Iodine is an important nutrient to the human body. It is naturally present in seawater, sea vegetables, and sea salt. It is important for energy production, mental development, and production of thyroid hormones and for a strong lymph system.

Although small amounts of iodine are found in the blood, nerves, and other organs, most of the body’s iodine is present in the thyroid, ovaries and uterus. Women require more than men especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause or when there is infection or stress. Iodine is involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. It is also important in the absorption of complex carbohydrates. Iodine helps the digestion of carbohydrates, which in turn will help with weight problems and sugar cravings.

Because iodine is not available to inland populations and deficiency of iodine produces goiter and other thyroid disorders, iodine is added to processed salt. Sea salt naturally contains iodine but once it has been washed and/or refined (such as typical table salt or most ‘sea salt’) it doesn’t contain a speck of iodine. Iodine is therefore added to refined salt. This is an instance of a product that once contained a multitude of healthful elements, which are lost in processing, has a few added back and it is ironically called “enriched.”

There is evidence that the inorganic form of iodine added to refined salt does not decrease the incidence of goiter. The iodine, added in this artificial and excessive way (an average of 30-1200 times the dosage that occurs in natural salt), passes in the urine within 20 minutes and all of it will have left the body within 24 hours. In this excessive concentration, iodine can cause hypoplasia (growth due to an increase in cell number) of the thyroid and trigger many other glandular and sexual disorders. Excess is as much a problem as a deficiency. Dr. Esteban Genao states that in his practice he sees many sluggish thyroids. These people often have faulty metabolisms and fluid retention. He holds that the main reason for this is the excessive iodine that is added to refined salt.

Organic iodine (found in seaweeds, oyster, shrimps, unprocessed salt, etc.) is far more effective because it is slowly released into the body. Celtic Sea Salt naturally contains all of the elements found in the sea, including iodine.

Because iodine does not remain in the blood for long, a daily small supply of organic iodine is vital. The very minute but precise amount required can be met easily by Celtic unrefined ocean salts. There is no need to worry about having too much. Salt your foods ‘to taste.’ Recommendations generally are at least ¼ to ½ teaspoon daily on food. Some doctors recommend a teaspoon in one cup of water to drink in the event of stomach pains and viral infections (in children and adults).

Besides good salt, other sources of iodine should be added to the diet including: sea vegetables (sprinkle kelp over foods), shell fish and produce grown near the ocean.

The following are some points to consider regarding the body’s need for salt and its use. 27% of the salt in the body is stored in the bones. It makes them hard. Salt will be pulled from the bones to maintain normal blood levels of salt.
· Salt shortage in the body can appear as the same symptoms of dehydration. Salt and water work together in the body.
· Drinking water without using salt can cause salt shortages.
· Cramping in unexercised muscles is often indicative of a salt deficiency. Dizziness and feeling faint may also be an indication.
· Salt is natural anti-histamine. It can break up mucus in the lungs.
· In edema, the body will hold onto salt to keep water in the body in fear of a drought. Increasing water will resolve this. If ankles swell or eyes become puffy, reduce salt and increase water until it is resolved. Exercise will draw fluid into the blood.
· Salt provides 84 minerals to the body. It maintains the water content outside the cells.
· Daily consumption of salt is ¼ teaspoon for 5 eight ounce glasses of water; ½ teaspoon for 10 eight ounce glasses. Increase salt only as water is increased.
· Increase water and salt only in urination increases with it.
· Use unrefined salt on food. Avoid table salt.
· If sleep is difficult, drink eight ounces of water and put a pinch of salt on the tongue before bed.