Simply put: because with a larger surface area, it can analyze more blood for iodine. If we look at the thyroid glands all over the world, we see that a healthy thyroid gland in regions suffering from iodine deficiency, such as ours, is already on average larger than the average thyroid gland in regions where the iodine supply is very good. The Swedes, for example, have smaller thyroids than ours.
Why is it not good for the thyroid to swell?
For two reasons. Its size can lead to difficulty swallowing and a feeling of pressure. Those affected often have an urge to cough and often clear their throat. It doesn’t matter, it’s just annoying. From a cosmetic point of view, this can of course be annoying if she has grown a lot and it shows from the outside. The second effect is the formation of nodules in the tissue. These are usually mild and harmless. But they can turn into so-called “hot” nodules, which cause hyperthyroidism. As a result, the metabolism works at full speed, which can lead to various symptoms such as hypertension, sleep disorders or weight loss.
Iodine is a vital trace element that we need above all to produce thyroid hormones that control many metabolic processes. Accordingly, iodine is important for body growth, bone formation, brain development and energy metabolism. Since our body cannot produce this substance itself, we must absorb it through food. If the supply is assured, the body stores iodine – but only to a limited extent. In the phases of deficiency, we can use the reserves, but these do not last more than a few months. If we absorb too little of this trace element on a long-term basis, a chronic iodine deficiency appears, which carries health risks. 80% of the iodine we eat every day is absorbed by the thyroid gland. If it does not receive enough iodine for a prolonged period, it reacts by enlarging: the tissue grows and forms new glandular cells in order to be able to make the best use of the little iodine and produce the necessary quantity of hormones thyroid. This phenomenon, called goiter, is typical of areas suffering from iodine deficiency. Nodules – usually benign – that form in the thyroid with age and cause no other symptoms can also lead to an enlarged thyroid. Nodules are discovered in about half of people over 70, usually by chance.
Why have we returned to iodine deficiency anyway?
Because the use of iodized salt is optional. In households, we used to be at just over 80 percent usage, but that has dropped again. Today, people want to eat in a more “natural” way and avoid additives. So they buy salt without iodine. Or they opt for trendy salts like sea salt or Himalayan salt – they are iodine-free. In addition, salt with iodine costs a little more than salt without iodine. But what is more decisive is that the food industry and food processing crafts use less iodized salt.
For cost reasons?