The Primary Causes of Iodine Depletion

Iodine is basically a micro nutrient, which is required by our body in trace amounts, but still it is very essential for maintaining a good health. Since iodine cannot be manufactured by our body, a perpetual source of iodine is needed for the adequate supply of hormones produced by the thyroid in our body. You can get adequate quantity of the dietary iodine by using the iodized salt etc. On the other hand, if you are not careful about your eating habits and you are not consuming sufficient quantities of iodine, this will result in the deficiency of iodine in your body. In consequence, the production of thyroid hormones is blocked, thereby producing symptomatic features of the deficiency of iodine.

Recommended Daily Amounts for Iodine Intake

Amount of iodine needed for the infants up to the age of one year is 115 to 130 micrograms, on a daily basis. While the recommended daily intake of dietary iodine is 90 micrograms for the kids 1 to 8 years of age and 120 micrograms for the kids 9 to 13 years of age. On the other hand, adolescents and adults require 150 micrograms of iodine in their diet daily. Lactating and pregnant women have increased demand for iodine and require 295 and 220 micrograms, respectively. According to a research conducted on Americans, their iodine intake was found to be more than enough, with men consuming 230 to 300 micrograms and women consuming 180 to 210 micrograms, daily.

Functions of Iodine

A study conducted on the thyroid hormones showed that sixty-five percent of T4 or the thyroxine hormone is made up of iodine while fifty-nine percent of T3 or the triiodothyronone hormone consists of iodine. Both hormones, T3 and T4, are manufactured by our thyroid. These hormones play a vital role in the development of kidneys, brain, heart, muscles and pituitary gland. Their other functions include normal metabolism, enzymatic activity and the protein synthesis. The maintenance of our body temperature, growth and fertility is also regulated by these hormones.

Iodine Deficiency

Our body is neither capable of manufacturing or storing iodine. Therefore, it is important to keep a maintained supply of iodine in the diet. Food items like cheese, eggs, seafood and yogurt are rich in iodine. Other examples included vegetables and fruits grown in the soil rich in iodine. On the contrary, areas which have a low content of iodine in the soil, produce food items low in the iodine content. Residents of such areas are more prone to develop iodine deficiency. On the other hand, there are certain foods abundant in goitrogens, such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli etc. The goitrogens block the uptake of iodine which leads to the decreased output of the thyroid hormones. Therefore, avoid consuming such food in huge amounts to prevent the iodine deficiency.

Effects of Iodine Deficiency

Lack of iodine during early life can affect the brain gravely. It can cause hearing, speech and growth problems in addition to mental retardation. Infertility, obesity and slowed mentation are a few of the problems faced by the adults. So, make sure you are taking balanced amount of iodine in the diet.

The Effects of Iodine on Hair Growth

Iodine is a micronutrient which plays a vital role in the development and growth of our hair, by affecting functions of the thyroid gland. In certain conditions of scalp, which involve the hair loss, iodine can be prescribed in the form of a topical treatment. By maintaining adequate intake of dietary iodine, problems of the hair, caused by the thyroid dysfunction, can be prevented. For adults, recommended daily intake of dietary iodine should be around 100 micrograms to 200 micrograms. But keep in mind, that you should always consult a doctor first, before taking any iodine supplements.

Hair and Thyroid Function

Iodine is essential for our health and for maintaining the proper function of the thyroid gland. If dietary intake of iodine is insufficient, it will lead to decreased production of the thyroid hormones, which in turn can produce diseases of the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or goiter etc. The thyroid, being the master gland of our body, has influence over a number of aspects of our health, one of which is the hair production. A recent study has shown that women might suffer from hair loss produced by thyroid diseases, which are caused by iodine deficiency. Studies have shown that the hypothyroidism produced by the lack of iodine, can cause coarse and dry hair and conditions like heart failure, coma and increased cholesterol levels.

