The Benefits of Iodine

Initially discovered as a new element in 1811 bysymptoms of iodine deficiency that affect the mind
Barnard Courtois, knowledge of this substance hasrange from feelings of frustration and anxiety to
come to include the host of benefits it brings to thedepression to mental retardation stemming from an
body as an essential nutrient. For many years, gettingIQ point decrease of up to 15 points to the severe
enough iodine in the diet naturally was difficult inmental retardation relating to such diseases as
many geographic regions and remains so for ancretinism which includes serious physical
unfortunately high percentage of the world'smalformations. According to the World Health
population in the developing nations. With theOrganization, iodine deficiency is among the leading
introduction of iodized salt, meeting the daily iodinecauses of mental retardation worldwide. Physical
requirement became nearly effortless andsymptoms of iodine deficiency can include dry, scaly
inexpensive in the industrialized nations. In theseskin, fatigue, constipation, unusual weight gain,
nations, iodine deficiency is now rare. As developingimpaired thyroid operation, goiters, decreased fertility,
nations are able to make the shift to iodized salt,increased rate of stillbirth, and growth abnormalities
their rates of iodine deficiency and the diseasesranging in severity.
associated with it have also begun to decrease.It is truly shameful that people suffer such horrific
One of the main ways that iodine affects the bodyaffects from a deficiency that could be resolved with
and health is through its interactions with the thyroidmere pennies per person. Iodized salt is so
gland. Approximately 80% of the iodine found in theinexpensive and if could be spread throughout the
body is located in the thyroid. With the help of iodine,poverty centers of the developing nations, the
the thyroid is able to produce its hormones: thyroxineneedless suffering of millions could be alleviated.
and triodothyronine. These hormones play a majorInfants need to have 40 micrograms to 50
part in regulating processes relating to growth andmicrograms per day if iodine, children from 1 to 3
development of the body and influence theyears of age need 70 micrograms daily, ages 4 to 6
maturation of the reproductive system.require 90 micrograms per day, ages 7 to 10 need
Because of its influence on the thyroid's activities,120 micrograms daily, and children aver 11 should
iodine therefore plays a great role in the basichave 150 micrograms per day. In turn, pregnant
metabolism processes and levels in the body. It helpswomen need more iodine intake than the normal
in overseeing that the body efficiently burns caloriesadult. A whooping 175 micrograms of iodine daily is
thus preventing excess calories from being stored asneeded daily for these women and breastfeeding
excess fats. It has a role in maintaining the energywomen should have 200 micrograms daily. A mere
level of the body and in helping the skin, teeth, nailsquarter of a teaspoon of iodized salt contains 95
and hair to he strong and healthy. Iodine also plays amicrograms of iodine. So for a healthy mind and
big role in destroying toxins in the body and alsobody, be sure to consume the required daily dose of
helps the system in utilizing both the mineral calciumiodine.
and silicone.Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long
A deficiency in iodine can negatively affect the healthas the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of
and functioning of the body and mind in many waysthis article is included and and all links must be Active
some of which are more serious than others. TheLinkable with no syntax changes.