Diseases of the thyroid gland negatively affect the general well-being of a person. This endocrine organ affects the work of the nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive systems, regulates metabolic processes. Symptoms of diseases are nonspecific and can be mistaken for overwork. Especially often people are interested in how to check the thyroid gland at home, is it possible?

Self-diagnosis

Normally, the thyroid gland is moderately dense, mobile, and painless. A change in these parameters indicates a violation of the functioning and the development of pathological processes. An increase in the size of the organ is clearly visible during the swallowing of food.

Symptoms of violations:

• the lower part of the neck is expanded;
• during swallowing, the contours of the thyroid gland are visible;
• asymmetrical enlargement of the neck;
• pain when probing the gland;
• hoarseness of voice;
• the presence of nodular seals in the thyroid gland;
• the movement of the Adam's apple is not visible while swallowing food or liquid;
• transverse skin folds on the neck;
• swelling, redness of the skin over the thyroid gland.

If, during a home check, nodes are felt that are rapidly increasing in size, it is necessary to contact an oncologist. Malignant tumors are characterized by rapid growth.

It is worth paying attention to the condition of the cervical lymph nodes - their increase can also indicate a malignant or inflammatory disease. Examination of the thyroid gland can be difficult in overweight patients, and the only way to check the volume of the gland is with the help of ultrasound.

Iodine Deficiency Test

Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland for the secretion of thyroid hormones. With an acute shortage of the substance, an increase in the size of the organ occurs, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are produced in insufficient quantities, which can lead to hypothyroidism or diffuse toxic goiter.

One way to recognize iodine deficiency is to apply an iodine mesh behind the wrist. With a cotton swab, carefully draw several lines of various thicknesses. The test is recommended to be done in the evening before going to bed. In the morning, you need to check the result: if only small lines are absorbed, then the body has enough iodine. If all the strips are absorbed, it is worth visiting an endocrinologist and doing an ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body:

• dry skin and mucous membranes;
• weight gain;
• chronic constipation;
• arrhythmia;
• low blood pressure;
• in women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, infertility develops;
• in men - impotence.

Lack of iodine also negatively affects the functioning of the brain, intellectual abilities decrease, memory worsens, general weakness, fatigue, depression worries. In the presence of these symptoms and a positive iodine test, it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist. Early treatment reduces the risk of complications.

Determining the size of the thyroid gland

How to check the thyroid gland at home, is it possible to independently examine the organ and identify an increase in its size? To assess the volume of the thyroid gland, you need to stand in front of a mirror and take water in your mouth. During swallowing of the liquid, in the area above the collarbone, just below the place where the Adam's apple is located, you can notice rounded swellings or nodes. This is a symptom of thyrotoxicosis - hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, in which there is an excessive secretion of thyroid hormones.

The characteristic symptoms of the disease include bulging eyes, weight loss with good appetite, frequent diarrhea, general weakness, a mask of fright or surprise on the face, hair loss, brittle nails, tachycardia, amenorrhea and infertility in women, gynecomastia and decreased sexual desire in men.

How to determine the disease of the thyroid gland, how to check at home? With a significant increase in the size of the thyroid gland, the neck deforms, it becomes thicker, edema appears, the trachea is compressed, and the voice sits down. If a nodular goiter develops, rounded seals that differ from other tissues can be visually or palpated.

With thyroiditis, an important determining factor is neck soreness, redness of the skin over the thyroid gland, it is elastic, mobile, and enlarged. The patient's body temperature rises.

Another test that helps to check the thyroid gland on its own is to determine the position of the brow arches. A simple pencil is applied vertically to the outer corner of the eye, so that the nose is parallel. If the edge of the eyebrow goes beyond the pencil, then everything is fine. In the case when bulging eyes are present, the eyebrows are strongly raised upwards - this is a symptom of a severe stage of thyrotoxicosis. The cause can also be severe hair loss with hypothyroidism, which primarily manifests itself on the eyebrows.

If there are signs of exophthalmos, a person's face takes on a frightened, angry or surprised look. The skin is icteric, dry, edematous. With thyrotoxicosis of the thyroid gland, vision deteriorates, double vision appears, a feeling of sand, there may be incomplete closure, lagging of the upper or lower eyelids from the eyeball when looking up or down. Patients often have symptoms of conjunctivitis, and may ulcerate the mucous membrane (keratitis). This threatens with visual impairment and blindness.

Due to the drying of the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, stomatitis, glossitis, and cheilitis often occur. The tongue strongly swells and increases in size, on its lateral sides teeth marks are visible. It is difficult for the patient to talk, swallow food.

To check the functioning of the thyroid gland, you will need a regular thermometer. It must be brought down to a reading of 35 ° C. In the morning, immediately after waking up, you should measure your body temperature. The thermometer must be held for 10 minutes. Thus, the basal temperature is determined.

Normally, the obtained values ​​\u200b\u200bshould be in the range of 36.5–36.8 °. In women, during menstruation and during pregnancy, the temperature may rise. The study will also be ineffective during colds, infectious diseases.

If the temperature is below 36.5 ° - this is a symptom of hypothyroidism, and when there is an increase in indicators above 36.8 ° - this indicates hyperfunction of the thyroid gland or the presence of an inflammatory process (thyroiditis). This test must be repeated 3 days in a row. In case of persistent deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a therapist or endocrinologist.

Home tests to check the thyroid gland may not always give the correct result, since diseases in the early stages do not cause an increase in the size of the organ. Nodules or swelling are not always present. Therefore, with the appearance of ailments that have a similar clinical picture, it is necessary to visit a doctor.

How to treat thyroid gland at home with iodine?

If the doctor diagnosed you with hypothyroidism, it means that the thyroid gland has reduced its functionality due to a deficiency in iodine in the body. I must say that this is a very common disease, which is often diagnosed in modern people of any age.

In the early stages of ailments, you can try to adjust the diet - you need to eat foods that contain iodine in their composition (seafood, persimmon, and so on). But if the correction of nutrition does not help, or if the disease has already progressed, then the thyroid gland should be treated with medication, and only an endocrinologist should prescribe it. The attending physician, as a rule, prescribes iodine-containing medications to such patients.

The essence of the problem

Iodine and the thyroid gland are inextricably linked with each other. The lack of this element has a very negative effect on the condition of the gland and causes it to increase in size. The fact is that iodine for the thyroid gland is an important component, only thanks to it, the gland can synthesize the necessary amount of hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Treatment of the thyroid gland with iodine is the most effective measure that will help normalize the function of the thyroid gland, a very important organ that is directly involved in metabolic processes.

Everyone should understand how important iodine is for the thyroid gland. The daily norm of an adult in iodine should be at least 100-150 mcg. However, it is by no means possible to take an undiluted alcoholic solution of iodine inside, even in very small quantities! This substance is for external use only and may cause burns to mucous membranes if taken orally.

