When people think about all of the essential vitamins and mineral nutrients that we consume every day, not many people think about iodine. This may be why the WHO data shows that 72% of the global population is deficient in iodine. But because there are so many iodine health benefits, it’s important for people to ensure they’re getting sufficient amounts.
Why Do People Need Iodine?
When people hear that they need more iodine, they may thinking “what does iodine do exactly?” Well, iodine is important for a number of functions in the human body. It’s important for the production of thyroid hormones, which help with metabolic regulation. Additionally, it’s important for keeping the immune system strong and aiding in stabilization heart rate, liver and kidney functions, and brain development. Overall, iodine is important for numerous functions in the body and without enough of it, people can begin to see adverse effects.
Warning Signs of an Iodine Deficiency
Because iodine is so important for keeping the body healthy and strong, it’s crucial that people are aware of signs and symptoms of an iodine deficiency. Some common symptoms may include things like:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Dry skin
- Headaches
- Depression
- Swelling in the neck
- Fatigue
- Memory issues
- Cold hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Recurrent infections
How to Get More Iodine
Many people may be deficient in iodine without even realizing it. Fortunately, there are two extremely easy ways to get more iodine.
Eat more iodine-rich foods: The main way people consume iodine is through the food they eat. So by carefully choosing foods rich in iodine, people can easily boost their iodine intake. Some common foods packed with iodine include seaweed, plain yogurt, baked cod, navy beans, eggs, shrimp, and baked potatoes. By doing some research and learning more about which foods contain more iodine, people can easily consume more iodine if necessary.
Using iodine as a health supplement: Aside from eating iodine-rich foods, using iodine as a health supplement is another great way to increase iodine intake. By taking these supplements, people can ensure they’re getting exactly the right amount of iodine they need to keep their bodies healthy. This is especially great for people who don’t enjoy a variety of food or those who are at a higher risk of an iodine deficiency, like pregnant women. For people with thyroid issues, it can be a natural alternative to thyroid medication.
Iodine plays a crucial role in keeping our bodies and minds healthy. So whether you eat more iodine-rich foods or try using iodine as a health supplement, it’s important you keep your iodine intake at the recommended level to avoid adverse effects.
