Iodine is one of the minerals that works especially for properly functioning the thyroid. It also plays an essential role in other body functions like the metabolism development of the central nervous system and immune system.
Iodine also helps to transform TSH (stimulating thyroid hormone) into triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Though little is known about this mineral, Iodine is beneficial to treat cancerous thyroid, goitres, etc.
Iodine deficiency can cause a lot of problems in the human body. That is why consuming the right amount of Iodine regularly is essential. However, if you know little about Iodine, look at this article. We have discussed every little detail about Iodine here so you can understand its necessity in your body.
What Is Iodine?
Iodine is one of the minerals present mostly in the thyroid gland in the neck. Though your body’s seventy to eighty per cent of Iodine is present in the thyroid gland, it also exists in the blood, ovaries, muscles, and other body parts.
The functions of Iodine are quite different from the rest of the minerals. It works mostly on the thyroid gland, influencing the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Though iodine deficiency is quite rare in western countries, around three hundred people still suffer from various diseases impacted by iodine deficiency. So, we suggest you eat more iodine-rich foods to stay healthy and happy.
The Iodine Food Sources
Your body cannot build Iodine on its own. So, you have to eat iodine supplements to build them for the proper functioning of your body. It is generally found in the ocean and soil, so you must consume foods related to them.
The level of Iodine depends on where it comes from. So, here are a few sources of Iodine that you may consume to increase the iodine quantity in your body.
- Iodized salt: It is one of the essential sources of Iodine. 1.5 grams of Iodine contains forty-seven per cent value.
- White enriched bread: Two slices of white bread contain forty-five mcg.
- Seaweed: One gram of sheet seaweed or whole seaweed has sixteen to twenty-nine hundred eighty-four mcg of Iodine, making it a great source of Iodine.
- Baked cod: A three-ounce baked codpiece has at least sixty-five per cent DV.
- Reduced fat milk: one cup of fat milk has thirty-seven per cent of DV. It is also a great source of Iodine.
- Egg: One large egg can have sixteen per cent of DV.
What Happens Due to Iodine Deficiency?
Iodine deficiency can lead to various problems. One can face developmental issues. Not only that, as we have discussed earlier, Iodine is one of the minerals that affect the thyroid gland. So the lack of Iodine in the human body can increase the TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone.
If the TSH increases, it demands more Iodine from the blood. This can only happen if the iodine level falls below a hundred mcg daily. However, if the iodine level falls below ten to twenty mcg regularly, the thyroid gland cannot get enough Iodine, causing hypothyroidism and inviting goitre.
If a pregnant woman experiences iodine deficiency, it may affect her foetus’ physical, mental and neurological development. Children can also suffer from poor cognition due to a deficiency in Iodine.
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression and forgetfulness
- Constipation
- Intolerance to cold
- Hair loss
So, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor and start eating iodine foods.
How Much iodine Do You Need?
Your body needs iodine based on your age. So, here is a table dedicated to the people who are serious about consuming the right amount of iodine.
| Age | Iodine Requirement |
| Children from one to six months | Hundred and ten micrograms |
| Seven months to one year | One thirty micrograms |
| Up to eight years | Ninety micrograms |
| Children from nine to thirteen years | One twenty micrograms |
| Teenagers and adults | One fifty micrograms |
| Pregnant women | Two twenty micrograms |
| Breastfeeding women | Two ninety micrograms |
Benefits of Iodine
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There are plenty of benefits of iodine supplements or iodine pills. Some of them are mentioned below:
Treat Thyroid Cancer
We have already mentioned earlier that Iodine mainly exists in the thyroid gland. So, it has a big role to play in treating thyroid cancer. Your thyroid gland takes in all the Iodine you eat, which helps destroy the thyroid cells, the cancerous ones. That is how the consumption of Iodine can help to treat people who have differentiated thyroid cancer.
Help Pregnant Women
The necessity of Iodine in pregnant women is more than we can ever imagine. Proper consumption of Iodine can help pregnant women experience a healthy pregnancy. According to research, women who lack Iodine during pregnancy can face intellectual delays in their children. The children can also experience a lower IQ level than others.
Iodine is also good for breastfeeding mothers. Since Iodine is a great mineral, we cannot deny that iodine benefits both the mother and the child’s body. A mother consuming the right amount of Iodine can supply the baby with the mineral through breastfeeding.
Reduce The Risk of Goitre
Goitre or swollen throat results from an imbalance in Iodine in the human body. Goitre is a large thyroid often caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. People who suffer from goitre or swollen throats can have difficulty chewing foods. Not only that, if you leave goitre unattended, it may develop into a genetic defect or tumour, causing a life threat. If you consume the right amount of iodine (not more, not less than what is required), you can avoid experiencing any goitre in your throat.
Reduce Breast Disease
Women of reproductive age may face painful lumps in their breasts. These are not always life-threatening. However, sometimes these can develop into cancer. But consumption of Iodine can help to get rid of this breast disease.
Conclusion
Iodine is one of the minerals that is not discussed often. However, we cannot help but notice that more than three hundred million people suffer from iodine deficiency which means not many people know Iodine’s necessity in the human body. So, please read this article and consume natural iodine supplements.
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