Relationship between iodine and thyroid

How is iodine related to the thyroid gland? Iodine is a component of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The hormone thyroxine is the main product of the secretory activity of the thyroid gland. So it just has four iodine atoms in its composition. Thyroxine is produced from triiodothyronine after one iodine atom is cleaved from the latter.

The fact that the causes of thyroid pathologies can be a lack of iodine has become known to scientists almost two centuries ago. After it became clear that iodine is a component of thyroid hormones, doctors began to study how the thyroid hormone is connected with the vital activity of the body. It has now been established that these hormones have a wide spectrum of action and are necessary for a person at any age. They are necessary for children for growth and development, for women for reproductive function and for bearing a healthy child, for people who are engaged in mental work to increase intellectual capabilities, and so on.

But in addition, a lack of thyroid hormone can lead to severe chronic diseases and the development of atherosclerosis. Thyroid hormone is also responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system and so on. Therefore, the thyroid gland - this small organ - has a huge impact on the entire body as a whole, and a sufficient amount of iodine is necessary for its normal functioning.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism

Before treating the thyroid gland with iodine, you need to make sure that it is really necessary. To do this, you need to contact an endocrinologist and undergo a diagnosis. How to check the thyroid gland at home? Self-diagnosis is not recommended, since the clinical picture in this case is not a decisive moment. But, if the following symptoms occur, you can suspect the presence of a disease, and check the thyroid gland in a clinic:

• chronic fatigue;
• hair loss;
• obesity;
• swelling of the eyes;
• hoarseness in the voice;
• neuropsychiatric disorders;
• manifestations of cardiovascular diseases;
• disorders in the process of digestion;
• reproductive disorders;
• dry skin;
• memory loss.

To make sure you have hypothyroidism, you will need a blood test for thyroid hormones.

In addition, instrumental diagnostics is also necessary:

• histology and cytology;
• scintigraphy.

Treatment of hypothyroidism

If the doctor has decided on the need for drug treatment, you should not refuse it. This means that the pathology is progressing and it is impossible to solve the problem simply by changing the diet. But at the same time, you can use folk remedies and use iodine as an additional therapy.

Important! The doctor must be aware that you will be carrying out iodine procedures, in which case he can change the dosage of prescribed drugs. The fact is that an excess of iodine can also become a big problem, and cause other pathologies of the gland.

Iodine treatment

As already mentioned, iodine is extremely important for the thyroid gland. How to treat the thyroid gland with iodine? First you need to find out how much iodine you need. The check is carried out as follows: before going to bed, an iodine mesh is applied to the right forearm. Swipe the first strip lightly, literally lightly touching the skin, the second strip should be darker, and the third most intense. In the morning, you need to analyze the result. What stripes are missing?

If the forearm is clean and there is no trace of iodine on it, then iodine therapy should be carried out in such an intense color that the third strip was drawn. If the trace from the darkest strip is present on the skin, then you can use the intensity of the second strip. If only the first weak plane is not left on the skin, then you will continue to make a mesh of low intensity. If all three strips are left, you don’t have to worry - there is enough iodine in your body and there is no need to replenish it.

Where can I smear iodine? You can only smear iodine on your hands and feet. That is, it is allowed to smear the heels with iodine, since from such therapy, in addition to replenishing iodine, the condition of the skin of the heels improves. In addition, the heel area, as a rule, is not visible and you don’t have to worry that the remaining iodine will give the body an unaesthetic appearance. Iodine can be applied to the shin, on the forearm, but iodine cannot be applied to the thyroid gland. The course of iodine nets should not exceed a week. After that, a break and consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Breathing iodine vapor is another way to introduce some iodine into the body. Vapors of undiluted iodine are quite concentrated and can cause burns, therefore, with iodine inhalations, iodine must be diluted with water.

Such procedures will favorably affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, however, using them without medical supervision can be dangerous. Of course, iodine is closely related to the thyroid gland, but its excess is also bad. That is why it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of the gland during iodine therapy, and only a doctor can do this competently.

Treatment with radioactive iodine

Most often, such treatment is prescribed to patients who have undergone surgery on the thyroid gland. The essence of the method is as follows. As soon as radioactive iodine enters the human body, it begins to affect the cells of the thyroid gland - it destroys both damaged and healthy cells. As a result, the thyroid gland stops the synthesis of hormones and hypothyroidism develops - in this case, this is the expected effect of therapy.

This is necessary for the following diseases:

• toxic goiter;
• oncology of the gland;
• hyperthyroidism;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• postoperative condition.

Such treatment is carried out only with the appointment of a doctor and only in stationary conditions. Prepare for the procedure:

• at least 4 days before treatment, cancel all medications taken;
• to test the gland for the absorption of the drug;
• Two weeks before the procedure, you must adhere to a dietary diet.

Summarizing

Iodine is a vital element for the human body. You can get iodine not only with the help of medicines and food, but also from the air. Therefore, people with iodine deficiency are advised to go to the sea and breathe in salty air.

However, we must not forget that an excess of iodine can be no less dangerous than its lack, therefore, you should not thoughtlessly drink iodine-containing drugs and use a pharmacy alcohol infusion of this substance to treat thyroid gland. For everything, evidence is needed that only a competent specialist can give.

Nutrition for thyroid disease in women

The normal activity of the gland largely depends on the quality of the food. If all people ate natural products, so many diseases simply would not exist! The phrase "we are what we eat" is well read, but not perceived.

Poor nutrition, if it does not cause the disease, then exacerbates it. Therefore, a balanced diet, a diet for the thyroid gland of any sick person is part of the treatment process. Some problems will go away enough to adjust the nutrition for thyroid gland, and a healthy life will improve.

The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin - the main hormones that affect metabolism, the state of the nervous system, heart, kidneys, skeletal system, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. For the normal functioning of the endocrine organ, a small but stable intake of iodine is required.

Pathologies of the endocrine organ may be the result of:

• insufficient synthesis of hormones - hypothyroidism;
• excessive synthesis - hyperthyroidism;
• inflammation of the organ - autoimmune thyroiditis;
• organ enlargement - endemic goiter.

Nutrition for thyroid disease should be strictly balanced, taking into account the individuality and subtleties of treating the problem.

In order to prevent the aggravation of existing problems, it is required to balance the diet in the thyroid diet, so that fats, proteins, carbohydrates are present to ensure the normal functioning of the body, so that the calorie content is within acceptable limits.

And most importantly, diet therapy should ensure sufficient intake of minerals and vitamins in the body. Food should be hearty, but not plentiful. Overeating in diseases of the thyroid gland is unacceptable.

Patients with hypothyroidism problems will need to make a diet with a reduced content of fats and carbohydrates, but at the same time the amount of protein needs to be increased, as well as dairy products. Be sure to use products that activate the digestive organs, contribute to the removal of feces from the intestines: cereals with bran, fruits, vegetables, fresh berries.

Too fatty or salty foods are excluded. Minimize or refuse to eat foods that cause flatulence and that add cholesterol plaques. Don't drink a lot of fluids. Patients with hypothyroidism often have failures in carotene metabolism, so you should be careful with the intake of food rich in vitamin A.

