Importance of Iodine

The importance of iodine in our diet is often overlooked. Iodine is an unappreciated essential nutrient, yet over 90% of Americans are deficient in iodine. In addition, this deficiency is a major factor in many common diseases of the thyroid gland, reproductive system, immune system, and many common forms of cancer. “Iodine deficiency is also a major factor in troublesome conditions such as depression, fatigue, obesity, mental retardation, infertility, ADD/ADHD, non- healing wounds, and infant/child mortality” says Dr. Brownstein of the Lee Clinic. The importance of iodine in our diet is immense.

Importance of Iodine

Benefits of Iodine include: forming thyroid hormones, eliminates heavy metals, it is essential during pregnancy, lowers the risk of diabetes, helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, assists in detoxification and protects from radiation.

Unfortunately, many people believe they are getting enough iodine through the intake of salt in their diets. If you are not using Himalayan sea salt your probably not getting a fraction of iodine your body requires.

As always, nutritional needs should be met through whole food sources not through products that have been doctored-up. Some preferred sources of iodine are seaweeds such as kelp and spirulina. Other foods that contain this important nutrient are Swiss chard, fennel, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and oysters.

importance of iodine

Implementation: Pick a couple iodine rich foods from the list above and add them to your diet this week.  If you are feeling bold, grab some spirulina and add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie.

Now that you understand the importance of iodine share what you have learned with a friend.

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