The effect of iodine on the thyroid gland, the relationship
In the 19th century, scientists discovered that patients with a removed thyroid gland developed cretinism. But then doctors could not even imagine that iodine is closely related to this organ and affects many processes in the body. Only after some time it was discovered in the thyroid gland, then scientists came to the conclusion that without this element it cannot fully function.
This is due to the fact that the hormones synthesized by the gland consist of more than half of iodine. They, in turn, are involved in the functioning of the brain, metabolism and other systems, so if there is a lack of iodine in the body, serious health problems arise.
Since iodine activates the functioning of the thyroid follicles, its deficiency leads to the fact that the function of this organ weakens over time. It is important that the body receives the amount of the substance it needs every day.
Eating only foods that do not contain iodine leads to the development of serious diseases
However, an excess of this microelement negatively affects both the thyroid gland itself and the entire body as a whole. This can lead to the onset of inflammatory processes in internal organs, eye diseases and hepatitis.
Endocrine disorders most often affect women during pregnancy. At this time, they develop gestational hypothyroidism, which is why the consulting gynecologist prescribes taking “Iodomarin” or other similar complex-action drugs for the full development of the child and the health of the mother.
Regular consumption of iodine during pregnancy prevents mental and physical abnormalities in the newborn.
Alcohol on an iodine-free diet. Iodine-free diet before radioiodine therapy
But can you eat carrots with such a diet? I was told that you should not eat foods that are orange, red or brown in color, and carrots became the subject of a very extensive debate, despite the fact that they are still a vegetable. Carrots contain 7 micrograms per gram.
Thank you! And one more question: if you decide to bake bread yourself at home, is yeast not dangerous? Fresh, I mean. Or baking powder There are different types of yeast, and see the composition on the package. If I'm not mistaken, there are more iodized ones.
Authorized Products
And all baking powders are synthetic substances and do not contain iodine. Guest Olga. Good evening. Are tomatoes, garlic and red and orange peppers ok too?
Radioiodine therapy treats diffuse toxic goiter and other forms of toxic goiter - toxic adenoma, multinodular and nodular toxic goiter, which are classified as functional autonomy of the gland. The goal of treatment is complete destruction of its tissue.
Maybe then you can eat a salad of cucumbers and tomatoes with vegetable oil? Is it true that drowsiness cannot be avoided? I read about the lack of an iodine-free diet, this is fraught with constant fatigue and as if a person always wants to sleep. There should not be a complete exclusion of a microelement such as iodine, since it is dangerous for well-being, do I understand correctly?
Iodine standards per day for different population groups
Mainly, the iodine requirement is determined based on the age and weight of the person.
The average normal daily intake of this element by the human body is:
- for older people – 100 mcg;
- for adults and adolescents – 150-200 mcg;
- for pregnant and lactating women – 250-300 mcg;
- for children 7-12 years old – 120-150 mcg;
- for children 2-6 years old – 90-130 mcg;
- for children under one year – 50-90 mcg.
However, the region of residence also matters in this case. The daily requirement of iodine for adults living in coastal areas is less, since they receive it from the air.
How to determine the iodine content in the body?
It is very important to diagnose iodine deficiency in the body as early as possible. Suspicion of abnormalities may be based on the corresponding symptoms. In addition, the endocrinologist performs a visual examination and palpation of the thyroid gland. In some cases, an ultrasound examination is prescribed.
You can check the level of this microelement by passing the appropriate tests at the clinic, a referral for which is given by an endocrinologist.
The following can be used as biomaterial:
- patient's nails;
- hair;
- urine.
Tests are the most accurate method for determining iodine content in the body.
However, there are also home methods for diagnosing this problem, but their results cannot be called sufficiently accurate. To independently determine the deficiency of the element in the body, before going to bed, apply three strips of 2, 3 and 6 cm in length to the forearm with a cotton swab with iodine, and in the morning carry out an analysis based on the results obtained:
- the shortest band has disappeared – there is no problem of microelement deficiency;
- two small stripes have disappeared - it is necessary to introduce more iodine-containing products into the diet;
- All three bands have disappeared - this is a symptom of a progressive deficiency that needs treatment.
There is another simple way to determine the lack of iodine in the body. It consists of drawing an iodine grid on the foot at night with a cell pitch of 1 cm. In the morning, after waking up, the foot needs to be examined. The less pronounced the pattern becomes, the greater the deficiency of the substance the body experiences. If there are no deviations, the trace of iodine should persist for 24 hours.
