Iodine: everything about the chemical element and its role in human life. Iodine in the human body: role and functions

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In what form is it produced?

substance-plates

Manufacturers of the drug

Troitsk Iodine Plant (Russia)

Group (pharmacological)

Name in other countries

Synonyms of the drug

Crystalline iodine, Iodine alcohol solution

What does it consist of (composition)

The active substance is iodine. The alcohol solution contains 5 g of iodine, 2 g of potassium iodide, water and 95% alcohol in equal parts up to 100 ml.

Pharmacological effect of the drug

Pharmacological action - antiseptic, antimicrobial, distractive, hypolipidemic. Coagulates proteins to form iodamines. Partially absorbed. The absorbed part penetrates tissues and organs and is selectively absorbed by the thyroid gland. It is secreted by the kidneys (mainly), intestines, sweat and mammary glands. It has a bactericidal effect, has tanning and cauterizing properties. Irritates skin and mucous membrane receptors. Participates in the synthesis of thyroxine, enhances dissimilation processes, has a beneficial effect on lipid and protein metabolism (reducing cholesterol and LDL levels).

Use of the medicine

Inflammatory and other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, abrasions, cuts, microtraumas, myositis, neuralgia, inflammatory infiltrates, atherosclerosis, syphilis (tertiary), chronic atrophic laryngitis, ozena, hyperthyroidism, endemic goiter, chronic lead and mercury poisoning; disinfection of the skin of the surgical field, wound edges, and surgeon's fingers.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity; for oral administration - pulmonary tuberculosis, nephritis, furunculosis, acne, chronic pyoderma, hemorrhagic diathesis, urticaria; pregnancy, childhood (up to 5 years).

Various side effects

Iodism (runny nose, skin rashes like urticaria, drooling, lacrimation, etc.).

Interactions

Pharmaceutically incompatible with essential oils, ammonia solutions, white sedimentary mercury (an explosive mixture is formed). Reduces the hypothyroid and goitrogenic effects of lithium preparations.

Drug overdose

When inhaling vapors - damage to the upper respiratory tract (burn, laryngobronchospasm); if concentrated solutions get inside - severe burns of the digestive tract, development of hemolysis, hemoglobinuria; the lethal dose is about 3 g. Treatment: the stomach is washed with 0.5% sodium thiosulfate solution, sodium thiosulfate 30% is injected intravenously - up to 300 ml.

Special instructions for use

When used in combination with yellow mercury ointment, the formation of mercury iodide in the tear fluid, which has a cauterizing effect, is possible.

This instruction is posted for use by medical professionals.

Everyone has ever used an alcohol solution of iodine; some are familiar with it from chemistry lessons. Some people have experienced a lack of iodine in the body, while others confuse 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?

Like many chemical elements, iodine was discovered by accident in 1811 by the Frenchman Bernard Courtois while preparing saltpeter from seaweed. As a chemical element, the substance received the name “iodine” two years later, and was officially included in 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 from a ton of water) or from oil drilling waters (up to 70 mg from a ton of water). There is a method for obtaining technical iodine from waste from the production of saltpeter and ash, but the content of the substance in the starting materials is no 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 moisture, iodine is obtained.
2. Iodine in liquids (sea or lake salt water, oil 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 carbon method for extracting iodine.

How does iodine affect the human body?

Iodine and its derivatives are part of 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. The absence of iodine or its deficiency in the diet leads to diseases of the thyroid gland and the development of endemic goiter, hypothyroidism and cretinism.

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

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

How to replenish iodine in the body?

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

Where is iodine found?

Iodine is present almost everywhere. The highest iodine content 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 thermal springs of volcanoes and natural iodides (lautarite, iodobromite, embolite, mayersite). It is found in oil drilling waters, sodium nitrate solutions, lyes from saltpeter and potassium production.

What foods contain iodine?

In seafood: fish (cod and halibut) and fish oil, crustaceans and shellfish (scallops, crabs, shrimp, squid, oysters, mussels), seaweed. This is followed by dairy products and chicken eggs, feijoa and persimmons, sweet peppers, peels and kernels of walnuts, black grapes, grain crops (buckwheat, corn, wheat, millet), river fish and red beans. Iodine is found in orange and red colored 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 there.

What foods do not contain iodine?

