Iodine is a chemical element that exists as a lustrous purple-black metallic solid. It melts into a deep violet liquid and boils to a violet gas. Iodine is also known as iodide and is the type of mineral that is naturally found in the ocean waters and the earth’s soil. There are a variety of uses of iodine, some of which are;
1. Thyroid health
Iodine is used as a treatment in thyroid health. It helps with goitres, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. After an individual has been exposed to radiation, iodine protects against thyroid damage.
2. Treatment of foot ulcers
Iodine helps in treating foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Applying iodine to foot ulcers, help in treating patients with foot ulcers, which is related to diabetes.
3. Protect against mouth irritation caused by chemotherapy
Chemotherapy affects patients differently in that some people react well to the treatment whereas some have difficulties after the treatment. Taking iodine by mouth is effective in protecting a patient from the exposures to radioactivity. However, it should never be used for protection against radiation.
4. Helps with fibrocystic breast change
Research has shown that taking iodine, especially the molecular iodine is important in reducing pain in the fibrous breast tissues.
5. Iodine deficiency
Some people add iodine to their diet. Taking iodine supplements, including iodine salt is important. This is because it helps in the prevention and treatments of iodine deficiencies.
6. Pink eye
Newborns experience pink eye the most. Research has shown that using eye drops that contain iodine, in the form of povidone-iodine, is more effective in reducing pink eye in newborns. This does not mean that it is the most effective method because medications such as erythromycin and chloramphenicol are effective too.
7. Inflammation of the uterus lining
Iodine has also proved effective in reducing inflammation in the lining of the uterus. Washing the vagina with a solution containing iodine, in the form of povidone-iodine, especially before a caesarian delivery, helps in reducing the swelling in the uterus lining.
8. Breast pain
There is a higher number of women with breast pain. Breast pain, also known as mastalgia is a condition that affects women of all ages. Taking 3000-6000 milligrams of molecular iodine for five months seems to be beneficial in reducing pain and tenderness in women with breast pain. Taking lower doses than the required one does not work.
9. Gum infection
Iodine is also important in helping with gum infection. Research suggests that rinsing the gums with a solution that contains iodine in the form of povidone-iodine during non-surgical gum treatment is effective. It can also reduce the depth of the infected gum.
10. Treating leg sores
Leg sores, which are caused by weak blood circulation is also treated using iodine. Applying a small amount of iodine to the affected area helps in healing the leg ulcers. It completely heals the ulcer and improves the circulation of blood too.
