What does the lack of iodine lead to?
For the full functioning of the human body, you need a large number of different substances. Among them: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, macro - and microelements. One of the most important trace elements, without which the system will fail, is iodine. It is this element of the chemical table that is responsible for many functions in the body. Why it is so important and what happens to the body with its lack-we will tell you in the material.
Why does the body need iodine?
Iodine is a trace element that is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. They are produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones affect growth, metabolism, reproductive function, physical and mental development, and mood. The frequency of contractions of the heart muscle, the amount of stored energy and subcutaneous fat depends on the thyroid hormones.
According to the World Health Organization, a person should consume at least 150-200 micrograms of iodine per day.
The body receives iodine with food. According to the World Health Organization, a person should consume at least 150-200 micrograms of iodine per day. Most of it remains in the thyroid gland, which it enters from the blood. But not all foods contain a sufficient amount of iodine, so the body does not always receive the necessary amounts of iodine. For the normal functioning of the body, there is always a supply of iodine in the thyroid gland. So the body tries to protect itself from the lack of this trace element. If this stock is not replenished, iodine deficiency may occur.
What is the danger of iodine deficiency?
It is very difficult to detect iodine deficiency in humans. In the blood, iodine is determined in microscopic amounts. In the urine, iodine levels may change during the day. Therefore, you should not rely on this data. A more reliable method is to determine the iodine deficiency in the population in a particular region. According to the results of the population survey, it is determined whether there is a deficit or not. Iodine deficiency can be indirectly determined by the balance of thyroid hormones in the blood.
In the case of a lack of this trace element, goiter develops. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Endemic goiter is an increase in the thyroid gland in residents of an entire area, associated with a lack of iodine in this geographical area.
Iodine deficiency causes memory impairment, decreased intelligence, and a weakening of male strength.In the most advanced cases, a lack of iodine can cause the development of arrhythmia. The most dangerous iodine deficiency for pregnant women and children. An extreme degree of iodine deficiency in a child is the development of cretinism, and in women – stillbirth.
Signs of iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency is almost impossible to diagnose, especially if there are no visible signs – goiter. There are some indirect signs that serve as a signal to consult a doctor:
- Constant fatigue;
- Frequent illnesses;
- The appearance of edema;
- In women-menstrual disorders, in men-problems with potency;
- Bad mood and depression;
- Reduced appetite;
- Hair loss;
- Headaches.
Prevention
Most of the iodine on Earth is found in the ocean. People living in regions where there is access to the sea, are least likely to be deficient in iodine. There, iodine can be obtained not only with food, but also with water and even air. And for people who live far from the sea, the main source of iodine is food.
Most of all, seafood contains iodine: fish, squid, mussels, shrimp, seaweed.
Most of all, seafood contains iodine: fish, squid, mussels, shrimps, seaweed. Feijoa, dairy products, buckwheat, walnuts, lemon, mountain ash, and iodized salt are rich in iodine.
Iodine deficiency is a dangerous phenomenon for the human body, which can lead to serious consequences. To avoid it, you need to properly prepare your diet and make sure that it contains foods rich in iodine. So you can exclude the development of iodine deficiency, and hence the negative consequences.
