Plants that contain iodine. List of iodine-rich foods that are good for the thyroid gland

For diseases thyroid gland herbs containing iodine are almost always prescribed. Some of them are used for goiter with thyrotoxicosis (increased function), others - for goiter with hypothyroidism ( reduced function), the third - with tumor diseases of the thyroid gland.

What is the difference between herbs containing iodine? Why are they used differently? An herb may be suitable for one disease, but not at all for another.

It turns out that for therapeutic use An iodine-containing plant is important in which chemical compound the iodine in it is located.

Most iodine-containing herbs and plants are rich in potassium and sodium iodides.

Another interesting group contains iodine in the form of a complex compound called diiodotyrosine.

What is the role of these chemical compounds in the functioning of the thyroid gland?

A lot of iodine for the thyroid gland - is it good?

Let's schematically outline the steps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland.

First, the thyrocyte captures iodide floating in the blood - an iodine atom formed from potassium iodide or sodium iodide, that is, those substances that are found in most iodine-containing plants.

Then the thyrocyte takes the thyroglobulin protein and “attaches” one iodine atom to the amino acid tyrosine, which was captured a little earlier. It turns out as a result of monoiodotyrosine. (Mono means "one").

Then the second iodine atom “attaches” to monoiodotyrosine. It turns out diiodotyrosine (Di - it means "two").

Thus, diiodotyrosine, contained in some plants, is a substance that is obtained at the second stage of hormonal synthesis.

Now we can see the “chemical” difference between iodine-containing plants: some contain the raw material for synthesis (iodide), while others contain an intermediate product, so to speak, a semi-finished product (diiodotyrosine).

Despite the fact that diiodothyrosine is a prehormone, and is only one step away from triiodothyronine, the most powerful of the thyroid hormones, it does not have hormonal activity on its own.

But if two molecules of diiodothyrosine unite, the hormone thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine) will turn out. And when one molecule of diiodotyrosine is combined with one molecule of monoiodotyrosine, triiodothyronine is obtained, which is 4 times more active than thyroxine.

Here it turns out, what is the first difference between iodine-containing herbs.

Iodide is the raw material for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A long chain of transformations is required for the active hormone to be synthesized. And diiodotyrosine is an intermediate product of hormonal synthesis, so to speak, a semi-finished product, almost ready.

It is logical to assume that both herbs containing iodide and herbs with diiodothyrosine will not have the same effect on the thyroid gland and on the body as a whole.

And indeed, it is. Herbs with iodine content are fundamentally different in what kind of iodine they contain..

Iodides have another feature: entering the body in large quantities exceeding daily requirement in iodine, potassium and sodium iodides block the formation of hormones. In addition, excess amounts of iodide reduce the blood supply to the thyroid gland. This effect has long been used to treat thyrotoxicosis.

That is, a large amount of iodine can block the increased activity of the thyroid gland. However, this action of iodides is temporary, transient, non-permanent. Over time, thyrotoxicosis again takes its toll. Moreover, long-term administration of iodides in autoimmune diseases can provoke an aggravation of their course. So iodides in thyrotoxicosis are effective only in the initial phase of treatment.

Therefore, the use of iodides is currently limited to two cases. The first case is the treatment of endemic goiter (this is when there is little iodine in water and food). Here, iodides are used, as they say, in full force, and are a generally recognized remedy. The industry produces special preparations for these purposes that contain potassium iodide. Some of them are called - "Iodide -100" or "Iodide - 200", "Iodomarin".

The second case is Lugol's drops in milk for a rapid decrease in thyroid function before surgery for goiter with thyretoxicosis.

Therefore, treatment is not limited to herbs that differ in the content of iodine in its various forms.

What iodine-containing herbs and plants are suitable for various thyroid diseases?

I. With thyrotoxicosis in the initial phase (mainly contain iodides)	gray alder, bubbly fucus, sugary kelp, three-leaf watch, three-part succession, medium chickweed.
II. With hypothyroidism (mainly contain diiodothyrosine)	gorse dyeing, watercress officinalis, Icelandic cetraria, sprawling parmelia, alpine cladonia.
III. With endemic goiter (contain iodine in any form)	three-leafed watch, gray alder, three-part succession, small duckweed, knotted boletus, common cocklebur, dyed gorse, medicinal watercress, fucus bubbly, sugary kelp, Icelandic cetraria, sprawling parmelia, alpine cladonia.
IV. For thyroid cancer (contain immunomodulating substances in association with iodine)	knotted boletus, common cocklebur, small duckweed.

