Iodine is a mineral vital for good health. It plays an important role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for brain development, for growth, wound healing and normal metabolism. Lack of iodine limits the ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones, causing hypothyroidism. It is important to know that an adult should consume 150 micrograms of iodine each day in order to maintain a healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire body.

Signs of iodine deficiency According to a study conducted in 2017, about a third of people lack iodine. Here are 11 signs that indicate that a person can have iodine deficiency.

A sharp increase in weight One of the most visible signs of iodine deficiency is an unexpected increase in weight. When a person has a healthy metabolism, food turns into energy. Hypothyroidism slows the metabolism, and calories begin to be deposited in the form of fat, which leads to a sharp increase in weight. It is important to remember that weight gain is not always a sign of iodine deficiency. A more common explanation for weight gain is the consumption of more calories, or overeating. However, if weight gain can not be explained by these factors, it is worthwhile.

Feeling of weakness When a person has iodine deficiency, he feels a constant weakness. It becomes difficult for him to lift ordinary objects, to move hard, to walk fast, and t. This is also due to the fact that hypothyroidism slows the metabolism of a person, and the body receives less energy from the same amount of food. The muscles begin to work less efficiently than before, which makes a person feel weak.

The feeling of fatigue The lowering of the metabolic rate also makes a person feel constantly tired. Like weight gain, a sense of fatigue does not always mean iodine deficiency. However, if a person rests enough, and his fatigue is inexplicable, it can be a symptom of iodine deficiency.

Hair loss Hair loss is another possible sign that a person may have iodine deficiency. Thyroid hormones support the restoration of the hair follicle. With hypothyroidism, the lack of hormones leads to the fact that the follicles stop being updated, and with time the hair becomes noticeably smaller.

Dry skin Dry, flaky skin may be a sign of hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones help cells to be updated. Their absence can lead to the formation of large keratinized skin areas that are highly flaky.

Constant sensation of cold A constant sensation of cold also arises from the slowing of metabolism. A man lacks energy not only for active movements, but even for heating his own body. If you suddenly started to chilly all the time, despite staying in the usual climate - this can also become an occasion to call an endocrinologist.

Slow pulse Iodine deficiency can cause the heart to beat more slowly - also because of muscle weakness, which affects not only the skeletal muscles, but all the other muscles of the body. Because of the slow heartbeat, heart pain can also occur, as well as dizziness caused by lack of oxygen.

Problems with learning and memory Thyroid hormones are important for brain development. Deficiency of iodine can cause a deficiency of these hormones, which leads to problems with memory and the study of new things. A study conducted in 2014 showed that the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning ability, was smaller in people with low thyroid hormone levels.

Complications of pregnancy A pregnant woman may find it difficult to get enough iodine, since this microelement is needed not only for her, but also for the future child's body. With small deficiencies of iodine, the child's brain will develop worse, with a severe defect, even fetal death.

10. Painful or irregular monthly Low thyroid hormone levels can affect the regulation of the menstrual cycle. With iodine deficiency, menstruation is much more painful than with a healthy cycle.

eleven. Zob With a strong and chronic lack of iodine, there is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland.

Diagnosis Iodine deficiency in the body can diagnose a doctor. The most effective way to diagnose iodine deficiency is to analyze urine. Iodine deficiency occurs when a person, for whatever reason, does not consume enough iodine-rich foods.

What to do?.

According to the recommendations of experts from the National Institute of Public Health, the following products are a good source of iodine:.

seaweed cod yogurt iodized salt shrimp chicken eggs tuna prune Source: Medportal.