Outside of how essential iodine is for creating thyroid hormone and supporting overall hormone health, I think the coolest thing about iodine is all of its therapeutic properties. Not only is iodine antibacterial, but it is also a strong anti-fungal and anti-v!ral agent.

Dr. David Derry wrote, “Iodine was the most effective agent for killing viruses, especially influenza viruses. Aerosol iodine was found to kill viruses in sprayed mists, and solutions of iodine were equally effective.”

I find iodine particularly fascinating for its anti-bacterial benefits, especially given how concerning anti-bacterial resistance is becoming. The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) determined that, left unchecked, in the next 35 years, antimicrobial resistance could kill 300,000,000 people worldwide and stunt global economic output by $100 trillion. This is where iodine can come in handy!

Using iodine topically as well as orally or in a gargle has been shown to be useful in eradicating different infections. Povidone-iodine is the most common form of topical iodine and is something we keep in our med kit at home. I’ve also had many clients titrate oral iodine to get rid of UTI’s.

How do you know if you have adequate iodine levels?

1. 24 Hour Iodine Loading Test

Shows how much iodine you excrete to tell if levels are sufficient or not.

2. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

You can look at certain markers on your HTMA

3. Thyroid Blood Labs

Low T3 and T4 are signs of low iodine.

Learn more in this part 1 and part 2 of my iodine podcast series on the are you menstrual? podcast. I also discuss iodine and how to use it to support your thyroid health in the Master Your Minerals course.

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