Treating Alopecia Areata with Topical Iodine

Iodine can also influence the growth of hair directly. Therefore, it can also be used topically in cases like Alopecia areata. In this skin condition, irregular, small patches of hairless areas are produces throughout our scalp. Alopecia areata is not linked to any thyroid disease but it might co-exist with it. Topical iodine produces its benefits in Alopecia areata by creating a moderate allergic reaction, which in turn stimulates the growth of hair. Studies suggest that due to its effectiveness in Alopecia areata, topical iodine can be used as a first line drug in this condition. However, in resistant cases where topical iodine does not work, corticosteroid injections can be used as an aggressive approach.

Treatment for the Iodine Deficiency

If you are suffering from coarse hair or hair loss, the underlying cause might be a thyroid disorder. You might consult a doctor for this, who will conduct tests for determining your thyroid function and iodine status, in order to rule out iodine deficiency as a cause. If a diagnosis of thyroid disease due to lack of iodine is made, you might be given iodine prescriptions, as a cure. But iodine supplements can have delirious effects on your body, such as hives, enlarges lymph nodes, bleeding and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, never use iodine supplements unless they are prescribed officially by some licensed health practitioner. A safer alternative is eating diets rich in iodine such as sea kelp, sea food, dairy products, iodized salt and vegetables grown in the soil rich in iodine.

Disclaimer

Even though hair loss can be produced by iodine deficiency but it is not always the case. Other causes of hair loss can be age related loss, medical disorders, hereditary, fungal infections, and prescription medications , such as oral contraceptives, chemotherapeutic agents, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors etc.

Can Kale Cause Hypothyroidism?

Kale is a food item which is rich in many nutrients like anti-oxidants, iron, vitamin C, calcium, fibers etc., yet it is getting all of the negative attention because of its speculated association with the hypothyroidism. Let us figure out whether these speculations are true or not.

Kale has been referred to as a goitrogenic vegetable, just like cruciferous veggies which are rich in goitrogens, for example collard greens, turnips, cabbage, bok choy, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, arugula, watercress and cauliflower etc.

These veggies contain thiocyanate, this substance can interfere with iodine metabolism when present in large quantities. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, therefore high levels of the thiocyanate can lead to the decreased production of thyroid hormones known as the hypothyroidism, along with a compensatory enlargement of the thyroid gland.

If taken in moderation, kale or any other cruciferous veggie is very beneficial for our health. Their benefits outweigh any thyroid risks associated with them. Despite the popular belief, goitrogenic effects of kale are produced only when its consumption is excessive. According to the experts, even if a person is suffering from an underlying thyroid disease, normal usage of cruciferous vegetables will not aggravate his or her condition. However, just to be on the safe side, you must seek advice from a doctor to keep your thyroid condition under control.

Amount of Kale You can Eat Safely

Exact thiocyanate content present in the kale is unknown. Similarly, the quantity of kale which must be ingested to produce a thyroid problem is also undefined at the moment. The studies have shown that the people who drink pressed juice of kale are more prone to its side effects on the thyroid gland. Juicing the kale concentrates it, therefore making it unsuitable for the people taking a diet deficient in iodine or those who are on a restricted diet, for example vegans. Americans have overcome iodine deficiency by adding sufficient iodine to their diet, in the form of iodized salt etc. and by taking supplements and multivitamins which contain iodine. Amount of iodine needed for the infants up to the age of one year is 115 to 130 micrograms, on a daily basis. While the recommended daily intake of dietary iodine is 90 micrograms for the kids 1 to 8 years of age and 120 micrograms for the kids 9 to 13 years of age. On the other hand, adolescents and adults require 150 micrograms of iodine in their diet daily. Lactating and pregnant women have increased demand for iodine and require 295 and 220 micrograms, respectively. According to a research conducted on Americans, their iodine intake was found to be more than enough, with men consuming 230 to 300 micrograms and women consuming 180 to 210 micrograms, daily.