Iodine is not found in baked goods (homemade) that use regular salt without iodine, peeled potatoes, unsalted vegetables (raw and frozen), peanuts, almonds and egg whites. There is practically no iodine in cereals that are poor in natural salts; macaroni, cocoa powder, white raisins and dark chocolate. This applies to vegetable oils, including soybean oil.

Almost all known seasonings in dried form (black pepper, herbs) also do not have iodine-containing components - iodine quickly decomposes (evaporates) in the open air, which is why iodized salt is suitable for use 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. Make a thick paste of starch in water, apply it to the stain and wait for the stain 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 product 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.

Wool, 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 it in the usual way.

How to wash iodine from skin

There are several options:

1. Olive oil or fatty cream is applied to the skin to absorb iodine. After an hour, the iodine is washed off with a body sponge and soap.
2. Take a bath with sea salt, and at the end use a washcloth and baby soap (laundry soap as a last resort).
3. For delicate skin, you can use a scrub instead of a washcloth, and massage the area with the stain. After this, you can lubricate the skin with nourishing cream or milk.
4. You can apply cotton wool with alcohol, moonshine or vodka to the stain for 5 minutes, and then rub. The procedure can be repeated several times.
5. Removes iodine stains by hand washing items 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 you get a light brown solution. 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 (for purulent sore throat - every 4 hours) for 4 days.

If you have a sore throat, you should not lubricate your throat with an alcohol solution of iodine, such as, for example, 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 intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes on the skin 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 only two to three times during the week for any disease.

At what age can you apply iodine?

Doctors do not recommend applying iodine to the skin even in adolescence - iodine burns the skin. But an iodine grid (one-time use) can be done from the age of five. But there is a more “advanced” and safer version of iodine that can also be used.

Why is iodine in the periodic table, but brilliant green is not?

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.

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

How to make iodized salt

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

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of microelements on the condition of the human body.

The main biological role of iodine is participation in the processes of synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine - thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. The optimal amount of these substances has a direct impact on many processes occurring in the human body.

Only 150-200 mcg of iodine per day is required to maintain health. Although iodine, which belongs to the group of halogens, was discovered a little more than two centuries ago (in 1811), eastern healers used this substance to heal wounds 1000 years before the birth of Christ. It was extracted from seaweed.

What are the benefits of iodine for the body?

Iodine is responsible for the normal functioning of the hormonal system, in particular the thyroid gland, and the production of the hormone thyroxine. This organ produces specific cells - phagocytes, the main task of which is to detect and neutralize damaged cells and pathogens.

Iodine takes part in the processes of protein synthesis and the formation of cartilage tissue, as well as in the functioning of the brain. The optimal concentration of the microelement in the body ensures the functioning of the nervous system and is responsible for mental health. Thanks to the intake of the recommended daily intake of iodine, increased irritability is eliminated and performance increases.

The microelement is indispensable for maintaining the beauty of the skin and skin appendages (nail plates, hair), as well as bone tissue and teeth. The intake of optimal microdoses of iodine with food or dietary supplements helps to activate all types of metabolism, enhance the processes of burning subcutaneous fat and dissolve the unaesthetic cellulite crust, since this substance is directly involved in the process of lipid metabolism.

Signs of iodine deficiency in the body:

• dry skin, brittle hair and nails, separation of the nail plate and ends of strands;
• excessive fatigue, apathy, drowsiness, bouts of blues, aggression and irritability;
• decreased ability to remember and assimilate received information;
• causeless increase in body weight while maintaining the usual diet;
• hoarseness of voice;
• swelling of tissues;
• chills;
• arrhythmia, blood pressure surges;
• constipation;
• increased blood cholesterol levels.

If thyroid function decreases and there is a lack of iodine, an endocrinologist diagnoses hypothyroidism and prescribes appropriate treatment. Traditional methods for determining the presence of iodine in the body include applying an iodine grid: if the stripes disappear throughout the day, it means there is a deficiency of this microelement.

In rare cases, there is an excess of iodine in the body, as a result of which the thyroid gland begins to synthesize an excessive amount of hormones, and hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis develop. This condition can cause excess daily doses of iodine supplied from outside or metabolic disorders. Only an endocrinologist can accurately determine the condition of the thyroid gland after conducting appropriate laboratory tests.

