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Iodine uses What does iodine do

Got a Lump in Your Throat? You Could Have Iodine Deficiency

People associate a lump in their throat with strong emotions. They may choke up while watching the latest episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” or “This Is Us.” How many of us haven’t felt a lump in our throat right before a good cry? In the absence of strong feelings, a lump in your throat may signal an enlarged thyroid brought about by iodine deficiency.

What Is Iodine?

Iodine is a mineral that is found in some foods, and it helps our bodies create thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is responsible for almost all our body’s metabolic processes and many other vital functions such as our heart rate and rhythm. Unfortunately, iodine levels have decreased over the past three decades by as much as 50 percent, leaving people vulnerable to iodine deficiency.

A Worldwide Health Issue

Iodine deficiency can be found in both high-income countries and in developing countries. WH