{"id":14519,"date":"2020-03-31T08:00:13","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T08:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14519"},"modified":"2021-05-07T13:40:17","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T13:40:17","slug":"14-common-signs-of-iodine-deficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-signs-of-iodine-deficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Signs of Iodine Deficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Iodine is an essential mineral required by the body to produce thyroid hormone. Iodine exists naturally in seafood products and some vegetables, and it’s also available in supplement format. The thyroid gland requires the use of iodine to help it control the growth and repair of damaged souls as well as support efficient metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost 1\/3 of people across the globe are deficient in iodine. The highest risk individuals include pregnant women as well as those individuals who live in countries where iodine is lacking in the soil. Southeast Asia New Zealand and various European nations all have low-quality soils that are iodine deficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People that do not use iodized table salt or those that follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are also typically deficient in iodine. Iodine deficiency can cause numerous physiological problems if left undiagnosed and untreated. Symptoms of iodine deficiency are similar to hypothyroidism. If you notice any of the following 14 common signs of iodine deficiency, make sure you visit your physician for a blood test.
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1.     Formation of a Goiter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, iodine <\/a>deficiency takes on the appearance of hypothyroidism symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of the deficiency is a swelling in the neck, also known as a goiter. A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland starts to swell due to inefficient levels of thyroid hormone such as TSH and T3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As TSH levels rise in the blood, the thyroid gland requires iodine to produce thyroid hormone. However, when the body is deficient in low iodine levels of this mineral means that it can’t produce enough thyroid hormone to maintain homeostasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the thyroid gland strange to produce more thyroid hormone causing the cells around the thyroid gland to grow, leading to the formation of a goiter. In most cases, the patient will experience relief from their condition by increasing iodine intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe iodine supplements to reverse the condition. However, for mild symptoms, the physician will recommend that the patient increases their intake of iodized table salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Weight Gain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals for dealing with iodine deficiency may also find that they started to gain weight <\/a>unexpectedly. The patient may begin to see the scale move under their feet even though they are not increasing caloric intake through their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, iodine is an essential mineral used in the production of thyroid hormone. When the affected individual starts to experience iodine deficiency, it reflects in hypothyroidism symptoms, such as swelling in the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thyroid hormone plays a critical role in maintaining metabolic rate. Metabolism is the process where the body converts glucose into biological energy. When thyroid hormones get low, the body has less efficiency at burning calories. As a result, the affected individual finds that they start to pack on body fat at an alarming pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a change in your body weight and you haven’t made any adjustments to your diet, make an appointment with your doctor for a blood test to see if you have low thyroid hormone levels that could be an indicator of iodine deficiency.
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3.     Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals that are dealing with iodine deficiency may also notice that they start to experience weakness <\/a>in the mornings that extends through the day. As the condition worsens, the affected individual might see that they begin to experience severe feelings of fatigue and low levels of energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that more than 80% of individuals with low thyroid hormone feel sluggish tired and weak throughout the day. This lack of energy occurs due to low thyroid hormone levels, which are not enough to stimulate metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, a slower metabolism leads to less energy produced by the body, and the patient starts to notice the onset of fatigue symptoms. Studies show that weakness and fatigue or the most common symptoms among people with lower thyroid hormone production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the symptoms are some of the first two arrive, and if the patient manages to catch them early, it’s possible to reverse the condition. Physicians may prescribe iodine tablets or recommend that the patient increases the intake of iodized table salt, depending on the state of their condition.
