Iodine helps keep the thyroid gland functional and thereby also the catabolization of food and excess fat.
If we lack iodine, the metabolism is reduced and we tire easily. Depression, anaemia, low blood pressure, and reduced sex drive and fertility can be some of the symptoms. Iodine also plays a role in our mental and physical development during childhood. Some clinical surveys indicate that there is a connection betweeen iodine deficiency and breast cancer and another survey points to the connection between iodine deficiency and blood clots.
Foods that contain iodine are:
Kelp, sea salt, salt-water fish, asparagus, garlic, certain types of beans, mushrooms, squash, spinach.
Warning
Some substances can block the absorption of iodine in the thyroid gland if they are eaten raw in large amounts. This is especially true of soy and cabbage plants. Heating reduces this effect. People with thyroid gland problems should take care with such foods.
RDA
150 mcg. daily.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women: 175 - 200 µg. daily.
If taking too large doses over a long period of time (>500 µg. daily) it can inhibit thyroid function and cause mouth ulcers, swollen salivary glands, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
