IODINE DEFICIENCY  _ A GLOBAL CONCERN

Are you in endemic are for iodine deficiency 

Iodine deficiency is a very common problem worldwide and is a major cause of thyroid diseases.Approximately 30% of world population live in iodine deficient condition. In India almost 300 million people are in iodine deficient areas and this has prompted government to iodise table salt which has shown remarkable progress in reduction of IDDs. The entire mechanism of how deficiency of iodine causes hypothyroidism is a complex matter and I will keep it simple. Deficiency of iodine causes a range of diseases which, are termed as iodine deficiency diseases(IDD) including mental retardation,cretinism, infant mortality and goitre which is grave, marked by  a swelling of the neck. Deficiency can be due to poor intake in terms of foods rich in iodine,inadequate absorption from intestines due malabsorption diseases & lack of exposure to sunlight. (you can read another blog I have written about  the need for sunlight ) When an individual does not receive enough iodine from food or other sources, the thyroid gland increases in size as in an effort to make enough hormones needed for the body. Thus the thyroid gland is exhausted. Thereby  the condition called goitre is developed. Iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women is a serious concern as it is the most popular cause of preventable mental retardation.

The situations where a person might not be getting adequate iodine are many, but may not show any symptoms of iodine deficiency. The easiest way to know if a person has iodine deficiency is to get a urine test done or a blood test done to check the thyroid function. Thyroid is the all too powerful gland for

      1.  Controlling the metabolic rate
2.  Boosting synthesis of proteins
3.  Regulating blood flow and heart rate
4.  Promoting brain development and linear growth in children
5.  Helping the normal reproductive functioning in adults

    The most common signs that can tell you that thyroid is not functioning properly due to deficiency of iodine are listed below.Visible signs would include enlargement of the chin and neck area (caused due to enlargement of your thyroid gland).

1.    You feel lethargic and tired most of the times and suffer from weakness constantly (due to reduced metabolic rates).

2.    You may start feeling cold, even when it is visibly warm for the others around you.
3.    You may have difficulty in concentrating and might have a poor memory ,due to diminished mental power.
4.    You may experience inexplicable &  uncontrollable weight gain
5.    You may become more prone to depressive moods
6.    You may notice your skin becoming thick and puffy or your face becoming puffier than usual.
7.    You may suffer from loss of hair
8.    You may start having frequent constipation.
9.    Your skin might feel really dry.
10.  You might feel your heart beating slower.

The normal recommended intake is 
100 - 150 mcg/day for an adult  and 
Pregnant women - 220 mcg/day
Lactating women - 290 mcg/day
Children aged 1-11 years - 90-120 mcg/day
Infants - Adequate intake is 110-130 mcg/day

Iodine Rich Foods available in India 

Sea Vegetables. The ocean hosts the largest storehouse of iodine foods, including Kelp, Arame, Kombu, and Wakame. etc.......
Fish like sardines,Tuna, Cod,shrimp etc.. 
Egg yolk (esp for children) 
Cranberries. This antioxidant rich fruit is another great source of iodine. ...
 Yoghurt. ...
 Navy Beans. ...
 Strawberries. ...
Raw, Organic Cheese where best options would be Cheddar and Mozzarella..
Organic Potatoes.
Milk and milk products

    

    With proper treatment and change in diet, iodine deficiency disorders can be prevented with ease. For a better health and diagnosis, you must regularly follow up for improving the iodine levels in your body.