What foods contain iodine

1. From time immemorial, seafood has been recognized as the leader in iodine content: sea salt, seaweed (kelp, bladderwrack), scallops, brine, mussels, shrimp, lobsters, oysters, squid, crabs, etc. There is a trace element in sea fish. Just two tablespoons of seaweed or 0.15 kg of hake, haddock, and pink salmon provide the body with a daily portion of a valuable compound.
2. The iodine content in various fruits and leafy greens directly depends on the amount of this trace element in the soil. List of vegetable crops in which the highest concentration of iodine is observed: tomatoes, carrots, beets, potatoes, radishes, garlic (especially green arrows), bell peppers, eggplant, turnips, spinach, onions, blue onions, lettuce, asparagus, legumes It should be noted that eating white cabbage and radish leads to leaching of iodine from the body.
3. Iodine-containing fruits: feijoa, citrus fruits, pineapple, banana, black grapes, including dried ones, melon, persimmon, prunes, currants, dates. Iodine is also found in mushrooms, especially in champignons, Polish and white, honey mushrooms, russula, boletus and other cap mushrooms, as well as in truffles.
4. Other products containing iodine: walnuts, water, milk, cereals, especially millet and buckwheat, bread, meat (turkey, beef, veal, pork), hard cheese, butter.

What are the benefits of iodine for skin, hair and nails?

Dry, thinning, flaking and damaged hair is one of the signs of iodine deficiency in the body. Before spending money on expensive cosmetic procedures to restore your hair, get examined by an endocrinologist to determine the level of microelements in the blood (an analysis is carried out for the content of thyroid hormones).

Sometimes, to normalize the condition of curls, nails and eliminate dry skin, it is enough to adjust the diet, enriching it with seafood and other products with active compounds, or to include dietary supplements with iodine in the menu, for example, fucus vesicularis capsules or dry kelp powder.

Using local hand baths with the addition of sea salt and a few drops of alcohol tincture of iodine can significantly strengthen the nail plates. And the so-called iodine network will significantly reduce the period of recovery of edematous tissues after bruises and inflammation.

How to properly use iodine as a disinfectant

One of the most famous effective antiseptics, actively used for more than 100 years, is a five percent alcohol solution of iodine. It is hardly possible to meet a person who has never used iodine in his life, along with a solution of brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide. It is regularly smeared on the knees and elbows for children’s microtraumas, and is also used as part of “sea water” for gargling for inflammation and sore throat (salt and a few drops of iodine are dissolved in a glass of warm water).

The product has disinfecting, antimicrobial, antifungal, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous properties and is widely used for the sanitation of wounds and other skin damage. A bottle of iodine, as a rule, is present in any first aid kit and is a means of quick treatment both at home and in the hospital.

For minor skin lesions, treatment with iodine tincture is carried out using a cotton swab generously dipped in liquid. The procedure prevents the development of inflammation, accelerates epithelization processes (healing) and destroys pathogenic microflora, preventing infection from entering the wound. The use of iodine as a local antiseptic is recommended for children from the age of three.

Open bleeding wounds should be treated with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexine. In this case, iodine is applied only along the outer edge of the wound to prevent infection. Internal tissues cannot be treated with iodine tincture before epithelialization begins, since the product can cause a burn, which will significantly slow down healing.

How to treat toenail fungus with iodine

Onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nail plate is quite common. Iodine tincture is an effective, time-tested and cheap remedy for eliminating the problem. As practice shows, this remedy allows you to completely restore the nail and destroy the fungus, but only at the initial stage of the disease.

First, the nail plate is trimmed as much as possible and filed along the edges and on top with a nail file. Every evening you should steam your feet or hands in a bath with laundry soap and soda, wipe them dry, and then pour alcohol tincture on the affected nail.

If there is no result within a month, you should visit a dermatologist as soon as possible, who will prescribe appropriate treatment with modern pharmaceutical drugs (ointments, varnishes, gels, sprays, drops, tablets).

To prevent infection from entering the body, do not forget to treat your nails and adjacent skin with an iodine solution after a pedicure, manicure, cuticle removal or mechanical damage to the periungual fold (it is most convenient to do this with a cotton swab).

Treatment with iodine for the thyroid gland

Iodine is not synthesized in our body, but only comes from food, dietary supplements or medicines. When diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the endocrinologist prescribes appropriate iodine-containing pharmaceutical forms, the use of which is permissible only under the supervision of a doctor. At the same time, the nutritionist adjusts the diet, strengthening it with iodine-containing products.