Symptoms of deficiency
Products that do not contain iodine and are consumed systematically as the basis of the diet can cause microelement deficiency. Its deficiency affects both sexes equally.
The main signs of iodine deficiency are:
- increased volume of the thyroid gland;
- poor performance, lethargy and apathy;
- memory impairment;
- presence of swelling;
- rapid weight gain while the diet remains the same;
- deterioration of hair and nails;
- the appearance of shortness of breath;
- pain in the heart area;
- hearing impairment.
Symptoms of excess
Excess iodine in humans provokes hormonal imbalance and the development of hyperthyroidism. The concentration of thyroid-stimulating compounds in the body increases, as a result of which peripheral nerves, blood vessels, and the heart are affected, which leads to the following symptoms:
- cardiopalmus;
- myocardial infarction;
- problems in the central nervous system;
- hypertension;
- cardiac arrhythmia.
A characteristic sign of oversaturation of a man’s body with iodine is a decrease in potency. Against the background of disturbed hormonal balance, erection disappears and sexual dysfunction develops. A man cannot be sexually active and, accordingly, have children.
In women, hyperthyroidism is manifested by increased activity of the thyroid gland, which leads to serious disturbances in the menstrual cycle and decreased libido. Metabolism, on the contrary, accelerates.
This can adversely affect the condition of a pregnant woman and cause miscarriage or premature birth, and in some cases leads to disturbances in embryonic development and damage to the central nervous system of the newborn.
If there is an excess of iodine in children, a sore throat and irritation of the mucous tissue may occur. The eyes are the first to suffer, with blepharitis and inflammation of the conjunctiva developing. In its advanced form, the disease develops into cataracts.
In case of severe iodine poisoning, symptoms appear in the coming minutes and are expressed by the following manifestations:
- lacrimation;
- skin rashes;
- hard breath;
- temperature increase;
- metallic taste in the mouth;
- formation of ulcers in the oral mucosa;
- discomfort or pain in the nasopharynx;
- general weakness;
- dizziness.
When the first signs of poisoning appear, you must immediately call an ambulance and take the patient to the hospital, where he will be under 24-hour medical supervision. Such consequences can be avoided by strictly observing the dosage of iodine-containing medications.
Features of iodine absorption
Iodine is an essential microelement for normal human life.
It is not synthesized by the body, but comes from outside:
- while taking certain medications;
- with water – from 3% to 5%;
- absorbed from the air - up to 5%;
- absorbed from animal products – up to 60%;
- from plant products - about 30%.
Iodine is part of chemical compounds called halogens. This group also includes fluorine, bromine and chlorine, which can displace it. This property makes it possible to treat iodine poisoning with bromine-containing drugs. On the other hand, as a result of the displacement of iodine, a person is forced to drink chlorinated water, and an excessive amount of fluoride enters the body through food.
Foods that do not contain iodine, such as cauliflower and red cabbage, radishes, mustard, turnips and rutabaga, contain special substances that block the absorption of this element. In this regard, they are not recommended to be combined with iodine-containing products or used together with drugs such as Iodomarin.
Some medications that include some active elements, such as:
- bromine;
- acetylsalicylic acid;
- penicillin;
- hormonal drugs;
- erythromycin;
- amiodarone hydrochloride.
Intestinal dysbiosis also impairs the absorption of iodine.
During heat treatment of iodine-containing products, approximately half of this substance is destroyed.
At high temperatures, iodine evaporates, so it is better to cook food by stewing or boiling, and iodized salt should be added to the dish when serving. The following substances contribute to the complete absorption of the element:
- copper;
- manganese;
- cobalt;
- selenium.
It is not necessary to take these minerals at the same time as iodine for better absorption; it is enough to introduce foods high in them into the diet.
Recipes for iodine-free diet dishes. General rules
But that's not all. Other products are also allowed for consumption. You can diversify the menu with blueberry muffins, pancakes, and fried vegetables.
The doctor suggests taking an iodine capsule with plenty of water. Some clinics use iodine solution. Since the introduction of a radioactive isotope is unsafe for healthy people, medical personnel are not present in the room, and the patient now needs isolation. The first days after the procedure, rules of conduct and personal hygiene are prescribed.
They must be followed so that iodine leaves the body as quickly as possible, and also so as not to harm others.
After a few days, the doctor determines a further drug treatment regimen. By scanning gamma radiation, the location of metastases is identified. The use of iodine has certain negative consequences.