With endemic goiter, diet therapy involves dishes enriched with iodine and B vitamins. But their preparation should be gentle, so the thyroid gland diet suggests eating boiled, stewed, baked, but not spicy with a small salt content. Fluid intake should not exceed 1.5 liters.

For problems caused by autoimmune thyroiditis, it is required to strictly limit foods containing iodine. Food is recommended fractional with a break of three hours, without starvation.

In short, what is allowed is what is not prohibited. There are several directions for the development of organ pathologies, and each type requires compliance with certain nutritional features. However, with all diseases, the diet for the thyroid gland should be enriched with vitamins.

Nutrition in hyperthyroidism requires iodine restriction. Therefore, the diet for such patients will be different. This pathology is characterized by increased metabolism, that is, a lot of energy is used, there is an increased breakdown of fats and protein. For this reason, weight loss and metabolic disorders occur. Therefore, in this case, a different diet is needed: high-calorie fortified with minerals.

A diet for thyroid disease should contribute to recovery, restoration of immunity. Food is an integral part of the healing and recovery process. Therefore, diet therapy does not allow all foods to be consumed and recommends certain cooking methods.

Beneficial for the health of the endocrine organ:

1. Seafood is best fresh.
2. Simple familiar vegetables, fruits, berries can be used for salads, diversify their taste with exotic fruits containing trace elements such as manganese, cobalt, selenium. You can cook dishes from different types of cabbage, pumpkin.
3. You can prepare infusions or drinks, for example, from wild rose or from dandelion, its leaves are useful, as well as its roots.
4. Raspberries and strawberries are best eaten fresh.
5. Herbal tea with bitter herbs.
6. Ginseng, golden root, eleutherococcus and other medicinal plants are very useful.
7. Vegetables such as celery, parsnips and garlic will help cleanse the body of toxins.
8. Sprouted grains of cereals are considered biological stimulants, they are also antioxidants, normalize metabolism, purify blood composition, and increase immunity.
9. Various types of nuts.
10. Honey is useful, but not more than two tablespoons per day.
11. Vegetable oils for salad dressing.
12. You can butter, but melted 20 g per day.
13. Porridge should be boiled in water, you can add vegetables or fruits.
14. Potatoes are best consumed baked, but very limited.
15. Muesli with fruits and juices.

A small list of what not to eat has been compiled:

1. Refined foods such as sugar.
2. Confectionery delights: cakes, pastries or sweets, cookies.
3. Smoked meat and fish delicacies.
4. Tea, cocoa, instant coffee.
5. Fried foods should be excluded from the diet.
6. Any canned vegetables, fruits, fish, meat products.
7. Drinks containing alcohol.
8. Seasonings that provoke the secretion of gastric juice.
9. Refined white flour products.

Nutrition for thyroid nodules is mainly aimed at the use of dishes from vegetables, fruits, berries. Diet therapy should help to cope with iodine deficiency.

If the dietary option helps to restore the balance of iodine, then gradually the nodes will begin to decrease, and then disappear. In addition to iodine, trace elements are required, for example, cobalt or zinc, selenium.

The diet for knots recommends eating foods:

1. Seafood and sea fish.
2. Drink herbal infusions on medicinal herbs such as wormwood, yarrow.
3. Boiled cereals can be combined with fresh or dried fruits or nuts.
4. A variety of vegetable dishes, both raw salads and stews: stews, boiled vegetable soups.
5. The following vegetables are preferable: eggplant, ordinary zucchini, green peas, beets, onions.
6. You can't do without nuts.

1. Overeat.
2. Starve.
3. Exhaust the body with diets.

The latter problems are often found in women.

A balanced diet takes into account all the needs of the body. To live a full life, a healthy thyroid gland is required, but a diet helps to create normal conditions for it.

Alcohol tincture of iodine is one of the most effective and affordable antiseptics. However, not everyone knows that this pharmaceutical preparation can be used not only for disinfecting the skin with cuts and scratches. Simple lines (the so-called grid) drawn on the body with iodine solution help alleviate a number of ailments due to the dual effect that iodine has on the body. Firstly, it produces a pronounced warming effect, since its molecules increase local blood flow. Secondly, penetrating through the pores into the subcutaneous tissues, iodine inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms and reduces the intensity of inflammation.

Today we will talk about pathologies in which the application of an iodine grid is indicated.

Source: grud03.ru

Respiratory diseases

The use of an iodine solution can significantly alleviate the obsessive symptoms of colds and speed up recovery. With a cold, a mesh is drawn on the wings of the nose and in the region of the bridge of the nose. To get rid of a dry cough, an iodine mesh is applied to the skin of the throat and upper chest. This should be done carefully, with light touches. A mesh applied daily to the calves and feet helps to cope with any colds.

Varicose disease

With varicose veins, iodine mesh is recommended to be applied to problem areas of the legs at night. Procedures are carried out no more than twice a week, the course of treatment takes 60 days. The therapeutic effect of iodine in this case is manifested by a decrease in swelling and an improvement in the appearance of the legs. Patients note a decrease in fatigue and pain.

Bruises and bruises

The iodine mesh helps to get rid of hematomas. However, it is not worth immediately applying it to a bruise formed as a result of a bruise. The fact is that such damage is accompanied by edema, and iodine can interfere with their resorption. Therefore, a cold compress is first applied to the affected area, and iodine treatment is started a day later.

If bruises appear at the injection site, you can apply the iodine mesh immediately, repeating the procedure no more than twice a day.

Back and joint pain

Many people with age begin to worry about back pain that occurs after a long walk or while standing. The iodine grid helps to solve the problem. It is applied three times a week to the middle of the upper back, placing vertical lines along the spine.

Pain in inflamed joints can also be reduced by using an iodine mesh. She is painted every evening before going to bed, after steaming the affected areas.

Diagnosis and elimination of iodine deficiency

A person receives the amount of iodine necessary for the body from food. In developed countries, whose population eats well, iodine deficiency is rare. However, it can be observed in people suffering from metabolic disorders, as well as in pregnant women.

Determining whether the body is deficient in iodine is very simple. To do this, you need to draw a small iodine mesh on an area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body with delicate, thin skin (for example, on the inner surface of the thigh). Normally, the strokes will gradually fade and disappear completely after 24 hours. If this happens much faster, it is likely that there is not enough iodine in the body.

The iodine mesh is sometimes used to compensate for iodine deficiency. For example, this method is recommended for expectant mothers who are unable to take medications.

