Iodine in the human body plays a crucial role. In the table of D. I. Mendeleev, he stands 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 the 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 quantity 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 what food is rich in them.
Occurrence of iodine
Iodine was first discovered in 1811 by B. Courtois, a French chemist. He began to heat seaweed with sulfuric acid, thus a new element of the periodic table was obtained. Iodine, as a chemical element, the rarest on the planet. Its share is 4 * 10 -5 %. Despite this, he 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 in seaweed.
Iodine function
The content of this trace element in our body is very small, about 30 mg, but, despite this, its value is great. Main functions:
- 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, healthy skin, teeth, hair, nails. It is extremely important for the healthy growth of children, helps to develop mental abilities. Efficiency at the same time increases, excessive irritability decreases.
A child who has not received iodine in the womb will have developmental deficiencies in various organs. In the future, such children often suffer from developmental delays and neuropsychiatric abnormalities. 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, chest pain, decreased emotional background, and this is not associated with another disease, should be examined by an endocrinologist.
Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency mainly affects those regions that live far from the marine climate. In Russia, this is approximately 70% of the total area of the country. People need to independently monitor the consumption of food containing iodine. The importance for the body is enormous. Therefore, it is very important to know which foods contain iodine. Especially for pregnant women and children. If the body lacks it, then goiter grows, the gland becomes large.
Manifestations of iodine deficiency:
- infertility;
- the risk of miscarriage;
- lagging of the child in development;
- the risk of cancer of the gland;
- congenital pathologies.
Signs of iodine deficiency
- Endometric goiter.
- Lack of performance.
- Fast fatigue.
- Feeling irritable.
- Hypotheriosis.
A simple test will help to determine if iodine is present in sufficient quantities in the human body. In the evening, after wetting a cotton swab with its alcohol-containing solution, apply strips to a small area of the body. In the morning, carefully examine the places where the solution was applied. If you find nothing there, then accordingly, you need to urgently replenish supplies by consuming foods containing iodine. Well, if 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 can occur due to improper use, or rather the use of its substitute for an inorganic type. It is available in tablet form and as part of dietary supplements. Iodine in drugs is rather poorly absorbed by the body. Suppose if you eat a lot of fish, seaweed, persimmons and other products containing trace elements in organic form, then the body manages to absorb it in sufficient quantities, and the residues are naturally derived.
Well, if you use iodine in medications, then the body absorbs it completely. Because of this, a glut may occur. A disease such as hypothyroidism manifests itself. This is a disease caused by a deficiency 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:
- irritation of the respiratory tract;
- iododerma - a skin disease;
- salivation, lacrimation;
- runny nose, sore throat;
- taste of iron in the oral cavity;
- nausea, vomiting;
- Fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus.
Iodine content in foods
What foods have iodine? An interesting fact, most of them are under water. All kinds of freshwater fish, marine life, algae, shrimp and more. Most people get iodine with food. Foods rich in it can be of either animal or plant origin.
But there is another way to deliver it to the body. Through the air. The iodine content in the products cannot be compared with its concentrations in the air. Very lucky with these residents of the coastal regions. In sea air, it is contained in huge quantities.
Animal sources of iodine origin:
- fish - freshwater, marine;
- seafood - oysters, crab, 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 the products contributes to their heat treatment, especially frying. Therefore, it is better to eat foods raw, 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 a necessary trace element for the natural functioning of the human body. In its medicinal form, it is used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory agent. It also has a disinfecting effect for skin diseases, cuts, and wounds. It is used internally for atherosclerosis, a thyroid disease.
Preparations containing:
- Organic iodine - a solution of 5% or 10% alcohol;
- inorganic - "Potassium iodide", "Sodium iodide";
- substances that break down - "Iodoform", "Iodinol";
- X-ray contrast media.
An alcohol-containing iodine solution is located in each medicine cabinet. They treat wounds and cuts. In hospitals, it is used in preparing 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.