Lack of iodine - iodine deficiency

The main function of the thyroid gland is the production of hormones that are vital for the development of the body (mental, physical, sexual, etc.).

Iodine is required for this body for normal work, in the regulation of metabolism. Iodine deficiency in the body leads to a malfunction in all systems and incomplete performance of their functions. The daily requirement for it is not more than 250 micrograms, during a lifetime in food and water a person gets a little more than a teaspoon of this element.

Despite its meager content in the body, the role of iodine is great. If its enough, most of this trace element is in the thyroid gland. It clears the passing blood from germs, has calming properties (with stress, irritability, etc.). The next function of the microelement is one of the most important, it is responsible for mental abilities due to processes that favorably influence the activity of the brain. In addition, iodine contributes to the elasticity of blood vessels.

During pregnancy, during growth and just during the body's supercooling, the need for this trace element increases. Lack of iodine leads to inferior metabolism. It is important to remember that the simultaneous intake of it in pure form and in large doses (several grams) can be dangerous for human life. At the same time, taking iodine in the form of salts can be unlimited, because The increase in its concentration will be compensated by rapid removal from the body.

Lack of iodine in adults can be manifested by a decrease in intellectual abilities, a decrease in vitality and, accordingly, the ability to work. Given that this element is needed for the synthesis of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, one must remember the important role they play in the formation and development of the child's brain. It is very important not to forget about this during the period of intrauterine development of the child and the first days after birth. The lack of hormones at this time will lead to a grave illness - cretinism. It is usually accompanied by mental retardation and a delay in physical development.

In adults, a deficiency of this trace element can cause skin dryness, constipation, weight gain, inhibition of reflexes and a feeling of coldness in the limbs. Women may develop a breast tumor and infertility. In addition to these symptoms, a lack of iodine can lead to the appearance of goiter (proliferation of thyroid tissue). It is a reaction of the thyroid gland to the inability to produce enough hormones.

Specialists the appearance of goiter and cretinism are closely linked with the deficit of this element. Practice has shown that people must necessarily control the content of iodine in the body. For this, it is not necessary to go to a medical facility, at home with a test, you can easily find out if there is a lack of iodine or not. Wet the cotton swab in the alcohol solution of this element, in a convenient place on the skin to make an iodine grid.

Next morning, carefully inspect this site, if there is nothing there, then we can say with confidence that the organism needs this trace element.

The lack of iodine can be compensated for by increasing it to physiological standards. The main sources of this trace element are food, water and salt. To do this, you need to have vegetables rich in iodine in your menu: tomatoes, radish, carrots, asparagus, potatoes, peas, rhubarb, spinach, onions and cabbage. In the warm season, the deficit can be replenished due to strawberries, currants, grapes and chokeberry, the same products in a frozen form retain their properties quite well.

A very high content of iodine is found in seafood: sea kale, seaweed, oysters, crabs, shrimp and sea fish.

It should be remembered that long-term storage of all listed products leads to a decrease in the content of this desired element. In food iodized salt should be added only after the end of heat treatment. Taking 5-6 grains from an apple and chewing them properly, you can get a daily rate of iodine.