Iodine and your thyroid

Your thyroid uses iodine to make its hormones, which help set the pace of your metabolism. Your body can't make iodine, so it comes from food: seaweed, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy and iodized salt.

Here's a modern twist. Many people have switched to sea salt or pink salt, which usually contain little iodine, and the salt in processed foods is rarely iodized. If you've also cut back on dairy and seafood, your intake may be lower than you think.

More isn't better, though; too much iodine, from kelp supplements for example, can also disrupt thyroid function. I always tell clients to work with their doctor on thyroid questions and never to stop or change thyroid medication on their own. Try this: enjoy fish or eggs a few times this week, and ask your doctor before adding any iodine supplement.