Physical and chemical properties of iodine. Different ways to use iodine

Medical 5% iodine solution

Iodine is a very popular remedy for disinfecting various skin lesions (abrasions, scratches, cuts, etc.). Another common use of it is the iodine grid, I’m sure many have experienced this in childhood. Do you know what iodine is made from? Why are some of its solutions brown and others purple?

Under normal conditions, iodine is black-gray crystals with a violet metallic luster. In medicine, we most often use a 5% solution of iodine in alcohol.

An alcohol solution of iodine is brown, a solution of iodine in non-polar organic solvents is violet, and iodine vapor is also violet.

How is iodine obtained?

Iodine is extremely rare in nature as a mineral; most often it is found in the form of iodides in sea water and in living organisms. Reserves of natural iodides are estimated at 15 million tons, 99% of reserves are located in Chile and Japan.

There are several ways to obtain iodine:

The raw material for the industrial production of iodine in Russia is oil drilling water, while in foreign countries that do not have oil fields, seaweed is used, as well as mother liquors of Chilean (sodium) nitrate, lye from potassium and saltpeter industries, which greatly increases the cost of producing iodine from such raw materials.

Application of iodine

One of the most important uses of iodine is in medicine. A 5% alcohol solution of iodine is used to disinfect the skin around various wounds.

If there are a large number of intramuscular injections, the patient is given an iodine mesh in their place. This is necessary so that the “bumps” formed at the sites of intramuscular injections dissolve faster.

Example of an iodine grid

Iodine-containing contrast agents are widely used in X-ray and tomographic studies.

If there is a deficiency of iodine in the body, its 5% alcohol solution should not be used internally!

In forensic science, iodine vapor is used to detect fingerprints on paper surfaces, such as banknotes.

Iodine is used as the positive electrode (oxidizer) component in lithium-iodine batteries for automobiles.

In halogen lamps, iodine is used as a component of the gas filler bulb to deposit the evaporated tungsten filament back onto it.
The dangers of iodine

Iodine is poisonous! The lethal dose of iodine is 3 g. It causes damage to the kidneys and cardiovascular system.

When inhaling iodine vapor, a headache, cough, runny nose appears, and possibly pulmonary edema.

Contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes causes lacrimation, eye pain and redness.

If ingested, general weakness, headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, brown coating on the tongue, heart pain and increased heart rate appear. After a day, blood appears in the urine. After 2 days, renal failure and myocarditis appear. Without treatment, death occurs.

Initially, iodine crystals are not divided into medical and technical - they receive this status during further processing.

Iodine– is included in the periodic table of Mendeleev and belongs to the group of halogens. It would be correct to call the element iodine from the Latin word Iodum. It consists of black-gray crystals with a violet metallic sheen (see photo). By the way, the ancient Greek name of the element is translated as “violet-like.” Iodine vapor has a pungent odor and purple color.

Iodine was obtained in 1811 by the chemist and industrialist Courtois from seaweed by heating in concentrated sulfuric acid. A few years later, the famous Gay-Lussac investigated the chemical properties of the element.

Iodine is very scattered in nature and due to this it is present almost anywhere on our planet. In free form in the form of minerals, this is a very rare substance; deposits are mainly developed in Japan and Chile. It is also obtained industrially from oil drilling waters, seaweed, and saltpeter.

The iodine molecule is chemically very active and is a strong oxidizing agent.

A large mass of iodine is contained in sea water - during geological processes, iodine was gradually washed away from the surface of the earth's crust under the influence of ice, snow, rain and carried away by rivers to the seas. A lot of it is found in chernozem soils and peat bogs. But mountainous areas, on the contrary, are very depleted in iodine, again due to the large amount of precipitation.

The action of iodine and its biological role

The action of a macronutrient is vital for a living organism. Iodine enters the human blood with food and almost the entire amount is absorbed in the small intestine, from where it penetrates the blood and the thyroid gland. It is also possible for a certain amount to enter with inhaled air and through the skin.

Iodine belongs to the biotic elements, i.e. to those affecting life activity:

The thyroid gland accelerates metabolism, iodine supplies the necessary organic compounds and hormones into the blood through reactions in the gland, which affect the level of metabolic intensity, oxidation processes and heat production.
Nervous system – thanks to the action of the element, the growth of healthy cells of the nervous system is enhanced, due to which excessive irritability disappears and the emotional background becomes stable.
Child development and growth - in the presence of iodine, protein synthesis occurs and metabolic processes in muscle tissue are accelerated, which leads to increased physical endurance, and it also has a positive effect on mental abilities.
Lipid metabolism - a macroelement that stimulates metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer, and thus fights obesity and its unpleasant manifestation - cellulite.
Carbohydrate metabolism - through the work of the thyroid gland, iodine has an effect on the absorption of carbohydrates by the intestine.
Persistent immunity - consuming the element allows the body to actively resist colds and viral diseases.

