We all need some amount of iodine in our bodies to function at its optimal. Our bodies need iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Tyroid hormones keep our body’s metabolism and cells healthy. It is also important for bone and brain development during pregnancy. Well, unfortunately for some of us we lack this mineral. Let’s look at what iodine is and why its benefits are so amazing.
What Is Iodine?
Iodine is a trace element that can be naturally found in the earth’s soil and sea.
Where Does Iodine Come From?
Many salt water and plant-based foods contain iodine. This mineral is mostly available in iodized salt. It is found naturally in some foods such as sea fish, shellfish and seaweed (kelp, wakame, kombu), and available as a dietary supplement.
10 Benefits of Iodine
- Maintain thyroid health
- Reduce risk for goiters
- Manage overactive thyroid glands
- Treat thyroid cancer
- Neurodevelopment during pregnancy
- Improve cognitive function
- Improve birth weight
- Treat fibrocystic breast disease
- Protect from nuclear fallout
- Treat infections
Does Iodine Get Rid of Cysts?
Yes, it does. I was amazed that the cyst on my thyroid has reduced in size by 50%. I found out after my ultrasound scan at my recent follow-up appointment with the doctor on 22 June 2020. The size of the cyst was 1.5cm in Dec. Right now, as this time I am writing this blog (1 August 2020), I could only feel a very tiny bump on my throat when I touch it. When I first discovered it in December 2019, the bump was quite visible and unsightly. Thank God, it is not visible now.
How Long Does It Take for Iodine to Work?
At least 6 months. I started taking the liquid iodine in January 2020 by taking them twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening before I sleep. I just put 5-6 drops into a cup of room temperature water. Give it a quick stir and remember to hold your breath before gulping it down. It tastes and smells pretty awful. It also left a ‘burning’ sensation in my throat which went away after I drank more water to wash it down. Initially I was quite diligent in taking it but ffter the first 2 months, I gradually start taking it once daily and then 3rd month onwards, probably few times a week. Yea, I know I should take it daily but it still worked..lol
Iodine Supplement
I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as best iodine supplement. My integrative medical doctor prescribed Lugol’s iodine which is dark brown liquid with a very strong “gassy” smell. I kept it in the kitchen cabinet and I just realised over the months, the iodine has caused the inside cabinet to turn yellow now. I think I should have kept it in the fridge.
Anyway, iodine is available in liquid and tablet form. I reckon you can try any brand or type of iodine sold in the pharmacy. If you’re in doubt, please check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any iodine. On top of taking iodine supplement, I was advised to consume more seafood and seaweed which helps if your body lacks iodine.
All the best and let me know if it works for you.