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Iodine deficiency affects the thyroid gland and causes physical symptoms such as slowed metabolism, weight gain, and high blood pressure, as well as mental symptoms like depression and poor memory. Eating iodine-rich foods can help restore thyroid health. The iodine patch test can be used to check for deficiency.
Iodine is a chemical found in the human body in very small amounts. Not having enough iodine in the body is called iodine deficiency. Iodine is extremely important for the functioning of the thyroid gland, so a lack of iodine causes problems with the thyroid gland. The physical symptoms of iodine deficiency include a slowed metabolism, fatigue, loss of bone density and high blood pressure. Mental signs of iodine deficiency include depression, irritability, and poor memory.
The thyroid gland produces the hormones T3 and T4, which affect most systems in the body. They help the body produce heat and consume oxygen and aid in growth and development, including brain function. Iodine deficiency causes the thyroid to decrease its production of T3 and T4. This causes another gland in the body, the pituitary gland, to produce a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more T3 and T4.
Due to TSH, the thyroid can become enlarged. The enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a goiter. The thyroid gland affects so many bodily systems and relies so heavily on iodine that an iodine deficiency is responsible for a variety of symptoms, both mental and physical.
Perhaps one of the most obvious physical symptoms of iodine deficiency is a slowed metabolism. This manifests itself as weight gain. Many people who complain to their doctors about weight gain that can’t be explained otherwise will have their thyroid tested. There are other causes of thyroid problems, but iodine deficiency is one of the main causes.
Other physical symptoms of iodine deficiency include osteoporosis or a loss of bone density; hypertension or high blood pressure; fatigue; dry skin; hair loss; and swelling in the hands or feet. People who have iodine deficiency might also experience cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and infertility. These are just a few of the many physical signs of iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency also has mental symptoms. This is because it impairs the proper production of hormones which also affect mental function. The sufferer might experience depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating and poor memory.
Eating iodine-rich foods should help restore the health of the thyroid gland. This will cause the thyroid to produce healthy amounts of T3 and T4, which will cause many if not all symptoms of iodine deficiency to disappear. Shellfish are an excellent source of natural iodine and should be a staple in the diet of anyone with an iodine deficiency. Sea salt, iodized salt, cheddar cheese, eggs, mayonnaise and most freshwater fish should also be consumed.
One way to check for iodine deficiency is to use the iodine patch test. This involves placing a small amount of a chemical called tincture of iodine on the skin, leaving it on overnight, and seeing how much remains on the skin in the morning. If the iodine tincture has completely disappeared, the skin has absorbed it. The iodine patch test is said to be complete and this indicates an iodine deficiency.
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