Iodine also promotes the formation of phagocytes - cells in the blood that destroy harmful microorganisms. But the thyroid gland, in which it accumulates, is involved in all the actions of iodine. It is by passing through it that pathogenic organisms lose their strength.

Medicine associates the main biological significance of iodine as a macronutrient with endemic goiter, which occurs due to iodine deficiency. This disease occurs mainly in mountainous areas of all continents. It is promoted by a lack of cobalt and an excess of manganese, as well as an unbalanced diet, when there is an excess of carbohydrates and fats with a lack of proteins and vitamins. Treatment among the population will only make sense with an integrated approach. It is necessary to carry out prevention in combination with optimizing the composition of the environment and improving sanitary and hygienic living and working conditions.

Iodine in the history of medicine

Thousands of years before the scientific discovery of the element, people learned to use it correctly. Here are some facts from history:

already 5 thousand years ago in China, goiter was cured with the help of seaweed, and later recipes for treatment with extracts from the thyroid glands of animals (deer and pigs) were described;
Around the same time, the Sumerians were looking for a magical herb in the northern coastal regions, the description of which was lost, and later information appeared about the treatment of goiter with kelp or seaweed, and this was done at the state level;
about 3,000 years ago, the same Chinese discovered that the disease appeared more often in areas with mountainous terrain and poor drinking water quality, the Romans discovered this fact a thousand years later;
In Europe, the earliest artistic depiction of a goiter is dated 1215, while among the Indians it is dated to the third millennium BC. The paintings show a man with a goiter on his neck and a rattle called a "fool's scepter", which was an indication of dementia;
in the Renaissance, a goiter was considered an attribute of beauty, which may have been a consequence of that same dementia among the “fashion” setters;
The first mention of the term "thyroid gland" was used by the Englishman Thomas Warton in the mid-17th century, and the word "cretin" was used in 1754 in Diderot's Encyclopedia.

As you can see, the connection between goiter and a decrease in the level of mental abilities was discovered relatively recently. It was only in the mid-18th century that Denis Diderot described the word “cretin” as weak-minded, deaf, ugly and with a goiter up to the waist. And Napoleon drew attention to the fact that the presence of this disease in recruits initially makes them unfit for service. This theory was scientifically confirmed in 1896 by biochemist E. Bauman.

Daily value (need for an adult, for children, as well as for pregnant women)

The daily norm of a macronutrient depends on the body and age of the person. For example, for an adult the norm is about 150-300 mcg. School-age children need about 120 mcg per day, and preschool children need 50-90 mcg.

It is quite simple to determine the norm from the calculation that our body requires 2-4 mcg/1 kg of body weight. It is worth considering that not all iodine accumulates in organs and tissues; excess is excreted in urine and saliva. That is, the iron will take exactly the amount it needs. This is good only in the case of a healthy, functioning organ. If there are disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, then a medical adjustment of the daily norm is necessary.

Pregnant women and women during breastfeeding, children and adolescents need an increased dose of the element. But it is imperative to obtain a recommendation from your attending physician.

It has been noted that in the post-Soviet space the situation is close to catastrophic. Because actual iodine consumption is about 50-80 mcg, which is three times less than required.

Interesting fact: depending on the changing seasons, the level of iodine concentration in the blood also changes. In autumn it begins to decline, and starting in March it rises until it reaches a maximum in June. The amplitude of the oscillations is insignificant, but has not yet been explained by science.

Lack (deficiency) of iodine in the body - what are the symptoms?

Lack of the macronutrient iodine, according to statistics, is widespread throughout the planet, and about a third of the entire population is at risk of iodine deficiency.

Iodine is found in the main thyroid hormones (about 60-65%), which, in turn, take part in metabolic processes and affect:

mental development;
bone tissue growth;
protein synthesis;
breakdown of cholesterol and fats;
stimulation of myelogenesis.

