Iodine: Deep Purple Protection

With the horrific earthquake and tsunami, we have all been riveted to the telly, shocked and stunned at the devastation nature can inflict. As if this wasn't enough, nuclear power plants posed a tremendous threat, and let's hope and pray that the Japanese can shut them all down without another explosion.

One of my sons-in-law is Japanese and has his family in Tokyo, so we had some anxious moments, to say the least. All seem to be present and accounted for, so thank you, God. You may have noted that in all the chaos, they were distributing iodine tablets to protect against thyroid cancer in the event of a major radiation leak. It is well known that iodine protects the thyroid against all manner of ills, but did you know that it is one of the most versatile and necessary nutrients?

Goiter, a swelling of the thyroid which used to be common, is one of the first signs of a deficiency in iodine. It is almost never seen anymore, since here in the west, we now have plenty of  iodine in our diets. It's in the salt we shake on our food, but it is added, not naturally occurring.  While the initial swelling isn't a threat, as time goes by and the body is deprived of iodine, swelling can become so severe as to inhibit breathing.

In countries where there are many living in poverty and goiter is prevalent, this lack of iodine can sometimes lead to a condition called "cretinism." The effects of this are mental deficiencies, inability to walk and talk and thickening of the skin. It can even lead to deafness, all from the lack of a tiny molecule. No deficiency in iodine has been found in the United States since 1970.

Iodine is a part of the chemical messenger thyroxin, which regulates growth and development. It also helps to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. Eating carbs and protein? Iodine enables your body to use them properly. Seafood is rich in iodine and we coastal folks have the added blessing of iodine in our drinking water. 

Iodine is also added to many types of fast foods, used in bread making and in the processing of dairy. We only need 150 micrograms of iodine daily, and we are all are getting lots more than that. But if you eat a lot of foods called "goitrogens" which inhibit the body's ability to absorb iodine, you might need a bit more than the daily requirement. What are these goitrogens? Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, peaches and almonds. Don't stop eating them, just balance them out with varied foods and you'll be fine. Don't go over 1,000 micrograms  of iodine a day, the safe dosage limit.

Dr. John B. Stanbury, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School, thinks we no longer need to iodize salt since we get so much iodine in our modern diet. If you are concerned that you're getting too much iodine, just switch to sea salt, it tastes better as well. In one of nature's little jokes, the effect of too much iodine is  also goiter, as well as acne, rashes and asthma. This is why we sometimes advise sufferers of these conditions to avoid shellfish, a rich source of iodine. I always recommend that patients who are going on a camping trip or a long hike take along some iodine tablets. In an emergency, they can keep wounds clean and kill waterborne parasites such as Giardia. Just be sure to use the form "tetraglycine hydroperiodide." You can get it on the net or any camping supply store. And not to be an alarmist, but as the Boy Scouts say, "Be prepared."  A first aid kit,  in the car and at home, fully stocked with emergency needs,  as well as a stock of food and water in every home, is not a bad idea in these times of strange and unpredictable weather. 

Bach Flower Remedies of the Week: 

HEATHER:  If you see someone coming and you run the other way because you know the litany of woe is about to begin, you know a Heather person.  They're the kinds of folks who "buttonhole" you with endless talk of their ills and operations, showing no real interest in anyone else.  Often, they end up very lonely and sad because people begin to avoid them. Also good for those who suffer from constant worry. 

HOLLY:  Jealous?  Harboring hatred, envy or revenge? Are you the suspicious type? Holly is for these explosive feelings and the anger that abides with them.  Sometimes Cherry Plum is recommended in addition to Holly,  if there is a lack of emotional control or outbursts. Determining the cause and reason for these feelings is necessary before administering Holly. 

If you would like an appointment with Dr. Kleine, please call us at 631.472.8139