Carrying Out Iodine Skin Test

By Olive Pate


Iodine is an important building block that thyroid makes use of to produce the necessary hormones of metabolism. The processes of metabolism cannot take place without enough iodin in the body and the individual will suffer from hypothyroidism. The iodine skin test is one way of testing for deficiencies of iodine.

The tests ideally measures the rate at which body can absorb iodin through skin. You need to be aware that this is not the only test that you should do to have the full view of iodine levels in your body. Visit your doctor for more tests. This examination typically measures how your body does absorb iodine. Again is not a clinical substitute for this function. Research has not been done to support the use of this test in clinics.

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.

Thyroid gland stores two thirds the total iodin found in the body. Taking seaweed vegetable is among the best ways of boosting the levels of iodine. A spoonful of the seaweed daily is enough to take the levels back to normal. Fish and any seafood incorporation in diet can go a long way in helping. Dairy products or even eggs can be another alternative. There is a group of foods known as Goitrogens which hinder how iodin is utilized in the body. The food types in this category include turnips, kales, kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli, peanuts, cauliflower, soy flour and Brussels sprouts.

Reactivation of the gland requires selenium, tyrosine, copper and zinc. Therefore, make sure your diet contains foods with a high content of these minerals. People having an immune condition known as Hashimotos Thyroiditis should not go for these supplements unless the doctor deems it necessary.




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