Table of contents:
- Signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body
- 1. Swelling of the thyroid gland
- 2. Weight gain dramatically
- 3. Easily tired and cold
- 4. Hair loss and dry skin
- 5. Heart rate slows down
- 6. Difficulty remembering
Reporting from the press release of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Riskesdas 2007 data shows that of the 90 percent target, only 62.3 percent of households in Indonesia consume iodized salt. This means, there are still many people who do not really understand the dangers of iodine deficiency for health.
If the body does not get the iodine intake it needs in a day, the body will be susceptible to interference due to iodine deficiency (GAKI). These include goiter, hypothyroidism, mental retardation, miscarriage, and physical development problems. So, how do you know the symptoms of an iodine deficiency in the body?
Signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body
Iodine plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones in the body. This thyroid hormone functions to help metabolism and support children's growth and development.
Even though it is only needed in small amounts, the fact is that many people experience a deficiency in this mineral intake. The various signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency include:
1. Swelling of the thyroid gland
When your iodine intake is less than 100 mcg (micrograms) per day, your body will start overproducing thyroid hormone (TSH). This can lead to swelling of the thyroid gland, also known as a goiter.
In Indonesia, this condition is better known as goiter. You may think that a goiter lump can be clearly visible on the neck and is painful. Though not so, you know.
An assistant lecturer in endocrinology and metabolism from the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Brittany Henderson, MD, said that goiter can only be seen on ultrasound or CT. scan.
However, if you experience a lump in your throat such as when you are choking or have difficulty swallowing, this could be an early symptom of goiter.
2. Weight gain dramatically
If you feel that you have gained a lot of weight even though you are not eating much, you could be deficient in iodine. However, not all cases of weight gain are definite symptoms of iodine deficiency.
The main function of the thyroid hormone is to help control the body's metabolism by breaking down food into energy and heat. When the thyroid hormone levels are low, the body will be overwhelmed to process food. As a result, calories from food will be stored in the form of fat and increase your weight.
3. Easily tired and cold
Naturally, if the body feels tired after a day of activities. But be careful, this can also be one of the symptoms of iodine deficiency.
A study published in the journal Hippokratia in 2010 revealed that about 80 percent of people with low thyroid levels are prone to fatigue and cold easily. The reason is, the body's slow metabolism makes the body fail to produce energy. The body also feels weak and gets cold easily.
4. Hair loss and dry skin
Not only regulates the body's metabolism, thyroid hormone also functions to control hair follicle growth. When the body's thyroid hormones are low, your hair follicles will stop regenerating, aka growing back. This is what makes hair thin and easy to fall out.
Not only hair, cell regeneration also depends on the level of thyroid hormone in the body. Skin cells will find it difficult to regenerate and sweat less frequently when the body is getting less iodine intake. As a result, the skin tends to be dry and peels easily.
5. Heart rate slows down
Sooner or later your heart rate is influenced by the iodine content in the body. If the level of this mineral is too low, your heart rate will decrease. Vice versa, most iodine intake can increase heart rate.
Chronic and severe iodine deficiency can cause your heart rate to slow down abnormally. If not addressed immediately, this can result in the body feeling weak, tired, dizzy, and even fainting.
6. Difficulty remembering
A study involving 1,000 adults found that participants with high thyroid hormone levels tended to have strong and perceptive memories, compared to participants with low thyroid hormone levels.
Thyroid hormone also plays an important role in brain growth and development. Experts found that the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls long-term memory, tended to be smaller in people with low thyroid levels. That is why, lack of iodine can inhibit brain development and make it easy for you to forget.
