Trace mineral iodine is an essential nutrient that, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, you body needs for the metabolism of cells, thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. Some people, however, need to restrict the amount of iodine they consume if they need to have a radioactive iodine scan or treatment. "You cannot gauge a food's iodine content based on the sodium listed on the label," states Katrina Claghorn, Registered Dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. To be safe, avoid foods with added sodium.
Low Iodine Protein Foods
You may eat egg whites and fresh meats without any additives. Whole cuts of meat tend to have less iodine than packaged ground meats, which are more likely to have additives. If you want ground beef, purchase meat then ask the butcher to grind it. Although the iodine content in livestock feed has increased, the amount that transfers to the meat is much lower than that found in milk, according to the National Institutes of Health. Unsalted nuts and fresh, natural nut butters are also low in iodine.
Low Iodine Fruits and Vegetables
Most fresh or frozen vegetables are fine, as long as they have no iodized sodium added for seasoning or in a sauce. Read labels on canned fruit to make sure there is no sodium or red dye #3. Raw or unsalted steamed vegetables are low in iodine, but avoid potato skins and soybeans.
Low Iodine Breads and Desserts
Homemade breads made without iodized sodium are fine. Desserts are best if they're homemade, since sugar, jelly, honey and maple syrup are safe to eat on a low iodine diet. You may have sorbet without sodium or E-127 Erythrosine.
Other Low Iodine Foods
Remember that low iodine doesn't mean low sodium. You need to make sure the sodium is not iodized, and the only way to do this is to make the food yourself. Norene Gilletz and thyroidologist Dr. Kenneth Ain, authors of the "Low Iodine Diet Cookbook," recommend eating matzos rather than packaged breads. They also suggest making extra portions of low-iodine meals to freeze for future consumption. For seasoning, use black pepper and dried or fresh herbs.
Low Iodine Drinks
You may drink cola, lemonade and sodas without red dye #3 on a low-iodine diet. Brewed coffee and tea are also fine, but do not use dairy creamers. According to the National Institutes of Health, milk's iodine content has increased by more than 300 percent since the 1990s, due to the iodine in the feed supply.
Member Comments