Iodine is a mineral the thyroid metabolizes that is required for regular body functions. Without sufficient iodine, children can experience mental retardation or brain damage and adults may experience damage in physical development or enlarged growth in the thyroid, known as a goiter. While iodine is necessary in the body, some people -- such as thyroid cancer patients -- should limit their iodine intake temporarily while undergoing thyroid cancer treatments.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables low in iodine should be from fresh sources. Pre-packaged or frozen sources often are processed with salt to help preserve them and therefore can be high in iodine. Otherwise, most fresh fruits and vegetables are permissible. However, avoid fruits that are made with red dye, such as fruit cocktail because it contains iodine.
Breads and Desserts
If you make breads at home without salt, you can eat these, however, most commercially prepared breads should be avoided. Other grains that can be eaten include oatmeal, cream of wheat and shredded wheat. You also can eat most pasta and noodles although you should read the ingredients first because these foods can be prepared with high-iodine ingredients. While most desserts will be off-limits, you may be able to prepare desserts at home using foods that do not contain iodine. In addition to salt, you will have to cook with only small amounts of eggs.
Meats and Protein Sources
Foods like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb and pork are low in iodine as long as salt is not added. You also can eat peanut butter, but natural peanut butter is the best option because it does not typically contain added salt. You can flavor meats with spices, pepper and herbs to enhance flavor without adding salt.
Foods to Avoid
Americans' chief sources of iodine are from iodized sat added to foods. For this reason, you should avoid heavily salted foods, such as processed or fast foods. Avoid eating dairy products, like milk, cheese, yogurt, butter or ice cream because they contain iodine. This also means chocolate is off-limits because most forms contain milk. While most unsalted vegetables are permissible, you should avoid certain kinds of beans, including red kidney beans, navy beans, cowpeas, pinto beans and lima beans. Avoid fish, seafood and seaweed because they contain iodine.
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