10 Signs and Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is an essential mineral commonly found in seafood.
Your thyroid gland uses it to make thyroid hormones, which help control growth, repair damaged cells and support a healthy metabolism (1, 2).
Unfortunately, up to a third of people worldwide are at risk of an iodine deficiency (3).
- Pregnant women.
- People who live in countries where there is very little iodine in the soil. This includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and European countries.
- People who don’t use iodized salt.
- People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
On the other hand, iodine deficiencies are rare in the US, where there are sufficient levels of the mineral in the food supply (7).
An iodine deficiency can cause uncomfortable and even severe symptoms. They include swelling in the neck, pregnancy-related issues, weight gain and learning difficulties.
Its symptoms are very similar to those of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormones. Since iodine is used to make thyroid hormones, an iodine deficiency means your body can’t make enough of them, leading to hypothyroidism.
Here are 10 signs and symptoms of an iodine deficiency.
Swelling in the front of the neck is the most common symptom of an iodine deficiency.
This is called a goiter and occurs when the thyroid gland grows too big.
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes thyroid hormones upon receiving a signal from the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (8, 9).
When blood levels of TSH rise, the thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. However, when your body is low in iodine, it can’t make enough of them (9).
To compensate, the thyroid gland works harder to try to make more. This causes the cells to grow and multiply, eventually leading to a goiter.
Fortunately, most cases can be treated by increasing your iodine intake. However, if a goiter hasn’t been treated for many years, it might cause permanent thyroid damage.
SUMMARYSwelling in the front of the neck, or a goiter, is a common symptom of an iodine deficiency. It occurs when your thyroid gland is forced to make thyroid hormones when there is a low supply of iodine in the body.
Unexpected weight gain is another sign of an iodine deficiency.
It may occur if the body does not have enough iodine to make thyroid hormones.
This is because thyroid hormones help control the speed of your metabolism, which is the process by which your body converts food into energy and heat (10, 11).
When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your body burns fewer calories at rest. Unfortunately, this means more calories from the foods you eat are stored as fat (10, 11).
Adding more iodine to your diet may help reverse the effects of a slow metabolism, as it can help your body make more thyroid hormones.
SUMMARYLow iodine levels may slow your metabolism and encourage food to be stored as fat, rather than be burned as energy. This may lead to weight gain.
Fatigue and weakness are also common symptoms of an iodine deficiency.
In fact, some studies have found that nearly 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels, which occur in cases of iodine deficiency, feel tired, sluggish and weak (12).
These symptoms occur because thyroid hormones help the body make energy.
When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body can’t make as much energy as it usually does. This may cause your energy levels to plummet and leave you feeling weak.
In fact, a study in 2,456 people found that fatigue and weakness were the most common symptoms among those with low or slightly low thyroid hormone levels (13).
SUMMARYLow iodine levels may leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. This is because your body needs the mineral to make energy.
Thyroid hormones help control the growth of hair follicles.
When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your hair follicles may stop regenerating. Over time, this may result in hair loss (14).
For this reason, people with an iodine deficiency may also suffer from hair loss (15).
One study in 700 people found that 30% of those with low thyroid hormone levels experienced hair loss (16).
However, other studies have found that low thyroid hormone levels only seem to cause hair loss in those with a family history of hair loss (14).
If you experience hair loss because of an iodine deficiency, getting enough of this mineral may help correct your thyroid hormone levels and stop hair loss.
SUMMARYAn iodine deficiency may prevent hair follicles from regenerating. Fortunately, getting sufficient iodine can help correct hair loss that occurs due to an iodine deficiency.
Dry, flaky skin may affect many people with an iodine deficiency.
In fact, some studies have found that up to 77% of people with low thyroid hormone levels may experience dry, flaky skin (12).
Thyroid hormones, which contain iodine, help your skin cells regenerate. When thyroid hormone levels are low, this regeneration doesn’t occur as often, possibly leading to dry, flaky skin (17).
Additionally, thyroid hormones help the body regulate sweat. People with lower thyroid hormone levels, such as those with an iodine deficiency, tend to sweat less than people with normal thyroid hormone levels (18, 19).
Given that sweat helps keep your skin moist and hydrated, a lack of sweat may be another reason why dry, flaky skin is a common symptom of iodine deficiency.
SUMMARYDry, flaky skin may occur with an iodine deficiency, as the mineral helps your skin cells regenerate. It also helps your body sweat and hydrates your skin cells, so an iodine deficiency can cause you to sweat less.
Feeling cold is a common symptom of an iodine deficiency.
In fact, some studies have found that over 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels may feel more sensitive to cold temperatures than usual (12).
