GOT IODINE? Article
To most of us the mention of iodine conjures up the image of a small bottle in the medicine cabinet. Usually there is a prominently displayed picture of a skull and crossbones and a warning against swallowing the contents or getting any of it into the eyes. For external use only, the 2% tincture of iodine is first aid treatment for minor cuts, scrapes or burns.
Yet, says, iodine is an essential element that our bodies need to absorb to function.
How can that be? Christian Living Magazine asked Dr. Agolli to explain the seeming contradiction.
Agolli: Iodine aids in the development and the functioning of the thyroid gland. The gland produces two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are used to control the process of metabolism. Metabolism is the conversion of oxygen and calories into the energy needed by every cell in our body.
ALL BODY CELLS DEPEND ON THYROID HORMONES
CLM: What are the positive effects of those hormones?
Agolli: A great many. Each cell depends on the output of the thyroid, the small gland located below the Adams apple, for growth and development, regulation of oxidation, influencing of cell differentiation, and protein synthesis. Iodine has been shown to modulate estrogen’s effect on breast tissue, which may be beneficial in fibrocystic breast disease.
CLM: What negative effects would be noticed by lack of iodine?
Agolli: Iodine deficiency can lead to a number of problems. Without the regulation of metabolism, a person can become irritable, nervous, have dry hair and skin, cold feet and hands, and may struggle with obesity.
Iodine is especially important in brain development during early fetal and postnatal period. Lack of this element has been linked to abortion, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, and mental and growth retardation.
GOITERS ARE A SYMPTOM OF IODINE DEFICIENCY
CLM: Many people think of the term goiter in connection with the thyroid gland. What is the cause of that disease?
Agolli: The adult body needs from 150 to 175 milligrams of iodine at any one time as a minimum. New research from Dr. Brownstein, author of “Iodine:Why you need it, Why you can’t live without it!” suggests that larger dosages are needed for optimal health. When there is a severe shortage, the thyroid works overtime to try and make up the difference. That causes a swelling that appears as a large growth on the front of the neck.
CLM: Comment on the results of iodine researches conducted on diabetics and on women with polycystic ovary disease?
Agolli: Both had hopeful results. The study on twelve diabetics indicated a dramatic improvement in hemoglobin A1C and glucose levels after daily supplementation with 50mg of iodine. A reported fifty percent of the patients were able to completely stop their diabetes medications.
Five women with PCOS were also administered the same dosage and experienced a regulation of their periods, and the disappearance of ovarian cysts.
A SPECIAL TEST CAN DETERMINE IODINE LEVELS
CLM: How can we know if we are deficient of the proper amount of such a vital element and what can we do about it?
Agolli: To begin with, Progressive Medical Center is the only clinic in Georgia that has a special urine and saliva test for iodine deficiency. As high as 90% of U.S. population may have some degree of Iodine deficiency.
CLM: Once we’ve been tested, what can we do to prevent that condition?
Agolli: The best prevention is to include foods like spinach, onions, garlic, seafood, tomatoes, carrots, pineapple, and to use sea salt and/or natural Himalayan salt. Detoxification may also be prescribed to remove elements that interfere with iodine intake.
CLM: How do we arrange an appointment for consultation or testing?
Agolli: Our phone number at Progressive Medical Center is (888) 802-4131, and our clinic is located at 4646 North Shallowford Road in Atlanta. Contact with any questions
Got iodine? It’s not just for cuts and scrapes.