Data shows that iodine intake among Americans is adequate [ii], meaning it might not be necessary to tamper with
enhancing iodine consumption without consulting your doctor first.
Evidence indicates that
increased iodine consumption replaces and therefore helps detox other halogens, such as fluoride and bromide, and even toxic metals like lead, aluminum and mercury.11 One theory is that liberal amounts of iodine in the diet can protect against the harmful effects of fluoridated water.12 Iodine supports the immune system and protects against abnormal growth of bacteria in the stomach.13
Although
adequate iodine consumption is important for thyroid hormone production and iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide, its supplemental use in autoimmune thyroids is contraindicated.
People diagnosed with Hashimoto's must take synthetic thyroid hormone and speak to their doctor about
their iodine consumption.
Unfortunately, when we decrease our intake of iodized table salt, people can inadvertently reduce
their iodine consumption to less than desirable levels.
If you're not sure about
your iodine consumption, check your urine in this home test.