Initially discovered as a new element in 1811 by Barnard Courtois, knowledge of this substance has come to include the host of benefits it brings to the body as an essential nutrient. For many years, getting enough iodine in the diet naturally was difficult in many geographic regions and remains so for an unfortunately high percentage of the world's population in the developing nations. With the introduction of iodized salt, meeting the daily iodine requirement became nearly effortless and inexpensive in the industrialized nations. In these nations, iodine deficiency is now rare. As developing nations are able to make the shift to iodized salt, their rates of iodine deficiency and the diseases associated with it have also begun to decrease.
One of the main ways that iodine affects the body and health is through its interactions with the thyroid gland. Approximately 80% of the iodine found in the body is located in the thyroid. With the help of iodine, the thyroid is able to produce its hormones: thyroxine and triodothyronine. These hormones play a major part in regulating processes relating to growth and development of the body and influence the maturation of the reproductive system.
Because of its influence on the thyroid's activities, iodine therefore plays a great role in the basic metabolism processes and levels in the body. It helps in overseeing that the body efficiently burns calories thus preventing excess calories from being stored as excess fats. It has a role in maintaining the energy level of the body and in helping the skin, teeth, nails and hair to he strong and healthy. Iodine also plays a big role in destroying toxins in the body and also helps the system in utilizing both the mineral calcium and silicone.
A deficiency in iodine can negatively affect the health and functioning of the body and mind in many ways some of which are more serious than others. The symptoms of iodine deficiency that affect the mind range from feelings of frustration and anxiety to depression to mental retardation stemming from an IQ point decrease of up to 15 points to the severe mental retardation relating to such diseases as cretinism which includes serious physical malformations. According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is among the leading causes of mental retardation worldwide. Physical symptoms of iodine deficiency can include dry, scaly skin, fatigue, constipation, unusual weight gain, impaired thyroid operation, goiters, decreased fertility, increased rate of stillbirth, and growth abnormalities ranging in severity.
It is truly shameful that people suffer such horrific affects from a deficiency that could be resolved with mere pennies per person. Iodized salt is so inexpensive and if could be spread throughout the poverty centers of the developing nations, the needless suffering of millions could be alleviated. Infants need to have 40 micrograms to 50 micrograms per day if iodine, children from 1 to 3 years of age need 70 micrograms daily, ages 4 to 6 require 90 micrograms per day, ages 7 to 10 need 120 micrograms daily, and children aver 11 should have 150 micrograms per day. In turn, pregnant women need more iodine intake than the normal adult. A whooping 175 micrograms of iodine daily is needed daily for these women and breastfeeding women should have 200 micrograms daily. A mere quarter of a teaspoon of iodized salt contains 95 micrograms of iodine. So for a healthy mind and body, be sure to consume the required daily dose of iodine.
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Charlene J. Nuble 2005.
For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/
cleaning team near Winnetka ..Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
It is not a myth. Eating breakfast is an important... Read More
FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More
The nutritional support in critically ill patients can be explained... Read More
I'm always amazed at how many people seem to know... Read More
Most of us equate the word diet with calorie reduction.... Read More
Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More
Nails are a protective horn at the end of our... Read More
Are Your Cells Talking To Each Other?Communication! It permeates our... Read More
Dr. Arthur Agatston, the cardiologist who developed South Beach Diet... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
Having a personal wellness program has become a concern for... Read More
1. Look for high quality, crystalline, free-form, amino acids (AAs)... Read More
Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More
Flaxseeds may be the smallest seeds you will find in... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a dangerous condition that can... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
Diet nutrition physiqueToday, learning about diet nutrition physique isn't all... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Diet nutrition physiqueToday, learning about diet nutrition physique isn't all... Read More
I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More
Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More
Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
Coconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
Since 1994, food manufacturers have required the Food and Drug... Read More
Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More
There are a lot of very good reasons to eat... Read More
For some people it is really hard to give up... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More
Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More
The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are... Read More
ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits... Read More
In this fast paced world, good nutrition may sound very... Read More
Last year I had a number of clients who started... Read More
Evidence suggesting that alcohol is "cardio-protective" first appeared in the... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
Nutrition |