In a nut shell, our media is trying to exaggerate the goitrogenic effects of the thyroid gland on our body. Our body needs greens and eating them in moderate quantities is, in fact good for our health. However, you must consult a physician and seek his advice regarding your risk for the thyroid disease and food items good for your health.

Can Walnuts Cure Thyroid?

Can Walnuts Cure Goiters?

Basically the thyroid is a gland which is butterfly in shape and located a little below our Adam’s apple, in the front of our neck. Almost any issue with our thyroid gland can lead to its swelling or inflammation which results in the formation of a goiter. The thyroid gland can enlarge to such an extent that it can be visually seen and even obstruct swallowing and talking, in extreme cases. Although, in most cases, enlargement of thyroid is due to its dysfunction but sometimes this is not the case. Walnuts are believed to be very beneficial for our health since they are rich in many nutrients. Walnuts are very efficacious for the treatment of goiter as they can reduce the activity of thyroid gland. However, someone on the medications for hypothyroidism should not consume walnuts as they can interfere with the effects of these medicines. Whenever you notice a swelling in the front of your neck, always consult a doctor.

Causes

The leading cause of thyroid enlargement is the deficiency of iodine. In the absence of iodine, production of thyroid hormones is suppressed. In certain cases, goiter develops even before the dysfunction of thyroid has occurred. Iodine deficiency can be caused by the decreased content of iodine in the soil or the decreased intake of vegetables in the diet.

Worldwide, about ninety percent of goiters are cause by the lack of iodine. Other causes include radiation exposure, infections, hormone imbalance e.g. in puberty or pregnancy, cyst, dietary factors, a hyperactive thyroid and tumors etc.

Signs and Symptoms

In the beginning phase, goiters are generally benign and do not cause any severe symptoms. Even if they enlarge in size, they might be confused with weight gain mistakenly. But when the symptoms do occur, they can be like the feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty in swallowing of food, chronic dry cough and difficulty in breathing. A progressive goiter might mimic asthma, allergic reaction or the feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

Relation of Goiter with the Dietary Factor

In North America, goiters are very rare because of the consumption of iodized salt. We know that a number of factors play a vital role in the dysfunction and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Increased intake of vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica, for example broccoli, cauliflowers and turnips etc., can lead to the formation of goiter. Same is the case with food items that are rich in copper content such as liver, avocados, walnuts and soy beans. Thyroid function is also suppressed by excessive amounts of copper. Walnuts also contain certain toxins in them which are called goitrogens. These substances block the activity of thyroid gland by decreasing the uptake of iodine in it.

Synthroid and Walnuts

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland maintains the production of energy and our basal metabolic rate. As a replacement to this hormone a medicine is used which is called ‘synthroid’. This medicine is prescribed in the cases of hypothyroidism, in which the production of thyroid hormone is insufficient. Walnuts can interrupt with the absorption of synthroid in our body.

Treating Goiter with Beets

Beetroot belongs to the family of plants which also contains quinoa, spinach and Swiss chard. Beet contains various compounds in it, which are very beneficial for the human health. One of such compounds is phytonutrient, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities. These attributes make them effective for shrinking the enlarged thyroid, also known as a goiter. Such compounds are present not only in the root of beet but also its green part. Always see a physician when you notice that you are developing a neck swelling, especially in front of the neck.

Causative Agents for Goiter

Basically, the thyroid is a gland which is butterfly in shape and located a little below our Adam’s apple in front of our neck. Just like other glands in our body, the thyroid is highly sensitive to dietary deficiencies, toxins and changes in the environment. Almost any issue with our thyroid gland can lead to its swelling or inflammation which results in the formation of a goiter. The goiter signifies some kind of imbalance but it is not virtually an indication of thyroid dysfunction or disease.

