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Nutrients are essential for leading a healthy life as they have a direct impact on your physical and mental health. Did you know that iodine deficiency is one of the major micronutrient deficiencies affecting people and their health? Iodine is crucial in helping our body function properly. It is also an important dietary mineral for your thyroid gland. An iodine deficiency can have a huge impact on the thyroid gland and lead to problems.
Here’s everything you need to understand the link between iodine and the thyroid.
The link between iodine deficiency and thyroid
Iodine is an essential mineral that your thyroid gland uses to make thyroid hormones. Sufficient levels of iodine help control thyroid growth, repair damaged cells, and control your metabolism. Unfortunately, iodine deficiency threatens up to a third of the world’s population. Although there are several symptoms of iodine deficiency, the most prominent among them is an enlarged thyroid or hypothyroidism, according to the study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
The thyroid gland stores iodine, an important dietary mineral. All cells in the human body are influenced by thyroid hormones, which are essential for the formation of healthy cells. It is therefore necessary for the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T3) to be produced (T4) in your body. Protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism in cells is closely correlated with thyroid hormones, according to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Read also : Here’s everything you need to know about hypothyroidism
Signs of iodine deficiency
To avoid the onset of hypothyroidism, you need to know the signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency. Here are the symptoms of iodine deficiency, according to several medical journals:
- swollen neck
- Unexpected weight gain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Sensitivity to cold
- Changes in heart rate
- Dry skin and hair
- Sensitivity to cold
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Inability to remember
- Problems during pregnancy
Tips for fighting iodine deficiency
According to a study published in China CDC Weekly, the best way to deal with iodine deficiency is to eat iodine-rich foods like seafood. Pregnant women are also advised to track their iodine intake to prevent pregnancy complications.
Iodine is found primarily in foods containing animal protein and sea vegetables, with fortified foods like bread, cereals and milk coming in second. Here are some of the foods rich in iodine:
- Fish
- Table salt
- Fortified infant formula
- Dairy products such as cheese, milk, yogurt
- Eggs
- Liver of beef
- Chicken
Read also : Here’s why it’s an important nutrient for pregnant women
To take with
When your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet your needs, you can develop an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. While it is true that iodine deficiency can lead to the problem, studies have shown that iodine deficiency is a rare condition. Depending on the condition and diagnosis, your doctor may or may not recommend iodine supplements. However, you can reduce the risk of iodine deficiency by eating iodine-rich foods like seafood, chicken, eggs, etc. It’s best to talk to your health care provider to find out what your body is lacking and what needs to be done.
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