmful.

Does iodine contribute to weight loss?

The iodine level in the human body directly affects body weight. The substance is responsible for heat and energy metabolism, for hormones, for the rate of breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Thus, excess weight can be largely associated with a lack or excess of iodine. The content of the substance in the body should be within the normal range, then the extra pounds will be gained more slowly and go away much faster.

Is it possible to make iodine mesh for children

For a child, the properties of an iodine solution can do harm rather than benefit. Until the baby is 7 years old, it is better not to use iodine even to lubricate scratches. The fact is that the daily norm of a substance for children is very small, and the use of an iodine solution often causes an overdose. In turn, excess iodine can negatively affect the condition of the thyroid gland and lead to chronic ailments in the future.

Iodine net for pregnant and lactating

The brown solution causes a sharp increase in the level of iodine in the blood and can lead to uterine bleeding and other undesirable consequences.Therefore, while carrying a child, it is better not to use iodine solution, but to replenish the deficiency of the substance, drink multivitamins as prescribed by a doctor.

During lactation, iodine must also be discarded. The baby's body is too sensitive, and an increase in the level of the substance in the mother's body can negatively affect the baby's health.

Harm and contraindications to the use of iodine

The main danger of iodine is its possible overdose. In order not to harm yourself, you need to apply the properties of the substance in very small doses and carefully follow the instructions and recipes. Iodine applied too thick can leave burns, and frequent use of the substance leads to poisoning and malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.

Contraindications for the use of the substance are:

• severe kidney ailments;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• high body temperature;
• the presence of open wounds;
• mastopathy;
• ailments of the thyroid gland, except for goiter, or its absence due to surgical removal.

Some people are allergic to the health benefits of iodine. To check for its presence, it is necessary to apply a thin iodine line to the thin skin of the wrist, and after half an hour check for redness and rash.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of iodine depend on its initial level in the human body. When using an iodine solution and pharmacy supplements, it is necessary to follow the daily norms and prevent the occurrence of a deficiency or excess of iodine.

Reviews