Despite the availability and safety (in general), iodine mesh treatment requires caution. It is important to observe the following rules:

• the mesh is applied to clean, dry skin with a cotton swab, with light movements, without pressure. The lines must form cells with a side of at least 1 cm;
• it is unacceptable to get a solution of iodine on the mucous membranes, as well as on open wounds and cracks;
• it is impossible to apply a grid on the areas of the heart and thyroid gland;
• it is not recommended to carry out iodine procedures if the body temperature is elevated;
• the method is not used in the treatment of babies under the age of three years, since their metabolic processes have their own characteristics. Older children should be tested for iodine tolerance before the first procedure. To do this, apply an iodine dot or a small line on the inside of the wrist. If within 20-30 minutes there are no undesirable reactions (redness, burning, rash, etc.), treatment can be started;
• for children, 2.5% tincture of iodine is used (for adults - 5%).

Treatment with iodine mesh has only two unconditional contraindications: thyroid pathology and iodine intolerance.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

We all know that iodine is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. This trace element is part of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, providing their basic biological functions.

However, with some hormonal disorders, it can be useless and even dangerous. Why iodine is not allowed with hypothyroidism: up-to-date medical information and video in this article will help you figure it out.

Iodine has an important effect on the human body. Getting into the digestive tract as part of food (seaweed, fish, seafood, etc.), it is absorbed into the blood and transported to the cells of the thyroid gland. There, trace element molecules bind to the amino acid tyrosine.

This is how thyroid hormones are synthesized, the main biological properties of which are:

• stimulation of growth and development processes;
• activation of the processes of synthesis of polypeptide chains and RNA;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• correction of metabolic disorders of fats in the body;
• stimulation of the transmission of an electro-chemical impulse between neurons in the brain, improvement of brain activity;
• increase in heat production;
• stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, increased heart rate, increased cardiac output and cardiac output;
• activation of digestion processes, acceleration of the movement of food through the digestive tract.

This is interesting. Water, soil and natural food near the seas and oceans are saturated with a useful trace element, so the inhabitants of such regions almost never experience iodine deficiency. The farther from the sea, the worse the situation for iodine. Endemic goiter, associated primarily with a lack of trace elements, is a common disease among the population of central Russia and Asia. According to WHO, manifest or subclinical iodine deficiency is observed in 30% of the inhabitants of the Earth. Therefore, in many cases, hypothyroidism and iodine remain closely related.

The thyroid gland in conditions of hypothyroidism

In order to find out if iodine is needed for hypothyroidism, you should learn more about this disease. - reduced functional activity of the thyroid gland, in which the endocrine organ begins to secrete hormones in insufficient quantities.

Clinically, hypothyroidism is manifested by a gradual increase in the following symptoms:

• weakness, fatigue, decreased performance;
• loss of appetite;
• slow metabolism, uncontrolled weight gain;
• deterioration of mental abilities, memory, concentration of attention;
• bradycardia (slow heart rate);
• tendency to constipation;
• the appearance of dense interstitial edema (myxedema);
• dry skin, hair, nails;
• violation of menstrual function in women, reversible infertility.

Laboratory criteria for the disease are:

• decrease in the concentration of T3 (triiodothyronine);
• decrease in the level of T4 (thyroxine);
• - pituitary hormone responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland.

Note! Along with manifest hypothyroidism, which has vivid clinical manifestations, there is a subclinical form of the disease. It is characterized by the absence of any symptoms and initial changes in the analyzes - the remaining norm of T3, T4 with reduced TSH.

Do I need iodine for thyroid insufficiency

So, we found out that iodine is an important trace element in the body, which is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

And what is its effect on the work of the endocrine system in conditions of hypothyroidism? Below we consider the need for taking iodine preparations for various diseases accompanied by this syndrome.

Removed thyroid/organ aplasia

Aplasia of the thyroid gland is a congenital malformation, which is characterized by a violation of the intrauterine anlage and the complete absence of an organ. This disease is manifested by absolute persistent hypothyroidism and is diagnosed at a very early age. A similar condition develops in patients who have undergone surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

Important! All patients with an absent thyroid require lifelong levothyroxine replacement therapy. The dose of tablets is selected by the doctor individually. It is hormones, and not iodine, that is necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Is iodine necessary in this case? Once in the body, it is not captured by the cells of the thyroid gland, but circulates freely in the blood.

If 50-150 micrograms of iodine from food is excreted in the urine, then high doses of iodine can cause poisoning. The phenomena of iodism, or iodine poisoning, have been described since antiquity.

Its main symptoms are:

• redness of mucous membranes;
• acne;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• headache or toothache;
• runny nose, cough, swelling of the bronchial mucosa;
• increase in body temperature.

Primary and secondary hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism is a syndrome that develops with pathological changes in the thyroid gland itself (autoimmune inflammation, drug-induced hypothyroidism after iodine 131 (radioactive), etc.).

Secondary hypothyroidism is a syndrome that develops in the pathology of the regulatory system for the release of hormones - the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. At the same time, thyroid cells retain their functional activity, but do not “work” due to the lack of a brain command.

Unfortunately, iodine will not help either in the first or in the second case:

• For primary hypothyroidism the trace element will be ineffective due to a decrease in the number of thyrocytes capable of capturing iodine and synthesizing hormones;
• With secondary hypothyroidism iodine is also not used for the synthesis of thyroid hormones due to the lack of a command to capture the microelement by thyrocytes.

endemic goiter

Endemic goiter associated with - the only indication for the additional appointment of iodine preparations. At the same time, thyroid cells function normally and do not produce enough hormones only because of the lack of "material" for work.

At the same time, the thyroid gland compensatory increases in size, as if trying to capture a larger number of iodine molecules due to the larger contact area. Sooner or later, this leads to the development of a goiter - a volumetric formation on the neck that prevents the patient from eating and breathing.

Note! It is difficult to determine the iodine deficiency in the body with your own hands. Seek advice from a specialist who will draw up a detailed diagnostic plan for you (determination of thyroid hormones, ultrasound of the organ, analysis of urine for iodine content) and treatment.

The inclusion of iodine-rich foods in your daily diet, as well as the additional intake of a trace element as part of multivitamin complexes, allows the thyroid gland to actively engage in work and produce a sufficient amount of hormones. In this case, the symptoms of the disease disappear, and the thyroid gland stops its pathological growth.

Popular iodine preparations are presented in the table below:

Name	Active substance	Peculiarities	average price
Iodine active (Diode)	Iodine embedded in milk protein molecule	With iodine deficiency, it is actively absorbed by the body, and with an excess, it is excreted unchanged and does not affect the body.	60 rubles
Iodomarin (Berlin-Chemie)	Potassium iodide	It is actively used for the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency. Easy to dose and convenient to use	100 r.
Iodbalance(Merck)			110 r.
Potassium iodide (domestic manufacturers)			40 r.

Note! If endemic goiter was diagnosed at a late stage, and the patient's body is experiencing a pronounced lack of thyroid hormones, a short course of levothyroxine replacement therapy will help to quickly restore hormonal imbalance. Then, when the need for iodine is satisfied, the patient with endemic goiter does not need to take hormones.

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: is iodine necessary for a child?

The question of the need to prescribe iodine preparations to all expectant mothers, without exception, remains controversial. The medical instruction recommends taking 200 mcg (1 tablet) of potassium iodide per day for all healthy pregnant women to prevent iodine deficiency and meet the increased need for thyroid hormones, both in their own body and in the fetus. What about hypothyroidism?

