The importance of iodine in the food groups
April 13, 2009
The human body needs minerals and vitamins in appropriate quantities for healthy growth and development. Iodine is one such mineral that is particularly used by our thyroid glands for proper functioning.
Iodine, however, is only required in trace quantities, and can negatively affect the glands if there is too much or little in the body.
Seawater and soil contain high amounts of iodine in a form that is easily ingestible by humans. Therefore, the amount of iodine plants can obtain from the soil impacts how much iodine is passed on to humans through consumption.
Those who eat seafood should be concerned with the amount of iodine within it. Salt is the main source of iodine in our everyday diet.
The thyroid glands are responsible for the regulation of our metabolism and energy expenditure. As it is not equipped to store iodine for long periods of time, it is necessary for us to include iodine in our daily diet in appropriate quantities.
Some examples of foods rich in iodine are cheddar cheese, cod, condensed milk, eggs, fish and fish oils, haddock, kelp, malt bread, mayonnaise, nori, seafood and sea products, trifle, wakame and yorkshire pudding.
Iodine deficiencies can cause goiter and cretinism, which can result in developmental delays. Iodine deficiencies are more common in mountainous regions of the world where food is grown in soil lacking iodine.
One way of counteracting this situation is by using iodized salt instead of regular salt to compensate for the loss. People affected with goitre often exhibit swollen glands in the neck (where the thyroid glands are located) and have a poor metabolism, exhibit weakness, weight gain, hair loss and memory loss, abnormal menstrual cycle in women and decreased libido in men.
Excess iodine in the body can also be harmful. It leads to hyperthyroidism which is the overproduction of the thyroid hormones. This condition is normally prevalent in coastal areas where the iodine intake would be higher due to higher consumption of seafood and sea products.
The condition is characterized by general feelings of weakness, weak muscles, anxiety and emotional swings.
Both conditions are easily identifiable and treatable. A visit to the doctor should solve most of the thyroid problems.
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