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4. Hair loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more unknown functions of thyroid <\/a>hormone is to help assist the growth of hair follicles on the scalp. As a result of iodine deficiency, affected individuals may notice that they start to experience gradual hair loss. The patient may see that they begin to find more hair than usual in the shower drain after washing their hair. They may also see that their hairbrush contains more hair than normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, losing your hair is especially concerning for women, and it’s one of the common signs of low thyroid hormone production. When thyroid hormone levels get low, the hair follicles are slow to regenerate, and over time they may start to fail to produce new hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to studies, more than 30% of people with low thyroid hormone experience some form of hair loss, whether it’s male pattern baldness or a thinning of the hair in women. Fortunately, adding iodine back into a mineral supplementation schedule will help the hair follicles recover and start producing hair again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Flaky and Dry Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the other more common symptoms of iodine deficiency includes dry and flaky skin. Many individuals right the symptoms of a change in the weather or seasonal conditions that may leave the skin feeling dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, studies show that nearly 80% of people who are suffering from low thyroid hormone levels due to iodine deficiency, may end up showing symptoms of dry and flaky skin. The thyroid hormone is also an essential part of assisting the skin with regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low levels of thyroid Hormone also cause a decrease in sweating<\/a>, which is the body’s way of naturally moisturizing the skin. By including iodized table salt with your meals, you can reverse the effects of dry and flaky skin, returning your epidermis to optimal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals may confuse dry skin with the autoimmune disorder eczema. It’s important to note that these two conditions are not related, and eczema does not occur due to iodine deficiency.
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6. Cold Body Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the thyroid hormone plays a significant role in regulating metabolic function. If a person experiences iodine deficiency, they won’t be producing enough thyroid hormone. As a result, the metabolic rate starts to fall, and the patient may notice that they begin to feel cold all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sensation of low body temperature <\/a>is common in more than 80% of individuals who are dealing with low thyroid hormone levels. The person may experience a body temperature that is almost a full degree or more under the 37-degree average for healthy people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that cold body temperature can also be a sign of a bacterial infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if the patient notices a symptom of cold body temperature alongside any of the other signs in this article, they should arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. Your physician will check your body temperature and draw a blood sample for analysis to check on your thyroid and iodine levels.
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7. Heart Rate Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iodine also plays a crucial role in regulating your heart rate. Thyroid hormone is especially important for regulating metabolism<\/a>, and it also plays a role in maintaining heart rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who are not eating enough iodine in their diet may start to experience a decrease in heart rate. The converse is also true, and people that consume too much iodine in their diet may experience an increase in heart rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are iodine deficient may notice that they start to feel weak, fatigued, or dizzy during the day. A slow heart rate means that your body is not pulling enough oxygen into your bloodstream, resulting in clouded thinking and other cognitive issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may also find that they feel dizzy after standing up from a seated position, and in severe cases, they may find that they pass out on their feet after rising. Increasing iodized table salt intake can remedy the situation. However, it’s best if you visit your physician for a checkup.
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8. Cognitive Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Low levels of thyroid hormone also play a significant role in reducing proper mental function. Individuals who are living with iodine deficiency experience low levels of thyroid hormone production, resulting in impaired cognitive function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brain <\/a>requires higher levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream to ensure that the hippocampus and frontal lobes in the brain can operate at peak functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the affected individual does not produce enough thyroid hormone as a result of an iodine deficiency, the brain starts to experience cognitive issues. As a result, the patient may begin to experience problems with memory. They will find that they are easily distracted, and it’s challenging to focus the attention on their work or a specific topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, introducing iodine supplementation or using iodized salt in your diet will improve these conditions and return the brain to normal function within a few days. If you do increase your iodine intake and do not see any results, you must contact your doctor and arrange a consultation.
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9. Pregnancy Issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pregnant women often experience the onset of iodine deficiency as the unborn child grows in the womb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnant women are eating for two people, and they need to include the correct mineral consumption for two individuals as well. Unfortunately, unprepared women may not understand the necessity for this vital mineral, and they may even limit their salt intake, thinking that it may be harming their unborn child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, iodine is a critical mineral for the development of the fetus<\/a>. It’s also a crucial component for producing milk during lactation after the birth of the child. Women who do not have high iodine levels will find that they struggle to produce milk, and they may also find that they experience fatigue and weakness throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnant women experiencing an iodine deficiency may also notice that they start to show other symptoms related to hypothyroidism, such as a goiter in the throat.
