Your body needs many different types of supplements and other minerals to function properly and most should be provided to your system through a quality daily diet. Some individuals though do not receive enough of specific elements necessary and lugols iodine can be taken daily to provide this to the body on a regular basis to assist with optimal thyroid function. This supplemental mixture consists of distilled water, potassium iodide, and the iodine.

It is available in various strengths and can be taken at various doses depending on the reason for ingesting it. It only takes a very small amount of this element to avoid any type of deficiency. If it is just to supplement a diet, then the dose is relatively small as in a small drop (1.45 mg). If it is used for a medical reason, more of this substance may have to be taken per a physician's directions.

Stronger strengths of this helpful substance are not readily available in the United States as they might be in different countries. When purchased in higher content levels of iodine, this supplement can be used for illegal and destructive activities such as in the production and sale of meth.

Too much of this substance can be detrimental to one's health, resulting in hypothyroidism and other issues, so it is essential that a doctor's advice be sought before taking this or any other type of supplement. Ask your doctor to test for the amount of it that resides in your system and you will know if you are really in need of these supplements.

Those individuals who do not get enough of this in their diet may be subjected to a variety of illnesses and afflictions including goiters, hypothyroidism, depression, lethargy, high cholesterol, weight gain, allergies, eczema, dry skin, slowed fetal brain development, and cretinism. According to some professionals, it can be taken to combat colds, the flu, bronchitis, food poisoning, stomach upsets, gas, and even stress.

Many believe that a regular diet with salt will keep this deficiency at bay. Table salt does have iodine added to it and it has been for added for years but the chlorine in the same salt can counteract the effects of the dosage. Vegetarians are especially prone to deficiencies and should consult with their doctor as to taking supplements.

Foods that are high in this supplement include any kind of seafood, spinach, seaweed products, turkey, eggs, cabbage, carrots, radishes, Brussel sprouts, mushrooms, tomatoes, and baked potatoes. Adding as many of these types of items to your diet will reduce your need to take any type of supplement for this deficiency.

Analyze your need for this necessary ingredient and try to gain as much of it from your diet as possible. If you feel that you are deficient in this element, consult your doctor and he will prescribe the correct supplements for you in the correct dosages. If it is what is missing in your diet, your symptoms should be begin to disappear and your body on the right track within just a few days. You will have much more energy and feel that you can take on anything.