Their development is possible, but not necessary: Iodine-free diet menu. Consultation with a specialist on radioactive iodine treatment. What is an iodine-free diet? Special preparation is required before radioiodine therapy. Diet rules The basic principle of a preparatory iodine-free diet is avoidance of foods and medications high in iodine. Prohibited products include: sea, iodized salt; sea fish, seafood, nori seaweed, seaweed, crabs, crab sticks, algae-based products agar-agar, alginates, carginan; milk, dairy products, casein; egg yolk and any dishes containing it; soybeans, soy products milk, sauces, tofu; red and bright varieties of beans; milk chocolate, marmalade, marshmallows, soufflé with agar-agar, candies with dry egg powder or powdered milk; any greens parsley, dill, rhubarb, salads, green peppers, cauliflower, zucchini, olives; cherries, persimmons, dried apricots, prunes, feijoa, bananas; chips, salted nuts, instant coffee, sausages, canned meat, mayonnaise, ketchup; bakery products, which may contain iodized salt and potassium iodate E; finished products are orange, red or red-brown in color.
Dietary rules for iodine deficiency and increased concentration
If there is a pronounced imbalance of iodine content in the body in one direction or another, which is confirmed by laboratory tests, an endocrinologist can prescribe supportive drug therapy, as well as appropriate diets.
The rules for creating a diet for iodine deficiency provide for increased consumption of foods high in this element - about 90% of the entire daily menu.
Products should be semi-cooked or raw, carbohydrate intake should be reduced and the amount of proteins and vitamins in dishes should be increased. Iodized salt must be present in the menu; its use eliminates overdose; a sufficient daily dose of such salt is 10 g.
Products low in the substance or not containing iodine should form the basis of the diet - this is the main rule for forming a diet with excess iodine in the body, and the second option is the most preferable.
The goal of such a diet is to reduce the daily consumption of this element to an average of 50 mcg; it is also recommended to use salt that is not fortified with iodine, and exclude sea fish and seafood from the menu. The consumption of river fish and animal meat is allowed in small quantities - about 150 g per day.
Cereals are included in the diet based on the iodine content in them. For example, if you eat oatmeal today, then the next day you need to prepare buckwheat, it contains less iodine. Pasta products should not contain yolks; it is prohibited to consume potato peels, soybeans and legumes.
For the treatment of diffuse and other forms of toxic goiter, as well as after surgery, radioiodine therapy may be prescribed, which involves following a short-term diet with a low iodine content in dishes and products.
Such therapy is prescribed exclusively by an endocrinologist and cannot be used on an independent decision. The daily iodine intake in this case should not exceed 4-5 mg.
The scheme is as follows:
- The duration of the diet before the examination is 2 weeks.
- The restrictions then continue for another 2-3 weeks during treatment.
- At the end of therapy, the diet is followed for another 2-5 days.
Benefits and precautions
The main purpose of the iodine-free diet is to improve radioactive iodine therapy.
However, this diet can benefit your health in several other ways.
May lower blood pressure
As a side effect, a diet low in iodine may help lower blood pressure.
This is because the diet limits many unhealthy food groups, such as processed meats and highly processed snacks. These specific food groups are limited because they often contain a lot of iodized salt.
Numerous studies have shown that a diet high in processed foods is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, reducing processed food intake in favor of whole foods has been associated with lower blood pressure (4, 5, 6, 7).
However, it is important to note that the iodine-free diet is temporary. Thus, to achieve lasting changes in blood pressure, you must minimize your intake of processed food in the long term.
May improve the quality of your diet
Additionally, an iodine-free diet can help improve the quality of your diet.
This is because many unhealthy foods contain a lot of iodized salt.
This mainly applies to fast food, frozen dinners and packaged foods such as chips, which typically contain not only iodized salt, but also unhealthy fats and calories.
Since these foods are prohibited in this diet, it may improve the overall quality of your diet.
However, although a low-iodine diet temporarily eliminates these foods, if you are committed to improving your lifestyle, you will need to continue to make healthier food choices.
Precautions and Concerns
Although the iodine-free diet has its potential beneficial effects on the human body, it is not suitable for everyone.
A low-iodine diet is a short-term diet for people who will be undergoing radioactive iodine therapy. As a short-term diet, it should only be followed 1-2 weeks before therapy and a few days after, as recommended by your healthcare professional.
Due to its restrictive nature, a low-iodine diet should not be followed for longer than the recommended period of time as it limits some nutrients. If you follow this diet longer than expected, it may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies.
If you don't need radioactive iodine therapy and want to try the iodine-free diet for other purposes, you can try other healthy diets.