In total, we got 4 groups of plants that differ in iodine content.

In the group "Thyrotoxicosis" there were plants, mainly including iodides.

Accordingly, the group "Hypothyroidism" included herbs with a high level of diiodothyrosine in the composition.

The third group - plants for the treatment of endemic goiter - turned out to be twice as large as the first and second. Why? And for the simple reason that it included those herbs that contain iodides, and those that contain diiodothyrosine. This is understandable: if there is a deficiency of iodine in water and food, then what difference does it make in what form it enters the body. This is the reason for such "illegibility" of endemic goiter in relation to iodine-containing plants. True, if you understand even more subtle, it turns out that diiodotyrosine is preferable, since it is absorbed faster. This happens despite the fact that it still "understands" the gland into "spare parts" - iodine and tyrosine, and does not go for synthesis as a whole.

We move on. If endemic goiter "doesn't care" what kind of iodine-containing herb will be treated, then there are herbs with iodine that don't care what disease to treat. You could say universal. There are very few such plants, but they are prescribed with equal success for the treatment of both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism.

What's the matter here? Apparently, it is clearly not in iodine, although it is enough in these plants. So it turned out that these herbs contain substances that act not on thyrocytes, but on cells. immune system, which are present in the gland and are responsible for the processes of supervision and tissue regulation.

Such plants include the common cocklebur, knotted boletus and duckweed. It can be assumed that iodine in their composition plays the role of a conductor, bringing immunoregulatory substances to the site of action. The effect of these plants is equally good as in diffuse toxic goiter and in autoimmune thyroiditis. After all, both of these diseases are immune in nature.

When a breakdown is felt in the body, a person begins to fight the malaise with the help of medicines. But in addition to pills, you can use the gifts of nature. In order not to harm the body, one should be guided by the recommendations of specialists. Herbs for the treatment of the thyroid gland are prescribed by a doctor, their use is controlled throughout the course of therapy.

If thyroid disease is not detected, then you can not notice its function. However, there are a number of other ailments associated with metabolic disorders, the cause of which is a violation of the normal functioning of this organ.

To determine the cause of concomitant diseases, you should consult a specialist. Only he can appoint proper treatment based on the research and prescribe its methods. Treatment of the thyroid gland with herbs is no less useful than modern means.

The list of herbs that are used to treat thyroid gland, their medicinal properties:

1. Echinacea. This plant helps to increase immunity and normalize the level of hormone production.
2. Common cocklebur or goiter contains a huge amount of iodine and helps get rid of goiter to activate normal metabolism in the thyroid gland.
3. Licorice. An herb that maintains the balance of the endocrine glands, which contributes to a surge of strength. Recent tests have shown that the action of the plant reduces the growth of chemical reactions of cells that cause cancer.
4. Prolomnik northern - this medicinal plant heals goiter and has a sedative effect.
5. Ivy burda is great for goiter, but it should be used with caution, as it is poisonous.
6. Zyuznik European - reduces the level of hormone production in hyperthyroidism. Scientists have found that the grass does not cause side effects, and in the future it may become an analogue of the drug - Metimazole.
7. Ashwagandha is an herb that balances hormones, has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts immunity and counteracts cancer.
8. Pine cones, collected at the end of May, are used to treat goiter.
9. Hawthorn fruits, oregano, wormwood, peppermint, licorice, peony roots, lungwort - this collection of herbs contributes to the resorption of knots.
10. Potentilla white is indispensable in the restoration of various pathologies of the organ.
11. Bacopa - this plant is used with a low hormonal background, while almost 50% of its use does not cause adverse reactions.
12. Lungwort has a general strengthening effect on the body, increases resistance to infectious diseases.
13. Eleutherococcus is a versatile herb for high and low levels of hormone production, along with these functions, the work of the adrenal glands is getting better.
14. Ginseng, gentian, Chinese magnolia vine, eleutherococcus, rhodiola, stonecrop and oregano - this herbal collection provides stimulation of the body, although it does not contain iodine.
15. Fucus bladderis is an herbal algae for organ treatment. The content of a large amount of iodine contributes to the restoration of the thyroid gland.
16. Gentian is an herb that has a positive effect on endocrine system body and stimulate the work of the body.
17. Myrtle is a tree enriched with essential oil content. It has antibacterial properties, it contains a lot of iodine, which contributes to the normalization of the functions of the thyroid gland with an increased hormonal level.
18. Lettuce is a plant with a high content of iodine, which stabilizes the production of hormones.
19. Flax seeds contain omega-3 acids, which are indispensable for normal function organ. The seed of the plant contributes to the treatment of hypothyroidism.
20. Black walnut is a source of iodine and, with regular use, helps to restore functions in the thyroid gland.
21. Dill is a garden plant known to all. Especially young greens contain a large amount of iodine, which helps to increase the production of hormones.
22. Celandine - this herb is known as a weed, but it is useful for normalizing the functions of the thyroid gland, as it helps the resorption of formed cysts and nodes.
23. Geranium is a home plant that contributes to the normalization of thyroid function.
24. Seaweed is rich in iodine and its use contributes to the normalization of hormonal levels.
25. Melissa - this plant reduces the production of hormones in hyperthyroidism, in addition, it is a sedative.
26. Partitions walnut contain iodine in their composition and regulate the work of the endocrine system.