To treat thyroid nodules, use the following recipe: grind buckwheat in a coffee grinder, crush walnut kernels, mix with natural honey (1:1:1). In this composition, nuts are a natural source of iodine. Take a tablespoon of the mixture three times a day with a glass of water. The course of treatment is 30 days, repeated after a three-month break.

What is radioactive iodine?

Isotope I-131 or radioactive iodine is a form of trace element used to treat thyroid diseases. Therapy is carried out only under the supervision of a specialist. The decision on the need for such treatment is made by the doctor after a complete examination of the patient.

Treatment with radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine is used to remove nodules on the thyroid gland. This therapy destroys the tumor in the organ, preventing the formation of metastases in oncology. In a hospital setting, the patient takes the isotope I-131 (radioactive iodine) in the form of gelatin capsules (orally) or an aqueous solution. Accumulating in the cells of the thyroid gland, the substance exposes the entire organ or the thyroid remnant to radiation (gamma and beta) (if the thyroid gland was previously removed).

The use of iodine in the garden

A five percent alcohol solution of iodine is a very valuable composition for summer residents. And the point is not only in its ability to effectively disinfect minor abrasions, cuts, scratches and other damage to the skin, but also in its undoubted benefits for many cultivated plants. Experienced gardeners with the help of iodine successfully solve problems that arise during the growing season, using, although cheap, but undoubtedly a powerful and natural remedy.

Iodine for strawberries and strawberries

Spraying strawberry bushes and garden strawberries with an iodine solution (8-10 drops per standard bucket of water) protects the plantings from gray rot, a fungal disease that causes serious damage to berry plants. The procedure is carried out three times, starting from May and until the flowering period, with an interval of 10 days. In addition to fighting diseases, this event activates growth processes, increases plant immunity and fruiting.

Iodine for tomatoes

To increase the resistance of tomato seedlings against late blight, a few weeks before planting, water them at the root with water with the addition of iodine (1 drop per 3 liters of water). Watering tomato bushes after moving them to a permanent place (a garden bed or a greenhouse) with an iodine solution (3 drops per bucket of water) at the rate of 1 liter per plant is an excellent feeding. Iodine, absorbed by tomatoes from the soil, increases the number of ovaries and the size of future fruits.

To combat late blight - the main enemy of tomato plantings - use the following remedy: add a liter of whole milk and 15 drops of iodine tincture to a bucket of water. Abundant irrigation of tomato bushes is carried out every two weeks, starting from the moment of transplantation to a permanent place. This composition allows you to prevent the development of fungal disease or minimize its manifestations.

Iodine for cucumbers

Iodine is also effective against downy mildew in cucumber plantings. The prepared solution (1 liter of skim milk is poured into a bucket of water and 11-13 drops of iodine tincture are added) is sprayed on the leaves of the cucumber plant when the first signs of the disease appear. The procedure is repeated after 10 days.

This unique product can be purchased for pennies at any pharmacy. Adopt recipes for using iodine and you can make your life much easier!

Iodine was discovered as a result of experiments while studying seaweed, from which soda was obtained in 1811. Dark crystals with a silver sheen were discovered by chance.

Then the resulting substance began to be studied in other countries and was called iodine, which means iodine from Greek - violet.

The best known iodine preparation is iodine tincture, five percent. This is what we take out when we cut ourselves, in order to protect ourselves from infection and contamination entering the wounds.

But not everyone knows that iodine can help in other cases. Today we will consider the topic “Different ways to use iodine.”

Ways to use iodine

Inhalations with iodine are very helpful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Fill the kettle a quarter full with water, let it boil, drop 5 drops of iodine into it. Make a spout out of thick cardboard and place it on the spout of the teapot. Breathe for about twenty-two times a day.

For diseases of the throat and oral cavity, prepare a rinse solution and add the following to a glass of warm water:

• Soda-teaspoon;
• Salt - teaspoon;
• A few drops of iodine.

You can rinse with this solution frequently, eight times a day.

Everyone knows the disinfectant effect of iodine, but it is also an anti-inflammatory and irritant.

Application of iodine solution

We all know the treatment procedure - iodine grid. When you draw a grid with 1x1cm squares using a cotton swab. Where the iodine network is applied will be important.

