Iodine is important to our bodies, and we have an excellent source right here at our clinic. The Thyroid gland needs iodine to produce the thyroid hormones, which support a healthy metabolism. The body does not make iodine, so it is must be an essential part of your diet or taken via supplements. Vegetarians, especially vegans, are particularly at risk for thyroid deficiency. Too much iodine can also cause problems, and as with most things regarding our health, balance is the key.
Iodine is found in various foods such as seaweed (kelp, nori, dulce), seafood (especially cod, shrimp, and tuna), dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), egg yolks, prunes, lima beans, and iodized salt. Few of us eat seaweed, and iodized salt is one of the worst forms of sodium chloride for our dinner tables (and if you have high blood pressure, you must watch your salt intake), and we worry about eggs and cholesterol, so the best way to make sure we get enough is to take a supplement. At Diabetes Relief we offer the BioTE brand of iodine, which is $43, but the bottle contains 180 capsules (12.5 mg each), and you need only one or two a day, so it’s quite a bargain.
The American Thyroid Association (www.thyroid.org) is dedicated to elimination of thyroid deficiency and has a world of information at its site, so arm yourself with knowledge.