You’ve probably heard of iodine and may have wondered why you need it. The answer is: for just about everything. Unfortunately, iodine has been a sadly neglected mineral in our diets since the 1940s, and it was considered only necessary for preventing goiter.

But research shows that all tissues of the body require iodine.  It’s pretty well known that iodine helps fuel the thyroid – our metabolism’s ‘gas pedal’, but it’s less widely reported that iodine also protects breast tissue and prostate cells, helps regulate hormones, and detoxifies dangerous iodine competitors like chlorine, bromide, and fluoride – all common chemicals in daily life.

Everyone needs iodine each day, but if you find yourself easily fatigued, gaining weight easily, or getting sick frequently, I’d recommend starting off with a higher level. Just make sure your iodine comes from varied sources, including molecular iodine, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide, because each type targets specific concerns.

Integrative practitioners often suggest 50 mg per day for 3 months followed by 6.25 or 12.5 mg daily thereafter for optimal health.  However, when working with higher doses of iodine, I’d encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare practitioner to find a dose that is right for you.