The underrated hair tonic!

Iodine, a trace element, is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Deficiency in iodine can lead to the development of hypothyroidism, a condition where there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism causes hair thinning.

Iodine and vitamin deficiency used to be a thing of the past when the concept of fortified foods was not around. It is a reality in some third world countries today. But of late, iodine deficiency cases have been coming up more and more.

Small things matter a lot. Iodine and other trace minerals, however small their required quantity, are vital for the body’s perfect health!

What could be the reason for this?

One plausible explanation is the over-awareness of health issues. The bad effects of salt and its implication in heart diseases have been magnified to such an extent that today people believe salt is Villain No. 1 and the root cause of high blood pressure! So widespread is this belief that people have started completely avoiding salt in their diet!

Well, this may be true to the maximum extent. What one needs to stress upon is that the function of salt is not just to add taste to our foods. Salt contains the very essential iodine which is responsible to keep the thyroid functioning properly. So while you take care of your heart, do not end up compromising on your thyroid health!

Role of Perchlorate: Even if you are eating the required amount of iodine, there may be a possibility that your body is not able to make use of it. According to findings in the USA, perchlorate is responsible for this. Originally used as an explosive in rockets, the faulty disposal of this harmful chemical has ensured that perchlorate has pervaded the ground water levels. This makes the water available for drinking full of it. Lately, it is used as an artificial flavouring agent.

This perchlorate is responsible for affecting the thyroid tissues and blocking them. The thyroid is then rendered helpless; it cannot absorb the iodine eaten. So you end up having hypothyroidism anyway!

So what can be done?

1. The recommended dietary allowance for iodine is 150 to 290 micrograms for adults. Eat enough salt through your food to meet this requirement.


2. The change you make now will start manifesting itself after about a minimum of 3 months. You will certainly find your hair intact on your scalp and not on the floor or your hair brush!