For diseases such as bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, vertical lines are drawn along the midline of the chest, then parallel to it on both sides through the middle of the collarbone. Then, parallel to the drawn stripes in the middle, you need to draw another line.

On the back we draw two vertical stripes on both sides parallel to the spine through the inner edge of the shoulder blade and in the middle between the drawn stripes and the spine. Horizontal stripes on the back and chest are drawn along the intercostal areas, since vessels and nerves are located there.

If you have osteochondrosis, then draw vertical stripes on both sides parallel to the spine through the inner edge of the scapula, along the spine. Horizontal stripes along the intercostal spaces.

You definitely need to check your sensitivity to iodine. Several lines are drawn on the inside of the forearm. After fifteen minutes, check to see if any redness or swelling has appeared.

The iodine grid should be drawn no more than three times a week.

But remember that at temperatures and high sensitivity to iodine, drawing a grid is prohibited.

Applications of iodine in folk medicine

Let's look at the use of iodine in other situations, not only for disinfecting wounds.

1) Five drops of iodine are poured into a glass of water or milk. Accepted for:

• Lead or mercury poisoning;
• For endocrine diseases;
• For inflammation of the respiratory tract.

2) Drop a drop of iodine into a glass of milk, put a little honey, drink for atherosclerosis once a week, in the evening, after meals.

3) If your cough bothers you, put three drops of iodine in a glass of hot water and drink.

4) When a runny nose just begins and there is no swelling in the nose yet, drink half a glass of water, adding five drops of iodine tincture.

If you have a runny nose, open the iodine tincture and inhale the vapors as often as possible.

5) Tincture of iodine is used to disinfect water; to do this, add three drops per liter of water and leave for half an hour.

We all know Lugol's solution, which is more suitable for oral administration.

To prevent iodine deficiency, take Lugol's solution:

• If body weight is up to 65 kg - one drop;
• If body weight is more than 65 kg, two drops.

Drink twice a week, twenty minutes before meals.

Lugol's solution is perfect for lubricating the throat with sore throat and pharyngitis.

Contraindications for oral iodine use

But you should remember that iodine preparations cannot be used internally often. Because this can lead to:

• Runny nose;
• Laryngitis;
• Tearing;
• Bronchitis;
• Skin rash.

If, after taking iodine supplements, you notice something wrong with yourself, then stop taking iodine immediately.

To remove and cleanse your body of excess iodine, you need to drink a lot and increase your salt intake. You should stop using iodine in the following cases:

• Jade;
• Tuberculosis;
• Boils
• Hemorrhagic diathesis;
• Acne;
• High sensitivity to iodine.

Conclusion: now you know other ways to use iodine, use them, but do not forget about contraindications and consult your doctor before taking iodine orally.

Best regards, Olga.

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 relieve bruises and bruises on the skin. But, above all, it is a chemical element whose properties make it a truly universal remedy. It is everywhere around us, although in small quantities: in soil and minerals, in plants and water. It is practically insoluble in water and can evaporate at normal temperatures.

What is iodine

Iodine is an element that is responsible for the normal growth of all mammals, including humans. If it did not exist in nature, life would look different; It’s even hard to imagine what people would be like.

Iodine enters the human body through water and food, and through 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, metabolism proceeds normally - which means that iodine affects the functioning 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 necessary for lipid metabolism and metabolism in subcutaneous tissue. It promotes the breakdown of fat and prevents the appearance of cellulite. A normal amount of iodine in the body helps burn fat during diets, keeps you active and gives you energy, and promotes healthy skin, nails and teeth.

How does iodine deficiency manifest itself and the consequences of its deficiency?

Iodine deficiency and deficiency develops in residents of areas where the soil and water are poor in this element. The deficiency condition is aggravated if the food of these people is poor in complete proteins and vitamins C and A. Then, “Hashimoto’s goiter” develops - a disease of the thyroid gland; immunity weakens and metabolic processes in the body are disrupted; memory deteriorates, the affected person’s energy is quickly depleted and fatigue is constantly felt; he is irritable, often has a headache, his weight changes sharply, he experiences severe sweating and drowsiness. Iodine deficiency diseases are the basis of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disorders.