Summary:
An iodine-free diet can benefit your health in several ways, such as improving your blood pressure and the quality of your diet. However, this is a short-term diet, and to achieve long-term changes, you must maintain healthy eating habits after completing the diet.
Highly iodized products
A list of foods that have a high iodine concentration is presented in the table:
Who are the products recommended for? | List of products |
The products are indicated for people with hypothyroidism, a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that leads to a decrease in iodine levels in the body. |
|
What foods can you eat?
Although a low iodine diet is restrictive, it allows for many healthy food options.
Here is a list of foods you can eat on an iodine-free diet (8):
- Fruit : everything except rhubarb and cocktail cherries
- Vegetables : all raw or frozen (except frozen peas) – no salt
- Meat : all fresh meat, up to 170 grams per day – meat contains some iodine, so excessive consumption is not recommended
- Eggs : egg whites only
- Cereals and cereals : rolled oats (except packaged oats or instant oats), rice, quinoa, couscous, corn grits, bulgur, buckwheat, whole wheat pasta or other salt-free pasta
- Crackers : unsalted matzo crackers, unsalted rice cakes, unsalted rice crackers
- Nuts : all nuts, only unsalted
- Baking : Unsalted bread, homemade bread or homemade baked goods – baked goods without iodized salt, eggs or butter (use vegetable oil instead)
- Spreads : unsalted butter, jams, jellies, honey
- Oils : all vegetable oils, including soybean
- Drinks : brewed coffee and tea, water, fruit juices
- Herbs and Spices : All fresh or dried herbs and spices, non-iodized salt
In addition, daily consumption of permitted meat should be limited to 170 grams, since meat naturally contains iodine.
If you're not sure whether a low-iodine product can be used, you can check its ingredient list to see if it contains salt. Iodine is not typically found in most of these foods, so if salt is added, it is most likely iodized salt.
Summary:
An iodine-free diet allows you to eat many healthy food groups, including all fresh vegetables, fresh meats (excluding seafood), grains and grains, homemade breads and pastries, and all fresh herbs and spices.
Foods with medium content I
The list of products with an average concentration of iodine per 100 g - from 5 to 25 mcg - is presented in the table:
Who are the products recommended for? | Grocery list |
The products are indicated for use in order to correct the increased concentration of iodine in the body. |
|
Foods low in I
Such products (iodine concentration up to 5 mcg per 100 g) should not form the bulk of a person’s normal diet; they should be consumed as part of a diet to correct iodine concentration in the body.
The list of products is presented in the table:
Who are the products recommended for? | List of products |
The products are indicated for people with hyperthyroidism and before undergoing a thyroid function test. |
|
Diet before radioiodine forum. Iodine-free diet before radioiodine therapy: menu
Below is a sample menu for an iodine-free diet before treatment with radioactive iodine. The menu is approximate and compiled for one day. It can be adjusted by swapping some products or replacing them with similar parameters from the list of products with minimal iodine content. Breakfast
- Any fruit juice
- Egg without yolk
- Oatmeal with your choice of cinnamon, honey, apples, walnuts, fruits
- 1 slice of bread - toast (homemade bread, without iodine)
- Black coffee or tea.
Dinner
- Rice soup with chicken
- Crackers
- Brown rice with vegetables (fresh or frozen and cooked)
- Salad - fruits or vegetables - oil and vinegar
- Fruits - fresh, frozen or canned
- Black coffee or tea.
Dinner
- 150-180 g roast beef, lamb, veal, pork or turkey
- Potatoes - baked or fried
- Vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- Salad - fruits or vegetables - oil and vinegar
- Black coffee or tea.
Snacks
- Fresh fruit or juice
- Dried fruits such as raisins
- Fresh raw vegetables
- Apple juice
- Nuts
- Fruit juice
- Unsalted crackers
- Homemade bread and muffins.
If you wish, you can diversify your menu a little with these recipes: Blueberry muffins
- 125 ml. / half a glass of vegetable oil
- 125 g / half cup sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 500 g / 2 cups white flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon non-iodized salt
- 125 g blueberries - canned or fresh. Beat sugar and butter with egg whites. Mix thoroughly. Add blueberries to the mixture and form into scones or muffins (you can use muffin tins). Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for approximately 15 minutes or until done (you can check with wooden toothpicks - if you pierce the cake with a toothpick, it should come out clean and dry). Recipe for 12 cupcakes.
Pancakes
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 250 g flour (plain/whole wheat)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 125 ml. water. Whisk two egg whites with the sugar, then add vanilla and stir in the remaining ingredients, then add water to achieve the desired batter consistency. Place a couple of spoons on a greased non-stick frying pan and roll out over its entire surface. You should get about 8-10 pancakes. Serve hot with jam, honey or maple syrup.