Since iodine is used to make thyroid hormones, an iodine deficiency can cause your thyroid hormone levels to plummet.
Given that thyroid hormones help control the speed of your metabolism, low thyroid hormone levels may cause it to slow down. A slower metabolism generates less heat, which may cause you to feel colder than usual (20, 21).
Also, thyroid hormones help boost the activity of your brown fat, a type of fat that specializes in generating heat. This means that low thyroid hormone levels, which may be caused by an iodine deficiency, could prevent brown fat from doing its job (22, 23).
SUMMARYIodine helps generate body heat, so low levels of it may leave you feeling colder than usual.
Your heart rate is a measure of how many times your heart beats per minute.
It may be affected by your iodine levels. Too little of this mineral could cause your heart to beat slower than usual, while too much of it could cause your heart to beat faster than usual (24, 25).
A severe iodine deficiency may cause an abnormally slow heart rate. This could make you feel weak, fatigued, dizzy and possibly cause you to faint (26).
SUMMARYAn iodine deficiency may slow your heart rate, which may leave you feeling weak, fatigued, dizzy and at risk of fainting.
A study including over 1,000 adults found that those with higher thyroid hormone levels performed better on learning and memory tests, compared to those with lower thyroid hormone levels (30).
Thyroid hormones help your brain grow and develop. That’s why an iodine deficiency, which is required to make thyroid hormones, can reduce brain development (31).
In fact, studies have found that the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls long-term memory, appears to be smaller in people with low thyroid hormone levels (32).
SUMMARYAn iodine deficiency at any age may cause you to struggle to learn and remember things. One possible reason for this might be an underdeveloped brain.
Pregnant women are at a high risk of iodine deficiency.
This is because they need to consume enough to meet their own daily needs, as well as the needs of their growing baby. The increased demand for iodine continues throughout lactation, as babies receive iodine through breast milk (33).
Not consuming enough iodine throughout pregnancy and lactation may cause side effects for both the mother and baby.
Mothers may experience symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as a goiter, weakness, fatigue and feeling cold. Meanwhile, an iodine deficiency in infants may stunt physical growth and brain development (4).
Furthermore, a severe iodine deficiency may increase the risk of stillbirth (34).
SUMMARYGetting enough iodine is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they have higher needs. An iodine deficiency may cause severe side effects, especially for the baby, such as stunted growth and brain development.
Heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding may occur as a result of an iodine deficiency (35).
Like most symptoms of iodine deficiency, this is also related to low levels of thyroid hormones, given that iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones.
In one study, 68% of women with low thyroid hormone levels experienced irregular menstrual cycles, compared to only 12% of healthy women (36).
Research also shows that women with low thyroid hormone levels experience more frequent menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding. This is because low thyroid hormone levels disrupt the signals of hormones that are involved in the menstrual cycle (37, 38).
SUMMARYSome women with an iodine deficiency may experience heavy or irregular periods. This is because low thyroid hormone levels may interfere with hormones that are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.
There are very few good sources of iodine in the diet. This is one reason why iodine deficiency is common worldwide.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 150 mcg per day. This amount should meet the needs of 97–98% of all healthy adults.
However, pregnant or breastfeeding women need more. Pregnant women need 220 mcg daily, while lactating women need 290 mcg daily (39).
The foods below are excellent sources of iodine (39):
- Seaweed, one whole sheet dried: 11–1,989% of the RDI
- Cod, 3 ounces (85 grams): 66% of the RDI
- Yogurt, plain, 1 cup: 50% of the RDI
- Iodized salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams): 47% of the RDI
- Shrimp, 3 ounces (85 grams): 23% of the RDI
- Egg, 1 large: 16% of the RDI
- Tuna, canned, 3 ounces (85 grams): 11% of the RDI
- Dried prunes, 5 prunes: 9% of the RDI
Seaweed is usually a great source of iodine, but this depends on where it came from. Seaweed from some countries, such as Japan, are rich in iodine (40).
Smaller amounts of this mineral are also found in a variety of foods like fish, shellfish, beef, chicken, lima and pinto beans, milk and other dairy products.
The best way to get enough iodine is to add iodized salt to your meals. Half a teaspoon (3 grams) over the course of the day is enough to avoid a deficiency.
If you think you have an iodine deficiency, it’s best to consult your doctor. They will check for signs of swelling (a goiter) or take a urine sample to check your iodine levels (41).
SUMMARYIodine is found in very few foods, which is one reason why deficiency is common. Most healthy adults need 150 mcg per day, but pregnant and lactating women need more to meet the needs of their growing babies.