You can treat with herbs the initial stage of thyroid disease. If the doctor recommended the use of medications, then you can not completely refuse them. Traditional healers have invented many ways to treat thyroid diseases, which can be used in combination with modern medical knowledge.

Treatment is prescribed by doctors based on the results ultrasound research and biopsy if necessary. This takes into account the patient's comorbidities and response to drugs.

Preparations developed on the basis of plant extracts, including ointments and tinctures, also have side effects, so the rules for their use are established by the attending specialist.

Not everyone believes that thyroid problems can be in its nodes and it will be an erroneous opinion that it is not necessary to treat them, since they can provoke a cancerous tumor.

Self-medication should not be done in any case, even despite the absence of side effects from the actions of herbs.

The effectiveness of the action of medicinal plants is achieved with the joint treatment of specialized drugs, as well as additional procedures prescribed by medical specialists.

Independent use herbal infusions may lead to an undesirable result and the general condition may worsen from this, and the formed knot may increase. The action of the herb for the thyroid gland contributes to the additional maintenance of the body in working order.

The article is devoted traditional medicine, here are the most popular herbs for the thyroid gland, how they are processed, as well as the most popular recipes for medicinal compounds from these plants. The information is complemented by an interesting video in this article, as well as a photo gallery of the most commonly used plants in glandula thyreoide therapy.

The effectiveness of herbal medicine in various diseases of the thyroid gland is due to the presence in their composition of a number of biologically active substances.

And the most important of them is iodine in several forms readily available for absorption by the human body:

1. potassium iodide.
2. sodium iodide.
3. Diiodotyrosine- an inactive prehormone, which serves as a material on the basis of which human body thyroxine and triiodothyronine are synthesized.

In different plants, these substances are presented unevenly. All medicinal herbs used to treat thyroid diseases are divided into four main groups on this basis.

The first group includes plants in which iodine is contained mainly in the form of iodides:

1. Alder gray;
2. Three leaf watch;
3. Bubble ficus;
4. Chickweed medium;
5. Three-part series;
6. Laminaria sugary.

These herbs bring a tangible effect mainly when it is in the initial stages of its development.

The second group includes plants that contain a lot of diiodotyrosine:

1. Watercress.
2. Drok dyeing.
3. Alpine cladonia.
4. Spreading parmelia.

They are used by traditional healers for patients with more advanced forms of pathologies and pronounced changes in the content of thyroid hormones in the peripheral blood.

In the third group there are plants in which all forms of iodine are presented in equal proportions:

1. Watercress.
2. Bubble Fucus.

Such herbs for the thyroid gland will have a noticeable effect if the patient has endemic goiter.

The fourth group includes plants in which iodine contains a complex of iodine and immunomodulatory compounds, in particular, it is represented by:

• small duckweed;
• norichnik knotty;
• ordinary fool.

They are effective not only in the pathologies of the glandula thyreoid, but also in the accompanying immunodeficiency states. Also used for a number of useful plants that do not contain a noticeable amount of iodine compounds in their composition, but have a beneficial effect in other ways.

In particular, we are talking about various natural stimulants and stabilizers of metabolism, as well as immunomodulators:

• ginseng;
• stinging nettle;
• Schisandra chinensis and others.

And now let's look at some herbs for the thyroid gland in more detail.

Watercress officinalis

This plant contains iodine ions in all its biologically available forms, but the most valuable is still diiodothyrosine, which is a complete basis for the rapid synthesis of thyroid hormones by the human body. In addition to them, watercress officinalis contains a complex of microelements, specific essential oil, as well as vitamin E and ascorbic acid, the concentration of which in the plant exceeds that of onions.