The fetal thyroid gland is considered fully formed by 18-19 weeks of intrauterine development. Prior to this, the maternal thyroid gland provides the fetus with thyroid hormones, so necessary for growth and development. Later, the child's endocrine system begins to "train", releasing a small amount of hormones, but most of the thyroxine in the child's blood continues to come from the mother's body.

If the intake of iodine by a healthy pregnant woman will relieve her of a possible microelement deficiency and allow the thyroid gland to work more actively, releasing hormones for two, then with primary or secondary hypothyroidism, Iodine Active, Iodomarin, Potassium Iodide and other drugs are ineffective, and in most cases it is not recommended to take them .

Note! To meet the increased need for thyroxine during pregnancy, it is usually necessary to increase the dose of hormonal agents (L-thyroxine, Euthyrox). All pregnant women with hypothyroidism are advised to consult an endocrinologist to select the appropriate dosage.

We examined how iodine affects the body in hypothyroidism: whether or not it can be used to prevent and treat the most common diseases, whether it will be useful or harmful for the body. But the last word is always up to the attending physician: it is he who will be able to determine whether an additional prescription of iodine preparations is necessary for the patient or not.

When we hear the word "iodine", we immediately imagine a medicine that is used to disinfect a wound and treat inflammation. With iodine, you can quickly remove bruises and bruises on the skin. But, first of all, it is a chemical element, the properties of which make it a truly universal remedy. It is all around us, albeit in small amounts: in soil and minerals, in plants and water. It is practically insoluble in water and can evaporate at ordinary temperatures.

What is iodine

Iodine is an element that is responsible for the normal growth of all mammals, including humans. If it were not in nature, life would look different; it is even difficult to imagine what kind of people they would be.

Iodine enters the human body with water and food, and with inhaled air and through the skin - in small doses; then accumulates in the thyroid gland. Participates in the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine - hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is functioning normally, its cells extract iodine from the blood. At the same time, the metabolism proceeds normally - which means that iodine affects the work of the whole organism.

It also helps the formation of cells necessary for our body, a kind of cleaners that capture and destroy foreign microorganisms and damaged cells. This element is of paramount importance for the normal growth and development of children and adolescents; participates in the formation of bones and cartilage, in protein synthesis, stimulates mental abilities, improves performance and neutralizes fatigue.

Iodine is also essential for lipid and subcutaneous tissue metabolism. It promotes the breakdown of fat and prevents the appearance of cellulite. The normal content of iodine in the body helps burn fat during diets, keeps you active and gives energy, promotes healthy skin, nails and teeth.

How iodine deficiency manifests itself and the consequences of its deficiency

Iodine deficiency and deficiency develops in residents of those areas where soil and water are poor in this element. The deficiency condition is exacerbated if the food of these people is poor in complete proteins and vitamins C and A. Then it develops, "Hashimoto's goiter" - a disease of the thyroid gland; immunity weakens and metabolic processes in the body are disturbed; memory worsens, the energy of the affected person is quickly depleted and fatigue is constantly felt; he is irritable, his head often hurts, his weight changes sharply, there is a strong sweating and drowsiness. Iodine deficiency diseases are the basis of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disorders.

thyroxine and thyroid gland

- iodinated thyroid hormone. It is an inactive compound representing 90% of the gland's production. It is able to be converted into the active phase and converted under the action of enzymes into triiodothyronine. Two iodine-containing hormones optimize energy processes in the body, affect the nervous system and the functions of the heart, kidneys and liver.

Thyroxine affects blood pressure - increases it; mobility and mental activity depend on the level of the same hormone. Thyroxine affects metabolism and the speed of thought processes. This affects the heart rate.

With normal levels of the hormone in the blood, there is no excess weight, if there are no diseases that contribute to excess weight. This type of action is associated with the role of thyroxin in the metabolic rate. When a person with normal thyroxine levels eats more than they need, the body produces more thyroxine and fat burning follows.

The daily requirement for iodine depends on the type and physiological state of the person; features of puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc., which require high doses. The World Health Organization has established the following daily iodine requirements for adults and children:

• 50 mcg for infants and children up to 12 months;
• 90 mcg for children 2-6 years old;
• 120 mcg for children 7-12 years old;
• 150 mcg for adolescents over 12;
• 100 mcg for adults;
• 200 mcg for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment with iodine for internal use, you need to dose. It is taken in an iodine deficiency state. 90% of the element comes through food, and the remaining 10% through water and air. That is why a walk along the seashore is an addition to the menu, where the air is saturated with healing vapors of iodine compounds. When taken, iodine affects metabolism, enhances thyroid function and promotes the production of thyroid hormones, lowers cholesterol in the blood, and is necessary in the treatment of atherosclerosis. In addition, the microelement increases the fibrinolytic activity of the blood.

What is iodine tincture used for?

An iodine tincture is an alcohol solution that is used to disinfect tissues around an injured area. It is a good antiseptic, which is also used for purulent skin lesions. In case of insufficient effectiveness of treatment with tincture of iodine on the damaged area, consultation with a doctor is necessary. In some therapeutic practices, iodine is also used to treat respiratory diseases and nasopharyngeal infections.

Official medicine defines iodine tincture as a topical remedy with a curative effect on the skin and mucous membranes. The solution is also used as an additional remedy for muscle inflammation (applied to the skin over the problem muscle).

Composition of iodine tincture

Iodine tincture is an alcohol solution. The classic formula contains 5% iodine in a 70% ethanol solution of potassium iodide and a small amount of purified water. In practice, weak solutions of 0.5% 1%, 2%, 5 to 7% are used for treatment on mucous membranes and wounds.

A standard 5% tincture, also used to disinfect untreated drinking water, will require 10 drops of tincture per liter of water.

Application of Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is a topical topical solution or ointment (a chemically stable complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone and iodine). Used in the treatment of dermatoses with secondary bacterial infection, damaging wounds and trophic ulcers, infections, the drug is effective in painful conditions with bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is applied in a thin layer, several times during the day.

How do iodine vapors affect a person

Inhalation of iodine vapors on the seashore, an old therapeutic approach to strengthening the immune system and the respiratory apparatus. It is recommended to take walks along the seashore for 7-10 days within half an hour - an hour after sunrise. When there is a high concentration of useful ions in the air, the effect is most effective.

Direct inhalation of iodine vapors obtained when passing into a gaseous state is dangerous: they are toxic, and their entry through the respiratory tract causes irritation and burns.

At the same time, iodine vapor is used at home for irritation of the upper respiratory tract. To do this, add five drops of iodine to boiled water, and inhale the steam, covering yourself with a towel. Breathe like this for 15-20 minutes twice a day.

With a small amount of iodine tincture - 5%, you can make a solution for gargling, with problems with the mouth and throat. In a glass of warm water, add one teaspoon of table salt and soda, and 2-3 drops of iodine. Stir and gargle 5-8 times a day. Excellent disinfectant.

