A Tiny Amount Of Iodine Is Critical For Thyroid Health

Things You Must Know About Iodine


There are several naturally occurring elements that the body needs, but cannot synthesize on its own. When we think of these, we usually think of the metallic elements such as copper and iron. Iodine is another natural element that the body needs to have introduced to it through the diet.

salt-91539_640Iodine deficiency was once a widespread problem in the United States. For this reason, many different brands of table salt are now sold as “iodized.” This simply means that iodine has been added to the salt. It does not make any detectable difference in regards to the taste.

Iodine is used within the body for regulation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is closely associated with the body’s ability to generate energy. People who suffer from an underactive thyroid typically report chronic fatigue as their major and first symptom.

Iodine deficiency can cause the thyroid to work harder than it should, resulting in overgrowth and the condition known as goiter. These days, it is relatively unlikely for anyone who uses an average amount of salt to suffer iodine deficiency, but it is possible.

Pregnant women are the people most likely to suffer from iodine deficiency, and complications from the deficiency can be very serious. If a pregnant woman’s iodine levels are not restored and maintained, she could suffer from high blood pressure. Likewise, the child is at enhanced risk of a wide variety of illnesses, which can include developmental delays.

Iodine is used directly in the treatment of iodine deficiency, goiter, fibrocystic breast disease, and several eye conditions, including those caused by diabetes. It can also be used in treatment of diabetes itself, heart disease, and stroke.

Iodine is a very important part of regulating the human body, yet it does not occur naturally in most foods. It’s critical to make sure you are getting enough iodine to meet your needs!