Iodine is a trace-mineral that we don’t often hear much about, but one that is very important. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why we’ve been snacking on seaweed snacks lately…

Today, in many countries including the United States, iodine’s added to table salt to help people meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA), which is 150 mcg for both males and females over 14 years old, 220 mcg for women who are pregnant, and 290 mcg for women who are breast feeding. Meeting the RDA is important, as iodine plays an important role in synthesizing thyroid hormones.

Not getting enough iodine can leave you feeling tired and, if the deficiency becomes severe, can lead to mental retardation, hyperthyroidism, and development abnormalities. Make sure you’re meeting your RDA for iodine to help keep your energy up all day.

Some of the best sources of iodine:

• iodized salt, (Of course, most people get too much salt [although iodine’s not always added to processed foods] so we don’t recommend using more salt as your way to increase your iodine. Try seaweed snacks like we do!)
• cod
• Shrimp
• cow’s milk
• navy beans
• potatoes with their peel
• seaweed.