Iodine is essential to the human body although we don’t produce it ourselves. Without sufficient levels the thyroid can’t properly function, and this can lead to a whole host of problems. It’s thought that up to 40% of the world is lacking enough iodine. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of brain damage, yet it’s completely preventable. Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones and releases them into the body. Thyroid problems can lead to problems such as rapid heart rate, menstrual cycle changes, arrhythmia, muscle weakness, double vision, and other issues. It’s crucial to get enough in your diet or with supplementation to avoid these dangers of deficiency:
Table of Contents
Dangers of Iodine Deficiency
- Goiters
- Hyperthyroidism
- Brain Damage and Mental Retardation in Children
- Reduced Mental Capacity
- Autoimmune Disease
- Increased Risk of Thyroid Cancer
- Infertility
5 Ways Iodine Will Improve Your Health
1. Improve Cognition
Insufficient levels during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to brain damage and mental retardation. Conversely, adequate levels not only prevent those serious health issues, but research has shown actual improvement in children. The study showed an improvement with information processing, fine motor skills, and visual problem solving.
2. Protect from Radiation
When the thyroid has enough non-radioactive iodine present it can’t absorb radioactive iodine and it is flushed out of the system. It’s recommended during times of increased radiation exposure or nuclear fallout to increase consumption of this essential mineral.
3. Aid in Cancer Prevention
The risk of developing thyroid cancer can be reduced with sufficient iodine in cases of radioactive iodine exposure. The mineral aids in apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cells, such as cancer cells. Studies found this to be true with human breast cancer cells.
3. Flush out Toxic Chemicals
As mentioned above, enough iodine can flush out radioactive iodine. It also can aid in flushing out fluoride, mercury, lead, and other toxins.
4. Improve Metabolism
An under active thyroid can lead to a slow metabolism, whereas a healthy thyroid is essential to a well functioning metabolism. Getting enough iodine helps to keep the thyroid in check. A faster metabolism can help with weight loss. Click on this page to find out more how to purify water with Iodine.
5. Increase Energy
Like with other mineral deficiencies, your energy levels can be greatly impacted when you aren’t getting enough in your diet. Consuming the recommended daily amount can help you to feel less sluggish and more alert.
Where to Get Iodine
The most prevalent way people is through iodized salt, but that may not be the answer. The iodine added into salts is synthetic and not easily absorbed by the body, not to mention conventional salt is dangerous. Pure salts, such as Himalayan crystal salt, contain it naturally.
But salt isn’t the only consumable source. Seaweed is full of iodine from seawater and can be an excellent source of the micronutrient, as well as other seafood. You can also find iodine in cranberries, strawberries, navy beans, potatoes, dairy, eggs, and turkey. Organic options of these foods are important to reduce your exposure to pesticides. The recommended daily amount of iodine is 150 mcg per day. If you’re falling short of this amount, consider an natural supplement, but don’t overdo it. Too much iodine can have adverse effects on the thyroid, though research has determined the benefits of iodine supplementation far outweigh the risks.
Below are some products that can help you reach a the recommended amount. This is in no way a substitution for medical advice. Please discuss the addition of any vitamins and supplements, or changes in your diet, with your doctor.
Disclosure: Bookieboo LLC has an affiliate relationship with Amazon and Thrive Market, a member based online shopping club that can save you 25%-50% off of retail on natural and organic products.
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Additional sources:
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My mom has mentioned iodine to me as it relates to the thyroid. I didn’t realize some beans were a good source! I need some good recipes for ways to work seaweed into recipes other than sushi! 🙂 Help!
Thank you so much for your article. I have hyperthyroid. I thought I was suppose to stay away from iodine. I have cysts on my thyroid.
Ann and Linda, You’re right. Must be a mistake in the text. A lack of iodine can cause hypothyroidism. I am curious how much grams of the various iodine containing food is needed daily.
Yes, the American Thyroid Association states that lack of iodine can cause HYPOthyroidism. We have had both in our family!
I was unaware of how much iodine is needed in our diet … yet another essential element to try and get more of in my meals!
In my practice I find a deficiency in iodine is related to hypothyroid not so much hyperthyroidism. Curious???
Awesome post! I didn’t know iodine has a lot of benefits. Now I need to increase my iodine intake. Thanks for the information.