
Iodine is one of the most important minerals that the body needs to function properly, especially the thyroid gland, the deficiency of which leads to a deficiency in it, which affects the body’s metabolism properly, hinders the metabolism, and increases the accumulation of harmful fats. It is also an important component in improving the functioning of the nervous system, and strengthening teeth and bones, especially in children during pregnancy and lactation.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency
There are many symptoms that result from iodine deficiency in the body, as well as symptoms of hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency, and symptoms of iodine deficiency include the following:
1. Swelling in the neck

Swelling in the front of the neck is one of the most common signs of iodine deficiency, and it is given the name of goiter, where the thyroid gland works more than usual to compensate for the lack of iodine so that it can produce its hormones, which ends up growing in size than normal.
2.Unexpected weight gain

weight gain is also a sign of iodine deficiency. This symptom is caused by the inability of thyroid hormones to control the speed of a person’s metabolism, the process by which the body converts food into energy and heat. When thyroid hormone levels drop, the body burns fewer calories at rest. This means that more calories from foods eaten are stored as fat.
3.The problem of learning and remembering

Impaired mental abilities and memory may be one of the signs of an iodine deficiency. Thyroid hormones help your brain grow and develop, which is why iodine deficiency can reduce brain development. The hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls long-term memory, appears smaller in people with low thyroid hormone levels. Iodine deficiency at any age can cause difficulty learning and remembering things.
4. fatigue and weakness

The body needs various minerals to make energy, and of course iodine is one of these minerals, and therefore its deficiency leads to a decrease in energy production, causing weakness and fatigue.
5. Hair loss

Thyroid hormones help control hair follicle growth. When thyroid hormone levels drop, hair follicles may stop regenerating and over time, this may lead to hair loss. For this reason, people with iodine deficiency may also experience hair loss. In case you are suffering from hair loss due to an iodine deficiency, getting enough of this mineral can help correct thyroid hormone levels and reduce hair loss.
6.Dryness and peeling of the skin

Iodine helps to regenerate skin cells, helps to sweat and moisturizes skin cells, so the occurrence of iodine deficiency can cause dry skin, peeling and less sweating.
7.Change in heart rate

Heart rate is a measure of the number of beats per minute, and may be affected by iodine levels. Too little of this mineral can cause the heart to beat slower than usual, while too much of it can cause the heart to beat faster than usual. Severe iodine deficiency can lead to an abnormally slow heart rate. This may make the person feel weak, tired, dizzy, and possibly faint. A lack of iodine can slow your heart rate, which can lead to feelings of weakness, tiredness, dizziness, and a risk of fainting.
8.Feeling colder than usual

Feeling cold is a common symptom of iodine deficiency, as more than 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels may feel more sensitive to cold temperatures than usual. Since iodine is used in the production of thyroid hormones, its deficiency may cause low thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormones also help promote the activity of brown fat, a type of fat that specializes in generating heat.
9. Pregnancy problems

Pregnant women are at risk of developing an iodine deficiency. This is because they need to consume enough to meet their daily needs, as well as the needs of their growing child. Not getting enough iodine during pregnancy and breast-feeding may cause side effects for both mother and baby. Mothers may experience symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as an enlarged thyroid gland, weakness, fatigue, and feeling cold.
10. Irregular menstruation

Heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding may occur due to iodine deficiency. Like most signs of iodine deficiency, this is also associated with low levels of thyroid hormones, since iodine is important to produce thyroid hormones. 68% of women with low thyroid hormone levels have irregular periods, compared to only 12% of healthy women. Women with low thyroid hormone levels have frequent periods with heavy bleeding, because low thyroid hormone levels disrupt the signaling of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.
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