Iodine is a key element for maintaining a healthy thyroid gland. If you have trouble losing weight or if you are feeling tired and sluggish, it could be because of iodine deficiency, since iodine also regularizes the body's metabolism. It is protective against goitre which results in swelling of the thyroid gland.
Iodine is also important while planning to conceive since it directly affects the brain development of the foetus. Iodine supports a healthy immune system. Studies have shown when iodine levels fall, the rates of cancer; thyroid disease and obesity have increased. Other symptoms of iodine deficiency are constipation, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, brittle hair and nails and even depression. For women lack of this element can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
A balanced diet is the only way to get sufficient iodine since the body does not produce it on its own.90% of our iodine comes from food and the rest is available in traces in water. In various regions the iodine content of food varies according to the iodine content of soil in which it is grown. Problems like soil erosion and deforestation contribute to lack of iodine in the ground.
Ensure that only iodized salt is used while cooking rather than rock salt. Sea foods like fish, shellfish, shrimp and sea vegetables are rich in iodine, as are green leafy vegetables, milk, meat, pulses and cereals. If iodine deficiency is suspected, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts (choti gobi) and radish should be avoided in the raw form. Unfermented soy products like soy milk and soy protein should also be avoided. Instead opt for fermented tofu. The unfermented soy products contain goitrogens which inhibits iodine absorption leading to thyroid and other issues related to iodine deficiency.
The Indian Government has a program called NIDDCP (National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme). This program carefully monitors the iodization of salt at its Universal Salt Iodization Program (USI) and conducts surveys to regularly monitor Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Every 5 years an assessment is done to note the impact of iodized salt. Always buy salt which clearly mentions that it is iodized.
Check your thyroid levels regularly. Blood tests for thyroid check your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxin) levels.