Iodine deficiency can cause dysfunctions in the body, and at the same time cause health complications. Here are the unknown signs of iodine deficiency.
Signs of iodine deficiency:
According to a 2017 study, about one third of people are deficient in iodine. Here are 11 signs that prove that a person is suffering from iodine deficiency.
1. Put on weight:
One of the most visible signs of iodine deficiency is unexpected weight gain. However, it is important to remember that weight gain is not always a sign of iodine deficiency. It can be considered a deficiency symptom only when weight gain can not be explained otherwise. That's why we talk about unexpected weight gain.
2. Weakness:
When a person has iodine deficiency, they may feel weak. For example, you will have more trouble taking loads that you are used to lifting without striving. This weakness is explained by the lack of energy.
Hypothyroidism slows down a person's metabolism. This means that they burn fewer calories to produce energy. And with little energy, the muscles can not function normally either. Which leads to lack of strength.
3. Fatigue:
Unexplained fatigue can also be a symptom of iodine deficiency. As already explained in the previous paragraph, a drop in energy production causes the same lack of strength, but also fatigue. Therefore, feeling tired is another sign of iodine deficiency.
4. Hair loss:
Hair loss is another likely sign that you have iodine deficiency. Thyroid hormones support the renewal of the hair follicle. In case of hypothyroidism, the shortage of thyroid hormones prevents the renewal of follicles.
To these signs are added the following: drying of the skin, feeling cold, having a slow heart rate, problems of learning or memorizing, complications of
pregnancy, irregular menstruation, and a swollen neck.
Treatment :
According to the National Institutes of Health, the following are good sources of iodine:
Seaweed, 1 dried leaf: 11 to 1,989 percent recommended daily intake
Cod, 3 ounces or 85 grams (g): 66 percent recommended daily allowance
Yogurt, plain, 1 cup: 50 percent recommended daily intake
Iodized salt, 1/4 teaspoon or 1.5 g: 47 percent daily recommended
Shrimps, 3 ounces or 85 g: 23 percent daily recommended
Egg, 1 large: 16 percent daily recommended
Tuna, canned, 3 ounces or 85 g: 11 per cent recommended daily intake
Dried prunes, 5 pieces: 9 percent daily recommended
NB: A person must consume 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine each day to maintain a healthy level for his body.