Iodine is a chemical that is 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, which is why an iodine deficiency causes problems with the thyroid gland. Physical symptoms of iodine deficiency include a slow metabolism, fatigue, loss of bone density, and high blood pressure. Mental symptoms of iodine deficiency include depression, irritability, and poor memory.
The thyroid gland produces the hormones T3 and T4, which affect most of the body's systems. 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 to make more T3 and T4.
As a result of TSH, the thyroid can become enlarged. An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. The thyroid gland affects many systems in the body and is so dependent on iodine that an iodine deficiency is responsible for a number of symptoms, both mental and physical.
Perhaps one of the most obvious physical symptoms of iodine deficiency is slow metabolism. This manifests as weight gain. Many people who complain to their doctors of weight gain that cannot otherwise be explained will undergo thyroid tests. 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 are deficient in iodine can also experience cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and infertility. These are just a few of the many physical symptoms of iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency also has mental symptoms. This is because it impairs the proper production of hormones that also affect mental function. The victim may experience depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and poor memory.
Eating foods high in iodine 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, of the symptoms of iodine deficiency to go away. Seafood is an excellent source of natural iodine and should be a staple in the diet of anyone with iodine deficiency. You should also consume sea salt, iodized salt, cheddar cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, and most freshwater fish.
One way to test for iodine deficiency is to use the iodine patch test. This involves putting a small amount of a chemical called tincture of iodine on the skin, leaving it on overnight, and seeing how much is left on the skin in the morning. If the tincture of iodine has completely disappeared, the skin has absorbed it. The iodine patch test is said to be complete, and this indicates an iodine deficiency.