Iodine deficiency can lead to problems during pregnancy: congenital genetic abnormalities, stillbirth, cretinism. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor iodine levels throughout a person’s life. If it is deficient, the child may be born with increased body weight and jaundice, which leads to swelling and delayed healing of the umbilical remnant. The hairline is very weakened and is often affected by seborrhea. There may be a delay in the eruption of baby teeth, and subsequently permanent teeth. Deformation of the limbs occurs. When listening to the heart, functional murmurs are heard. Intestinal dysfunction occurs. Such babies may begin to sit and walk late.

Iodine deficiency can also lead to mental retardation at an older age; memory, motor skills, and perception suffer; they often suffer from colds, as a result of which it is difficult for them to concentrate and their academic performance declines. There may also be a violation of physical, sexual and neuropsychiatric development.

It is possible to achieve results in correcting iodine deficiency only by starting complex therapy from birth and continuing prevention throughout life. This is usually due to the fact that iodine is not able to accumulate in the body and comes exclusively from food. And its presence in the body is vital, so negligence is unacceptable.

For an infant, the source of the element is breast milk, but only if the mother takes the required amount. When artificial feeding, the dosage must be carefully maintained.

Chronic deficiency is obvious in the truest sense of the word. Externally, it is expressed in an enlargement of the thyroid gland (endemic gland). This disease is also called Graves' disease. Its essence lies in the fact that in case of iodine deficiency, iron increases in size to avoid insufficient production of hormones. Thyrotoxicosis develops (lack of those same hormones), the symptoms of which are increased heartbeat, nervousness, weight loss, sweating, restless sleep.

Also, the influence of an insufficient amount of the element affects the general condition of the body and a person’s appearance: weakness, drowsiness, hearing and memory impairment, pale and dry skin, hair problems, shortness of breath.

A folk remedy for checking iodine deficiency is applying a grid with an alcohol solution to the skin. If it quickly disappears, then measures need to be taken, but if the drawing does not disappear within 24 hours, then everything is in order with the presence of the element, although you should not stop there and continue prevention. But doctors do not trust this method and use urine or blood tests. They believe that when applied to the skin, iodine can only have an irritating effect, causing blood outflow and dilation of skin capillaries.

Today, iodine deficiency is the most common disease spread by non-infectious means, which leads to mental retardation of the entire nation. This disease is becoming an “epidemic” and control in particularly affected countries must take place at the legislative level.

According to WHO statistics, about 200 million people are considered affected and almost a billion are at risk.

Signs of excess iodine and iodine poisoning

Excess iodine in the body can still exist, despite a global deficiency of the element as a whole. It may be caused by a violation of iodine metabolism and its excessive intake. An excess of this chemical can cause poisoning, because high concentrations have a toxic effect. Employees of enterprises with increased harmfulness are exposed to such poisoning, where iodine is released in the form of steam.

The toxic effect of the element can lead to disruption of the general condition of the body (muscle weakness, sweating, diarrhea and weight loss), and with chronic action, painful sensations in the stomach, vomiting, lacrimation, tinnitus, and dizziness may appear. Depigmentation of the skin and hair occurs, which causes premature graying.

What food sources does it contain?

Iodine consumption occurs mainly in foods of plant and animal origin. But it is worth considering that the content of the element is determined by the condition of the soil on which they are grown. The most saturated areas are located in areas close to the seas or oceans, and the poorest are in mountainous areas due to leaching from the soil by precipitation. And it has been noticed that city residents suffer less from shortages than rural residents. The reason for this is the consumption by city residents of a wide range of imported products.

In addition to iodine-rich seafood (seaweed, fish, shrimp, etc.), you should eat radishes, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, currants, strawberries, eggs, and onions. The element is also found in milk, beans, meat and buckwheat.

But consuming soy products doubles the need for macronutrients, because they (the products) cause an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland.

High-quality seafood is very expensive, so to replenish the iodine balance in the body, you have to limit yourself to consuming sea salt. But at the same time, many do not take into account the fact that during the heat treatment of this product, the previously indicated chemical element practically does not remain in it. When using a special salt saturated with iodine, the value is short-lived, for the reason that the element “evaporates” from an open pack due to the volatile properties of this substance. Although such salt in our conditions is the most effective and cheapest remedy. However, it is necessary to add it to food only before consumption, and not during the cooking process.

An alcohol solution of iodine cannot be used to replenish iodine deficiency, because it is suitable for external use only and contains high concentrations that can cause poisoning with this substance.

Medical preparations of iodine are produced in the form of sodium and potassium salts, Lugol's solution, infusions and vitamin preparations. However, they may cause some allergic reactions.