Thyroxine and the thyroid gland

- iodinated thyroid hormone. It is an inactive compound representing 90% of the gland's production. It is capable of being 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 your heart rate.

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

The daily need for iodine depends on the type and physiological state of the person; features of puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc., which require taking 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 years of age;
• 100 mcg for adults;
• 200 mcg for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment with iodine for internal use requires dosage. It is taken for iodine deficiency. 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 the functions of the thyroid gland and promotes the production of thyroid hormones, reduces 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?

Tincture of iodine is an alcohol solution that is used to disinfect tissue around the damaged area. This is a good antiseptic, which is also used for purulent skin lesions. If treatment with iodine tincture on the damaged area is insufficiently effective, 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 therapeutic 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

Tincture of iodine 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 of mucous membranes and wounds.

A standard 5% tincture is also used to disinfect untreated drinking water; you will need 10 drops of tincture per liter of water.

Use of Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is a product for local external use in the form of a solution or ointment (a chemically stable complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone and iodine). Used in the treatment of dermatoses with secondary bacterial infection, affecting 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 humans?

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

Direct inhalation of iodine vapor 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, covered 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, for problems with the mouth and throat. Add one teaspoon of table salt and soda, and 2-3 drops of iodine to a glass of warm water. Stir and gargle 5-8 times a day. An excellent disinfectant.

Use as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds

Iodine is a proven antiseptic with a proven effect in eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. Iodine solution is regularly used when treating 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 an injured skin area. Iodine should not be used on an open wound or deep cut.

How to treat nail fungus with iodine at home

To treat fungus on toenails, a tincture is used; a solution with a concentration of 5% is suitable. When a fungal infection occurs, 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, treatment is suspended.

How does the procedure work? Each infected nail is treated with one drop of tincture. The procedure is performed twice a day. This causes your nails to turn yellow - we hope you won’t wear sandals like this. Also, you won't be able to use nail polish until the fungus is treated.

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

How does iodine help the thyroid gland with hypothyroidism?

When a person has hypothyroidism, the production of thyroid hormones decreases. This condition occurs when the gland tissue is damaged or due to iodine deficiency in the body. It is important to diagnose the cause of this condition; if this 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, and hyperthyroidism. This type of treatment requires a hospital stay, for thyrotoxicosis - one day, and for tumor formation - 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 method from traditional medicine. It is used for sore throat and is suitable for adults and adolescents. Some recipes recommend five drops of a 5% iodine solution per 50 ml of water; rinsing is carried out in the morning and evening. According to other recommendations, the proportion is as follows: 7-8 drops of tincture are dripped into a glass of water and a teaspoon of salt and baking soda is 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 vapor at a pharmacy. Iodine concentrate is also available with varying ionic contents of thermally stable iodine. It is used to prepare various iodized products according to special recipes.

Can I take iodine?

Self-medication while taking iodine tincture is dangerous and can cause burns to 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 dysbiosis. However, supporters of traditional methods of treatment use some recipes that they consider safe. We will quote them with the condition that you will 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 for heavy metal poisoning, 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;
• If you have a runny nose in the initial stages, drink half a glass of water with five drops of iodine tincture. Inhaling the vapors of an iodine solution also helps with a runny nose.
• A liter of water from an uncertified source can be “legalized” with 1-3 drops of tincture; drink after half an hour.

Use for indigestion

An old practice is to suppress severe indigestion with tincture of iodine. Suitable therapy for adults is 2-3 drops of solution per glass of water, which is drunk immediately. The solution has an unpleasant taste, so you should have some kind of bite to suppress nausea, such as a piece of lemon.

Iodine and aspirin for joint pain

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

For pain in the legs, you can take 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.

For psoriasis

According to the recommendation of users on the Internet: you can use 5% iodine tincture against psoriasis. It is believed that baths diluted with iodine help in the healing process of psoriasis plaques. If your feet are affected, every evening fill a bowl 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 soaked 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 only partially solves the problems of this disease. Since the underlying disease is associated with the reactions of the immune system, it is important to balance it, and healthy eating, cleansing the body, etc. help with this.

For hair

Iodine deficiency always affects the condition of the hair; the lack of this element affects the functions of the thyroid gland, and deviations in it become noticeable through symptoms such as hair loss, dry and brittle hair, fatigue, and irritability.
Regarding 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 added iodine.

