1. The Thyroid Gland Depends on Iodine
Iodine is a trace element that our bodies need. The body requires iodine to maintain normal function of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones. The average amount of iodine in the body is approximately 20 to 30mg, and the thyroid gland stores most of it. The front area of the neck or throat is where the thyroid gland is located. The lining of the stomach, glands such as the mammary and salivary, and the blood also hold smaller amounts of iodine for the body to use.
2. Food Sources of Iodine
Iodine has been an additive to salt in the United States and many other developed countries for many years. More food sources of iodine are from certain types of seaweed, sea vegetables, saltwater fish and shellfish. Other good sources of iodine are found in egg yolks, cow's milk, yogurt, mozzarella cheeses, strawberries and even trace amounts in grains. It's important to eat foods grown in iodine-rich soil as well as cattle and poultry that were fed iodine-rich feeds.
3. Iodine Is Important for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women need iodine in their diet for the development of the unborn fetus. Nursing mothers need iodine to supply nutrients to babies for neurological development. Deficiencies during pregnancy can result in irreversible mental retardation or cretinism of the infant, deafness and lower intelligence levels. Furthermore, pregnant women with iodine deficiencies have increased rates of stillbirths and infant mortality. However, most prenatal vitamins take care of the nutritional needs of pregnant and nursing mothers.
4. When You Need More Iodine
An enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter is a sign of iodine deficiency in the body. This gland can become multi-nodular over time, resulting in the development of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of iodine deficiency can include weight gain, depression, fatigue, weakness and extremely dry skin. Talk to your doctor if you feel that you may have an iodine deficiency.
5. Iodine Deficiency Is a Worldwide Health Problem
In many underdeveloped countries, the food sources are locally grown vegetables. Iodine-poor soil produces iodine-poor vegetables. Many of the world's health issues result from iodine deficiencies in their food, including stunted growth, skeletal retardation, squinting of the eyes, deafness, brain damage and large goiters in the neck. Nutritional guidance and education on how to grow iodine-rich foods are key factors in eradicating health problems due to iodine deficiency.
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