The Dangers of Iodine Deficiency – Information Every Woman Should Know!

Iodine is stored in fat tissues, liver, heart, salivary glands, stomach cells, parts of the eye (that deal with aqueous fluid and intraocular pressure), and in specific brain cells that are related to Parkinson’s disease.

The second largest concentration of iodine in the female body is the breasts. To give you a perspective of how much iodine your body needs, your breasts must have 100 times as much iodine as the thyroid. The same is true for the other endocrine glands, the prostate, stomach, and white blood cells.

Many physicians have used iodine for decades to completely solve symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease and menstrual-associated breast pain.

Iodine Utilization

Iodine is a micro-nutrient that is naturally present in the food supply in many regions. Because most lands have been over-farmed without rotation, many regions that were once rich in nutrients like iodine, aren’t anymore. Low levels of iodine in the soil cannot be utilized or absorbed by the vegetables grown in that region. Iodine added to salt provides the small but essential amount needed by your body, which helps most people avoid iodine deficiency.

Many doctors and health professionals believe that most people can get enough iodine from the foods they consume. Iodine rich foods include seafood, seaweed and iodized salt. If you don't eat seafood regularly or restrict your salt intake however, you may have an iodine deficiency and need an iodine supplement. For most people, 12 milligrams daily is sufficient.

If you are pregnant, it is especially important that your diet provides enough iodine. The effects of iodine deficiency during pregnancy are associated with cognitive defects, which are permanent and irreversible. It is also important for you to take iodine supplements if you are a vegetarian or vegan, unless seaweed is a large portion of your diet.

Iodine is vital to maintaining a normal body metabolism. It is essential in the healthy maturation of children's brains, and the development and normal functioning of the reproductive system.

Iodine helps regulate your body's use of food and energy, as well as keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy. Its also especially important to your bones because it helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Iodine plays a major role of metabolic processes in your body and influences thyroid function. It helps regulate metabolism, influences the way your body utilizes calories, and helps maintains normal energy levels.

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

An low funcioning thyroid typically causes fatigue. Iodine supplements can quickly activate the thyroid and relieve fatigue.