Iodine plays an essential role in the human body. In the table of D. I. Mendeleev, it is at number 53. Its biological component is very strong.
The role of iodine in the human body
This element is involved in the formation of the most important thyroid hormones for humans, which are responsible for proper growth and development, for the metabolic processes involved in the functioning of our body. The chemical trace element iodine in the human body is required in a strictly defined amount for the proper development and functioning of the thyroid gland. You can get the necessary portion of this element only from the outside. Therefore, it is important to know which foods are rich in them.
The emergence of iodine
Iodine was first discovered in 1811 by B. Courtois, a French chemist. He began heating seaweed with sulfuric acid, thus creating a new element in the periodic table. Iodine, as a chemical element, is the rarest on the planet. Its share is 410-5%. Despite this, it is found everywhere. Especially a lot of it in the seas, in the waters of the ocean, in the air of coastal zones. The highest concentration of iodine is found in seaweed.
Functions of iodine
The content of this trace element in our body is very small,about 30 mg but, despite this, its value is great. Main Features:
- contributes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
- participates in energy metabolism;
- affects the maintenance of optimal body temperature;
- responsible for fat and protein metabolism;
- necessary for the growth and development of the body;
- affects the stable state of the nervous system.
The role of iodine in the human body is difficult to overestimate. It affects the mental activity of the body, the he althy condition of the skin, teeth, hair, nails. It is extremely important for the he althy growth of children, helps to develop mental abilities. At the same time, efficiency increases, excessive irritability decreases.
A child who received less iodine in the womb will have developmental deficiencies in various organs. In the future, such children often suffer from developmental delays and neuropsychiatric disorders. With the usual size of the thyroid gland and a slight change in hormones, it is very difficult to determine the disease of goiter. If symptoms such as: headache, general malaise of the body, chest pain, decreased emotional background, and this is not associated with another disease, then you should be examined by an endocrinologist.
Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency mainly affects those regions that live far from the maritime climate. In Russia, this is approximately 70% of the total area of the country. People need to self-monitor their intake of food containing iodine. Its value for the body is enormous. Therefore it is very importantknow which foods contain iodine. Especially pregnant women and children. If the body lacks it, then a goiter grows, the gland becomes large.
Manifestations of iodine deficiency:
- infertility;
- risk of miscarriage;
- child developmental delay;
- risk of breast cancer;
- congenital pathologies.
Signs of iodine deficiency
- Endometric goiter.
- Not working.
- Rapid fatigue.
- Feeling irritable.
- Hypothyroidism.
To recognize whether there is enough iodine in the human body, a simple test will help. In the evening, moisten a cotton swab with an alcohol-containing solution, apply the strips to a small area of the body. In the morning, carefully consider the place on which the solution was applied. If you do not find anything there, then accordingly, you need to urgently replenish stocks by consuming foods containing iodine. Well, if the iodine strips remain visible on the body, then you do not need to use it additionally.
Excess iodine
Iodine in the human body is involved in many processes. If a sufficient amount enters it, then the thyroid gland functions normally. But not only its lack is dangerous for the body, but also its overabundance.
Oversaturation in the body may occur due to its improper use, or rather the use of its substituteinorganic type. It is available in tablet form and as part of dietary supplements. Iodine in preparations is rather poorly absorbed by the body. For example, if you eat a lot of fish, seaweed, persimmon and other products containing trace elements in an organic form, then the body manages to absorb it in sufficient quantities, and the remains are excreted naturally.
Well, if you use iodine in medical preparations, then the body absorbs it completely. This can result in oversaturation. It manifests itself as a disease such as hypothyroidism. This is a disease caused by a lack or excess of thyroid hormones.
Also, an overdose can be obtained by a person directly involved in the extraction of this mineral. Symptoms of iodine poisoning:
- respiratory tract irritation;
- iododerma - skin disease;
- salivation, lacrimation;
- runny nose, sore throat;
- iron taste in the mouth;
- nausea, vomiting;
- fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus.
Iodine content in foods
What foods have iodine? An interesting fact is that most of them are under water. All kinds of freshwater fish, marine life, algae, shrimp and more. Most of the iodine people get from food. Foods rich in it can be either animal or vegetable.
But there is another way to deliver it to the body. Through the air The content of iodine in foods is not comparable to its concentration in the air. Very lucky with this residentscoastal regions. In the sea air, it is contained in huge quantities.
Animal sources of iodine:
- fish - freshwater, marine;
- seafood - oysters, crabs, shrimp, seaweed;
- dairy products - butter, milk, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk;
- chicken eggs.
Plant sources of iodine:
- fruits - persimmons, apples, grapes;
- vegetables - lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes;
- berries - currants, cranberries;
- cereals - buckwheat, rye, wheat.
Reducing the iodine content in products contributes to their heat treatment, especially frying. Therefore, it is better to eat raw foods, and if possible, fresh.
The use of iodine in medicine
This trace element has been popular in medicine since ancient times, although it is rarely used in concentrated form. This is an exceptional drug with increased biological activity and comprehensive action.
It is mainly used as various medicines and preparations. Iodine is an essential trace element for the natural functioning of the human body. In medicinal form, it is used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory agent. It also has a disinfecting effect on skin diseases, cuts, wounds. It is used orally for atherosclerosis, thyroid disease.
Preparations containing:
- organic iodine - a solution of 5% or 10% alcohol;
- inorganic - "Potassium iodide", "Sodium iodide";
- substances that break down - "Iodoform", "Iodinol";
- radiopaque agents.
An alcoholic solution of iodine is in every first aid kit. They treat wounds and cuts. In hospitals, it is used to prepare the skin for various types of operations. When applied externally to the upper respiratory tract, it acts as an expectorant. There are contraindications for the use of iodine inside:
- kidney disease;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- individual intolerance to the drug.
