Iodine is a mineral present in your body that aids in cell metabolism and thyroid function. The purpose of a low-iodine diet is to decrease the amount of iodine that you consume and help determine how much iodine your body actually uses. Often prescribed prior to a radioactive immunoassay test, a low iodine diet is necessary to obtain accurate test results. This diet can slightly vary depending on the treating physician or diagnostic institution that prescribes it.
Meat, Fish and Dairy
Certain types of fresh meat are allowable on a low iodine diet, such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork and veal. When choosing meats, make sure they are free from injected broth and avoid cured meats, such as bacon, ham, hot dogs and sausage. You will also need to pass on eggs and egg substitutes. All seafood and dairy products are off limits during a low iodine diet.
Grains and Starches
You may eat shredded wheat and puffed rice dried cereals. Cooked cereals are fine if they are not instant and do not contain added salt. When it comes to bread, you may eat 1 to 2 slices each day if the total sodium is less than 20 mg per serving. Pasta that is free of salt and eggs, and fresh potatoes without skins are also acceptable. Avoid packaged rice and pasta mixes and do not eat commercially baked products, such as doughnuts, pies, cookies and cakes.
Fruits and Vegetables
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, choose fresh and do not eat canned or frozen. Avoid spinach completely and do not use jars of tomato or pasta sauce. You may however consume homemade tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes. In addition, pickled foods are not permissible.
Fats
Fats that contain salt are not allowable, such as salted peanut butter. You may eat unsalted peanut butter and vegetable or olive oils. Other food items to pass on include commercial salad dressings and mayonnaise.
Beverages
Permissible beverages include black coffee and tea, water and homemade lemonade. Do not drink mineral waters that contain sodium, beer, cocoa or sodas, other than lemon-lime soda varieties, which are acceptable. Also, avoid powdered drink mixes.
Other Considerations
Non-iodized salt is allowed but iodized salt, seasoned salt, kelp, sea salt and salt substitute are not permissible on this this diet. Snack foods that do not contain salt are permissible, such as unsalted rice cakes, and popcorn made with non-iodized salt popped in vegetable or olive oil. Since iodine is also present in red food dyes, do not eat red gelatin or other foods that contain red dye. Do not eat out at restaurants and avoid prepackaged foods, such as canned, boxed and frozen. In addition, do not take multivitamins and advise your doctor of all medications you are taking.
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