8 Unexpected Benefits of Iodine (MUST WATCH)

Dr. Eric Berg 12/07/2024

Are you getting enough iodine? This often-overlooked mineral plays a crucial role in your overall health.

Many people know about iodine for thyroid health, but its benefits go much further. Let's explore the surprising ways iodine can improve your well-being.

Iodine is a trace mineral, meaning you need it in small amounts. However, every cell in your body requires it. This includes your brain, bones, and even your skin.

Understanding the Importance of Iodine

Your thyroid gland uses the most iodine to produce hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones also influence growth and development.

Without enough iodine, your thyroid can't function properly, impacting everything from your energy levels to weight management.

8 Unexpected Iodine Benefits

Sufficient iodine intake provides several benefits beyond thyroid health. These benefits improve overall wellness.

Iodine isn't just about avoiding deficiency; it's about improving your health. These can include better quality sleep to immune support and healthy thyroid function.

1. Cyst Reduction

Iodine may reduce cysts in areas like the breasts, ovaries, uterus, and thyroid. Over time, these cysts may become nodules or cancer.

This shows iodine's potential anti-cancer properties. Iodine also helps regulate estrogen, which is involved in cyst formation. Balancing estrogen levels is vital for this regulation.

2. Skin Tag and Wart Reduction

Applying iodine topically can shrink or eliminate skin tags and warts. It dries them out, causing them to eventually fall off. This can target small blemishes without harsh treatments.

It can be a safer alternative than harsher chemical treatments as well. Try this method before reaching for potentially harmful remedies.

3. Connective Tissue Breakdown and Scar Regeneration

Topical iodine can help conditions like Dupuytren's contracture, where scar tissue limits finger movement. Iodine, including keloids, may also aid in scar regeneration.

Use it consistently for a month. Look for hair growth directly over the scar as a positive indicator.

Always use the correct iodine type. This can be particularly useful for the hands and the associated improved dexterity in older age.

The effects on the skin and reducing scarring can contribute towards better confidence overall.

4. Mood Enhancement

Iodine may help people experiencing depression and improve their outlook. While the process isn't clear, iodine likely supports overall wellness. This overall wellness supports better mood regulation.

5. Parotid Gland Stone Reduction

Parotid glands, which produce saliva, can develop stones. Iodine may reduce these stones. Iodine supports saliva production, which can improve digestive health.

It even supports immune function due to saliva content impacting bacteria reduction.

6. Relief from Hot Flashes and Heavy Menstrual Cycles

Iodine's influence on estrogen balance may ease discomfort from hot flashes and heavy periods.

The positive impacts iodine can have in balancing hormone regulation in females have far-reaching consequences on health.

Hormone balance contributes significantly to not just a healthy monthly cycle but also to general wellness.

7. Cystic Acne Improvement

High estrogen can contribute to skin issues like cystic acne. Iodine’s support for healthy estrogen levels can significantly support skin improvements as well.

Consider this a supplemental method to treat problematic cystic acne. It can also provide improvements towards cystic acne in areas like the back.

8. Detoxification Support

Iodine helps your body detoxify heavy metals like lead and mercury. It helps remove these toxins through urine. Iodine also assists in detoxifying fluoride and bromide, which are common in processed foods.

It is especially useful in supporting detox from bromide found in numerous foods we eat today.

Optimizing Your Iodine Intake

Before supplementing, try this iodine test. Get iodine and a cotton ball. Apply iodine to the cotton ball. Rub it on a small area (about 2 inches) on your inner upper arm or forearm.

A stain will appear. Observe the color after a short time. If the stain fades quickly, you are likely deficient in iodine.

The daily recommended iodine intake is just under 150 micrograms. However, regions with very low rates of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer have much higher iodine consumption.

People in these areas consume up to 15,000 micrograms daily, mostly from sea kelp. Their general overall wellness benefits.

I offer Dr. Berg brand sea kelp, which I highly recommend. Supplementing with quality products is vital. There is often low-quality product out there.

I see more cases of low iodine where other symptoms may be responsible. Therefore, make sure to get this verified from your doctor for an individualized plan that can target these key areas.

Blood testing alone does not properly determine your iodine levels, but tissue level tests provide a clearer picture and, therefore, are far better than other alternatives.

Your doctor will inform you about how much iodine you may be lacking and will provide a plan towards fixing it. Your individualized needs should always take top priority.

Iodine’s Impact on Metabolism, Immunity, and More

While iodine is best known for its critical role in thyroid health, its benefits extend far beyond supporting hormone production.

This essential mineral contributes to metabolic regulation, enhances immune function, and even supports cognitive development and skin health.

For individuals managing thyroid conditions, incorporating iodine into a well-rounded hypothyroidism diet is crucial.

Foods like eggs, shellfish, and iodized salt can help meet daily iodine needs while also providing other key nutrients.

By addressing iodine deficiencies, you not only support thyroid function but also boost overall health in surprising ways.

Conclusion

Iodine is crucial for thyroid health and overall well-being, from detoxification to cyst reduction. It supports numerous internal processes in various systems, including digestion and metabolism.

Knowing these lesser-known iodine benefits helps us make informed choices about our diets and supplements. Consult your doctor before making health decisions to personalize your approach.

FAQs about Iodine Benefits

What are the benefits of iodine to the body?

Iodine's benefits go beyond the thyroid, affecting cyst reduction, skin health, mood, detoxification, and hormone balance. These areas of improvement can be vital to living a more complete, healthy life.

You will notice not only better quality sleep but increased immunity from supporting thyroid hormone levels. Always talk with your medical expert on these topics as they pertain to you.

What are the symptoms of low iodine?

Low iodine can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and feeling cold. You might experience poor sleep. Or perhaps lowered libido.

Why does iodine make me feel good?

Iodine's role in thyroid hormone production influences energy, metabolism, and mood, increasing well-being. Talk to a healthcare professional about how this dynamic works and its benefits.

Make sure to verify you have these deficiencies confirmed from an actual test before proceeding with supplemental intakes.

There can be complications depending on various circumstances and health levels. Talk to a healthcare professional today.