Use as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds

Iodine is a proven antiseptic agent with a proven effect in the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. Iodine solution is regularly used in the treatment of operating areas in surgery. Antiseptic preparations containing iodine are used in medical interventions, for example, when placing catheters, punctures, etc.

Iodine solution is used to disinfect the skin around the injury, with open wounds. The tincture is also suitable for those cases when it is necessary to dry the injured skin area. On an open wound and a deep cut, iodine is not used.

How to treat nail fungus with iodine at home

For the treatment of fungus on the toenails, a tincture is used, a concentration solution with a 5% content is suitable. With the manifestation of a fungal infection, nail treatment is carried out every day, and for preventive purposes - once every three days. With regular use, you may feel a slight burning sensation, if it intensifies, or you notice redness, the treatment is suspended.

How is the procedure? Each infected nail is treated with one drop of tincture. The procedure is performed twice a day. From this, the nails turn yellow - we hope you will not wear sandals in this form. Also, you won't be able to use nail polish until the fungus is cured.

The iodine solution also works on fungi on the feet and between the toes. On average, it takes about 20 days to cure a fungus on the skin and nails with iodine.

How does iodine help the thyroid gland with hypothyroidism

When a person is hypothyroid, the production of thyroid hormones decreases. This condition occurs when the tissues of the gland are damaged or when there is a deficiency of iodine in the body. It is important to diagnose the cause of this condition; if it is the so-called "endemic goiter", it is recommended to take iodine-containing drugs. A diet with an emphasis on iodine-containing foods such as beets, garlic, walnuts, onions, chokeberries, strawberries and fish is also recommended.

Radioiodine therapy - treatment with radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine is useful in the treatment of goiter, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism. This type of treatment requires a stay in the hospital, with thyrotoxicosis - one day, and with the formation of a tumor up to 5 days. For treatment and diagnosis, special tools and equipment are needed.

How to gargle

You can gargle with iodine tincture - this is an old way from traditional medicine. It is used for sore throats, and is suitable for adults and adolescents. Some recipes recommend five drops of a 5% iodine solution in 50 ml of water; rinsing is carried out in the morning and in the evening. According to other recommendations, the proportion is as follows, 7-8 drops of the tincture are dripped into a glass of water and a teaspoon of salt and baking soda are added.

It is important not to overdose as there is a risk of throat irritation. It is safer to take a three percent tincture or buy water enriched with iodine ion pairs at the pharmacy. Iodine concentrate is also available with different ion content of thermally stable iodine. It is used to prepare various iodized foods according to special recipes.

Is it possible to drink iodine

Self-treatment when taking tincture of iodine is dangerous and threatens with burns of the respiratory tract; in addition, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of this approach, and at the same time there are warnings about subsequent dysbacteriosis. However, supporters of traditional methods of treatment use some recipes that they consider safe. We will quote them with the condition that you use them after consulting your doctor, in order to avoid unwanted side effects and reactions:

• Five drops of iodine tincture are dripped into a glass of water or fresh milk and drunk with heavy metal poisoning, with endocrine diseases and inflammation of the respiratory tract;
• A drop of iodine tincture in a glass of milk helps with atherosclerosis; add a spoonful of honey and drink once a week - in the evening, after meals;
• When coughing, drink a glass of hot water with three drops of iodine;
• With a runny nose in the initial stage, drink half a glass of water with five drops of iodine tincture. With a runny nose, inhalation of iodine solution vapors also helps.
• A liter of water from an uncertified source can be "legalized" with 1-3 drops of tincture; drink in half an hour.

Use for indigestion

An old practice is to suppress severe indigestion with tincture of iodine. A suitable therapy for adults is 2-3 drops of the solution in a glass of water, which is drunk immediately. The solution tastes bad, so you need to have some bite to quell the nausea, like a slice of lemon.

Iodine and aspirin for joint pain

Iodine with aspirin- This is a well-known combination from the practice of traditional medicine. It is believed to help with arthritis and rheumatism; used as an external remedy and relieves pain and stiffness. Preparing a cheap antibiotic is very simple, five crushed aspirin tablets are dissolved in 10 ml of iodine tincture. The ointment is applied to the sore spot in the evening before going to bed and loosely wrapped with a bandage. With the same ingredients, you can get a healing oil by mixing white Vaseline from a pharmacy.

For pain in the legs, you can do a partial bath with warm water, in which 25 g of sea salt and 12 drops of iodine tincture are dissolved. Take 15 minutes every evening for two weeks.

With psoriasis

According to the recommendation of users from the Internet: 5% iodine tincture can be used against psoriasis. It is believed that baths dissolved with iodine help in the healing process of psoriasis plaques. If the legs are affected, every evening fill a basin with hot water and a tablespoon of sea salt, and add 20-30 drops of iodine to it. Keep your feet in it until the water cools down. Then, using a cotton swab dipped in the cooled solution, apply to the remaining stains and leave on the smeared area until dry. This therapy is practiced until the spots begin to disappear and the itching stops.

However, this approach solves the problems of this disease only partially. Since the underlying disease is associated with the reactions of the immune system, it is important to balance it, and a healthy diet, cleansing the body, etc., helps in this.

For hair

Iodine deficiency always affects the condition of the hair; the lack of this element affects the function of the thyroid gland, and deviations in it become noticeable through symptoms such as hair loss, dry and brittle hair, fatigue, irritability.
With regard to hair, you need to act in two directions: taking iodine-containing drugs or supplements if the doctor has identified abnormalities, or using an external mask and shampoos with the addition of iodine.

The easiest approach is to prepare an herbal decoction suitable for your hair type with five drops of iodine. A universal remedy for strengthening hair and restoring its shine and elasticity is green tea, to which 5-8 drops of iodine are added when cooling.

With tincture of iodine make the following hair mask:

Beat a raw egg with a spoonful of cream or whole yogurt; add 5-8 drops of 5% iodine tincture; lubricate the hair roots and massage, and then spread over the entire length. Rinse with shampoo and warm water after an hour or an hour and a half.

Iodine and baby oil for hair removal

Combining iodine with baby oil produces a mixture that painlessly removes unwanted hair. This homemade recipe calls for a 2% tincture solution, which is mixed very carefully with the oil. An iodine solution is one tablespoon, and baby oil is one coffee cup. The treated area is lubricated and wiped with a cloth after five minutes. This mask not only removes hair, but also stops the growth of new ones after repeated 2-3 times.

Pregnancy test with iodine

In order to determine a possible pregnancy, many women use iodine. This method, despite its unconventionality, is a very common, and most importantly, harmless way to determine the presence of pregnancy.

This method is often used because of its reliability. Also, it should be noted that an iodine solution is almost always at hand, which makes it possible to find out the presence of pregnancy without any additional funds. Iodine allows a woman to know the presence of pregnancy even at the smallest terms.

