Iodine is a trace chemical element that serves an important purpose in supporting hormone activity. It’s vital for regulating many important biochemical reactions, including metabolism and the development of the central nervous system development in babies. It’s also thought to bolster our immune system.

Where it's found

As a chemical element that isn’t produced naturally in our body, we need to source it from our diet. Seaweed or seafood are the best sources, as most of the world’s iodine is found in the ocean. It can also reside in smaller quantities in dairy and grain products. Some fruits and vegetables contain iodine, but the amount varies widely depending on the iodine content of the soil.

Within the body, iodine is stored mostly in the thyroid gland in the neck, with the rest being distributed throughout the blood and muscles.

How it can benefit you

Iodine may be used for the following conditions:

• Oral mucositis (oral inflammation)
• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Vaginitis
• Wounds
• Radiation exposure
• Prevention of goiter
• Conditions related to too much thyroid activity – hyperthyroidism
• Skin infections cause by the fungus Sporothrix

Naturopath Mim Beim says:

“It’s vital for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. If you don't eat seafood and seaweed, you could be low in iodine. It’s necessary in pregnancy to stimulate brain function and intellectual development with iodine. Don't supplement on your own, because the thyroid gland is very temperamental and can swing from Hyper to Hypo on a dime.”