Therefore, the effect of it also consists in providing a laxative, tonic and anti-inflammatory effect on a person.

In addition to thyroid pathologies, grass is used to combat the following diseases:

1. Jade;
2. anemia;
3. Nephrolithiasis;
4. Diseases of the stomach.

Preparing a medicine from watercress is quite simple.

Recipe

Plants are thoroughly washed under running water and doused with boiling water. After that, they are crushed in a meat grinder or blender, and the resulting mass is placed in gauze and the juice is squeezed out.

Water is added to it in a ratio of 1: 2 and boiled for a couple of minutes. Use this tool should be before eating one tablespoon.

Schisandra chinensis

This herb for the thyroid gland holds a special place among natural stimulants, on the same position with it is only the legendary "root of life" - ginseng.

The plant causes a wide range of positive changes:

1. Provides a surge of strength;
2. Gives vital energy;
3. Activates metabolism;
4. Raises the general vitality;
5. Activates the thyroid gland;
6. Stimulates the respiratory and cardiovascular systems;
7. Eliminates constipation accompanying thyroid dysfunction;
8. Helps to quickly cope with the consequences of overwork, restore strength;
9. It tones the uterus (this can be dangerous during pregnancy, so taking Chinese magnolia vine in such cases should be agreed with the gynecologist).

Thanks to all these positive qualities, lemongrass is indicated not only for thyroid pathologies, but also in the presence of infectious diseases, hypotension, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Recipe

The leaves of the plant are finely crushed and poured with 70% drinking alcohol in the ratio of two tablespoons of raw materials per 0.100 liters of liquid. For 14 days, the container with the mixture should stand in a place protected from light. All this time it needs to be shaken three times a day. After this period, the product is filtered.

You need to drink it 60 minutes before meals, 20 drops in a spoonful of water. The treatment course can last from 7 to 31 days, depending on the degree of development of the pathology.

Gorse dyeing

This poisonous plant, with the right dose, can significantly improve the health of patients suffering from a decrease in thyroid function. Its main therapeutic component are substances similar in effect to thyroidin.

Also, the gorse will help to cope with, nodal and. Since the intake of gorse leads to a noticeable vasoconstriction, the instructions for its use contain a number of contraindications.

• hypertension;
• pregnancy;
• atherosclerosis;
• any type of ischemia;
• urolithiasis.

In the case when the norms for taking drugs from this plant are exceeded, poisoning develops, the symptoms of which are similar to an overdose of nicotine.

Recipe #1

A medicine from the constituent parts of gorse alone:

Crushed flowers and grass are mixed and poured with boiling water. The mixture is evaporated in a water bath until 2/3 of the original volume remains, then the broth is cooled and filtered. The course of treatment is 30 days, followed by a break of one week and repetition.

This drug has a complex effect - diuretic, laxative and choleretic.

Recipe #2

The following gorse-based potion also contains motherwort and hawthorn:

Ingredient	Share in the mixture	Preliminary processing
	2	Drying
	2	Drying
	1	Drying

The components are mixed, two tablespoons are taken from the resulting mixture and poured with a glass of water. The mixture is boiled for 15 minutes and infused for another 30 minutes. Drink half an hour before meals four times a day, one tablespoon. The reception of this remedy should be prescribed or controlled by a doctor - an endocrinologist or a phytotherapeutist.

Common cocklebur

This plant, rich in iodine compounds, is used to treat hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as for adjunctive therapy in thyroid cancer.

The tissues of common cocklebur contain fairly high concentrations of many substances with biological activity:

• glycosides;
• alkaloids;
• fatty oils;
• ascorbic acid.

Thanks to this composition, the common cocklebur has a number of positive properties:

• antiseptic;
• antiviral;
• analgesic;
• purifying the blood;
• anti-inflammatory.

Attention! Treatment of the thyroid gland with herbs containing toxic components, and cocklebur is one of those, should be carried out with special care, always as prescribed by the attending physician.

In addition, the use of this plant is limited by several contraindications: ulcers of the intestines and stomach, as well as chronic constipation.

Recipe

The grass is crushed in advance, one tablespoon of the resulting mass is taken and poured with half a liter of boiling water. Next, this mixture is boiled over low heat for five minutes, after which it is poured into a thermos and infused for five hours.

