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Dry skin? Tiredness does not leave you even a step? Are you feeling cold, weight gain and fatigue? There is a high probability that all symptoms are caused by iodine deficiency, i.e. a mineral component that supports the production of hormones involved in metabolic processes.
Despite the trace amounts that participate in the processes of our body, we would not be able to survive without iodine.
The role of iodine in the body
Iodine is necessary for the production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine by the thyroid gland. These are the hormones on whose shoulders rest the metabolic processes in all cells. Thanks to them, it is possible to synthesize proteins and fats, burn glucose, metamorphose nutrients into energy. Iodine is necessary for maintaining the correct body temperature, and also for the functioning of the circulatory, nervous and muscle systems. It calms down, facilitates the collection of thoughts, the development of intelligence, prevents obesity.
An enlarged thyroid alerts us to iodine deficiency. The size of the resulting wills is not accidental – it is designed to make up for the deficiencies of the element that travels with the blood throughout the body.
How is iodine deficiency characterized?
In addition to goiters, there are other symptoms of iodine deficiency. These are:
- nail brittleness, hair loss,
- dryness of the skin and conjunctiva,
- weight gain for no particular reason
- impression of cold
- lethargy,
- hoarseness,
- lack of ability to remember and concentrate.
Where to get iodine?
Valued sources of iodine are:
- fish – cod, halibut, pollock, smoked salmon, sardines,
- seafood,
- algae,
- iodized table salt – we do not use salt as a self-sufficient source of iodine, because it can lead to the development of hypertension,
- be gouda,
- crispbread,
- kefir and buttermilk,
- Brown rice,
- wholemeal rye bread.
Risk of element deficiency
People who have permanently introduced a balanced diet are not at risk of iodine deficiency. When planning meals, keep in mind that soybeans, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts reduce the absorption of iodine from food. Their effects by 30 percent. cooking can reduce. In Poland, people living in the southern part of the country are most at risk of iodine deficiency, as well as people who eliminate seafood and salt from their diet. Supplements based on iodine should be used in consultation with a doctor. Consultation is especially important for people complaining about thyroid problems. Symptoms indicating an overdose of this element appear only after exceeding the dose 30 times, and among them are: metallic taste in the mouth, rash, headache and diarrhea.