You may have heard of iodine before and wondered why it is important. The truth is, iodine is essential for various functions in our bodies. Unfortunately, iodine has been overlooked since the 1940s and was only considered necessary for preventing goiter.
However, research has shown that iodine is needed by all tissues in the body. While it is widely known that iodine supports the thyroid, which is responsible for regulating our metabolism, it is less recognized that iodine also protects breast tissue and prostate cells, helps regulate hormones, and detoxifies harmful substances like chlorine, bromide, and fluoride – all of which are commonly found in our daily lives.
Everyone requires iodine on a daily basis. However, if you often feel fatigued, gain weight easily, or get sick frequently, it is recommended to increase your iodine intake. It is important to obtain iodine from a variety of sources, including molecular iodine, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide, as each type targets specific concerns.
Signs of Iodine Deficiency
Iodine plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, which is the process of converting energy from food into energy that helps our cells function and grow. A deficiency in iodine can hinder normal growth and development, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women and infants. In adults, an iodine deficiency of less than 10-20 mcg per day can lead to inadequate production of thyroid hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism disrupts normal metabolic functions, such as regulating heart rate, body temperature, and body weight. Common signs of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Weakness
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
Integrative practitioners often recommend a daily intake of 50 mg for 3 months, followed by 6.25 or 12.5 mg daily thereafter, for optimal health. However, when considering higher doses of iodine, it is advisable to consult your healthcare practitioner to determine the right dosage for you.
With that in mind, let’s explore some of the best dietary sources of iodine…
Milk
Milk is well-known for its calcium content, making it an ideal choice for promoting strong bones. However, milk offers more than just calcium – it is also rich in iodine. A single cup of milk provides an impressive 56 micrograms of iodine, which is 37% of your daily value (DV).
There are other reasons to include milk in your diet. It is a great source of protein and contains healthy saturated fats. Additionally, milk may play a role in hormone regulation and potentially increase testosterone and growth hormone levels when consumed in larger quantities before bedtime.
Canned Tuna
Fish, in general, is one of the best sources of dietary iodine. Tuna, in particular, is an excellent choice and just three ounces of canned tuna provides 17 micrograms of iodine, which is 11% of your DV.
In addition to iodine, tuna offers a range of other nutrients and benefits. It is well-known for being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Baked Potatoes
If you’re looking for a high-fiber carbohydrate that is relatively low in calories, baked potatoes are a great option. Baking potatoes is the preferred cooking method to retain their nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and iodine. A medium-sized baked potato can provide approximately 40% of your DV, which equates to around 60 micrograms of iodine.
These are just a few examples of foods that can help meet your iodine needs.
The post Why Do You Need Iodine? appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a holistic medicine doctor do?
A holistic doctor is one who treats patients holistically. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They aim to treat an illness rather than just treat symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They want to spend less.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to be responsible for their health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They want less stress in their lives.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They seek safe, effective medicines.
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.
When prescribing medication, a holistic approach is required to treat patients.
Understanding how each factor affects patients is essential for a physician to be able understand modern science as well as traditional methods such homeopathy and herbs.
Many doctors are now certified in complementary and alternate medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How do I find a good holistic physician?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. This is holistic medicine. This means doctors need to be able treat patients holistically. They must also know how to treat each patient as an individual and not just their symptoms. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. You may be able search online to find a holistic physician near you if there aren’t any listed.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Why Do You Need Iodine?
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/vitamins-supplements/why-do-you-need-iodine/
Published Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:28:46 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a holistic medicine doctor do?
A holistic doctor is one who treats patients holistically. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They aim to treat an illness rather than just treat symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They want to spend less.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to be responsible for their health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They want less stress in their lives.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They seek safe, effective medicines.
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.
When prescribing medication, a holistic approach is required to treat patients.
Understanding how each factor affects patients is essential for a physician to be able understand modern science as well as traditional methods such homeopathy and herbs.
Many doctors are now certified in complementary and alternate medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How do I find a good holistic physician?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. This is holistic medicine. This means doctors need to be able treat patients holistically. They must also know how to treat each patient as an individual and not just their symptoms. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. You may be able search online to find a holistic physician near you if there aren’t any listed.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