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

Make the following hair mask with iodine tincture:

Beat a raw egg with a spoonful of cream or whole yogurt; add 5-8 drops of five percent iodine tincture; lubricate the hair roots and massage, and then distribute 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

The combination of iodine and baby oil produces a mixture that can be used to painlessly remove unwanted hair. This homemade recipe calls for a two percent tincture solution, which is mixed very thoroughly with the oil. One tablespoon of iodine solution, and one coffee cup of baby oil. 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 it is 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 iodine solution is almost always at hand, which makes it possible to find out if you are pregnant without any additional means. Iodine allows a woman to know if she is pregnant even in the smallest stages.

Scientists have found that an iodine solution, 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 are produced by the body only during 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 their starch content.

How to take a pregnancy test using iodine

For the test you will need:

1. A small piece of napkin or paper.
2. Pipette.
3. Urine jar. It can be either glass or plastic. Urine must be collected in the morning.

The procedure itself is very simple.

To begin, apply a few drops of urine onto a napkin or paper using a pipette. Then take a few drops of iodine and apply it to the same piece of paper or napkin. After this you only need to wait a few seconds.

If the place where iodine was applied changes 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.

This pregnancy test is popular because it is not difficult to carry out, and the test result can be seen immediately 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. To implement it, you need equal amounts of ammonia and iodine from the pharmacy. As a result of the chemical reaction, a precipitate and a clear liquid are formed - our interest is directed to the precipitate. Filter it thoroughly and spread a small amount onto sheets of paper. Dry in the shade. Traces of fallen sediment, when touched, emit a crackling sound - thunder. This is a chic room, especially among teenagers.

Iodine on potatoes. Detection of starch in milk

If we drop 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 test whether 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 - if starch is present, the reaction will be exactly the same as for potatoes.

Lugol's solution is named after its creator, Lugol. The drug was created in the early 19th century and has been used for a long time 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 Chernobyl accident, it was one of the main preventive measures for the population to prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland.

Lugol's throat solution

For 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, 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.

Lugol's spray - for children and adults

The solution has an unpleasant taste, so a spray is recommended for children, with which it is easy to reach the problem area of ​​diseased mucous membranes. One injection is prescribed 4-6 times a day for 2-3 days; then we 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 maintain normal iodine intake. The most iodine-rich seafood products are fish, tuna, cod, shrimp, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products, potatoes, green beans, plums and blueberries, seaweed, bananas and strawberries. Canned corn and white bread are healthy.

Which foods contain the most iodine and selenium?

Seafood and dairy products must be consumed due to the rich presence of selenium in them. Selenium deficiency also impairs thyroid function 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 cancer prevention measures.

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

Prices for drugs with iodine

Information about these prices is for 2017. Changes could occur.

Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is the active ingredient in many antiseptics - products used to treat wounds, burns, infections and inflammation, such as Braunovidone, Braunol, Iodosept, etc. As a rule, Povidone-iodine derivatives are not expensive and are easy to use and last 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 package of 100 tablets costs about 100 rubles. The product is recommended for problems with the thyroid gland and is taken in doses and duration determined by a specialist.

Yodoral

Yodoral is a dietary supplement - potassium iodide capsules from Optimox Corporation. Sold 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 approximately 500 rubles. It is a compound of iodine, hydrogen and carbon. It is also used as an anesthetic.

Iodixanol

X-ray contrast agent for cardiac angiography, coronary angiography, cerebral angiography, abdominal aortography, examination of blood vessels, urography, examination of the gastrointestinal tract, myelography, arthrography. Also applicable to studies of children. Iodixanol price from 18,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Iodomarin

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

Iodine active

An organic compound of iodine that is built into the milk protein molecule. With a lack of iodine, the microelement is actively absorbed and the excess is excreted from the body rather than entering the thyroid gland. Cost from 65 to 270 rubles per pack, depending on the number of tablets.

Endocrinol

It is a source of flavonoids and vitamin E. It helps improve the functional state of the thyroid gland. Price per pack from 190 to 400 rubles.

Contraindications

With long-term use of drugs containing iodine and hypersensitivity, responses such as runny nose, increased salivation, lacrimation, urticaria, rash, and Quincke's edema may occur. You should not use drugs with iodine for pulmonary tuberculosis, pregnancy, kidney disease, chronic pyoderma.

Overdose

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

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

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

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