If you have been following or at least seen some of the blogs we’ve done so far in our Healthy Living series, you know how this works. Basically, these are two-in-one blogs in which we walk through the alphabet one letter at a time, featuring a presentation of a natural remedy and then a particular health condition, both of which start with the same letter.
This gives us pause and cause to tell you more about supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you might not otherwise get to hear much about. This time our wheel of good fortune (and health) falls on I – iodine as the featured natural remedy and incontinence as the health condition that we describe and explain. We also offer a list of natural remedies related to both topics.
Natural Remedy – Iodine
While the likes of magnesium and selenium tend to get all the attention and praise when it comes to essential minerals and their value for your health, iodine mostly lurks in the background. Yes, many people have heard of it, and some probably even know that it comes from the sea, but relatively know what it is and what it does.
Also known as iodide, iodine is at work inside your bodies from conception through death, playing a multifaceted role in your body’s growth and functionality, starting with fetal development. It also lends a hand in preventing and/or treating various types of illnesses and diseases. It’s important to know, though, that iodine deficiency among people is now classified as a global epidemic.
Iodine also plays a part in manufacturing the hormones that regulate metabolism and contribute to general good health.
5 Known Iodine Health Benefits
- Supports thyroid health. This is important because your thyroid helps manage a variety of bodily activities, to include body temperature, brain development, breathing, heart health, and digestion.
- Bolsters cognitive health. An iodine deficiency has been found associated with cognitive decline in various studies, a condition that the World Health Organization points out is the “world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause[s] of brain damage.” One study at the University of Arizona found iodine deficiency during pregnancy connected to the occurrence of autism in children.
- Protects against toxins. Perilous chemicals such as fluoride and bromine can be especially toxic for thyroids, but sufficient levels of iodine in your body can guard against the devastation wrought by these substances.
- Acts as a robust antioxidant. Iodine can thusly help thwart the damaging effects of free radicals, which left unchecked can lead to gene mutation and disease.
- Positive effect on breast health. Iodine contributes to the maintenance of good health for breast tissue.
Condition – Incontinence
Incontinence, which refers to the loss of urinary bladder control, is fairly common among adults, both men and women – and not just the elderly. It can be as uncomfortable as it is embarrassing. The severity ranges of incontinence intensity can range from occasional leaking from a hard cough or sneeze to an urge to urinate so severe and out of the blue that it leaves the afflicted running to a rest room, praying one is even nearby.
Factors contributing to the occurrence of incontinence can include constipation, menopause, urinary tract infections, neurological problems, medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive caffeine intake. If it becomes such a frequent problem as to consistently disrupt your lifestyle, it’s time to schedule a visit to your personal physician, who will likely, eventually, refer you to a urologist for further examination. That’s important because a condition of incontinence could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In most cases, urinary incontinence’s symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as modifications to your diet. Natural remedies such as supplements, herbs, and various nutrients can help mitigate incontinence symptoms. These natural remedies can include the following:
Vitamin D. A study of older women found that the chance of developing urinary incontinence was 45% lower among those with normal vitamin D levels.
Magnesium. Health experts believe this essential mineral can diminish bladder muscle spasms, permitting the bladder to empty properly.
Saw palmetto. This well-tolerated herbal supplement can relax the bladder wall by reducing inflammation, thus preventing it from squeezing.
Pumpkin seed extract. A popular snack, pumpkin seeds can enhance bladder blood flow by boosting levels of nitric oxide in the blood.
Zinc. This versatile supplement can, among a number of beneficial health activities, lower the risk of urinary tract disorders often associated with incontinence.
Hopefully, this blog gives you a whole new appreciation, and knowledge, of how iodine works to enhance health throughout your body and how to deal with the aggravations of urinary incontinence. As always, be sure to discuss with your physician or other licensed healthcare professional your possible use of any of these supplements or herbs before adding them to your regimen.