Kelp is one of the best natural food sources for iodine, and you need iodine in your diet because iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production.
Why is this important? Well, this hormone production is what supports your sex drive and weight management – two important things to most people.
I like using kelp for my source of iodine because it is a very powerful natural form of iodine.
Think seaweed.
The Importance Of Iodine
Iodine is an element needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Foods with iodine are an essential part of your diet because your body cannot “make” iodine, just like your liver cannot “make” vitamin C like all other animals do (FYI).
Your thyroid gland takes the iodine found in food and converts it into the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Your thyroid cells are the only cells in your body that can absorb iodine, and these cells combine iodine with the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4.
Don’t run to the health food store and start taking iodine and tyrosine. No, no, no.
You need to know what your iodine levels are before you start taking new vitamin supplements, and you need to know specifically what your iodine level is and then monitor that level.
You can do this through a blood test or having a hair analysis (recommended at least once a year). A hair analysis is a lot more convenient than a blood test, but that’s just my opinion.
Here’s a health hint – if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you are more than likely low in iodine. If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you are more than likely not properly processing iodine within your thyroid.
Find out for sure, and never guess with something this important and simple to do.
Too Much Iodine Works The Same As Too Little Iodine
Another reason to monitor your iodine level is because a high iodine level can cause some of the same symptoms as iodine deficiencies, including a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can inflame your thyroid.
An iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid enlargement (goiter) and hypothyroidism. If your body’s iodine level falls, hypothyroidism can develop because iodine is essential for making thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism is characterized by low metabolism, weight gain, low body temperature, low heart rate, and sensitivity to cold.
Hyperthyroidism means that your thyroid gland makes too much T4 and T3, so if your thyroid is absorbing too much iodine, your thyroid overproduces these thyroid hormones.
So whether your level is high or low, you should monitor your iodine level to maintain your weight, your sex drive, healthy hair, skin, and nails, and your overall well-being.
Here’s my point: your thyroid needs the right amount of iodine daily to keep it healthy. This keeps your hormones healthy, which keeps your emotions in check and your health in balance.
Especially if you are dealing with weight issues.
Eat Foods With Iodine
Here is a great list of foods that contain iodine:
- Iodized salt
- Sea vegetables
- Potatoes
- Organic dairy
- Seaweed
- Codfish
- Shrimp
- Himalaya crystal salt
- Turkey breast
- Prunes
- Navy beans
- Tuna
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Corn
- Lobster
- Cheese
- Cranberries
- Green beans
- Pineapple
- Rhubarb
- Watercress
Get Your Iodine From Kelp
I do not recommend straight iodine as a supplement, though. I recommend getting your iodine naturally from kelp.
Most of the time, iodine products are highly manufactured, and as with any manufactured supplement, your body prefers to break down the essential nutrients as opposed to hammering through a product that has already been broken down in a lab.
So at the end of the day, instead of using a processed iodine supplement, feed your thyroid iodine from natural kelp and let your body break it down – your thyroid will more easily assimilate it and take what it needs much easier, and much more naturally.
So, monitor your iodine level to keep your thyroid healthy – naturally.
Lobster or fresh cheese anyone?
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If you want to learn more about healthy living, contact me at janethull.com. Remember that you are never alone when you are looking for good health!
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. The FDA may not have evaluated some of the statements. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding supplements or making any changes to your dietary program.
Before taking vitamins, consult your doctor; pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking can affect how your body responds to multivitamins.
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