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10. Heavy or Irregular Periods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who are dealing with an iodine deficiency may also experience issues with menstrual bleeding. As a result of low iodine levels in the bloodstream, the patient starts to experience a drop in thyroid hormone production. The decrease in thyroid hormone leads to complications with menstrual bleeding, and more than 60% of women begin to experience irregular menstrual cycles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies also show that women with low thyroid hormone levels as a result of iodine deficiency experienced much more heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Low levels of thyroid hormone disrupt the productions of hormones and the signals they used to interact with the body during the menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women that notice they are dealing with any of the other symptoms in this list alongside heavy menstrual bleeding should make an appointment with the doctor for a consultation. It’s possible to reverse this condition by increasing iodine levels, thereby boosting thyroid hormone production.
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11. Swollen Face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyroid woman also plays a vital role in regulating how the body controls water intake and maintains water within cells. As a result of the low thyroid hormone attributed to iodine deficiency, the affected individual may notice that they start to take the appearance of a swollen face with puffy cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may start to hold more water than usual due to the low thyroid hormone levels in the body. An easy way to check for excess water is to try the skin press test. Push your finger firmly against the skin on your forearm, and then release after 10 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your finger leaves a white or yellow presence on the surface of your skin that slowly fades away, it means that you are holding subcutaneous water underneath your skin. Iodine helps the body regulate water levels, and by including more iodine in your diet<\/a>, the symptoms should start to disappear, and your face will return to its standard shape and size.
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12. Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the least common symptoms of iodine deficiency on this list is Constipation<\/a>. Iodine plays a significant role in communication between the nervous system and other systems in the body. When the body doesn’t have enough iodine, it starts to reduce its production of thyroid hormone. This situation can produce a cascading effect on other biological systems in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gastrointestinal tract relies on levels of thyroid hormone to ensure metabolism and digestion take place efficiently. However, in the absence of iodine and low thyroid hormone levels, the gastrointestinal system starts to slow down and may not be as efficient at processing stool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the affected individual starts to feel the onset of Constipation. Constipation symptoms may vary in their intensity depending on the extent of the iodine deficiency and thyroid hormone levels in the body. Increasing iodine intake through table salt or supplements may help to relieve the symptoms and return the gastrointestinal tract to normal function.
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13. Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The body is delicate hormone balance plays a role in maintaining homeostasis. However, many people don’t realize that it also plays a significant part in maintaining mental stability as well. People who are iodine deficient may start to experience the onset of depression <\/a>symptoms in their life, and they may resort to the use of dangerous medications to help them resolve this mental state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many people don’t realize that by merely increasing their iodine intake, they do not have to take dangerous drugs like SSRIs. Iodine increases thyroid hormone production resulting in an improvement in the regulation of the hormonal system. As a result, the patient stats to experience an increase in feelings of well-being and an improvement in their mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that depression is a serious condition and may occur due to several reasons. Therefore, if you start to experience depression in your life, it’s best to speak to a qualified medical professional for assistance with managing the condition as it may not be related to iodine deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. High Cholesterol Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iodine deficiency can also lead to other problems related to a lack of this mineral in the body. In severe cases of iodine deficiency and low thyroid hormone production, the affected individual may start to experience changes in their cholesterol profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may start to experience the onset of high LDL cholesterol <\/a>levels. LDL cholesterol is the bad kind of cholesterol, and it causes blockages in the arteries providing blood to the cardiovascular system and lungs. If left and diagnosed and untreated high cholesterol levels may result in the patient experiencing cardiac arrest in the form of my cardio infarction, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing iodized salt into your diet, they seem like the last thing that you need to do to improve this issue. However, by bringing this mineral back into balance in the body, you will start to increase the production of HDL cholesterol, (the good type of cholesterol), while reducing the production of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
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