The deficiency threatening to bring back goiter

You may have heard the term “goiter” but might not be familiar with its appearance or the impact it has on people’s health.

Sadly, many folks might soon face this concern due to a lack of a crucial mineral, iodine.

That’s because goiter may be making a comeback — one no one really wants to celebrate.

Let’s dive into why iodine is so essential for our health, why women are at greater risk, and what you can do to ensure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient.

A Quick History of Goiters

So, what exactly is a goiter? It’s a swelling in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland, and this usually happens when there’s not enough iodine in our diets.

In the early 1900s, people didn’t fully understand the importance of iodine for thyroid health. This led to numerous cases of goiter — especially in the 1920s, when some places reported that 70-100% of schoolchildren had goiters.

Many men were even disqualified from military service during World War I because their goiters were so large that they couldn’t button their uniforms.

Thankfully, over time, experts began to understand iodine’s significance better. A pediatric professor suggested adding iodine to table salt, which proved to be a game-changer. This simple step remarkably decreased goiter cases, helping many people avoid iodine deficiency.

Why Is Iodine Deficiency Making a Comeback?

Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is rearing its head again, and it’s happening for a few reasons.

One surprising factor is the growing popularity of health trends. Many people are swapping regular table salt for gourmet versions, like pink and Himalayan salt, which often don’t contain added iodine.

Moreover, folks who steer clear of meat, fish, and dairy — key sources of iodine — might find themselves lacking this essential mineral, especially if they’re turning to plant-based milk alternatives.

But even if you’re not trying to eat healthier, you’re at risk. The standard American diet includes a lot of processed foods heavy in sodium content, but they generally lack iodine.

A shocking study found that around 68% of people worldwide aren’t getting enough iodine. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, who actually need about 50% more iodine to ensure that their babies thrive. Yet, research from 2021 showed that around one in four pregnant women in the U.S. were iodine deficient — along with half of non-pregnant women.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Iodine?

Iodine deficiency doesn’t just lead to goiters — you may be surprised to know that it can also affect your overall well-being.

Iodine is vital in helping the thyroid create hormones that regulate metabolism, heart health, the nervous system and calcium regulation, plus it supports growth, development and brain health.

When the thyroid can’t produce enough of these hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism or low thyroid, it works overtime and expands, leading to the goiter we discussed. People with Hashimoto’s disease, an often misdiagnosed condition, are especially susceptible to goiter.

Early signs of iodine deficiency can include weight gain, tiredness, muscle weakness, hair loss, dry or puffy skin, and changes in heart rate.

How to Boost Your Iodine Intake

The good news is that if you’ve got reason to suspect your iodine intake is insufficient, there are some simple ways to boost it and improve your health.

First, aim for the recommended daily amount of iodine — 150 mcg/day for adults is a good baseline, but if you’ve been deficient for a while, you may need more to truly thrive. Aiming for around 500 mcg/day from nutritious food sources can be beneficial.

You can find iodine in seaweed, fish, dairy products and iodized salt (check the label: only 50% of salt sold in the U.S. is iodized). If food sources aren’t enough, consider iodine supplements like Lugol’s iodine or sea kelp.

Don’t forget about the other minerals — zinc, copper and selenium — which also support thyroid health. If it has been deprived of adequate iodine for a while, it could use the help.

In conclusion, understanding the importance of iodine is crucial for preventing deficiencies and maintaining overall body health. With a bit of knowledge and some mindful dietary choices, you can take steps to ensure you get enough iodine, keeping goiter and other complications at bay.

Sources:

A growing iodine deficiency could bring back America’s goiter – MSN

Hypothyroidism in Older Adults – NIH