8 Signs That You Have an Iodine Deficiency - Newslibre

8 Signs That You Have an Iodine Deficiency

Iodine regulates the thyroid gland, which affects the metabolism and other body processes. An imbalance of hormones can cause serious health problems. Since iodine is not synthesized in the body, we need to take it in the form of food for it to get into the bloodstream and ensure the proper function of the endocrine system.

It’s not always possible to understand what exactly is missing in your body, therefore, we’ve put together a list by which you can check if everything is all right with you.

1. You Often Have Constipation

Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, a disruption of the thyroid gland. This disease affects the digestive system, disrupting its transport functions. With hypothyroidism, food doesn’t get digested properly and takes longer to be excreted. If you empty the intestines three times a week or less, this is a reason to consult a specialist.

2. You Feel Nauseous or Dizzy

Iodine deficiency also affects the cardiovascular system, causing bradycardia which results in a slow heartbeat. Bradycardia leads to a decrease in blood pressure which results in weakness.

According to studies, the cardiovascular system is directly connected with the thyroid gland. Malfunctions in one of them will certainly lead to a deterioration of the body as a whole.

3. You Have Pregnancy Problems

If you are pregnant, make sure you consume enough iodine as it is important for the development of the fetus. By the second trimester, the fetal thyroid gland begins to produce hormones necessary for growth. However, it still can’t produce enough on its own and the mother’s endocrine system helps to fill in the gaps.

It is important that pregnant women consume enough iodine and maintain a hormonal balance until birth. If the mother has severe hypothyroidism, a child with mental retardation may appear.

4. You Are Depressed

Mental health issues are often not adequately discussed or stigmatized. People forget that hormonal imbalance can be behind depression and anxiety. If you feel that most of the time you are sad or scared, you should consult specialists such as a psychotherapist, gastroenterologist, and endocrinologist.

The studies confirmed the connection between the nervous system and the thyroid gland. This also manifests itself in the selection of drugs since supplements that strengthen the gland also act as antidepressants.

5. Your Weight Has Changed Sharply

Sudden changes in weight are one of the most common symptoms of iodine deficiency. A healthy body has a fast metabolism but an imbalance of hormones leads to the fact that the metabolism slows down. Fat accumulates in the body, its surpluses do not turn into energy and do not “burn out” causing the person to gain weight.

6. You Are Constantly Cold

With hypothyroidism, you always feel cold for no apparent reason. Even when your friends are sweating from the heat, you may want to put on a couple more layers of clothes on. This is due to the fact that problems with the thyroid gland cause problems with energy exchange and reduce heat production in the body.

7. You Have Problems with Memory

Problems with the thyroid gland are reflected in cognitive abilities since iodine deficiency slows down the ability to remember new information. According to a Trinity College study conducted in 2017, those with hypothyroidism have a significantly reduced volume of the hippocampal region of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

8. Your Neck Is Swollen

Hypothyroidism is accompanied by the occurrence of goiter, an over sized thyroid gland. With iodine deficiency, glands work at an accelerated pace and this changes its size or wears out.

Specialists from the American Thyroid Association note that nodules may develop inside the goiter, later leading to problems with breathing and swallowing. In their opinion, if you do not take care of your diet, you will have to turn to surgical treatment methods.

You can add foods like Lima beans, eggs, shrimp, prunes, seafood, shellfish, iodized salt and dairy products such as yogurt to your diet so as to improve on your iodine levels.

 

Also read: How Lumineers Will Give Your Teeth That Hollywood Smile


Amelia Grant believes that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. Check out her website and blog for more.

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