Do you notice dense hair fall on your wash day? Wondering why this is happening to you? Most of us associate hair loss to vitamin or iron deficiencies, hormonal changes or other problems. There is also a lesser-known factor that can contribute to this problem – iodine deficiency. Many of us are unaware of the importance of iodine for hair and often neglect this aspect.
In this article, we shall guide you on how to deal with hair problems by balancing iodine levels in the body. Also, get to know some of the key sources of this agent and how to use it effectively to bring back your voluminous mane.
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What Is Lodine and Why is It Important?
Iodine is a chemical element that is required by the body for better performing of specific organs. However, it cannot be produced internally and must be sourced from external products. A deficiency of Iodine can create a hormonal imbalance due to poor thyroid functioning. This can lead to hair loss, weight issues and many other health complications.
How Iodine Deficiency Affects Hair Growth?
Lack of sufficient Iodine levels in the body can impact your overall hair health. As mentioned earlier, Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism which leads to several problems.
- Dry and coarse hair causing breakages and hair fall.
- High release of thyroid hormones, which directly affect the strength of the roots.
- In extreme cases, it can even lead to Alopecia or permanent baldness.
- Low levels of Iodine, along with minerals like copper and iron, can give you premature greying.
Role of Iodine for Hair Growth:
By consuming a healthy diet that is rich in all nutrients, including iodine, you can curb the hair loss at the grass-root level. Take more foods that are rich in copper, iodine and iron to lower the risk of grey hair and delay the ageing process. Also, studies have shown that topical application of white iodine can stimulate even dormant follicles and support hair regrowth. Hair loss that is caused due to fungal or bacterial infections can be reversed with the anti-microbial properties of Iodine.
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Symptoms Of Iodine Deficiency:
Apart from losing tens of strands per day, you can also identify iodine deficiency using the following signs in your body:
- Swelling in the neck.
- Dry, Flaky Skin.
- Fatigue and sudden loss of energy.
- Weight gain due to hypothyroidism.
- Chills in the body.
- Increased heart rate.
See More: Iodine Rich Foods List
How Much Iodine Should You Take Per Day?
The daily intake of Iodine largely depends on the age and the present health condition of the person. Here are the recommended limits for each category:
- Children between 1-8 years – 90mcg
- Children between 9-13 years – 120 mcg
- Teens between 14-18 years – 150mcg
- Adult Men – 150mcg
- Adult Women – 150 mcg
- Pregnant Women – 220 mcg
- Lactating Women – 270 mcg
Important Sources Of Iodine:
Listed below are a few foods which can help in meeting your daily needs of Iodine:
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Dairy Products (milk, cheese etc.)
- Seafood
- Iodized Salt
- Sesame Seeds
- Garlic
- Seaweed
- Iodine supplement pills
You can also use topical iodine on your scalp to promote better hair growth.
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Although this article suggests that Iodine can curb hair loss, it’s important to note that hair fall cannot be completely treated by Iodine, as many factors are associated with the problem. Not all hair problems are caused by iodine deficiency, and before you increase its intake, you must get a thorough medical examination done. Also, speak to your doctor regarding the dosage, diet changes and any medical intervention if needed.
Now that you have understood the Iodine benefits for hair, it’s time to pay a little more attention to it!