Indications for use

The indications for prescribing a macronutrient are quite extensive, but all are related to the stable functioning of the thyroid gland:

What is the role of iodine for our body? Many of us are accustomed to seeing this drug as an antiseptic of the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, it belongs to a group of useful microelements that are responsible for a huge number of functions in our body.

A low level of this substance leads to hormonal imbalance. This affects the emotional and physical state of a person.

Composition and indications for use

The composition of the drug consists of potassium iodide and ethanol. These components are a solid molecular lattice. The liquid has a purple tint and a pungent odor. When applied externally, it has an antiseptic effect, as a result of which up to 95% of pathogenic microflora is destroyed.

The use of iodine internally has a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. The composition helps enhance dissimilation processes, stimulates the production of the terrotoxin hormone, and also triggers tissue metabolism processes.

An incorrectly selected dosage can provoke excessive accumulation of radioactive substances in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Here, impaired production of vital hormones is noted. This entails the development of pathological processes that can cause ovarian or pituitary dysfunction.

WHAT IS IODINE USEFUL FOR THE HUMAN BODY?

The drug is intended for patients with the following symptoms:

infectious - inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes;
neuralgia;
myositis;
syphilis;
atherosclerosis of the vascular system;
excess cholesterol;
laryngitis;
intoxication of the body with heavy metals;
ozena;
disease of the cardiac system.

IMPORTANT: “Before starting therapeutic treatment, it is recommended to seek help from a medical doctor. The specialist will select the optimal dosage based on clinical indications and medical tests. An incorrectly selected dose can provoke the emergence of new pathological foci in the body.”

How is iodine mined and obtained?

Where do microelements iodine come from? Today, several methods are known for producing potassium iodide on an industrial scale. Each of them differs in its technology and the resulting volume.

HOW IS IODINE OBTAINED? There are several methods for extracting useful microelements. These include:

Processing of natural raw materials. Sea kelp is used here. It has been scientifically proven that 1 ton of dried seaweed contains up to 6 kg of iodine, while sea water is saturated with only 50 mg. Until the end of the 70s of the 19th century, this method of obtaining a natural trace element was considered one of the best;

Obtaining iodine from nitrate waste. They contain up to 0.5% iodized minerals and potassium iodide. This method of obtaining microelements began to be used in mid-1867. The main advantage of this method was its minimal cost. As a result of this, it has gained wide popularity among manufacturers all over the world;

Extraction from natural solutions. To do this, use salty sea water or liquid from oil settling tanks. These solutions contain up to 50 mg/l of iodide. Up to 100 mg/l of liquid is fixed in oil solutions;

Ionite iodination. This extraction method is based on chemical reactions, which result in selective absorption of iodinated molecules.

Contraindications and side effects

There are a number of medical contraindications to the use of this drug. For example, dry iodine often causes individual intolerance to one of the components of the composition. As a result, a person experiences a severe allergic reaction in the form of redness and rashes.

People with the following diseases are prohibited from consuming iodine in water. These include:

duodenal ulcer;
diabetes mellitus;
nephrosis;
tuberculosis of the kidneys and lungs;
furunculosis;
diathesis of hemorrhagic environment;
hives;
acne;
acne.

Improper use of radioactive iodine solution can cause adverse reactions in the body. These include:

Quincke's edema;
lacrimation;
local application is accompanied by redness of the skin;
hives;
heavy salivation;
increased sweating;
tachycardia;
diarrhea;
increased nervousness.

If such symptoms are detected, it is necessary to seek appropriate help as soon as possible.

Where is the chemical element found?

In the periodic table, iodine is number 53. Under normal conditions, this chemical type of non-metal appears as dark purple crystals that have a pungent and specific odor. This substance belongs to the group of active collagens.

Today you can get your daily dose of the substance from food. In some of them, the iodine content can reach the maximum permissible level. Excessive content of this microelement affects the psycho-emotional state of a person. He becomes too irritable or, conversely, passive.

Foods high in iodide include:

fish;
sea shellfish;
crabs;
squid;
kelp;
green apples;
sea herring;
hard cheese;
dairy products;
mushrooms.

Products that do not contain iodine include:

sugar;
canned goods;
fruit jelly;
paste.

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

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.
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.
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.
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 at the ends 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 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 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 combating 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!

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 entire body.

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 tract 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 above 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 petroleum jelly 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. helps 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 with 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 at the earliest 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:

A small piece of napkin or paper.
Pipette.
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 a few drops of iodine are taken and applied 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 trace element 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,
Difficulty 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.