While sodium is an essential mineral that is crucial in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, excessive sodium intake can lead to various health issues. That is why several people are switching from table salt to rock salt, which has a lower sodium content.
However, an interesting video has been making the rounds on Instagram, which suggests that this switch may not be as healthy as you think. In the video, Dr George Collicchio, who goes by the name of 'bodymorphic' on the social media platform, shared that rock salt may have less sodium, but it also has less iodine.
Since table salt is the most common source of iodine especially in vegetarian diets, Dr Collicchio warned that switching to rock salt often leads to iodine deficiency, which can have serious health repercussions.
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The Role of Iodine
'Bodymorphic' shared that table salt is the major source of iodine in vegetarian diets, as all its other significant sources are animal origin, including milk, and seaweed.
Iodine is a key component in producing thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism and supporting proper growth and development. An iodine deficiency can lead to various health issues, affecting physical and mental well-being.
Also Read: Hyper Thyroid: Iodine-rich Food Items To Cure Thyroid Problem
Side-Effects Of Iodine Deficiency
- Thyroid Disorders: The most well-known consequence of iodine deficiency is thyroid dysfunction, shared by the American Thyroid Association. It can result in conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or goitre, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Cognitive Impairment: According to an overview published in the Encyclopedia of Food and Health, a lack of iodine during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to cognitive impairments and developmental delays. However, one good news is that in most cases, such cognitive impairment seemed at least partially reversible.
- Mental Retardation: ‘Serious iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities such as cretinism - a grave, irreversible form of mental retardation that affects people living in iodine-deficient areas of Africa and Asia,’ said Dr Collicchio in the Instagram caption.
- Increased Risk of Diseases: Iodine deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other reproductive system issues, according to numerous studies including one published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.
To conclude, iodine deficiency poses serious health risks, and choosing the right salt can be a simple yet effective way to address this issue. Opting for iodine-fortified table salt over rock salt ensures a consistent and reliable source of this essential micronutrient, promoting optimal thyroid function and overall well-being. By being mindful of our salt choices, we can take a proactive step towards preventing iodine deficiency and its associated side effects.