From Sea to Salt: The Complete Guide to Iodine’s Health Benefits and Risks

Iodine is very important for the development of our body. Its consumption is very important during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency can cause many types of health problems. Iodine is very important for the development of the growing baby's brain and for the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland. It is a micronutrient that is required in very small quantities for the development of our body. Iodine also regulates body temperature. Therefore, do not let there be a deficiency of iodine in the body. Good and natural sources of iodine are grains, pulses and fresh foods, milk, fish and seafood. Meat and eggs also contain some amount of iodine. Apart from this, potatoes, milk, raisins, curd, brown rice, garlic, mushrooms, spinach and iodized salt are also good sources.

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Apart from controlling the proper growth and metabolism of humans, iodine has some other health benefits, so let us know about the benefits of iodine today.Iodine improves the function of the thyroid gland by helping in the production of thyroid hormones, which helps in controlling the metabolic rate of the body. Some hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine affect heart rate, blood pressure, body weight and temperature. The body maintains the basal metabolic rate with the help of these hormones, which also helps in protein synthesis.

Iodine plays an important role in maintaining energy levels in the body. Iodine helps in efficient use of calories. The use of iodine prevents calories from being stored as extra fat.Iodine is very beneficial for healthy and glowing skin, teeth and hair. It is an important element for hair care. Iodine deficiency can cause hair loss. Iodine helps in hair growth and strengthens the roots.

It helps in the normal development and maturation of reproductive organs. Adequate intake of iodine in pregnant women prevents stillbirth, neurocognitive disorders and dwarfism in newborns. It helps in improving the hearing and speech ability along with the movement and growth of the baby. Its deficiency can lead to infertility in women. Pregnant women should consume iodine for themselves and their baby. A lactating woman loses a large amount of iodine daily through breast milk. A study shows that a pregnant or nursing woman loses more iodine from her body than the amount she consumes daily which can result in iodine deficiency.

Iodine boosts our immune system. It stimulates the activity of antioxidants throughout the body like vitamin-C which help fight various diseases including heart disease and cancer. Intake of iodine increases hormonal activity which helps you lose weight and body fat which is very good for hypothyroid patients. Iodine deficiency is also one of the causes of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism results in slowing down of bodily processes because the chemical balance in the body gets disrupted due to hypothyroidism. Also, our body is not able to burn the calories of food and convert it into energy.

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Iodine deficiency can have serious effects on our body such as frustration, depression, dryness of skin, breakage of nails and hair, constipation and heavy hoarse voice. Apart from this, iodine deficiency can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels in the blood, inability to tolerate cold, reduced fertility, thickened skin, goiter and fatigue. Its deficiency can lead to diseases like slowing down of the brain and brain damage. Along with this, continuous iodine deficiency can cause swelling of the face, swelling of the throat, thyroid deficiency and hindrance in the functioning of the brain.

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Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can lead to miscarriage, low birth weight of newborns, stillbirth, and death of the baby after birth.Iodine deficiency in a child can lead to developmental problems such as slow brain development, poor body development, dwarfism, late puberty, difficulty in hearing, speaking and understanding, etc. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental weakness is one of the major causes of iodine deficiency worldwide.

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Iodine is very essential for the development of our body and for making thyroid hormone. There are many health benefits of consuming it in balanced quantities. If we consume it in excess, it is harmful for our health. Consuming too much iodine can cause problems like stomach ache, diarrhea or vomiting. Apart from this, there can be a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Excessive amounts of iodine also affects the taste glands, as a result of which the taste of our mouth deteriorates.

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Excessive iodine interferes with the production of thyroid hormone. Which can cause hypothyroidism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, excessive iodine intake can cause the risk of other thyroid diseases including Hashimoto and thyroid cancer. Excessive iodine intake leads to problems like fainting and nervousness. Excessive iodine causes cough, fever, shortness of breath, shock etc.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infants younger than 1 year should consume 50-90 micrograms of iodine per day, children between 1 and 11 years should consume 90-120 micrograms, adults and adolescents should consume 90-120 micrograms, pregnant women should consume 200-220 micrograms and lactating women should consume 250-290 micrograms of iodine.

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Iodine is an important mineral that is required for the production of thyroid hormones. Its major sources include marine fish, such as tuna and salmon, seaweed, eggs, dairy products, and iodized salt. Adequate amounts of iodine help maintain energy balance in the body and regulate metabolism. It is also essential for mental development and physical growth in children.

Iodine deficiency can cause problems such as goiter, fatigue, weight gain, and mental impairment. Its deficiency in pregnant women can have a negative effect on the brain development of the fetus. However, excessive amounts of iodine can also be harmful to health, causing imbalance in the activity of the thyroid gland. Therefore, it is important to take it in balanced amounts.