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Iodine is an element of the earth primarily found in the sea. Elements are basically atoms with varying amounts of protons and electrons. Examples of other elements would be calcium and iron and oxygen…all those listed in the Periodic Table. Most exist in a stable form. When unstable they are radioactive and decay over time effecting everything in close proximity.
In the human body iodine is most noted for its function as a key ingredient of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Thyroxine is comprised of the amino acid tyrosine and four iodines, thus its symbol “T4.” Thyroxine almost immediately drops one of the iodines, with the help of selenium (another element), and becomes T3 or liothyronine (also know as triiodothyronine). This is the form of the thyroid hormone that does most of the work of stimulating our metabolism. It acts as a messenger to the other organs signaling them to function.
This is rather like turning up the idle on your car. It keeps everything running smoothly. If the thyroid is not working well, and the “idle” is slow, you will be sluggish. This sluggishness may result in weight gain, brittle nails, dry skin, lower body temperature, higher cholesterol readings and/or constipation. At times the problem could simply be a lack of one of its raw materials, iodine.
If the thyroid is not getting what it needs to function properly it can enlarge and be seen as a goiter, or large lump on the neck. In 1920 the government took note that an increasing number of citizens were being seen with goiters. It began adding iodine to salt to address the growing concern that the citizens were not getting enough in their food system.
Pregnant women have been encouraged to take iodine to ensure that the fetus gets enough to develop properly. Because the iodine works its way through the breasts, especially in lactating women, it has a protective factor. A report noted that Japanese women, who consume more sea food than Americans, had a significantly lower incidence of breast cancer. There has also been a connection made between low levels of iodine and fibrocystic breasts.
In 1970 the radioactive forms of iodine began being used for medical imaging techniques as enhancing agents. The radioactive forms had a slightly different amount of neutrons and electrons. Though some of these forms can be radioactive for millions of years, a couple of them proved to be useful. Iodine 123 has a half-life of only 13 hours and is well suited for imaging procedures. “Half-life” refers to the amount of time necessary for the strength of a substance to decrease by half. Iodine 131 has a half-life of 8 days and has found use as a cancer killing agent for thyroid cancers. Iodine will seek out thyroid tissue anywhere in the body and attach to it. If the iodine is radioactive, it will irradiate and kill what it is attached to. Some people have found success applying iodine topically to skin lesions.
Though the RDA for iodine is only 150 micrograms, many professionals believe amounts as high as 50,000 micrograms (50 milligrams) would be more beneficial. It is reported that the body can store upwards of one and a half million micrograms of iodine. The best sources for iodine are sea foods, in particular sea weeds like kelp. Cranberries, organic strawberries and organic potatoes are also sources of iodine.
Dr. Miles is a naturopathic physician practicing at the Catalina Clinic of Integrative Medicine in Catalina.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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