If you’re constantly feeling tired and have been struggling to lose weight, you might be missing something… Iodine is essential for your body to make thyroid hormones which control your metabolic rate. Healthy Food Guide nutritionist and Lose Weight for Life author Claire Turnbull explains how iodine deficiency may affect you and what you can do about it.
Did you know that most New Zealanders are mildly iodine deficient?
I was speaking at a conference last week as I often do about living a happier, healthier life! As part of my presentation I decided to touch on some of the ‘little things’ which have a BIG impact – these begin some of the vitamins and minerals us Kiwi’s often aren’t getting enough of – B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Selenium, Iodine, Calcium and Iron being just a few examples.
Most people at the conference identified that one reason why we don’t get enough iodine in our diet’s is because our soil here in New Zealand is lacking in iodine, but when I asked what iodine did or what they might need to eat to get more (other than add more iodised salt to their food) – blank faces!
So…today, a mini 101 on iodine for you! You might be thinking – really? Do I need to care about one little mineral? Well, yes you do! Iodine deficiency can affect hearing, intelligence and mental capability (hence why women now need to take an iodine supplement during pregnancy). Iodine deficiency can also result in goitre (which is a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck) and that is definitely not good. This amazing little mineral is also vital to help you make thyroid hormones which control your metabolic rate, which in turn can affect your weight.
So, tune in – this is relevant to you, your friends and your family. Oh, and I promise not to get too geeky on you – let’s keep this practical!
To read the rest of this article and to find out how to up the ante on iodine, see Claire’s blog.
Image / Supplied – Claire Turnbull