A more accurate and modern way to determine the amount of this microelement in your body is urine analysis. The only drawback of this method is that the iodine values in the urine change throughout the day, so to get the exact result you need to do several tests a day - at least 2. Another method is a blood test for thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones), in the composition which includes iodine - with a lack of this trace element, their concentration in the blood decreases. For the reliability of the blood test for hormones need 2-3 times with a break in a few days, and for this period should completely exclude the use of drugs with iodine and give up iodinated products. Than this micronutrient is useful, you will learn in the article on the topic "Iodine, the biological role in the body."
Folk ways
With the lack of iodine, or rather, the consequence of this, people collided long before the academic medicine drew attention to the problem of iodine deficiency. Of course, effective ways of combating it were invented, which are still popular.
Iodine aqueous tincture intake
Of course, not in pure form, but diluted in warm water or milk - 2-3 drops per glass of liquid. It is believed that the daily use of such a drink - an excellent alternative to expensive dietary supplements. Actually. Do not forget that iodine compounds are extremely toxic and can cause severe poisoning. In addition, each drop of iodine contains 6000 mg of iodine - this is 30 times more than the daily requirement. Such a shock dose of a microelement can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland, up to the complete cessation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
External application of aqueous tincture
It is believed that if you apply an iodine mesh on the skin of the body, the drug will be absorbed inside - thereby you can make up for its deficiency. In addition, on the rate of absorption can be judged on whether your body is experiencing iodine deficiency: the faster iodine is absorbed, the higher the need for this trace element. Actually. Iodine can not be absorbed through the skin, but evaporate from its surface - easily. This process in no way depends on whether this microelement is sufficient in your body or not. The rate of evaporation of iodine is related to the temperature of your skin and the environment, and not to the level of iodine deficiency.
Use of "blue iodine"
"Blue iodine" is a compound obtained by the interaction of starch with tincture of iodine. In this form, iodine loses its toxicity, in addition, its concentration in this drug is sufficient to cover the daily norm more than it is needed. Modern endocrinologists pay tribute to this drug, so it can easily be bought in a regular pharmacy. However, it is not recommended to apply it without the prescription of a doctor. First, you need to make sure that you do not have hyperthyroidism. Secondly, you need to choose the exact dosage of this drug, which will be effective and safe in your case. Thirdly, remember that iodine is not digested without sufficient animal protein. Therefore, vegetarians should consult a doctor before taking the drug.
We replenish the reserves
We will make a reservation at once: to fill up with the help of special products and preparations heavy deficiencies of iodine it is impossible, but if its lack insignificant, all these methods will come in handy.
Iodized salt
Conventional salt with the addition of iodine is an ideal product to fill the deficit of this element. The composition of this salt includes two compounds of iodine - iodide and iodate. The latter is considered more stable - such salt can be stored and not lose its properties within 2 years. But the salt with iodide is not so long-lasting product - it retains its properties for 6 months. How to apply. When heated, the iodine compounds are destroyed, iodine evaporates, so season the food with this salt at the end of cooking. Keep iodized salt in a tightly closed container and always pay attention to the period of its production when buying.
Foods rich in iodine
The greatest amount is found in seafood. However, even if you eat kilograms of sea kale, eating shrimps and scallops, it's not a fact that you will easily gain a daily dose of iodine. The fact is that the content of this element in such products varies greatly. For example, in fish and shrimp from 5 to 400 mg, in sea kale - from 5-300 mg per 100 g. Such a spread of concentration is associated with the place of extraction of seafood. But in river fish and oysters the iodine content is more stable - about 6o mg per 100 g. But in plants its amount is scanty: even in recognized record holders such as walnuts and feijoa - only 10 mg per 100 g. How to apply. Iodine evaporates under the influence of temperature, so you will get the greatest benefit from iodine-containing products if you consume them raw (fish in the form of carpaccio, etc.). In extreme cases, use the method of rapid roasting.
Products artificially enriched with iodine
These include milk, which is artificially added with iodine compounds, or bread, which is prepared from the flour of cereals grown on iodine enriched soil. How to apply. Do not forget: iodine is extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, it is better not to heat iodized milk, but use it in a cooled one.
Preparations containing iodine
Pharmacies sell drugs for the prevention of iodine deficiency. Their advantage is the exact dosage of the trace element. How to apply. After consulting with a doctor and taking the tests.
When iodine is poison!
About the decrease in the functions of the thyroid gland due to lack of iodine has heard many, but about that it can work in an accelerated mode, not everyone knows. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is much less common - only consumption in this case of foods rich in iodine, and any drugs based on it, threatens serious health problems. So before you appoint yourself an iodine-rich diet, consult a doctor! Now we know what is iodine, the biological role in the human body.