Modern Health Observation

Iodine is a mineral essential to the process of converting food into energy (metabolic process of cells). It is an important mineral for the proper functioning of the thyroid and the production of thyroid hormones.

Important sources of production of iodine

• Iodized salt (table salt) or sea salt (see note at end).

• Seafood (salmon, tuna, cod, haddock, pollock are good sources of iodine)

• The brown seaweed or kelp, marine plant is very common with high iodine content. If taken algae algae are best used with a uniform content and amencionada iodine as kelp (kombu) or hijiki.

• If you take iodine supplements, you should consume between 100 and 150 micrograms per day to reach a total intake of between 150 and 200 micrograms (or Czech table below adequate iodine intake by age).

• Plants and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soils are very good sources of this nutrient. Increase consumption of fresh salads or vegetable juice can help prevent deficiency of this mineral.

Iodine deficiency or excess in the diet

Iodine deficiency in the diet may be due to lack of iodine in the soil. If this weakness persists for some months, can lead to goiter hypothyroidism. When no iodine, the thyroid cells and thyroid gland become enlarged (a condition known as goiter).

The deficienica of iodine is more common in women than in men, especially in pregnant women. Take adequate iodine helps prevent one type of physical and mental retardation called cretinism, a condition not very common because it is usually difficult for lower levels of iodine in the diet. On the other hand, the excess iodine in the diet can reduce the function of the thyroid gland.

Iodine balanced diet

For the iodine can be well managed in the body, is required a balanced diet, and consume about 1 / 4 teaspoon daily to iodine, which provides 95 micrograms of iodine. Eating seafood is also a good option, as well as being rich in nutrients, quality seafood delivered dose of iodine.

The recommendations of the Food and Nutrition Committee of the Institute of Medicine (Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine) for adequate iodine consumption down in the list below:

Iodine intake recommended for infants:

* 0-6 months: 110 micrograms per day (mcg / day).
* 7-12 months: 130 mcg / day

Iodine intake recommended for Kids:

* 1-3 years: 90 mcg / day.
* 4-8 years: 90 mcg / day.
* 9-13 years: 120 mcg / day

Iodine intake recommended for adolescents and adults:

* Men age 14 and older: 150 mcg / day.
* Women age 14 and older: 150 mcg / day

Specific recommendations for adequate intake of iodine depends on the age, sex and other factors. Pregnant women, for example, or breastfeeding, need higher amounts, if not careful this could have coplicaciones in her pregnancy, among which could lead to brain damage in the fetus and infants.

In some countries, iodine deficiency in people is higher than in other countries. In Europe there are countries where a significant proportion of the population is exposed to iodine deficiency. In Spain, about 20% of children have some time this mineral deficiencies.

About Sea Salt and Iodine

Iodine is an active mineral sea salt, with much more benefits than ordinary table salt, which positive effects on the thyroid gland, without enclosing any of the problems caused by iodine extracted by chemical methods. The bromides of sea salt to help calm the nerves without weakening the nervous system. In addition, this salt contains useful substances and catalysts such as gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, etc.

Sea salt (unrefined) is of great help to combat glandular disorders or nervous for any deficiency. This can be used with salt water baths of the sea, y te acalient seaweed. You can prepare poultices of longstanding and sea salt to cauterize and heal wounds quickly to prevent infection, stop cold sores and help the skin to heal.