7 Symptoms Of Iodine Deficiency That You Should Never Ignore

Iodine is an essential micronutrient that is imperative for the proper functioning of the thyroid glands. And it also ensures that the production of thyroid hormones takes place without any problem.

However, what happens when your body lacks the right amount of iodine that is required for the thyroid gland to function efficiently? Well, low levels of iodine or, in other words, iodine deficiency is something that can cause hypothyroidism or even in a few cases, goiter.

As you may already know, both of these unpleasant conditions can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort to the sufferer. That is why, it is essential to be on a lookout for any kind of a warning sign that may indicate towards this deficiency.

Today, at Boldsky, we have curated a list of symptoms of iodine deficiency that you should not ignore under any circumstance.

If these symptoms occur for a short period of time, then it might not be a cause for concern, but if they are more of a regularity than an anomaly, then it could be an indication of iodine deficiency or any other underlying health issue.

Early detection of this deficiency can make a world of difference to an individual's health and well-being.

So, take a look at the symptoms of iodine deficiency, here.

1. Fatigue

Experiencing fatigue every once in a while is quite normal. But when it becomes a regularity, it could be a cause for concern. Fatigue, on a regular basis, could be can indication of low levels of iodine in a person's body.

2. Constipation

Low levels of iodine can adversely affect the functionality of different organs in the body. People with iodine deficiency may experience constipation on a regular basis. In fact, more common than not, constipation is often an indication of an underlying health issue and should never be ignored.

3. Enlarged Thyroid

Inadequate level of iodine in a person's body can also cause an enlargement of the thyroids. If left unattended, the goiter may become scarily large. That is why, if you've been experiencing anything like this, you must not take it lightly and get it checked at the earliest.

4. Emotional Imbalances

People who have iodine deficiency in their body may also experience high stress levels, anxiety and in a few severe cases, even depression. So, if you feel like emotional imbalances have become a part of your daily life, you must consult a specialist.

5. Thickening Of The Skin

Another prominent symptom of iodine deficiency is thickening of the skin. Other than that, dry, flaky skin too can be an indication of an inadequate level of iodine in an individual's system.

6. Low Immunity

Low levels of iodine can also weaken an individual's immune system. This is turn can make a person more susceptible to common cold or other infections.

7. Weight Gain

Few studies have found that even sudden increase in weight can be an alarming sign for iodine deficiency, as it plays a key role in several bodily functions. So, get yourself checked if you have experienced this sign of iodine deficiency.