Iodine deficiencies are very common, especially in Europe and Third World countries, where the soil and food supply have low iodine levels.
Your body uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. That’s why an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body can’t make enough thyroid hormones.
Luckily, deficiency is easy to prevent. Adding a dash of iodized salt to your main meals should help you meet your requirements.
If you think you have an iodine deficiency, it’s best to talk to your doctor. They will check for visible signs of an iodine deficiency, like a goiter, or take a urine sample.
All “silver” Dental Fillings Are Poisoned With Mercury And It Was Covered Up For 30 Years
By Empower Orgone - February 27, 2019
All “silver” dental filling are poisoned with mercury and it was covered up for 30 years
As part of a lawsuit settlement with several consumer groups, the F.D.A. was finally forced to publicly admit that all “silver” dental filling are poisoned with mercury, which attacks the brain as it is absorbed into the blood, and fumes that are emitted whenever one of its victims chews. These facts have been known, and covered up, for 30 years.
“Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during chewing… Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.”— www.fda.gov
After this article was published, the F.D.A. removed the web page (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html) that the above quotes were taken from, which is very likely in flagrant violation of the court order. The court had required them to post this information publicly.
Notice that in spite of the court; they still wrote that mercury “may” have neurotoxic effects, as if toxicologists are not really sure about it yet, and they even went so far as to pretend that brain poisonings should only be an issue to consider for infants.
Of course, this is just another one of their attempts to confuse the issue, since the real issue that we are being distracted from is members of the older population with dental fillings, and who are suffering from mercury-induced Alzheimer’s disease.
They are truly disgusting people, who go into spasms whenever something truthful gets too close to them. The court has mandated that F.D.A. officials take action against the practice of using “silver” dental fillings in 2009, or risk being held in contempt of the court.
Unfortunately, we realize that this illegitimate, presidentially-appointed agency will continue to do what it always has done — operate outside the law.
Anyone at risk of mercury poisoning should supplement his diet with selenium, which is a natural neutralizer of mercury. We strongly recommend the high-quality selenium that is found at health food stores, but not general retailers.
Selenium neutralizes some toxic heavy metals; especially mercury and aluminum. Our research shows that selenium alone will prevent most so-called “age-related” degenerative brain diseases. These diseases are, in most cases, lifelong heavy metal accumulation and toxicity.
They are simple cases of poisoning, and the victims are not really diseased. Preventing the brain damage with selenium is tremendously easier than reversing it, which can be impossible. People should be aware that taking excessive amounts of selenium can be dangerous. A typical dose for an adult is 100 mcg., and 400 mcg. should never be exceeded.
Of course, anyone with enough time and money should have his so-called “silver” fillings replaced with safer materials, along with undergoing a good detoxification program. Ironically, if they really were pure silver fillings, then they would improve health, and have no toxic effects.
View “Smoking Teeth”
See it for yourself: Here is a video from the University of Calgary, and it shows poison gasses coming from old dental fillings, and a weak mercury solution corroding brain neurons via a microscope.
Source: Healthwyze
The Wi-FI Alliance – Coming Soon To Your Neighbourhood – 5G
By Empower Orgone - February 21, 2019
Just as any new technology claims to offer the most advanced development; that their definition of progress will cure society’s ills or make life easier by eliminating the drudgery of antiquated appliances, the Wi-Fi Alliance was organized as a worldwide wireless network to connect,
“everyone and everything, everywhere” as it promised “improvements to nearly every aspect of daily life.”
The Alliance, which makes no pretense of potential health or environmental concerns, further proclaimed (and they may be correct) that there are,
“more Wi-Fi devices than people on earth”.
It is that inescapable exposure to ubiquitous wireless technologies wherein lies the problem.
Soon after the 1895 discovery of x-rays, the budding new technology was not without its health risks of burns and hair loss.
Yet the use of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has evolved at a dramatic exponential rate from Marie Curie’s day into a mega-trillion dollar omnipotent industry creating a world totally dependent on its pernicious wireless applications.
The medical and scientific data is overwhelming and irrefutable as the wireless industry, the MSM and government agencies, frequently the last to acknowledge a pervasive health problem, continue to protect the industry from widespread public awareness of the insidious effects of the latest generation of digital by-products.
Even prior to the 1997 introduction of commercially available Wi-Fi devices which has saturated every industrialized country, EMF Wi-Fi hot spots were everywhere.
Today with the addition of cell and cordless phones and towers, broadcast antennas, smart meters and the pervasive computer Wi-Fi, both adults and especially vulnerable children are surrounded 24-7 by an inescapable presence with little recognition that all radiation exposure is cumulative.
