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Endemic Thyroid Dystrophy and Iodine Deficite Areas

Endemic Thyroid Dystrophy and Iodine Deficite Areas
Author: Clinica Doctor Aljobory Medical Center Timișoara
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Endemic thyroid dystrophy (DET) is a condition that occurs in iodine-deficient areas. This condition can affect the thyroid gland and lead to health problems such as hypothyroidism and cretinism. In this article, we‘ll discuss what it means to live in a DET zone and how you can protect your health.

What is endemic thyropathic dystrophy?

Endemic thyropathic dystrophy is a condition that occurs in iodine-deficient areas. Iodine is an essential mineral for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. If not enough iodine is consumed, the thyroid gland can become overactive or hypothyroid, which can lead to health problems.

In iodine-deficient areas, people may develop endemic thyropathic dystrophy. This condition can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a buffalo neck. In severe cases, endemic thyropathic dystrophy can lead to hypothyroidism and cretinism.

How can you protect your health in a DET area?

If you live in a DET area, it is important to take steps to protect your health. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Eat foods rich in iodine:

Iodine is found in foods such as seafood, milk and milk products, eggs and bread with iodized salt. Make sure you include these foods in your daily diet.

2. Use iodized salt:

Iodized salt is an important source of iodine. Make sure you use iodized salt in your cooking and food preparation.

3. Avoid foods that can interfere with iodine absorption:

Certain foods, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, can interfere with iodine absorption. If you live in a DET area, it is important to limit your consumption of these foods.

4. Consult an endocrinologist:

If you come from an area with iodine deficiency, it is recommended to have an endocrinological consultation to detect thyroid gland conditions. Screening for thyroid gland disorders is recommended for both men and women, especially for women of childbearing age and pregnant women. The Endocrinologist may recommend tests to assess thyroid function and may prescribe medication to correct any hormonal imbalance.

5. Areas with iodine deficiency:

Endemic thyroid dystrophy is a condition that occurs in areas of iodine deficiency. If you live in such an area, it is important to take steps to protect your health.

In Romania, there are more than 30 counties considered iodine deficient areas. These include the counties of the western region, the subcarpathian areas, the counties of the Moldavian region and Bucharest. Here are some of the counties with iodine deficiency: Timiș, Caraș Severin, Arad, Bihor, Hunedoara, Gorj, Sibiu and Brasov, the counties in the region of Moldova and Bucharest.

Make sure you eat iodine-rich foods, use iodized salt, and avoid foods that can interfere with iodine absorption. It is also important to consult an endocrinologist if you have problems with the thyroid gland or suspect that you have endemic thyropathic dystrophy.

Endemic thyroid dystrophy can be compared to a house that needs a certain type of building material to be stable and functional. In endemic thyroid dystrophy, iodine is the essential building block for the thyroid gland. If there is not enough iodine, the thyroid gland can become unstable and lead to health problems, like a house that can collapse without the proper building material. Therefore, it is important to ensure that we have enough iodine in our diet to protect our health and keep the thyroid gland functioning
 
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