Iodine – It is an important mineral, which is naturally found in the ocean water and soil. Iodine is mainly available in iodized salt and also plays a vital role in thyroid health. A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that is caused by iodine deficiency. Thus, an individual should take a sufficient amount of iodine through iodized salt, and many more that lower the risk of goiter. Iodine is also used in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. Women require more iodine in pregnancy because iodine is associated with brain development in fetuses.
Iodine deficiency – It may occur when a human body does not get sufficient iodine. Iodine deficiency is caused due to a lack of iodine in your diet. The main cause of thyroid disease is iodine deficiency and if serious it may cause permanent intellectual disability in babies and brain damage. Iodine is a mineral which is naturally found in soil and seawater. Our body requires iodine for making thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone influences metabolism and is necessary for the function and development of bones, brain, and nerves.
Thyroid hormones are beneficial for the human body to use energy, stay warm, and maintain organs working properly. The babies also require thyroid hormones for brain development and healthy bones during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency may cause serious complications during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Iodine deficiency– The main symptom of iodine deficiency is the enlargement of the thyroid which is also called as goiter. If you are suffering from a goiter then you can experience several symptoms are given below –
- Breathing problem
- Problem in swallowing
Hypothyroidism is also the main symptom of iodine deficiency. When the level of iodine reduces in your body and the thyroid gland may not produce thyroid hormone then hypothyroidism occurs and this condition is known as underactive thyroid. It can lead to fatigue, increase in weight, inability to tolerate cold, metabolism slow down, and many more.
There are several other symptoms of iodine deficiency are given below –
- Puffy skin
- Muscle weakness
- Problem in remembering and learning
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
- Infertility
Causes of Iodine deficiency – The main cause of iodine deficiency is not an adequate amount of iodine in your diet. When you do not get a sufficient amount of iodine in your diet then iodine deficiency occurs. Iodine deficiency is a very common condition in individuals in developing countries across the world. It is mainly caused by a lack of iodine in your food.
Prevention – You can intake a diet with a sufficient amount of iodine that lowers the risk of iodine deficiency. To prevent iodine deficiency, you can use iodized salt in your food during cooking or eating. You can also prevent iodine deficiency by taking a diet which contains iodine and using iodized salt. There are several items are rich in iodine that are beneficial to lower the risk of iodine deficiency are given below –
- Dairy products including cheese, milk, and yogurt
- Iodized salt
- Certain fish including tuna and cod
- Shrimp, seafood, and seaweed
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