The resulting volume of liquid should be gradually drunk in one day, and in the evening you need to prepare a portion for the next day. Treatment takes place in two thirty-day courses with one ten-day break between them. The decision on the need to continue taking the drug is made after assessing the change in the level of thyroid hormone secretion.

Nettle

The medicinal properties of this plant are very diverse due to the richness of biologically active substances in it:

• fiber;
• vitamins;
• glycosides;
• phytoncides;
• flavonoids;
• trace elements.

Interesting! The content of ascorbic acid in nettle tissues significantly exceeds that of lemon fruits.

Due to the effect of therapeutic compositions based on nettle, the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins is stabilized, which leads to a strengthening of immunity and improves the performance of the glandula thyreoid. In addition, the diuretic properties of the plant remove the swelling that often accompanies hypothyroidism.

Recipe

The pre-dried plant is crushed and, in the amount of one tablespoon, is poured with a glass of boiling water. Infused for one hour and filtered. Take the remedy for 1/4 cup should be inside.

Herbal preparations used in the fall of thyroid function

In case of insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, a special disease develops - hypothyroidism. Such a hormonal deficiency leads to a breakdown in the normal functioning of the entire complex of organs and systems of the human body.

Patients suffer from a wide range of symptoms:

• constipation;
• brittle hair;
• poor appetite;
• puffiness of the face;
• attention disorders;
• peeling of the skin;
• reduced ability to remember;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• developmental delay in children, both physical and intellectual.

Deal with it serious illness it will be easier if you combine the traditional drug therapy and herbal thyroid treatment. And optimal way herbal medicine is the use of not just one, but several plants in the form of fees.

Recipe #1

A complex recipe that includes the use of several different fees in turn:

1. Buckthorn (bark), juniper (fruits), yarrow (grass), cocklebur (fruits) in the ratio 2/3:1/4:5/2:2/3;
2. St. John's wort (grass), chamomile (flowers), elecampane (root), wild rose (fruit), mordovnik (root), cocklebur (fruit) in equal proportions;
3. St. John's wort (grass), chamomile (flowers), wild rose (fruits), celandine (grass), chicory (grass), dandelion (root), lingonberry (leaf), dill (fruits), cocklebur (fruits) in equal proportions;
4. St. John's wort (grass), celandine (grass), wild rose (fruit), licorice (root), angelica (root), Rhodiola rosea (root), cocklebur (fruit) in equal proportions;
5. Celandine (herb), elecampane (root), dill (fruit), chicory (herb), pink radiola (root), cocklebur (fruit) in equal proportions.

Each of the above fees is prepared in the same way, in several stages:

1. Chopped herbs in the amount of a couple of tablespoons are poured with boiling water with a volume of 1000 ml.
2. Cover the container with the ingredients with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Boil for 10 minutes on low heat.
4. Drain both the broth and the grass into a thermos and insist for several hours.

This treatment is for adults only. Take these herbs for hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland at 0.100 - 0.150 liters half an hour before eating food for 90 - 120 days. After this period, the collection changes and treatment continues.

The price of herbal medicines is quite low, and side effects much less than that of pharmaceuticals, but still, one should be careful with their use and be sure to coordinate it with the attending physician.

Recipe #2

Hypothyroidism and other metabolic disorders recede faster if pharmaceuticals add the reception of the following tincture:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preliminary processing
	0.100 liters	Not required
	0.010 kg	grind
	0.010 kg	grind

Vegetable components are mixed and filled with vodka. The mixture is covered with a lid and insisted in a place hidden from light and cool.

Consume on an empty stomach in the morning, in the middle of the day and before going to bed, a tablespoon with 100 ml of water. The course consists of three stages: a week of admission, a ten-day break and re-admission for another ten days.

Recipe #3

Another way to combat hypothyroidism is to take beet juice tincture. To prepare it, you will need a quarter liter of high-quality vodka and half a glass of beet juice.

Fresh beets are finely rubbed, juice is squeezed out of it through multi-layer gauze, mixed with vodka, closed and infused for a couple of days.

Take three times a day, two tablespoons and drink 100 ml of water. The duration of treatment is 15 days and another 10 after a seven-day break.

Recipe #4

Since one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency, its prompt replenishment can have a positive effect on the dynamics of treatment.

And you can do this with the help of the following therapeutic composition:

1. Sour dry wine - 0.100 liters.
2. Seaweed - 0.500 kilograms.
3. Salt iodized - a quarter of a teaspoon.

Cabbage is crushed by shredding, salt is added, and then wine. Reception continue for 28 days after dinner.