Chicken salsa
- 60 g boiled chicken fillet, cut into cubes
- 1 finely chopped tomato
- Half a red onion, chopped
- Avocado cubes
- Sliced green pepper
- Half a teaspoon of olive oil
- Pepper and chili (optional) to taste. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl to make a salad. Serve with baked potatoes or pita bread.
Beef curry
- 1 kg veal meat, cut into cubes
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons garam masala (Indian spice)
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 glass of water
- Non-iodized salt to taste. Fry the onion and garlic for 1 minute in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the diced meat and potatoes and fry, stirring well. Sprinkle garam masala over meat and potatoes. Mix well and fry for about 2 minutes. Add the curry powder and continue stirring until the mixture begins to stick to the bottom of the pan; then you need to add about 1 glass of water, salt to taste, cover and cook until the meat is ready and the mixture thickens a little - about 20 minutes. Serve with rice. This recipe can also be made with chicken breast cubes.
Pasta with basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 tablespoons pine nuts
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 large fresh basil
- 6 tablespoons olive oil. Throw all the ingredients into a blender, mix them, and then add the resulting slurry to freshly boiled pasta.
Fried vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced green, red and yellow peppers
- Medium red onion, quartered
- 2 large mushrooms, cut in half
- Olive oil (or sunflower)
- A little balsamic vinegar
- A quarter cup of chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Place all ingredients in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and add balsamic vinegar. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
Foods that do not contain iodine
Products that do not contain iodine are used to make both dietary and high-calorie dishes.
Who is the recommended diet for? | List of products |
The products are indicated for people diagnosed with cancer, thyroid disease and for preparation before undergoing a course of radioiodine therapy. |
|
Foods consumed daily must supply sufficient nutrients and microelements for the functioning of the human body. Most of them are produced in cells and organs, but iodine is not one of them.
It plays an important role, so dishes that do not contain iodine should be consumed only for medicinal purposes, otherwise a lack of this element can lead to serious disturbances in the functioning of the body as a whole.
Article design: Vladimir the Great
What foods should you avoid?
Many people may find the restrictive nature of the low iodine diet challenging.
She temporarily eliminates many food groups, as many foods contain iodine or enhance its absorption, such as soy-based foods.
Here is a list of foods to avoid on an iodine-free diet (8):
- Seafood : all fish, shellfish, all canned fish, seaweed, all sushi and any food made from fish stock
- All processed or cured meats : including breakfast meats, bacon, sausages, smoked meats, salami, corned beef, canned poultry, etc.
- Organ meats : all organ meats including liver, heart, etc.
- Eggs : whole eggs or egg yolks (egg whites can be used)
- Certain fruits and vegetables : including canned, fresh or dried beans and lentils, frozen peas, instant mashed potatoes, canned bean or lentil soups, kelp, rhubarb and cocktail cherries
- Soy products : including tofu, edamame, soy sauce, soy meat and more
- Dairy products : everything, including dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk (more than 30 ml per day), butter, cream, etc.
- Bakery products : including commercial baked goods and home baked goods containing dairy products such as milk and butter
- Desserts and sweets : all dairy sweets such as chocolate, commercial baked goods, pudding and molasses
- Condiments and spreads : including all nut butters (except unsalted varieties), barbecue or hot sauces, Asian sauces such as oyster sauce, fish sauce and soy sauce
- Snacks : including all salted nuts, processed snacks such as chips and pretzels
- Seasonings : including iodized table salt, seasoning blends with iodized salt, alternative salts such as onion salt, sauces containing milk or butter, bouillon cubes, stock and other soup bases, and more
- Some supplements : including vitamin and mineral supplements containing iodine, cough syrups with red dye No. 3, all dietary supplements containing iodine, and herbal supplements
- Beverages : including milk, soy milk, fruit punch, or commercial drinks containing red dye No. 3
- Some additives : All products containing red dye No. 3, carrageenan, agar-agar, algin and alginates
It's worth noting that foods containing red dye #3, such as cocktail cherries, should be limited as this supplement contains iodine.
Also, if you are following a low iodine diet, it is best not to eat out or buy takeaway food, as it is very difficult to determine which eateries use high iodine foods.
Summary:
An iodine-free diet limits the intake of many common foods, such as seafood, processed or cured meats, whole eggs and egg yolks, dairy products, commercial baked goods, and many snack foods, among others.