Iodine is often a misunderstood topic, but these five facts will help you see all the benefits it can offer and learn more about what iodine is.

1. Iodine is necessary for the production of all hormones. It supports thyroid health and metabolism, which supports weight loss. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Your thyroid needs iodine!

2. From the late 1800s to the 1960s, iodine was considered the universal medicine and was used to treat a wide variety of diseases! Including syphilis, prostate enlargement, scarlet fever, obesity, depression, breast pain, skin conditions, and more.

3. In the 1920s, salt iodization was implemented to counteract the effects of iodine deficiency. It was added to flour, then to salt, and the issue was considered solved. However, over the last 30 years, our iodine intake has decreased by 50%.

4. Iodine deficiency has led to an increased risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and many other contemporary health issues.

5. In 1960, iodine was added to bread dough, but in 1980, it was removed with the belief that we were getting too much iodine (although that was not true). It was replaced with bromide, which purges iodine from your body.

What are the symptoms of low iodine levels?

• fatigue
• increased sensitivity to cold
• constipation
• dry skin
• weight gain
• puffy face
• muscle weakness
• elevated blood cholesterol levels
• pain or stiffness in the muscles and joints
• slowed heart rate
• thinning hair
• depression
• poor memory
• a heavier-than-normal period in menstruating women

So, should I just eat more salt?

Although iodine is in iodized salt, there is not enough to provide optimal health and disease prevention. Not only that, the iodine in salt is unstable, and within 20-40 days after opening the package, it will lose up to half its iodine content.

There are also iodine-rich foods like sea vegetables, yogurt, cow’s milk, eggs, strawberries, and soy sauce. Iodine+ by BioTE offers 12.5mg of iodine in each capsule, providing a pathway to optimal health.

Live in the Denver Metro area? Book an appointment with Cunningham Clinic and get a free healthy aging consultation.

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