What’s in an RDV?
It’s a common belief in the wellness world that the average person gets enough iodine from their diet. What is not as well-known is that the Recommended Daily Value is only enough to prevent illness… not enough to promote whole-body wellness. In this blog, we will explore what the absence of enough iodine in your body can do, and how implementing an iodine supplement can help boost your overall health and wellness.
What happens when you don’t get enough iodine?
There is a common belief that using iodized salt is enough to satisfy the human body’s need for iodine. But iodine comes in two forms: sodium iodide and elemental iodine. Both forms are necessary for overall health.
Here are four health challenges that arise from not getting enough iodine.
#1 – Poor Fetal, Infant, and Childhood Development
Pregnant and breastfeeding women need up to 50% more iodine than usual, which means many women are not getting the amount of iodine required during pregnancy. Getting that much iodine is actually pretty difficult, especially if you aren’t a fan of super-salty food! The importance of this cannot be overstated; a fetus or a breastfeeding infant cannot receive iodine any other way, and iodine plays a crucial part in their development. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has also been linked to stillbirth, miscarriage, and birth defects.
For this reason, taking a daily iodine supplement during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is vital to prevent impaired development and cognitive function.
Infancy is not the only time when iodine is needed. Even a mild iodine deficiency during childhood can severely impact the development of a child’s brain and nervous systems. There is also significant research showing possible impaired neurological development when a child does not get enough iodine.
Remember: before giving your child an iodine supplement, or any supplement, it is important to speak to your child’s healthcare provider. Every child’s needs are different.
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#2 – Thyroid Conditions
The most common evidence of iodine deficiency is the development of thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These are conditions in which the body either does not make enough of the thyroid hormone, or makes too much.
According to research, 10% of women have signs of hypothyroidism by the age of 50, and by 60, that number is up to 17%. While some symptoms of thyroid conditions can be mild, some can be extreme. These symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy or drive
- Daytime sleepiness
- Weight gain
- Water retention or bloating
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
In extreme conditions, the development of enlarged thyroid gland can occur. This is called goiter, and can cause a myriad of health problems.
Supplementing with a trusted iodine supplement like Lugol’s Iodine can make a huge difference in thyroid health.
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, you should talk to your healthcare provider about checking your thyroid, and see if an iodine supplement like Lugol’s Iodine might be right for you.
#3 – Changes in Physical Appearance
Surprisingly, iodine deficiency can also cause negative changes in your appearance.
Puffy skin, especially around the face, is a common symptom of hypothyroidism as the skin retains fluid. Alternatively, iodine deficiency can also cause fluid loss, reduced skin cell regeneration, and a buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in dry, scaly skin. Thyroid disorders can also cause excessive wrinkles, pale, thin skin, and a reduced ability to sweat.
Reduced thyroid hormone production can also cause dry, brittle, thinning hair. Thyroid hormones help regulate hair follicle reproduction, and when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough due to low iodine levels, the result is poor hair growth and health.
Naturally, there are many reasons why a person can experience these symptoms. Age, hydration, and lifestyle are all mitigating factors. However, if you are experiencing dry, brittle hair, thin, papery skin, or a puffy face, it may be time to talk to your doctor about taking a trusted iodine supplement like Lugol’s Iodine by Mother Earth Labs.
#4 – Throat and Voice Problems
We mentioned goiter, the condition in which the throat swells visibly due to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It’s important to note that there are signs and symptoms to watch for before this condition becomes obvious, and difficult to manage.
As the thyroid begins to enlarge due to iodine deficiency, you may experience dysphagia, a condition in which it becomes difficult to swallow. There are many conditions that may cause or exacerbate this condition, but iodine deficiency is a common culprit.
Hypothyroidism can also cause dysphonia, or hoarseness. This change in the voice is due to the fact that hypothyroidism causes inflammation that affects the vocal chords, resulting in hoarseness or even changes in tone. Untreated, this change in the voice can get progressively worse as the problem remains.
Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with these types of conditions. Hydration is key, as well as ensuring your body has enough iodine to help regulate the thyroid. Practicing proper breathing techniques also helps, and communicating with your doctor about unexplained voice changes is also important.
Remember to discuss the possibility of iodine supplementation with your provider if you believe you may be experiencing iodine deficiency.
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While iodine deficiency may seem unusual in today’s population, it’s more common than you may think. Speaking to your healthcare provider about possible thyroid issues can eliminate many problems later, and you may want to consider an iodine supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or have an iodine deficiency.
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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23417-iodine-deficiency
https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/hypothyroidism
https://fortworthent.net/ear-nose-throat/difficulty-swallowing/