Sunday, July 12, 2015

Carrying Out Iodine Skin Test

By Olive Pate


Iodine is among the components used by the thyroid to produce necessary hormones to ensure the metabolic processes function normally. If it is not sufficient, a couple of problems can be witnessed including hypothyroidism. The iodine skin test is one of the popular methods of testing for iodin deficiency.

It theoretically measures how fast the iodin is absorbed into the body via the skin. It is not perfectly reliable because it does not give the levels of iodine concentration in the body as would a test carried out by the doctor. It just gives the speed of absorption. It cannot therefore used as a substitute to the usual laboratory tests.

It is done using a solution of iodine of tincture. The normal color of the solution is yellow. A three by three inch patch of skin is painted with the solution. The preferred sites are the abdomen, inner forearm or the inner thigh. It should be allowed to dry completely before you touch anything as staining can happen. The spot is observed for the following 24 hours for changes in the color.

What one should be keen about is the time taken for the spot to fade in color. If it is still present 24 hours after the painting, then the results are within the normal ranges but if disappearance takes place before 24 hours are over, then some deficiency is present. In addition, if significant lightening occurs within 18 hours, this is an indication of sever to moderate deficiency. Supplementation may have to be considered.

There are elements which associate to cause the fading of the iodine color from the skin surface. The solution is reduced to a compound known as iodide by the surface of skin. This resulting compound is white this is why there is fading. The rate at which the iodin evaporates is affected by atmospheric pressure and the temperatures. For more accurate results, loading test is the better alternative.

Thyroid conditions may result to low iodin levels. The importance of the element is that is helps the gland to regulate heartbeats, maintain weight, stabilize cholesterol, balance hormones, enhance the growth of the muscles, keep regular menstrual cycles, provide energy and maintain positive perceptual attitude.

2/3 of the iodine in the body is stored in thyroid. One good way of boosting the levels is addition of seaweed to the diet. A tablespoon a day is enough. Fish and seafood are another alternative. The others include dairy products and eggs. Goitrogens are to be avoided because they interfere with iodine utilization. They include peanuts, kales, soy flour, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi and cabbage.

To revitalize the gland, selenium, copper, zinc, iodine and tyrosine are needed. Ensure you include foods high in this minerals are incorporated in the diet. For those with Hashimoto thyroiditis, iodin supplements should not be added because they may worsen the condition. You need to consult with your doctor before any steps are taken.




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