Being deficient in iodine effects the thyroid – symptoms of deficiency

By John Spencer Ellis |

Iodine is a trace mineral meaning that while it is an important component of many bodily functions large quantities are not needed to carry out these crucial efforts.

As the trace mineral iodine is ingested, 75% of this mineral makes its way to the thyroid gland. Once there, iodine joins up with two important hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Every part of the body requires these hormones.

Most importantly, they play a role in the body’s ability to produce energy. These hormones control and regulate basal metabolic rates. In other words, they determine how fast and how efficiently the body is able to burn calories.

Thyroid hormones are also what helps control a child’s mental development and overall growth rate. Pregnant women who do not get enough iodine increase the risks that their newborn babies will develop some degree of mental retardation.

If you ever had a bruise or cut as a child, your parent likely applied iodine to the affected area. That’s because iodine is an effective antiseptic. In addition to helping clean and heal wounds, it will discolor the skin.

For those times when secretions build up in the lungs, iodine is used to thin them, making these secretions much easier to expel.

Individuals with iodine sensitivity may experience skin problems such as a rash or ulcers in the mucous membrane. They also may develop a fever and neck swelling.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

Since iodine plays a role in producing energy, the most notable symptoms of a deficiency include lethargy, slowed reflexes and a slowed metabolic rate. Skin can become dry and hoarseness can develop in the throat. The amount of fat in the blood supply can increase which is why obesity is one of the symptoms of an iodine deficiency. If the deficiency continues for a long time, the thyroid gland can become enlarged.

An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. A goiter develops when the thyroid gland is forced to work extra hard to produce adequate levels of thyroxine. Goiters usually protrude from the side of the neck. In children, a deficiency of iodine may cause mental retardation.

• Fatigue
• Blood levels of TSH greater than 2
• Intolerance of cold
• Cold hands and feet
• Foggy thinking
• Increased need for sleep
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Constipation

Not all Iodine is safe to take. This is a good brand of Iodine we recommend

By John Spencer Ellis

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