I'm sure everyone is aware that iodine is required for our thyroid glands to function properly.
"But I get iodised salt - so I'm covered!"
It is a commonly held belief that iodised salt is a sufficient source of iodine, but the amount actually present in salt is a tiny fraction of what is needed.
By the time that salt has gone from being processed to being bagged up, transported to the store, sold and then prepared in food, the majority has already evaporated.
Not too long ago, flour was always iodised until it was discovered that bromine is cheaper and so they were switched out. The problem with that is a bit of a story in itself...
Bromine and iodine are both halogens that compete for the same spot in the body, but bromine tends to 'win' because it's larger and stronger (it's more electronegative and thus more reactive).
Bromine has certain benefits, but it is also strongly carcinogenic.
Most of us are unfortunately exposed to massive amounts anyway, so it's good to avoid as much exposure as possible.
In order to displace the bromine, we need to consume a significant amount of iodine.
The same is true of the other halogens...fluorine (think: fluoride) and chlorine.
The RDA of iodine is a minuscule 150ug/day but, considering the perpetual assault our bodies endure with brominated flour-products, clothing, flooring and mattresses that off-gas for a decade+ and on and on and on...that RDA gets depleted very quickly.
In fact, some experts conclude that, if a person is in good health, they require only about 50mg for daily maintenance. But, for any more serious conditions, if there's hair loss, stubborn weight gain or retention, thyroid problems, hormone issues, etc then a higher amount of iodine may be required.
If you want a great and short read on iodine and it's benefits and the dangers of too little, we highly recommend reading "The Iodine Crisis".
