Iodine: The Metabolizer

Iodine is a mineral known as "The Metabolizer".  It is unique as it acts on the hormones of the thyroid gland, which control the body's activity rate, growth and development, and promotes healthy skin and hair.  Iodine's role is to produce the hormone thyroxine.  Approximately two thirds of the body's iodine is in the thyroid gland.  If there's too much thyroxine the basal metabolic rate increases; if there is too little, the body's activity rate decreases.  If we don't get enough iodine in our diet, the thyroid gland becomes swollen, and shows as an enlargement just below the jawline. This enlarged gland is known as 'goitre'.

Every 17 minutes, every drop of blood in our body flushes through our thyroid, and if our thyroid has an adequate supply of iodine, blood-borne bacteria and viruses are killed off as the blood passes through the thyroid. 

The body uses Iodine for the following functions:

• Metabolism

• Thyroid

• Brain

• Spinal nerves

• Endocrine system

• Blood vessels

• Sexual potency

Possible Iodine deficiency signs:

• Nervous tension

• Overweight

• Lack of endurance

• Lowered mentality

• Cold hands and feet

• Unhealthy hair, nails, teeth and skin

• Depression

• Suicidal tendencies

• Periodic hair loss

Foods high in Iodine:

• Seeds

• Pineapple

• Onion

• Milk products (we suggest raw organic)

• Eggs

• Seaweed

• Most fresh fish (we suggest wild caught)

• Seafood (we suggest wild caught)

• Fish oils

• Radishes

• Cabbage

Herbs high in Iodine:

• Kelp

• Irish Moss

• Black Walnut

• Dulse

LNH

LNH is grateful to Elaine Newkirk, ND, LPN, CNHP for sharing her knowledge and expertise in Nutrition and Natural Health.