According to various researches, frequent causes of goiter include hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, hormone imbalance, cancer, radiation exposure, iodine deficiency and autoimmune ailments like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs are not present in all cases of thyroid enlargement and they depend upon the causes of swelling. Complaints commonly associated with goiter include feeling of tightness in your throat, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. A thyroid swelling can be significative of some kind of thyroid disease. Excessive production of thyroid hormone is known as hyperthyroidism. In this condition, patient loses weight due to increased metabolism, feels nervous, and develops insomnia and oily skin. On the contrary, decreased production of the thyroid hormone, which is called hypothyroidism, leads to depression, weight gain due to reduced metabolism, dry skin and fatigue.

Advantages of Beets

For the prevention of goiter, foods rich in iodine like kelp are recommended usually. Even though beetroot does not contain any iodine, it is still very effective for the treatment of goiter. This is because it contains phytonutrients like betalains in abundance. Vulgaxanthin and betanin are betalains present in beetroots, which have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti-oxidant properties. These compounds suppress the functions of COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes which in turn leads to the reduction of swelling and inflammation in the body. That is why, consumption of beet can cure goiter caused by causes other than the deficiency of iodine.

Suggestions

Although beets are efficacious for goiter, they cannot absolutely cure it. Betalains present in beets make them effective for the reduction of thyroid swelling. Do not cook beets in a microwave or at high heat, because excessive heat can destroy phytonutrients in it. Therefore to achieve full benefits of beet, boil, steam or bake them lightly, without peeling them. After gentle cooking, skin can be easily rubbed off them. This method will help in preserving phytonutrients while cooking the beets.

Which Foods Cause Thyroid?

Which Foods Cause Goiters?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly like organ which is present in front of our neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is also known as ‘the master gland’ of our body because it controls and regulates the other glands. Enlargement of this gland is known as a goiter. Research has shown that this increase in size is basically a counter-regulatory phenomenon which occurs when the thyroid hormone production in our body is not adequate. Goitrogens are food items which influence the output of thyroid hormones and worsen the goiter. If eaten in excess, these goitrogens can interfere with the healthy function of our thyroid gland. Therefore, goitrogens should not be used by someone who has a goiter.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous veggies are rich in sulfur containing compounds such as glucosinolates. Byproducts of these compounds, known as isothiocyanates, are produced when glucosinolates are broken down. According to an elaborate research these byproducts, isothiocyanates, can block the uptake and absorption of iodine by our thyroid gland, thus leading to the formation of a goiter. Goiter is essentially caused by the deficiency of iodine and consumption of cruciferous vegetables produces a relative lack of iodine by hindering effects of iodine on the functions of thyroid. Some examples of such vegetables are Brussels sprout, turnips, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collards, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi, rutabaga, kale and mustard. These vegetables have more goitrogenic potential when eaten raw and as a whole.

If you have a goiter and still want to eat these vegetables then the best way is to either boil them well or shred them finely. Research has shown that shredding the cruciferous vegetables can decrease the amount of isothiocyanate up to seventy-five % in them while boiling can decrease it up to ninety-five % of the original quantity.

Soy Products

Anyone who is suffering from an enlarged goiter or deficiency of iodine must avoid food items containing soy and soybeans. According to a scientific report, soy has destructive effects on the thyroid gland and these effects are aggravated by an already existing lack of iodine in the body. Food items which contain soy in them are tofu, soy bar, soy beans, soy milk and any product which has ‘soy’ in its ingredients such as salad dressings and mayonnaise etc.

More Goitrogenic Foods

In addition to soy products and cruciferous vegetables, food items like strawberries, peanuts, millets, spinach, peaches, bamboo shoots, sweet potatoes, pine nuts, pears and radishes etc. are also labelled as goitrogenic foods. These food products are only mildly goitrogenic. They contain abundant amount of ‘flavonoids’ which have many health benefits. But according to a recent research, some flavonoids can also suppress the output of thyroid hormones thus interfering with the thyroid function.

In a nutshell, the above mentioned food items must be avoided by someone who has a goiter. A number of health care practitioners seem to have the opinion that those who do not have an existing thyroid problem would stay alright even after consuming goitrogenic foods as long as their consumption is not very excessive.