Without the expansion of EMF and all its invasive algorithmic gadgets into our personal lives, intelligence gathering would be severely curtailed, without which Big Brother would be relegated to knocking on doors and hand written notes.
Surely with an estimated $21 trillion missing from the Pentagon, there must be one black budget item to lessen the harmful EMF emissions?
The National Toxicology Program (NTP), a branch of the US National Institute for Health (NIH), conducted the world’s largest study on radiofrequency radiation used by the US telecommunications industry and found a ‘significantly statistical increase in brain and heart cancers’ in animals exposed to EMF (electromagnetic fields).
The NTP study confirmed the connection between mobile and wireless phone use and human brain cancer risks and its conclusions were supported by other epidemiological peer-reviewed studies.
Of special note is that studies citing the biological risk to human health were below accepted international exposure standards.
Professor Emeritus Martin Pall, PhD with degrees in physics, biochemistry and genetics is uniquely qualified and has been researching EMF health effects for almost twenty years:
“…what this means is that the current safety standards as off by a factor of about 7 million.Pointing out that a recent FCC Chair was a former lobbyist for the telecom industry,‘I know how they’ve attacked various people. In the U.S… the funding for the EMF research [by the Environmental Protection Agency] was cut off starting in 1986…The U.S. Office of Naval Research had been funding a fair amount of research in this area [in the ’70s]. They [also] … stopped funding new grants in 1986…And then the NIH a few years later followed the same path’…”
As if all was not reason enough for concern or even downright panic, the next generation of wireless technology known as 5G (fifth generation), representing the innocuous sounding Internet of Things, promises a quantum leap in power and exceedingly more damaging health impacts with mandatory exposures.
The immense expansion of radiation emissions from the current wireless EMF frequency band and 5G about to be perpetrated on an unsuspecting American public should be criminal.
Developed by the US military as non lethal perimeter and crowd control, the Active Denial System emits a high density, high frequency wireless radiation comparable to 5G and emits radiation in the neighborhood of 90 GHz.
The current Pre 5G, frequency band emissions used in today’s commercial wireless range is from 300 Mhz to 3 GHZ as 5G will become the first wireless system to utilize millimeter waves with frequencies ranging from 30 to 300 GHz.
One example of the differential is that a current LANS (local area network system) uses 2.4 GHz.
Hidden behind these numbers is an utterly devastating increase in health effects of immeasurable impacts so stunning as to numb the senses.
In 2017, the international Environmental Health Trust recommended an EU (Scientists Warn of Potential Serious Health Effects of 5G) moratorium,
“on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.”
In its declaration, the EHT asserted that current,
“radio frequency electromagnetic fields has been proven to be harmful to humans and the environment”… “at levels well below most international and national guidelines.”
Described by the ETF as the “next great unknown experiment on our children“, the FCC approved Spectrum Frontiers, in July, 2016,
“making the US the first country in the world to open up higher-frequency millimeter wave spectrum for the development of 5G fifth-generation wireless cellular technology.”
Here’s how ETF summarizes 5G:
“5G technology is designed to carry,‘higher loads of data more rapidly through wireless transmission and will be effective only over short distance. It is poorly transmitted through solid material.Construction of many new antennas will be required and full-scale implementation will result in antennas every 10 to 12 houses in urban areas, thus massively increasing mandatory exposure’.”
5G small cell antennas will unleash round-the-clock millimeter, mini and micro wave radiation immensely more powerful than the current EMF wireless system and will no doubt be sold to a gullible American public as an economically beneficial national jobs program.
In addition, 5G is required to create the Internet of Things (IoT) which promises to wirelessly connect all devices able to transfer data over a cohesive network without computer or human interaction including homes appliances, every ‘smart’ device, city and vehicle and any embedded electronic system that can exchange data.
The IoT of building a new ‘smart’ grid of communications that will connect, just as the Wi-Fi Alliance once suggested,
“everyone, everything and everywhere.”
An integral part of IoT will be to function at its true potential as an interface with Artificial Intelligence.
AI is a self-aware intelligent computer with an ‘automated reasoning‘ ability that,
“perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success.”
Today’s AI’s are able to replace human functions and are capable of doing human things faster and better than any human.
In other words, you may be relieved of all requirements to work or think or function as an engaged human being. All it would take is for an indulgent public to allow IT to do the thinking; make all life decisions until eventually there would be no real purpose in life and humans will be superfluous or extinct.
As AI development is being driven by superstars at Silicon Valley, pre-eminent scientist Stephen Hawking suggested that,
“AI would be biggest event in human history.Unfortunately it might also be the last” and he feared “the consequences of creating something that can match or surpass humans.”
Source: https://www.globalresearch.ca/