Iodine, a chemical found in trace amounts in the human body, is known as a key element in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and efficient metabolism. It is obtained primarily through diet, but is also found in some medications. Iodine deficiency is the lack iodine and severe iodine deficiency results in impaired thyroid function or thyroid enlargement (goiter). It ranks as one of the three most common nutritional deficiencies, along with magnesium and vitamin D.
Iodine has four important functions the body:
- Body weight and metabolism stabilization
- Brain development in children
- Fertility
- Fortification of the Immune system
Sources of dietary Iodine
Saltwater fish, seaweed, egg yolks, milk and milk products. Also, iodine is added to water supply or food products meant for humans or domesticated animals.
Causes
Worldwide the soil is deficient in iodine. This may be because of modern industrial agricultural practices and lack of iodine in the soil. Environmental pollutants have robbed the soil of natural iodine levels leading to poor iodine in foods. Fluoridation of water is the major cause of iodine deficiency besides damaging health in many ways. The other reasons for falling iodine levels are:
- Diet low in fish and shellfish and seaweed
- Vegan and vegetarian diets
- Decreased use of iodized salt
- Less use of iodine in the food and agriculture industry
- Use of radioactive iodine in many medical procedures, which competes with natural iodine
Symptoms
Iodine deficiency symptoms manifest when thyroid gland doesn’t receive enough iodine. The more serious and severe symptoms vary with individuals, but usually include:
- Thyroid enlargement (goiter)
- Depression & anxiety
- Mental retardation
- Fetal hypothyroidism
- Autism
- Slowed brain function
- Slowed metabolism
- Lowered immunity
- Cysts, soreness & heaviness in breasts
- Compromised detoxification organ function
- Impaired thyroid function
Treatment
It is better to obtain iodine from natural food than supplements. Consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary when the cause of thyroid abnormalities is unclear. Homeopathic treatment is the best holistic system of medicine and treats effectively diseases such as goiter and hyper/hypothyroidism. It not only treats the root of the disease, but also boosts the immune system enabling the body to heal itself. All homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances which are safe to use. No homeopathic medicine should be taken without prior consultation with a certified homeopath.
