Iodine is a chemical that is necessary in the human body for the thyroid gland. Without enough iodine, the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormones---hormones that are responsible for metabolic function.
Without the correct amount of iodine stimulating the thyroid hormones, your body can become deficient, which can cause curable things like goiters, which are enlarged thyroid glands, or in the worst case scenario, brain damage. Children who suffer iodine deficiency can become stunted in their growth because of poorly functioning metabolisms, and in adults iodine deficiency can cause weight gain and sluggishness.
While this can be cause for alarm, the opposite problem of too much iodine can also be devastating to the human body.
The National Institute of Health recommends a healthy adult take 150 micrograms of iodine daily. This can be achieved by eating iodine-rich food, or by taking a multi-vitamin containing iodine.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency can cause a condition known as hypothyroidism, which basically means your thyroid is functioning sluggishly and your metabolism is slowed as a result. In adults, this means weight gain and feeling tired and sluggish because your metabolism is not giving you enough energy to function. Certain practitioners recommend iodine supplements for this condition to help your body get enough iodine to kick your metabolism back into gear.
What Are Iodine Supplements?
Iodine supplements can be anything from herbs containing iodine---like kelp, seaweed or regular iodine in tablet form. Your body only needs 150 micrograms of iodine a day. Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, this amount is fairly easy to get.
A Caution
In theory, it might make sense to take iodine supplements if your thyroid is not functioning properly. In actuality, it might not be how much iodine you are eating, but how your thyroid is processing the iodine you're eating.
Too Much Iodine
There are many dangers associated with taking iodine supplements, especially without consulting a physician first to determine what your specific condition is. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (Mayo Clinic) explains that the problem with a thyroid conditions might not be a lack of iodine in your diet, but a lack of ability for your thyroid to absorb the iodine you are eating.
Taking more iodine supplements would not solve this problem, but it could overload your body with iodine and cause serious iodine poisoning of seizures, vomiting, delirium and other short-term problems. Just like having too little iodine can cause problems, too much iodine can also cause goiters and in extreme cases, permanent damage to your intestines and brain.
Find Out More
A simple urinalysis and thyroid test at your doctor's office can determine the state of your thyroid, and based on that, you can discuss options for improving your thyroid function. Most doctors would recommend thyroid hormones over iodine supplements due to the ability to monitor your thyroid function more easily. If you decide to take iodine supplements, please do so under the supervision of a professional nutritionist who can monitor any changes in your body.
Tags: your thyroid, your body, iodine eating, iodine supplements, much iodine, your metabolism