Phytotherapy for hyperthyroidism

Some herbs for hyperthyroidism can have a tangible therapeutic effect. However, those whose use can be made regular without much risk of developing side effects, are three:

1. Hawthorn.
2. Heart bugger.
3. Medicinal Melissa.

And now more about each of them.

Hawthorn

Mentions of the medicinal properties of this plant date back to the 1st century AD. And during the Great Patriotic War, against the background of temporary interruptions in the supply of heart drugs, they were replaced by hawthorn.

This herb is used for many ailments:

• glaucoma;
• arrhythmias;
• hypertension;
• angina;
• osteoporosis;
• varicose disease;
• heart failure;
• hyperthyroidism.

A positive effect in these pathologies is provided by:

• beta-blocker properties;
• normalization of the thyroid gland;
• stimulation of cardiac blood flow;
• decrease in intraocular pressure;
• anti-inflammatory properties;
• a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• reduction of pain in the joints;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• preventing the destruction of collagen in bone tissue;
• preventing overstrain and wear of the heart muscles.

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, hawthorn berries are used, which are used to make tea. To do this, 1 teaspoon of fruit is laid on each cup. Naturally, before drinking, the drink must be allowed to infuse for several minutes.

motherwort heart

This medicinal plant is unpretentious, it can not only be bought or collected in the wild, but also grown independently, providing, if possible, the conditions in which it grows in its natural habitat.

This herb also has a complex healing effect on the human body:

• fights hypertension;
• slows down the heartbeat;
• improves the immune status of the body;
• has a sedative and antispasmodic effect;
• normalizes the secretion of thyroid hormones.

The effectiveness of motherwort is two to three times higher than that of valerian. Fresh grass juice has the strongest effect, which is taken from 30 to 40 drops once. Tea and tincture of the plant are also used. Motherwort is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Medicinal melissa (lemon mint)

Melissa is used by humanity as an effective medicinal product many centuries. Such constant popularity among doctors of different times is explained by a wide range of therapeutic effects of this plant, because it can:

• reduce anxiety;
• help fight herpes;
• cope with insomnia;
• gently soothe the person;
• facilitate the digestion of food;
• relieve painful cramps during menstruation;
• relieve hot flashes that occur during menopause;
• suppress the production of thyrotropin, thereby reducing the release of thyroid hormones.

The most affordable way to take lemon balm is to brew tea, with infusion for several minutes. This herb is suitable even for children of any age.

You should not combine the three herbs listed above in fees, it is better to take them separately for several days each, alternating them. For better absorption of nutrients, it is recommended to use an infusion or decoction no earlier than 30 minutes before a meal.

However, regardless of which herbs the patient will use for thyroid gland, he must first consult with his endocrinologist, since the same plants for different diseases can have the exact opposite effect.

Each macro- and microelement is important for human health, especially when it comes to people who are actively involved in sports. Physical activity involves an accelerated metabolism and the rapid consumption of all the compounds that feed the body. However, no other element besides iodine has managed to attract the close attention of the World Health Organization, whose studies indicate iodine deficiency in a fourth of the world's population.

The trace element iodine is one of the essential trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine is not synthesized in the body, therefore, all the necessary amount must be supplied to the body from the outside. When the optimal amount of iodine is received, the development of various diseases thyroid gland, including endemic goiter.

Features of the absorption of iodine by the body

Iodine cannot be synthesized in the human body, it must come from outside: with food, water, special preparations and additives. For an adult, the daily requirement for iodine is around 150 mcg, for athletes it is advisable to increase the dosage to 200 mcg.

Among the inhabitants of "marine" countries, diseases associated with iodine deficiency are rarely recorded, because the main food products from the sea - fish, algae, seafood - are saturated with it. In the risk group for iodine deficiency are residents of the regions of the Far North and areas located in the center of the continents.

Iodine refers to chemical group compounds called halogens. In addition to it, this group includes fluorine, bromine and chlorine. The latter, by virtue of the rules of inorganic chemistry, are able to displace iodine from any compounds. Therefore, the use of chlorinated water, an excess of fluorine-containing products to strengthen tooth enamel and the intake of bromine-containing drugs significantly reduce the amount of iodine in the body.

Experts note that special substances contained in cauliflower, red cabbage, turnips, radishes, mustard, soybeans and rutabaga block the absorption of iodine by the body. Therefore, they should not be eaten with iodine-containing foods.