Scientists have found that a solution of iodine, when in contact with the urine of a pregnant woman, gives an oxidation reaction. This happens due to the fact that iodine meets with female hormones, which the body produces only during the period of gestation. Under the influence of this oxidation reaction, the iodine solution changes its usual brown color to purple.

An interesting fact is that in translation from ancient Greek the word "iodine" is translated as "purple". It was named so because since ancient times, this substance has been used to check the freshness of certain products, as well as the content of starch in them.

How to conduct a pregnancy test with iodine

For the test you will need:

1. A small piece of tissue or paper.
2. Pipette.
3. Jar for urine. It can be either glass or plastic. Urine is collected necessarily in the morning.

The procedure itself is very simple.

To begin with, a few drops of urine are applied to a napkin or paper with a pipette. Then a few drops of iodine are taken and applied to the same piece of paper or napkin. After that, you only need to wait a few seconds.

If the place of application of iodine has changed its color to purple or pink, this result indicates a positive test result. If the color is dark blue or brown, this indicates the absence of pregnancy.

Such a pregnancy test is popular because it is not difficult to conduct it, and the result of the test can be seen immediately and with the naked eye.

Sugar syrup for bees with nosematosis

Magic powder: iodine and ammonia

Mixing these components is one of the experiments in recreational chemistry. For its implementation, equal amounts of ammonia and iodine from a pharmacy are needed. As a result of a chemical reaction, a precipitate and a clear liquid are formed - our interest is directed to the precipitate. Filter it carefully and smear a small amount of sheets of paper. Dry in the shade. Traces of precipitated sediment, when touched, emit a crackling sound - thunder. This is a chic number, especially in a teenage environment.

Iodine on potatoes. Detection of starch in milk

If we put a few drops of iodine tincture on potatoes, they will turn blue - this is due to the presence of starch in the tubers. This reaction can be used to check if starch is added to fresh milk to mask dilution with water. Even one drop of iodine in a cup of milk is enough to check the content of the product - in the presence of starch, the reaction will be exactly the same as on potatoes.

Lugol's solution is named after its creator, Lugol. The drug was created in the early 19th century and has long been used as an effective antiseptic, including for internal use and enemas. It is a combination of iodine, potassium iodide and water, or glycerin. The drug contains up to 5% iodine and practically resembles the well-known tincture of iodine, without alcohol. Lugol's solution is used for wounds and skin irritations, as a prophylactic against endemic goiter, atherosclerosis, in the complex treatment of syphilis, and much more.

After the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, it was one of the main preventive measures for the population to prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland.

Lugol's solution for the throat

In diseases of the nasopharynx and affected mucous membranes, the places are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in a solution - the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, the throat with atrophic rhinitis of the nasal cavity, as well as chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually recommended to repeat the procedure two or three times a day for 2-3 days.

Spray Lugol - for children and adults

The solution has an unpleasant taste, so a spray is recommended for children, with which it is easy to get to the problem area of ​​diseased mucous membranes. One injection is prescribed 4-6 times a day for 2-3 days; then continue 2-3 times a day, up to three times a week for two months.

Foods rich in iodine

The main source of iodine for the body is food. We will specifically mention iodized and sea salt, because they help keep the iodine intake normal. Seafood richest in iodine are fish, tuna, cod, shrimp, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products, potatoes, green beans, plums and blueberries, seaweed, bananas and strawberries. Useful canned corn and white bread.

What foods contain the most iodine and selenium

Seafood and dairy products are a must-have because of their rich selenium content. Selenium deficiency also impairs the functioning of the thyroid gland and causes various problems in the gastrointestinal tract, vision and makes the immune system more vulnerable to negative effects. Taking optimal doses of iodine and selenium is mentioned among the means of prevention against cancer.

Seeds and nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are another source of selenium. It is also present in berries such as strawberries and grapes, grains and meats.

Prices for preparations with iodine

These prices are for 2017. There could have been changes.

Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is the active ingredient in many antiseptic products used to treat wounds, burns, infections and inflammations, such as Braunovidone, Braunol, Iodosept, etc. As a rule, Povidone-iodine derivatives are not expensive, and are used easily and for a long time . The price is 250-500 rubles.

Iodine tablets

The available "iodine" form is potassium iodide tablets, equivalent to 94 mg of iodine. A pack of 100 tablets costs about 100 rubles. The product is recommended for thyroid problems and is taken in doses and duration determined by a specialist.

Iodoral

Iodoral is a dietary supplement - potassium iodide capsules from Optimox Corporation. Sells on iherb.com, costs approx. 2500 rub. for 180 capsules and 1400 rubles for 90 capsules. Before taking this drug, consult your doctor about the dosage and duration of use.

Iodoform

Another antiseptic and disinfectant; crystalline volatile substance with a strong odor - for purulent wounds and ulcers. 25 grams in a dark glass bottle cost about 500 rubles. It is a compound of iodine, hydrogen and carbon. It is also used as an anesthetic.

Iodixanol

X-ray contrast agent for cardioangiography, coronary angiography, cerebral angiography, abdominal aortography, blood vessel examination, urography, gastrointestinal tract examination, myelography, arthrography. Also applicable to research on children. Price of Iodixanol from 18,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Iodomarin

A widely used iodine preparation that can be precisely dosed depending on the application. The average price is from 120 to 350 rubles.

Iodine active

An organic compound of iodine that is embedded in a milk protein molecule. With a lack of iodine, the microelement is actively absorbed and the excess is excreted from the body, and does not enter the thyroid gland. The cost is from 65 to 270 rubles per pack, depending on the number of tablets.

Endocrinol

It is a source of flavonoids and vitamin E. It improves the functional state of the thyroid gland. The price per pack is from 190 to 400 rubles.

Contraindications

With prolonged use of drugs containing iodine and hypersensitivity, such responses as a runny nose, increased salivation, lacrimation, urticaria, rash, Quincke's edema can be observed. You should not use preparations with iodine for pulmonary tuberculosis, pregnancy, kidney disease, chronic pyoderma.

Overdose

Home iodine prophylaxis and self-treatment with iodine-containing products can lead to overdose. Symptoms:

• Thirst,
• Labored breathing,
• Nausea,
• Vomit.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Unregulated use of drugs with iodine can cause the accumulation of iodine in the body, which affects the condition and function of the thyroid gland. An overdose can also have a toxic effect, leading to death.

Everyone has ever used an alcohol solution of iodine, some are familiar with it from chemistry lessons. Someone faced a lack of iodine in the body, and someone confuses it with brilliant green. In this article, we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about iodine, we hope it will be useful!

When and by whom was iodine discovered

The chemical element "Iodine" was included in the periodic table in 1871.

Like many chemical elements, iodine was discovered by accident in 1811 by the Frenchman Bernard Courtois while obtaining saltpeter from seaweed. As a chemical element, the substance was named "iodine" two years later, and officially entered into the periodic table in 1871.

Where and how is iodine obtained?

