Take Iodine Supplements with Caution
Take Iodine Supplements with Caution: Risks might Outweigh Benefits
Are you currently taking iodine supplements because of thyroid problems? What are the possible benefits and side effects of these iodine supplements?
Iodine is an essential nutrient that the body needs in order to achieve optimum health. The body cannot produce this substance so it should be able to extract it from somewhere like food. There is minimal amount of iodine in common foods and because of this, experts suggested adding it to salt which is now called salt. Iodine-rich foods are usually found in the ocean like shrimps, crabs, seaweed, mussels and many more.
If your iodine dose exceeds 500 mcg daily, your thyroid may start to malfunction because the human body cannot tolerate such high amounts. The human body can only transport or use iodine if it is in its ionized form called iodide.
The body, especially the thyroid glands, needs iodine to produce hormones. If there is no adequate iodine in the body, thyroid glands will work harder and may lead to goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland called goiter. This condition was common even in America years ago but when people became more aware on the complications and risks; they have decided to find alternative means of ingesting iodide.
If iodine supplements are not given during iodine sufficiency, women may stop ovulating which can lead to permanent fertility. Autoimmune diseases are somehow associated with lack of iodine intake. In some research studies conducted in the past, lack of iodine is said to increase the risk of acquiring different kinds of cancer like prostate, breast, endometrial, ovarian cancer and many more.
A pregnant woman who has very low iodine levels in the body can affect both the mother and the baby. Iodine plays an important role in the nourishment of the central nervous system so if a pregnant woman does not have enough iodine, the baby can become mentally retarded. The baby’s brain needs ample amount of iodine to develop properly. The mother who lacks iodine is also at risk of being hypertensive and this condition can be life threatening for both the mother and the baby.
Iodine deficiency is also very common in the United States so people here usually use iodized salt to prevent this from happening. Iodized salt is widely available and is used for cooking. Potassium iodide tablets are used for radiation emergency and not to prevent sickness. You can only take a very high dose of iodine or potassium iodide the moment there is a nuclear fallout because it will prevent your body from absorbing the radioactive form.
Remember that the body needs iodine but it should be in the right amount because the body cannot tolerate excessive iodine. The thyroid gland is very sensitive to the changes in iodine levels in the body so try to consume foods rich in iodine to avoid the health risks and complications. In addition, iodine supplements must not be taken without the doctor’s advice especially if you are pregnant. Rarely will a doctor prescribe iodine supplements because it might pose potential health risks instead of becoming beneficial.
Ok now enough with the technical mumbo jumbo, its smoothie time!