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Iodine is a very valuable element in the body. Its deficiency leads to serious health consequences. Naturally occurring iodine can of course be found at the seaside. Is it worth going to the Baltic Sea to supplement iodine? The answer is yes. But not at all times!
- Probably each of us heard at least once to breathe deeply the air in the Baltic Sea, “inhale iodine”. And it really is: just a 45-minute walk by the sea is enough for our body to be enriched with this valuable element
- Iodine is absorbed from the air both through the skin and through the respiratory system
- The highest concentration of iodine occurs in windy, even stormy weather
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Iodine for health. How much is the daily dose?
Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and hormones, and thus: the entire body. Its deficiency leads to unpleasant symptoms such as:
- fatigue,
- lack of energy,
- feeling cold.
The more serious effects of iodine deficiency include:
- reproductive problems in women,
- deterioration of mental health.
Long-term iodine deficiency causes the so-called goiter on the thyroid gland.
According to the Standards of the Food and Nutrition Institute the daily dose of iodine for adults is 150 µg.
Make an e-thyroid package, i.e. a set of blood tests that assess the functioning of the thyroid gland. The package is available in two scopes – the basic one with three exams and the extended one with six exams.
When to walk by the Baltic Sea to “inhale” iodine?
People living in the south of Poland, far from the sea are the most vulnerable to iodine deficiency. And while it is true that a stay at the Baltic Sea will help to replenish the deficiencies of iodine, you still need to know when it is best to take seaside walks. Contrary to appearances, summer is the worst time!
The highest concentration of iodine occurs in windy, even stormy weather. The best times to absorb as much iodine as possible are fall, winter and spring. So spending a hot summer by the Baltic Sea will not enrich us too much with iodine.
The greatest amount of iodine remains right on the seashore, up to approx. 200-300 meters from the shoreline. The closer to the sea, the better.
Is iodine in salt enough?
However, the greatest amount of iodine is not at the seaside, but in kitchen iodized salt. And according to some doctors, this may be enough for a large part of the population. According to the 2010 ordinance of the Ministry of Health, table salt must be enriched with potassium iodide or iodate in the amount of 10 to 30 mg KI / kg. These standards were introduced to limit iodine deficiency in the body.
Iodine is also found naturally in marine fish (especially white fish: cod, pollock, mackerel, flounder) and seafood. Dairy products and nuts contain smaller amounts of iodine.
How do i test iodine levels?
Especially people who have thyroid problems should have their iodine levels checked from time to time. The most reliable test to determine the level of iodine is the daily collection of urine. 90 percent iodine is excreted from the body through the kidneys, therefore urine is the best illustration of iodine supply.