Iodine is An Underrated Micronutrient: Here’s Why It Is Worth Adding to Our Diet
If you love seafood, then good for you! You have found a steady source of iodine.
Iodine is one of the most underrated minerals. Ironically, many people aren’t aware of how important it is in their growth and for the proper function of their thyroid.
This micronutrient plays a huge role in the production of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These thyroid gland-produced chemicals are essential for our metabolism, growth, and heart rate.
Iodine Deficiency
You need a certain amount of the mineral to make sure your thyroid gland works properly. If you lack this nutrient, you are susceptible to developing health problems.
Some of the disorders associated with iodine deficiency are stunted growth, impaired hearing, and congenital abnormalities. At times, it may even lead to miscarriages and stillbirth.
In children, iodine deficiency can affect cognitive function. This should be addressed immediately or else it could lead to something irreversible.
Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism
A low intake of this nutrient will result in increased release of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – that is, if your levels fall below 100 mcg per day. If this happens, your thyroid will source more iodine from the blood.
If your iodine levels drop to below 10 to 20 mcg per day, there won’t be enough nutrients for your thyroid to get. This will result in hypothyroidism, which is usually accompanied by goiter, a swelling of a portion of the neck.
Some signs of hypothyroidism are unexplained weight gain, slow metabolism, and tiredness. This condition is also linked to depression, hair loss, and cold intolerance.
But this doesn’t mean you should have an all-seafood diet. As with everything else, moderation is the key when it comes to iodine consumption.
Too much intake of this mineral can lead to hyperthyroidism, wherein the thyroid gland becomes too active. This means that the organ involved in your metabolism produces too many hormones.
Some signs that you have an overactive thyroid are sudden weight loss, anxiety, sensitivity, fast heartbeat, and increased appetite.
Sources of Iodine
Unfortunately, our bodies can’t produce iodine so we must incorporate the mineral to our diet. The good news is that most of the common food we put on our table contains this essential nutrient.
Fish makes for a scrumptious meal and is packed with iodine. For our vegetarian and vegan friends, seaweeds are also a good source of the nutrient.
Iodized salt and baked cod contain the nutrient. Eggs, reduced-fat milk, and cheddar cheese all have iodine. Multivitamins with potassium iodide or sodium iodide also contain the mineral.
More in Health & Fitness
-
`
Stop Gulping Too Much Lemon Water Or You May Suffer These Consequences
Lemon water has been praised for its link to many health benefits, including aiding in weight loss and boosting our immune...
May 7, 2023 -
`
5 Cooking Hacks for a Better Eating Experience
Cooking can be a fun and exciting experience, especially when you get to experiment with different flavors and techniques. However, it...
April 24, 2023 -
`
Constantly Looking for Food? Here Are Some Reasons You Always Feel Hungry
Getting hungry is nothing out of the ordinary — it is our bodies’ way of telling us that we need food...
April 4, 2023 -
`
If you Want to Look Like Jennifer Aniston, You Should Follow Her Sunday Routine
At 51, Jennifer Aniston joins the roster of gorgeous women who look like they’re only in their 30s. What could be...
April 4, 2023 -
`
This New Travel Offering Will Take You out of This World–Literally
Here’s some good news for people who have a taste for adventurous travel. Destinations will soon be broadened to include man’s...
April 4, 2023 -
`
Did You Know Cooking Meat at Lower Temperature Can Protect Your Heart?
Cooking food, especially meat, on low heat has been around for hundreds of years, perhaps since the discovery of fire. There’s...
April 3, 2023 -
`
The Mediterranean Diet: the Sure-Fire Way to Live a Healthier Life
The countries that lie across the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy, Greece, and Spain, consume a diet based on fresh farm...
March 29, 2023 -
`
All Fruits Are Healthy But These ‘Super Fruits’ Pack More Nutrients – Here’s Why They Are Worth Adding to Your Diet
It doesn’t take a genius to know that fruits are one of the healthiest foods out there because they pack vitamins,...
March 27, 2023 -
`
Deciphering The Connection Between White Rice & Diabetes
Does frequent consumption of white rice increase the risk of you having diabetes? As unrealistic as it may sound, the answer...
March 18, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login