1. Swelling in the Neck
Swelling in the front of the neck is the most common symptom of an iodine deficiency.
This is called a goiter and occurs when the thyroid gland grows too big.
Swelling in the front of the neck, or a goiter, is a common symptom of an iodine deficiency. It occurs when your thyroid gland is forced to make thyroid hormones when there is a low supply of iodine in the body.
2. Unexpected Weight Gain
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production. A lower metabolism means fewer calories are burned for energy. When someone can’t burn calories properly, that person’s body will store any unused calories as fat, which can lead to an increase in weight.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
The thyroid relies on iodine to synthesize hormones and facilitate metabolism. If someone develops hypothyroidism (caused by an insufficient level of iodine), it can decrease all of that person’s metabolic processes. Metabolism is the burning of calories the body uses for energy, and a decrease slows the body’s energy production, resulting in weakness and fatigue. This is because your body needs the mineral to make energy.
4. Hair, skin and nail problems
Thyroid hormones support the growth of hair, skin and nails. The lack of these hormones commonly causes the skin to become dry, pale and itchy. The nails and hair can become dry, thin and brittle. A decrease in metabolism further hinders skin, hair and nail health as the amount of nutrient-rich blood delivered to the body is insufficient.
Fortunately, getting sufficient iodine can help correct hair loss that occurs due to an iodine deficiency.
5. Feeling Colder Than Usual
Feeling cold and chilled is a common complaint from someone suffering from iodine deficiency. Iodine helps generate body heat, so low levels of it may leave you feeling colder than usual.
6. Changes in Heart Rate
An iodine deficiency may slow your heart rate, which may leave you feeling weak, fatigued, dizzy and at risk of fainting.
7. Trouble Learning and Remembering
An iodine deficiency may affect your ability to learn and remember
An iodine deficiency at any age may cause you to struggle to learn and remember things. One possible reason for this might be an underdeveloped brain.
9. Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at a high risk of iodine deficiency.
Getting enough iodine is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they have higher needs. An iodine deficiency may cause severe side effects, especially for the baby, such as stunted growth and brain development.
10. Heavy or Irregular Periods
Heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding may occur as a result of an iodine deficiency
Some women with an iodine deficiency may experience heavy or irregular periods. This is because low thyroid hormone levels may interfere with hormones that are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.
The Bottom Line
Iodine deficiencies are very common, especially in Europe and Third World countries, where the soil and food supply have low iodine levels.
Your body uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. That’s why an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body can’t make enough thyroid hormones.
Luckily, deficiency is easy to prevent. Adding a dash of iodized salt to your main meals should help you meet your requirements.
If you think you have an iodine deficiency, it’s best to talk to your doctor. They will check for visible signs of an iodine deficiency, like a goiter, or take a urine sample.
Source:remedydaily.com, healthline.com
