The Kaufmann Diet is all about using nutrition as a powerful tool to support good health, prevent disease, and sometimes even reverse diseases. In this series, we break down the components of nutrition into their specific parts, and discuss how they can support––and sometimes hinder––our health. The third part of this series covers minerals, what they are, how they fit into your Kaufmann Diet, and the best sources of these nutrients. Let’s talk about Iodine. Iodine is an essential mineral that plays several critical roles in the human body, primarily centered around its involvement in thyroid health and hormonal balance.
1. Thyroid Hormone Production: Iodine is a key component of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate, influence protein synthesis, and impact how the body processes carbohydrates and fats. They’re also crucial for brain development during infancy and childhood.
2. Neurodevelopment: During pregnancy and early childhood, iodine is vital for the development of the nervous system. Adequate iodine levels are crucial for preventing mental retardation and ensuring proper mental function throughout life.
3. Regulation of Metabolic Rate: By regulating thyroid function, iodine influences the basal metabolic rate, which affects weight management and energy levels.
4. Detoxification: Iodine plays a role in the detoxification processes of the body and supports the immune system.
5. Reproductive Health: Adequate iodine intake is necessary for normal reproductive functioning. In women, it helps ensure proper ovarian function, and during pregnancy, it supports fetal development.
Many countries add iodine to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. Using iodized salt is one of the simplest ways to ensure sufficient iodine intake. However, iodine can be found naturally in various foods and is readily available in many Kaufmann Diet-approved foods.
Seafood: Fish (such as cod and tuna), shellfish, and seaweed (such as kelp and nori) are among the richest natural sources of iodine.
Dairy Products: Yogurt and cheese contain iodine.
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of iodine.
The recommended daily intake of iodine varies by things like age, health status, and life stage. For most adults, the daily recommendation for this essential mineral is about 150 micrograms, while pregnant and breastfeeding women need more, about 220 to 290 micrograms, to support fetal and infant development.
It’s important to balance iodine intake, as both deficiency and excess can lead to health complications, including various forms of thyroid dysfunction. A lack of iodine can lead to health problems like goiters, so a good balance of this essential mineral is important.
Iodine has anti-fungal properties: it is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, which means it can effectively kill or inhibit the growth of various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Iodine has been used in medical settings for many years, primarily as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
In the context of its anti-fungal uses, iodine can be applied topically to treat or prevent fungal infections. For example, povidone-iodine, a common form of iodine used in medical preparations, is often used to clean wounds and prevent fungal skin infections due to its ability to disrupt the cellular structures of fungi and halt their growth.
However, it’s important to use iodine-based anti-fungals under medical supervision, especially since they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. And, because taking too much iodine can be dangerous, it is not advised to supplement with iodine for anti-fungal reasons unless under the supervision of a doctor.
The Health Benefits of Selenium + Best Kaufmann Diet Sources
What Are The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies?
Join our LIVE Q&A stream every week if you would like to ask a question! Learn more about the live show and join in here: KTC Too! – Doug Kaufmann’s Know the Cause
Doug Kaufmann has written many books that cover a full range or health issues. Find out which of his books best suits you by clicking the button below.
Doug Kaufmann developed his diet after years studying the clinical effects of pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the Kaufmann Diet, change your life and know the cause.
We encourage all visitors to this site to take some time and study these technical articles prior to initiating lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and to do so with their physician’s awareness and approval. The articles posted in this link are scientific and with few exceptions are taken from medical journals familiar to healthcare workers.
Looking for help assembling antifungal Kaufmann Diet approved recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We have several videos, books and recipe write ups here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.
© 2024 Mediatriton Inc. All Rights Reserved • Website by Skynet Solutions
