Fish, shrimps, meat and milk rich in iodine on a table

What if you were simply deficient in iodine?

Though it’s rarely discussed, iodine deficiency is a relatively common problem. Here’s a brief overview of its symptoms and ways of addressing it.

2020-07-12

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What are the effects of iodine on the body?

Let’s first remember that iodine is a trace element which plays a key role in thyroid function. Iodine stimulates the production of thyroid hormones (1) which the body needs in order to function properly.

As a general rule, these hormones affect metabolism, the nervous system and energy regulation. Iodine also plays a role in maintaining both cognitive function and healthy skin, etc. (2)

Iodine deficiency: the symptoms of hypothyroidism

When iodine levels are too low, the classic signs of hypothyroidism may appear. There are many such symptoms and they can manifest one after the other leading to some confusion.

The symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are:

unusual fatigue ;
weight gain ;
cognitive problems such as memory loss;
menstrual cycle problems in women;
hypertension;
high cholesterol…

When these symptoms accumulate and cannot be attributed to another condition, iodine deficiency should be suspected (3). It needs to be addressed before the situation gets worse.

A diet rich in iodine – but not in salt

First and foremost, your diet should provide you with sufficient iodine (4). It’s primarily found in marine products and sea food. Oysters and other shellfish contain high levels of iodine as do saltwater fish like cod and sardines. Algae such as wakame, kombu and nori are also good sources.

Dairy products can also help to restore good levels of iodine in the body. So too can iodine-enriched salt, though it should be consumed in moderation given the harmful effects of too much salt on the cardiovascular system. The same goes for algae.

Dietary supplements for correcting iodine deficiency

Iodine supplements are also invaluable for rectifying a lack of iodine without overdoing the salt. Try, for example, the excellent Natural Iodine.

In addition, Lugol’s iodine solution is easily absorbed by the body and has proven efficacy. However, it’s important to note that Lugol’s should only be taken under supervision by a therapist. Indeed, excessive iodine intake should always be avoided, as an imbalance in thyroid function can have serious consequences.

For a comprehensive effect, you can also rely on a multivitamin complex like Daily 3: along with sufficient iodine, it will also provide enough vitamins and trace elements to revive your tired body.

Iodine deficiency can be rectified: if you eat little in the way of marine products, you can address it by taking supplements that are safe and effective. They will support your thyroid in doing its job efficiently and restoring balance to your body.

References

Patrick, Lyn. (2008). Iodine: Deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. 13. 116-27.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1800
Fischli, Stefan. (2013). Hypothyroïdie. 13. 10.4414/fms.2013.01508.
Iodine, fact sheet for consumers, NIH. Mis à jour en décembre 2019. Consulté en mars 2020.

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