Elements such as manganese, cobalt, selenium, copper accelerate the absorption of iodine, so you need to take care of their intake along with iodine along with food or nutritional supplements.

The lack of protein in the body inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones, so the diet must necessarily include a sufficient amount of sources of complete protein.

For the intake of iodine in the body, it is advisable to saturate your diet with food that is a priority for residents of coastal zones: algae, sea fish, seafood. A serving of brown algae (fucus or kelp) is enough to get a daily dose of iodine. A lot of iodine in cod liver and fish oil. Up to 200 mcg of the element contains 100 g of seafood or sea fish. In addition, apples and their seeds, feijoa, persimmon, potatoes, spinach, sorrel, cheeses and dairy products are rich in iodine.

Many solve the problem of iodine deficiency through the use of iodized salt or special salt-free seasonings containing brown seaweed. Usually, a third of a teaspoon of such seasonings is enough to fill the daily need for iodine. The choice of such seasonings today is huge, you can choose your preferred set of spices and spices for cooking meat, fish, vegetables.

Table of products containing iodine with the amount per 100 grams

Products (raw)	Iodine content, mcg per 100 g of product
Sea fish
Cod liver	350
Haddock	240
Salmon, flounder	200
Sea bass	145
Cod	130
Herring	90
Pink salmon, chum salmon	50
Seafood
Shrimps	190
oysters	60
Meat
Pork	17
Beef	12
Dairy products
Milk	15-20
Cheese	11
Butter	10
Fruit
Apples with seeds	70
feijoa	70
Persimmon	30
Vegetables, greens:
Spinach	20
Beet	7
Potato	7
Carrot	5
Sorrel	3
Fish fat	700
sea ​​kale	150-200
chicken yolk	12-25

The iodine is volatilized high temperatures, therefore, it is recommended not to fry the products, but to stew or boil, and add seasonings to an already cooked dish immediately before use. However, in these cases, iodine in the products remains no more than half of the value indicated in the table, however, this amount is absorbed almost completely.

Vitamin-mineral complexes and dietary supplements containing iodine

One of the easiest ways to increase your iodine intake is to use special dietary supplements. So, fucus and kelp in capsules are popular, containing approximately 50 micrograms of iodine in one capsule. For the prevention of iodine deficiency, drugs such as Iodomarin, Antistrumin, Iodide, Potassium Iodide are often prescribed.

In vitamin-mineral complexes popular among athletes, the iodine content is as follows:

• Iodomarin (Iodomarin) - Iodine preparation. It is used for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.
• High Mineral Complex from the German manufacturer Weider contains 150 micrograms of iodine.
• The same amount of trace elements in the Opti-men complexes from Optimum Nutrition and ActiveSport from the manufacturer MHP.
• The Russian complex Artromax satisfies the daily requirement for iodine.
• Dietary supplement CigaPan (CygaPan) is gaining more and more popularity among athletes, because it contains most of the microelements, including iodine, which are especially necessary for active physical exertion in the amount of their daily norm.
• 200 micrograms of iodine per OrangeTriad complex capsule.

The decision to use additional preparations containing iodine should be made in consultation with a competent specialist, based on the athlete's diet and place of residence. You should also carefully select the dosage of the trace element. Be sure to pay attention to the presence and content of iodine in vitamin-mineral complexes, which are taken to increase the intake of other minerals or vitamins in the body. An excess of iodine leads to a sharp decrease in body weight, a violation of the normal activity and vital activity of the body. Be attentive to your health!

Good evening friends! Those who have been following my blog for a long time know that I treat medicinal herbs with special respect and awe. So, discovering the wonderful world of medicinal plants, I never cease to be amazed at how wise and generous nature is. Everything that a person needs for health has long been given to us from above. Just draw health from this source, be filled with strength and energy.

The fact that many are too lazy to do this is another question, and today I would not like to talk about it. The purpose of this article is to tell you about a medicinal plant called cocklebur.

It would seem that a nondescript grass that grows in abandoned wastelands and garbage dumps, and what healing power it has. You just need to use it correctly for the benefit of your health. How to do this, I will tell you in the second part of this article, but for now I will introduce you to this interesting plant.

Common cocklebur - description, photo

Cocklebur, or as it is also called - iodine-grass, is an annual plant, up to 50 cm high, with a branched stem and longitudinal weakly three-lobed leaves. Passing by, you don’t even look in his direction, this plant is so plain. But this is an erroneous opinion, the plant has strong medicinal properties, but more on that later.