In its pure form (free form), iodine is extremely rare - mainly in Japan and Chile. The main production is made from seaweed (5 kg is obtained from 1 ton of dry kelp), sea water (up to 30 mg per ton of water) or from oil drilling waters (up to 70 mg per ton of water). There is a method for obtaining technical iodine from saltpeter and ash production waste, but the content of the substance in the source materials is not more than 0.4%.

The method of obtaining iodine has two directions.

1. Seaweed ash is mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid and heated. After evaporation of the moisture, iodine is obtained.
2. Iodine in liquids (sea or lake salt water, petroleum water) is bound with starch, or silver and copper salts, or kerosene (an outdated method, as it is expensive) into insoluble compounds, and then the water is evaporated. Later they began to use the coal method for extracting iodine.

How iodine affects the human body

Iodine and its derivatives are part of the hormones that affect the metabolism of the human body, its growth and development, so the average person needs to consume up to 0.15 mg of iodine daily. Lack of iodine or its deficiency in the diet leads to thyroid diseases and the development of endemic goiter, hypothyroidism and cretinism.

An indicator of iodine deficiency in the body is fatigue and depressed mood, headache and the so-called "natural laziness", irritability and nervousness, weakening of memory and intelligence. There is arrhythmia, high blood pressure and a drop in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Very toxic - 3 g of the substance is a lethal dose for any living organism.

In large quantities causes damage to the cardiovascular system, kidneys and pulmonary edema; there is a cough and a runny nose, lacrimation and pain in the eyes (if it gets on the mucous membrane); general weakness and fever, vomiting and diarrhea, increased heart rate and pain in the heart.

How to replenish iodine in the body?

1. The main source of natural iodine is seafood, but mined as far as possible from the coast: in the coastal strips, iodine is washed out of the soil, and its content in products is negligible. Eat seafood - this can restore the content of the substance in the body to a certain extent.
2. You can artificially add iodine to table salt, eat foods containing this trace element - sunflower oil, food additives.
3. Pharmacies sell tablets with a high content of iodine - relatively harmless drugs (for example, iodine-active, antistrumine).
4. A lot of iodine is found in persimmons and walnuts.

Where is iodine found?

Iodine is present almost everywhere. The highest content of iodine is in products of marine origin, in sea water itself and in salty lake water.
In free form - as a mineral - iodine is present in the thermal springs of volcanoes and natural iodides (lautarite, iodobromite, embolite, myersite). It is found in oil drilling waters, sodium nitrate solutions, saltpeter and potash liquors.

What foods contain iodine

In seafood: fish (cod and halibut) and fish oil, crustaceans and mollusks (scallops, crabs, shrimp, squid, oysters, mussels), seaweed. This is followed by dairy products and chicken eggs, feijoa and persimmon, sweet peppers, walnut peel and kernels, black grapes, cereals (buckwheat, corn, wheat, millet), river fish and red beans. Iodine is found in orange and red juices.

There is even less iodine in soy products (milk, sauce, tofu), onions, garlic, beets, potatoes, carrots, beans, strawberries (about 40-100 times less than in seaweed), but it is.

What foods do not contain iodine

Iodine is not found in baked goods (homemade) using regular iodine-free salt, peeled potatoes, unsalted vegetables (raw and frozen), peanuts, almonds, and egg whites. There is practically no iodine in cereals, poor in natural salts; pasta, cocoa powder, white raisins and dark chocolate. This applies to vegetable oils, including soybean.

Almost all known seasonings in dried form (black pepper, herbs) also do not have iodine-containing components - iodine quickly decomposes (volatilizes) in the open air, which is why iodized salt is usable for only 2 months (if the pack is open).

Carbonated drinks - coca cola and its derivatives, wine, black coffee, beer, lemonade - all this also does not contain iodine.

Linen fabrics:

Option 1. Cover the stain with baking soda, pour vinegar on top and leave for 12 hours, and then wash in warm clean water.

Option 2. Dissolve a teaspoon of ammonia in 0.5 liters of water, and wipe the stain with the resulting solution. Next, wash in warm soapy water.

Option 3. A thick gruel is made from starch in water, applied to the stain and the stain is expected to turn blue. If necessary, repeat again, and wash the product in warm soapy water.

Option 4. Rub the stain with raw potatoes and wash the item in warm soapy water.

Option 5. You can wipe the stain with liquid ascorbic acid (or dissolve the tablet in water), and then wash it in soap and water.

Woolen, cotton and silk fabrics:
The stain should be wiped with a hyposulfite solution (a teaspoon per glass of water) and washed in warm water. You can wipe the stain with ammonia and wash in the usual way.

How to wash iodine from the skin

There are several options:

1. Olive oil or a fat cream is applied to the skin, which will absorb iodine. After an hour, the iodine is washed off with a body sponge and soap.
2. They take a bath with sea salt, and at the end they use a washcloth and baby (household - in extreme cases) soap.
3. You can use a scrub instead of a washcloth for delicate skin, and massage the spot with a stain. After that, you can lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream or milk.
4. You can apply cotton wool with alcohol, moonshine or vodka for 5 minutes to the stain, and then rub it. The procedure can be repeated several times.
5. Removes iodine stains by hand washing things or a regular bath with powder or lemon juice.

How to gargle with iodine

The method is quite simple - you need to add a few drops of iodine to a glass of warm water until a light brown solution is obtained. But the effect will be better and stronger if you add a teaspoon of soda and table salt to the water. The method has proven itself in the treatment of purulent tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis. The procedure can be repeated 3-4 times a day (with purulent tonsillitis - every 4 hours) for 4 days.

An alcoholic solution of iodine cannot be used to lubricate the throat with angina, such as Iodinol. Otherwise, you will simply burn the mucous membrane.

How to make an iodine grid, how often can you make an iodine grid

You need to take a thin stick with cotton wool, moisten it in a 5% alcohol solution of iodine and draw on the skin intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes in the form of a plate with 1x1cm squares. This is the ideal geometry for uniform distribution of iodine: it is absorbed quickly and efficiently.

It can be done within a week only two or three times for any diseases.

At what age can you smear with iodine

Doctors do not recommend smearing skin with iodine even in adolescence - iodine burns the skin. But the iodine grid (once) can be done from the age of five. But there is a more "advanced" and safer version of iodine that can be used and.

Why is iodine in the periodic table, but no brilliant green?

Because brilliant green is a synthetic antiseptic, an aniline dye. The periodic table includes only chemical elements and compounds that exist in nature in their pure form.

Iodized salt should replace ordinary salt for people living in regions of iodine deficiency.

Because this salt helps to restore balance in iodine deficiency in the human body, it is the prevention of iodine deficiency diseases in children, pregnant and lactating women, adolescents. Salt with iodine helps to prevent the absorption of radioactive components of iodine by the thyroid gland and is a protection against radiation, inflammation and diseases.

How is iodized salt made?

Iodine in a certain concentration is added to sea or lake salt water, mixed with water and only then evaporated.