Iodine is an extremely important element and both deficiency and excess of iodine in the body pose a serious threat to our health.
Nearly 80% of iodine is found in the thyroid gland, with the remainder located in the ovaries, bones, and blood. Iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This is crucial, as without the proper concentration of these hormones in the blood, many organs cannot function properly, including the brain, the entire nervous system, the circulatory system, the pituitary gland, the heart, the muscles, and the kidneys.
With proper thyroid hormone levels, we grow and our cells mature. When these hormones are disrupted, our bodies cannot produce adequate energy or maintain adequate body temperature. Iodine is also responsible for our metabolism and, in children, for proper mental development.
Iodine. Medicinal properties.
The need for iodine depends on a person's age and physiological condition. Adults need 160 micrograms of iodine to function properly. As a preventive measure, it is worth taking care of the thyroid gland and providing the body with iodine, which is also found in the products we consume. Iodine is found in large quantities in sea fish and seafood.. Iodine's properties are immense; it's important to ensure our bodies never become deficient in this crucial element. Only the correct iodine concentration can protect us from many serious diseases.
Iodine deficiency. What are the risks?
Long-lasting Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, enlargement of the thyroid gland, which causes the formation of a goiter. Iodine deficiency lead to numerous health complications. Insufficient iodine in children causes mental and motor retardation. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can lead to irreversible brain damage in fetuses and newborns. Iodine deficiencies also cause difficulties conceiving, miscarriages, or premature birth. Furthermore, they can even lead to increased infant mortality. Iodine deficiency can manifest as insomnia, a constant feeling of cold, dry skin, and a significantly lowered resistance to infections and viruses.
Iodine deficiency can lead to chronic fatigue, chronic constipation, hair loss, weakness, low mood, and depression, subcutaneous edema, difficulty concentrating, and dry skin and mucous membranes. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, iodine deficiency can also lead to hyperactivity, irritability, and general anxiety. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that iodine deficiency-related diseases pose a global threat, as 35% of the world's population is at risk of iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency. How to supplement?
Now that we know how important iodine is for the proper functioning of the body, we should learn how to supplement it in case of deficiency.A well-balanced diet is crucial, as are trips to the seaside to absorb iodine, which is abundant there. Residents of coastal areas are much less susceptible to iodine deficiency for this very reason. It's worth ensuring our diet includes iodine-rich foods. Most of this element is found in saltwater fish, seafood, vegetables, and dairy products.
Foods rich in iodine:
- sea salt, iodized salt
- sea fish (halibut, cod, salmon)
- seafood
- blue cheese, yellow cheese
- dairy products (buttermilk, kefir, natural yogurt)
- chicken eggs
- vegetables such as broccoli, spinach
- wholemeal and crispbread
- brown rice
- caviar
- algae (red algae)
If your diet is not enough, it is worth taking supplements.
Iodine tablets. How to choose the best one?
When looking for the right supplementation, which is crucial for maintaining the correct amount of essential nutrients, you should follow a few rules. It's important that the supplements you choose are all-natural, as this will improve their absorption and help avoid side effects. Kelp, or bladderwrack, is an algae rich in iodine.
Iodine supplementation. Does everyone need it?
Everyone, regardless of gender or age, needs iodine. To be healthy, iodine is essential in our bodies. Many people think that iodized salt is a sufficient supplement to prevent iodine deficiency. Nothing could be further from the truth. Supplementing the body with iodine through salt is not entirely healthy. Salt increases blood pressure and retains fluids.
It's best to eat a diet rich in iodine and ensure adequate supplementation of this valuable nutrient. The risk of iodine deficiency is further exacerbated by the body's reduced ability to utilize it, resulting from environmental pollution. If you care about your health, you'll be able to purchase the right supplements in time to help eliminate iodine deficiencies.
Iodine deficiency. Key issues.
- Iodine deficiency has reached epidemic proportions, with its size increasing fourfold over the last 40 years.
- iodized salt is not a sufficient supplement of this valuable element
- Without the right amount of iodine in the body, our thyroid will not function properly
- too little iodine in the body causes weight gain, apathy and lack of energy, depression, and cardiovascular diseases
- Iodine deficiency poses a risk of breast cancer and mastopathy
By listening to our bodies and ensuring regular checkups, we have a great chance of avoiding the above problems. It's important to remember that by ensuring proper supplementation We can avoid serious health consequences in the future. A healthy diet, exercise, preventative care, and regular iodine supplementation are key. Maintaining these values is the best investment in yourself. However, it's important to remember that long-term iodine intake can lead to iodine deficiency.
Excess iodine leads to hyperthyroidism, which in turn causes increased salivary gland activity and excessive bronchial mucus secretion. Excess iodine causes hyperactivity, heart palpitations, weakness, and weight loss. An iodine overdose can cause poisoning, manifesting as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although iodine deficiency is much more common, it's also worth being aware that iodine overdose can occur in rare cases.
