Iodine is an element which belongs to the halogen group. At the room temperature, iodine exists as a purple liquid. It is among the trace elements which are required for the normal growth of your body. It is particularly important for the normal functioning of your thyroid gland. This is the gland responsible for the secretion of thyroid hormones which are used in controlling the metabolic processes in the body.
Lugol’s Iodine is commonly used as first aid in treating cuts and wounds. It is also used for making the water potable. Additionally, iodine is used as a health supplement. It is added to the common table salt to prevent the deficiency of iodine which would lead to goiter as well as other health ailments. There are also some medical supplements which contain iodine.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency
The deficiency of this essential elements can lead to adverse effects on the body. The symptoms associated with its deficiency include the following:
- Mental retardation
- Abnormal weight gain
- Coarse skin
- Decreased fertility
- Goitre
- Poor perception levels
- Still births among the expectant mothers
- Fatigue Constipation
Mental retardation occurs in the severe cases, and it could lead to other diseases such as cretinism which is characterized by various physical malformations. In fact, the statistics from the WHO organization indicate that deficiency of iodine is the leading cause of mental retardation in the World.
What is Lugol’s iodine?
The supplements of iodine exist in the form of a liquid solution containing both Potassium iodide (KI) and iodine. This supplement is known as Lugol’s iodine. It is widely applied o the skin when you have a wound or after blood donation. It plays a significant role in preventing infections. These supplements come in different concentrations which include one percent, two percent, and five percent iodine solutions.
The highest proportion of iodine supplements is water. This solution is safe for consumption and application in proper doses. However, iodine causes irritation on the soft body tissues like in the stomach and throat. It might also lead to staining of fabrics and the skin.
Iodine for healthy teeth, hair, and nails
Iodine is required for the formation of a shiny and healthy skin, hair, and teeth. It also speeds up the growth of hair cells as well as increasing the strength of the hair follicles. Lack of iodine could lead to hair loss.
Lugol’s iodine for goiter
Goiter is a health ailment which is treated using iodine. Iodine is also used in the treatment of other issues related to thyroids such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Grave’s Disease. Supplemental iodine, when applied at different dosages, is also known for being beneficial to both hyperthyroid and hypothyroidism conditions.