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Potassium Iodide: Why is it significant?

You must be aware of the significance of potassium iodide, as it is a remedy for the entire spectrum of health issues. It is a form of iodine, which is an iodine salt that is stable in comparison to radioactive Iodine. 

There are two main sources of Iodine. These are:

  • sodium iodide 
  • Potassium Iodide. 

Potassium Iodide is a beneficial version of iodine.

Iodine plays an important role in the health overall of the thyroid gland. As a trace mineral, it is an essential component of the thyroid hormones which are the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) as well as triiodothyronine (T3). 

They also regulate the metabolism of many cells and are involved in the vital process of development and growth of the majority of organs within the body, notably the brain. Inadequate amounts of food rich in iodine can result in the inadequate creation of the two hormones. 

A deficiency can adversely impact the liver, heart muscle, kidney, as well as brain growth. It may cause a feeling of headaches, fatigue, lethargy, the appearance of dry, swollen skin, and memory problems.

The symptoms of iodine deficiency are clinically evident and include:

  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • It is difficult to lose weight
  • Memory issues
  • Headaches
  • Menstrual issues
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Recurrent infections
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Cold feet and hands
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Thin hair
  • Brain fog
  • Breathing shortness
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness and stiff joints
  • Kidney function is impaired

If you suspect that you’re lacking in iodine and you need to supplement with potassium iodide make sure to consult with a physician to determine the diagnosis and get accurate medical information, and consent before taking any supplement.

What’s Potassium Iodide?

The white fine powder has an intense, salty, and bitter flavor. It’s often added as table salt.

Potassium Iodide tablets can be purchased as supplements. It’s a mixture composed of 76 percent Iodine and the remaining 23 percent potassium. It’s an electrolyte water-soluble. It was initially admired because of its ability to protect against harmful reactions to radiation.

Potassium iodide is a form of a salt of stable iodine that is not radioactive. It is often referred to as KI. One of its applications is blocking the harmful effects of radioactive Iodine. It is now one of the options to mitigate the consequences of radiation poisoning that resulted from an incident in the year 1986. Chernobyl nuclear power station accident as well as Japan’s Fukushima catastrophe in 2011.

If the supplements are administered to patients within a short time the thyroid gland, which is extremely vulnerable to potassium Iodide absorbs the stable iodine, delivering an excessive amount of stable iodine through potassium Iodide. The thyroid gland fills up and can’t hold any more Iodine. In the end, it is unable to absorb any iodine for 24 hours.

The benefits of Potassium Iodide

Many health benefits, as well as the effectiveness of the supplement for treating certain health issues, are due to the necessity of taking potassium iodide. But ensure you consult with your physician before taking an upcoming supplement.

Protects from Radiation

As we have mentioned earlier it blocks the negative effects of radioactive iodine. The study suggests that potassium iodide tablets can be effective in preventing the increase in thyroid cancers in areas which are affected by nuclear accidents.

Aids in easing respiratory issues

Potassium iodide is a powerful weapon against respiratory tract disorders and pulmonary disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis, and cystic. 

It is extremely effective when consumed as syrup, as it acts like an “irritating” expectorant, causing immediate irritation of the respiratory glands and mucosa.

Helps Correct Thyroid Health Concerns

A study on rats that had enlarged thyroid glands was

The treatment was administered with potassium iodide. It ended with a noticeable improvement in thyroid hormones.

Relieves skin-related problems

The supplement is a well-known treatment for a variety of skin-related ailments like fungal infection, nodules on the legs that are caused by inflammation of blood vessels, Sweet’s syndrome, and more.

Reduce the accumulation of lead

A study carried out by the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health in 2017 indicated a combination of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, potassium iodide, and chlorophyll inhibited lead accumulation in male rats.

Effective Treatment for the Grave’s Disease

The American Journal of Surgery published in 2017 that when it is administered before surgery the supplement can help those suffering from Grave’s disease by reducing blood loss during the removal of a thyroid gland. It is normal to administer potassium iodide for the preparation of patients suffering from this condition before surgery.

Foods that are high in Iodine

A good supply of iodine in your diet is crucial and comes from natural sources such as food. The following foods are rich in the mineral iodine. Fruits, vegetable egg products, dairy products, and eggs are very high in iodine so the case that soil that surrounds the farm is situated has adequate levels of iodine.

Potassium Iodide Hazards

A few studies suggest that consumption of potassium iodide could result in adverse effects if consumed in the wrong doses. The year 2013 was the last time Thyroid Research published an essay that explained that potassium iodide consumption in large amounts causes an increase in lipid peroxidation. 

This is the process that causes the degradation of lipids. The oxidation causes health problems like heart failure, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Rheumatic arthritis, and immunological disorders.

To avoid the need for critical doses of potassium iodide WHO offered a list of doses for radiological or nuclear emergencies that are based on age.

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