Iodine is an important mineral that prevents breast cancer in women

Most salt packages say "iodine enriched" or "iodized salt", but many of us do not know why and do not have enough information about the element iodine. We pay human.

Iodine is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts. The most important role of iodine is to help the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 hormones. Thyroid hormones have very important functions in the body such as energy production, regulation of metabolism (fuel and Instrument), regulate body weight and temperature, regulate the digestive system and sexual power, and hundreds more.

If we do not get enough iodine through our diet, the thyroid gland can not produce enough T3 and T4 hormones, and diseases such as hypothyroidism, goiter, etc. occur.



Iodine deficiency:

Today, iodine deficiency is very common in the human body, which unfortunately most doctors do not pay enough attention to, and this is one of the reasons why obesity and overweight are so prevalent, simply because blood tests do not show hypothyroidism and the rate T3 and T4 hormones are normal, not because iodine levels are ideal. Iodine deficiency in the body does not lead to hypothyroidism all at once, but causes the disease over months or years. Iodine deficiency in the early stages with symptoms such as decreased body energy, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, etc. It is associated with and over time leads to hypothyroidism.

The role of iodine in the body is not limited to the activity of the thyroid gland. Iodine has antibacterial properties and helps the body fight infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi, and with this mechanism strengthens the body's immune system. Iodine also helps the body eliminate waste products from toxic metals to chemicals and toxins.

Some studies show that in Asia and countries such as Japan and South Korea, women have a much lower rate of breast cancer than the global average. Researchers believe that consuming as much iodine reduces the risk of breast cancer in women, fish and aquatic animals. It is one of the common foods consumed in Asian countries that are rich in iodine.



Daily iodine needs of the body:

Children 1 to 8 years old need 90 micrograms, 9 to 13 years old 120 micrograms, people 14 years old and older 150, pregnant women 220 and lactating women need 270 micrograms of iodine per day.

Food sources of iodine:

Seafood such as fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, kelp, some sea salts, refined and iodine-enriched salts are sources of iodine.

Nutritionists recommend a few to ensure you get enough iodine:

1. Eat 2 to 3 meals of seafood (especially fish) per week

2. Use of iodized salts (iodine-enriched salts)

3. Sometimes taking iodine supplements such as kelp

It is noteworthy that in some countries, such as Australia, wheat flour is enriched with iodine.



Iodine Food Supplements:

Iodine is a combination of many multivitamins and minerals and is also produced separately.

Iodine supplements are usually in two forms, one called Potassium Iodide and the other Kelp. Kelp is a marine plant rich in iodine.

In my opinion, taking kelp is better than taking potassium iodide supplements. Apparently, the body and thyroid gland respond better to the iodine in the kelp plant, and this may be due to the natural nature of this product.

Consumption of iodine in the form of dietary supplements up to a dose of 150 micrograms per day is very useful for most people, especially women. But you should not take more than this without your doctor's advice.

Excess iodine in the body is also dangerous and can cause hyperthyroidism and serious problems.



A few more tips about iodine:

Soy and lettuce contain a chemical that reduces the activity of the thyroid gland, so do not overdo it.

Tap water (tap water) contains a lot of chlorine and other chemicals that interfere with the absorption and metabolism of iodine, so be sure to filter tap water before use with water purifiers or use mineral water. do.

Due to the pollution of sea water and the environment, seafood contains some toxic metals such as mercury, which are harmful to human health and should not be consumed more than 2-3 meals a week, although in many countries farmed fish with a very high standard They are bred and most of them are unobstructed and even useful.

Iodine Deficiency Diseases and Symptoms:

Goiter: Severe iodine deficiency in the body causes an enlarged thyroid gland and goiter.

Hypothyroidism

Cretinism: If iodine deficiency occurs during pregnancy, it has a negative and irreversible effect on the fetus, which is called cretinism. This disease causes physical and mental disorders and retardation in the baby.



Other symptoms of iodine deficiency:

Decreased metabolic rate followed by decreased energy and weight gain, constipation, cold sensitivity, mild depression, brittle nails, hair loss, menstrual irregularities and dry skin are symptoms of mild iodine deficiency in the body.