The flowers of the cocklebur are of an ordinary yellowish color. Female flowers are collected in bunches and are located at the base of leaf petioles, male flowers - in dense spherical heads on shocks of branches.

Cocklebur fruits are smooth, oval, enclosed in a hard and prickly shell. This plant blooms in July or the first half of August.

Below you can see a photo of the cocklebur. Take a closer look, perhaps in the future this particular plant will come in handy for you.

Healing properties of cocklebur

The herb of this plant has many useful substances, such as:

• alkaloids
• flavonoids
• ascorbic acid, etc.

Cocklebur fruits contain a large amount of fatty oil, as well as saponins, xanthostrumine glycoside, and various resins.

The cocklebur has the following properties:

• antiseptic
• fungicidal
• anti-inflammatory
• soothing
• weak painkillers
• diaphoretic
• antipyretic

The presence of a large amount of iodine in the composition of this plant allows it to be successfully used in the treatment of thyroid diseases, as well as for rheumatism, stomach problems, dysentery, and also as an excellent diuretic and anthelmintic. With these diseases, it is recommended to drink a decoction of cocklebur.

Common cocklebur - use and contraindications

Fresh juice of cocklebur herb, in the form alcohol tincture helps with hives. Any part of the plant is brewed and drunk in any quantity for cancer. There is even evidence of the effectiveness of fresh cocklebur juice in some forms of cancer. According to observations, it significantly alleviates the condition of patients.

A decoction of the plant can be used to wash the body with various rashes, fungal infections. Such a decoction is able to quickly heal small cuts of the skin after shaving.

As an external remedy, a decoction of cocklebur is used for scrofula, swelling of the throat, various skin diseases -, lichen,.

The infusion of the herb has a positive effect on the function of the male genital organs. Decoctions, infusions are prepared from seeds, stems, roots and are drunk instead of tea in case of and even malignant tumors.

For skin diseases, cocklebur seeds should simply be ground into powder, mixed in equal proportions with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1/1 and lubricated on the affected skin.

With malignant neoplasms, diarrhea, dysentery, problems with bladder This recipe will help:

• Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed cocklebur seeds with a glass of boiling water and cook at low boil for 10 minutes.
• Then insist for 1 hour, strain and take 1/3 cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Gruel from the pounded fresh leaves of this plant is treated for lichen, eczema,.

For gastric, pulmonary forms of cancer, the following recipe is used:

• Pour 1 teaspoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water, insist in a tightly closed container in a dark place for 30 minutes and strain through cheesecloth.
• Take a glass in a warm form 3 times a day before meals.

Ointment for itching dermatoses, scabies, eczema:

• 2 tbsp. spoons of grass and fruits of cocklebur pour a glass of melted lard.
• Then cook over low heat for 10 minutes while stirring.
• Then remove from heat and leave for 2 hours, strain and you can lubricate the affected areas 2-3 times a day. Store this ointment in the refrigerator.

Tea used in oncological diseases:

• 1 st. a spoonful of raw materials should be brewed with 1 cup of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and strain.
• Take 1 tablespoon 4-6 times a day.

Recipe :

• 1 st. pour a spoonful of crushed cocklebur with a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
• After that, 1 hour to insist. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Recipe for tea for the treatment of lung cancer, stomach cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer:

• 3 art. spoons of cocklebur grass pour 1 liter of boiling water, insist for 2 hours, strain.
• Take a glass 2 - 3 times a day in a warm form as a tea.

Recipe for the treatment of goiter:

• 2 tablespoons of cocklebur herb pour 0.5 liters. boiling water, in a thermos leave to infuse for 2 hours and strain.
• The whole infusion should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.

Lotions for dermatitis, lichen, eczema, fungal diseases:

• 3 - 4 tablespoons of grass pour 0.5 liters. boiling water and cook over low heat for half an hour.

Common cocklebur - contraindications

This plant is slightly poisonous, so you need to take it with caution, following the recommendations and dosages.

Cocklebur is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as for severe constipation, gastric ulcer, individual intolerance.

A decoction of cocklebur can cause a burning sensation, so an individual dosage is required. It is better to use it after consultation with a doctor - phytotherapeutist.

In conclusion, I want to say that with skillful and reasonable use, common cocklebur is a real source of health, a worthy healer and a representative of a green pharmacy!

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