2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Some groups of people are at higher risk of iodine deficiencythan others. Here's how to spot red flags.
When you think of iodine (the chemical element that helps your body produce thyroid hormones and regulate energy), you're probably associating it with salt. This is because in the 1920s, researchers found that people in certain parts of the country developed kidney problems or enlarged thyroid glands due to iodine deficiency.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are at high risk of iodine deficiency because there is an increased need for iodine for the development of the baby's thyroid gland. And because iodine is found in foods such as milk, seafood, bread and eggs, other high-risk groups include vegans, vegetarians and those who do not eat dairy or bread.
Iodine deficiency is difficult to diagnose, but that doesn't mean you can't learn to notice the warning signs. signs of iodine deficiency and how to make sure you have taken enough of the item. Here's what you need to know:
1. Signs of iodine deficiency
Symptoms usually appear only when iodine deficiency is severe, which is rare. Although there is an iodine deficiency test (urine analysis), there are huge differences in iodine levels every day and even hour to hour, so you really need at least 10 or 12 tests for one person to know what a person's status is..
Chest - enlarged thyroid gland
When your iodine intake drops to 100 micrograms (mcg) a day, your body begins to pump more than the thyroid formon called TSH! This can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (also known as a goiter), which is the most common symptom of iodine deficiency.
It may or may not be seen as a lump in the front of the neck. If you feel nauseous, you may feel suffocated, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Hypothyroidism - insufficient activity of the thyroid gland
If your iodine intake falls below 10/20 mcg per day, hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland (which means that the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones) can occur. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry hair, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, fluffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness / pain, depression, memory loss, etc.
Patients with hypothyroidism usually have at least two or three symptoms. Just note that these symptoms may be due to several other health conditions or even medications you may have been taking, so it's best for a healthcare professional to check and determine the root of the problem.
Complications during pregnancy or issues related to the development of the child
Iodine deficiency is associated with infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and congenital anomalies.
Infants and children whose mothers were with insufficient iodine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, they may get a lower IQ, mental retardation, stunted growth, or speech and hearing problems. Mild to moderate iodine deficiency is also associated with a higher risk of ADHD in children (Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder).
2. How to get enough iodine
The researchers found that the average concentration of iodine in the urine of adults was 144 mcg / liter, and for pregnant women - 129 mcg / liter, which means that most adults are within tolerable limits, while pregnant women tend to receive insufficient amounts.
The best way to prevent iodine deficiency, is to make sure you reach these recommended amounts:
• Adult men and women: 150 mcg;
• Pregnant women: 220 mcg;
• Breastfeeding women: 290 mcg.
These amounts should not fall below, and above these amounts can lead to hyperthyroidism (also known as overactive thyroid gland) and other problems. Since there is no reliable test for iodine deficiency, the best thing you can do is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
First, make sure you buy and eat salt that is iodized. When the salt is iodized, it should be written on the package.
Be careful - the so-called sea salt, as well as the salt found in processed foods, is generally not iodized!
You can change your diet to include more iodine-rich foods. Natural sources of iodine include everything that lives and grows in salt water, such as mussels, lobsters, oysters or sardines.
One third of a teaspoon of iodized salt will bring you 150 micrograms of iodine.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, the Thyroid Association recommends that you take a prenatal vitamin that contains 150 mcg of iodine. If you are not pregnant and you are not on a restricted diet - supplements are usually not recommended.
And if you're vegan or vegetarian, or if you don't eat dairy or bread, talk to your doctor about whether it's a good idea to take an iodine supplement, as it can interact negatively with medications (if you're taking them).
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Signs Of Folic Acid Deficiency
There is a reason why pregnant women are always advised to take folic acid in tablet form. This prevents defects in the nerves, brain or spinal cord in babies. But folic acid is also important for other people. Another name for folic acid is vitamin B9, which is naturally found in foods such as dark leafy vegetables, asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is part of the group of mineral salts and unlike vitamins, fats and proteins, it has no nutritional value. At the same time, however, the human body could not exist without mineral salts. Thanks to them, the secretion of bile and gastric juice is stimulated, the regulation of metabolic processes is helped, the correct acid-alkaline state in the body is maintained, etc.
The Most Useful Sources Of Iodine
Iodine is known to play a key role in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, and the better it functions, the faster the metabolism. Furthermore, iodine helps to burn calories faster, turning them into energy rather than fat, strengthens the hair follicles, thus helping with hair loss, increases immunity, reduces the risk of cancer and many other benefits.
Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency
Vegans cannot get enough iodine because of their diet. And it is especially important, especially for pregnant women. Iodine is found in iodized salt, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and some types of bread. It is used by the thyroid gland to help regulate metabolism and development, especially in babies and young children.
How To Know That You Suffer From Iodine Deficiency
Often in our hectic daily lives we forget to pay enough attention to the signals we receive from our body. One of these signals may be a lack of enough iodine in the body. In addition, the various nutritional deficiencies are not talked about or paid much attention to.
