Foods that Contain Iodine. From Eggs to Kelp

Many people are worried about a deficiency of iodine supplements, what else can you do to get enough? According to the Linus Pauling Institute, you can eat foods that are known to be rich in iodine. Consult your physician before making any changes to your dietary intake. (I am not a doctor.)

Fish

While fish can be a great source, there are many variables to how much iodine is in a particular fish when you eat it. It can be as low as 70 mcg., or as high as 1,000 mcg. It is wise not to depend solely on fish to meet your iodine needs. As of this time, there are no good ways to evaluate the levels of each fish.

Salt

Most table salt in America is already iodized. When you shake it on your food, or add it to your baking and cooking you are helping yourself to iodine. Salt is the main reason why some dairy products like yogurt, salted butter and milk are foods that contain iodine. Farmers feed their cows feed with added salt to it. Even grass fed beef are usually given free choice of salt blocks or loose salt to eat at will. Therefore the cattle are supplementing what might be an iodine deficient pasture or hay ration with the salt they consume. They can pass this on to the consumer.

Processed Foods

Of course sea vegetables like Kelp are very high in iodine. But did you know that processed foods like bread are a great source too? The bread contains iodized salt and iodate dough conditioners. Consume the bread, consume the iodine.

Other Foods that contain iodine.

Other sources include potatoes baked with the skin on, mozzarella cheese, navy beans cooked, strawberries and eggs. It does make a difference how much iodine is in the soil that plants are grown in and livestock grazes on. Many areas have iodine deficiencies in the soil.

Selenium

Your body can't use the iodine very well unless it has selenium. There are areas of the United States that have deficiencies of selenium. You should have yours checked and talk to a doctor before making big changes in either selenium or iodine intake.

If you are attempting to raise your iodine levels and can't find supplements, try eating these foods. Don't get carried away as iodine toxicity is possible. Most men and women 19 and older can safely consume 150 mcg of iodine daily. The body doesn't store iodine.
source:
Linus Pauling Institute