According to official data from the World Health Association, more than two billion people with thyroid pathologies are registered in the world. This figure is constantly increasing annually. The main reason for the growth of the disease is directly related to catastrophic iodine deficiency. The chemical element is necessary for all living things on the planet, without it, the correct development and functioning of the body is impossible. Naturally, we get the substance by consuming seafood, but not everyone has the opportunity to eat such food every day.
For this reason, it is necessary to look for optimal solutions so that everyone can regularly take the right dose of a chemical compound to maintain health. Experts in this field have found a simple, effective and, most importantly, economical method of combating endemic goiter, hypothyroidism and other disorders. According to health professionals, iodized salt will help prevent the problem. This is the most affordable and less costly way to solve the problem.
Today, the food industry and a number of pharmaceutical companies market a wide range of such products. It is not problematic to purchase table salt with the addition of iodine or dietary supplements with an additional source of vitamins. All of them are designed to correct the deficiency of a trace element in the body. We will understand the usefulness of such a popular and functional product, capable, as doctors say, to replace drugs.
Characteristic
Food sodium chloride (a scientific term) with the addition of potassium iodate is used as a preventive measure to prevent pathological processes in the thyroid gland. High-quality salt (GOST 51574) is produced in accordance with the regulated regulatory acts of DSTU 3583-97. The mass fraction of the chemical trace element must be strictly observed and correspond to 10% (40 μg).
All this is the manufacturer must indicate on the label, including the form of iodine. Packing of this “white crystalline substance” does not require special packaging. It does not matter if salt is in a lightproof bag or cardboard box: it does not deteriorate for a long time and retains all the iodine compounds.
Lack of a building element: harm
With iodine deficiency in the thyroid gland, irreversible processes begin, first of all, the synthesis of important hormones is disrupted. The organ gradually increases in size, tissue grows. As a result, an endemic goiter develops. What is the danger of the disease? Against the background of hypothyroidism, defenses, memory are reduced, mental retardation is observed, especially in childhood.
In addition, the risk of infectious and inflammatory pathologies increases, and vision deteriorates. A prolonged deficiency of an element is badly reflected in all human systems. Hypothyroidism is dangerous during pregnancy. Sea iodized salt helps prevent this condition.
What will happen when there is an oversupply?
We all talk about the lack of connection, the negative consequences, but forget that oversaturation also affects the internal state of a person. The constant and uncontrolled use of salt with potassium iodate can cause sad consequences:
- purulent rashes;
- nausea, vomiting
- eye diseases:
- bronchitis;
- fever.
An excess of the element leads to intoxication of the body, against the background of which iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis often occurs. More often it affects older people with thyroid pathologies. It is difficult to say how your body will react to the uncontrolled intake of iodine, so you need to know the measure in everything and not engage in self-therapy.
What is the daily dose?
Iodized salt should be consumed reasonably, taking into account age and physiological characteristics. For women who are in an “interesting” position and nursing mothers, the minimum is determined by the health authorities - not more than 200 micrograms. Adults - 150 mcg. For children under the age of one year, it is enough to give about 50 mcg. From two to six years, this figure is 90 mcg. Do not give up seafood: shrimp, red fish, caviar, squid, crabs. Good health depends on our diet - remember this.
What substances are needed for better absorption of iodine?
The direct relationship between minerals, vitamins and trace elements has been repeatedly proven. All of them provide uninterrupted operation of the body and provide energy. With an excess or shortage of one of the elements, iodized salt will be useless. For example, retinol, selenium, calcium, cobalt, strontium and manganese are required to produce thyroid hormones. Without these compounds, iodine cannot be completely absorbed.
Is it possible to heat-treat?
According to experts, iodized edible salt is not suitable for use in hot dishes. Studies have shown that at high temperatures almost the entire trace element evaporates. The remaining scanty dose will not have the proper effect. The product is not suitable for canning and marinades. Therefore, it is advisable to add it to warm and cold food.
And for cooking, it is better to use sodium chloride with kelp. It is best to use unrefined sea salt (GOST must be observed), which has passed the minimum number of treatments. It is enriched with natural microcomponents and has a number of undeniable advantages - it is not deposited in organs and tissues.
Are there any contraindications?
The use of salt with iodate is unacceptable for some diseases that every buyer should be aware of. Refuse from the "white crystals" simply required by patients with malignant tumors and thyrotoxicosis of the thyroid gland. Also, people suffering from chronic pyoderma, tuberculosis, nephritis. With extreme caution, preferably after an interview with a doctor, it is used for furunculosis, urticaria and hemorrhagic diathesis.
Iodized Salt: Safe Substitutes
There are numerous easily digestible preparations containing a valuable chemical element produced by various pharmaceutical and food companies. For example, "Iodide" - it contains the optimal concentration of this compound (100, 200 μg). The drug is manufactured using modern technology, can be used to prevent iodine deficiency.
In pharmacy chains, effective multivitamin supplements are presented, which contain useful minerals and trace elements necessary for normal functioning. Among the wide selection of dietary supplements stand out: "Vitrum Junior", "Vitrum Centuri", "Vitrum". Recommended drugs for those to whom iodized salt is contraindicated.