Processed Foods And Fast Foods Loaded With Salt But No Iodine
Symptoms of low iodine include fatigue and gaining weight as well as thyroid disease, typically indicated by swollen thyroid glands in the throat.
Normally, a half teaspoon of iodized table salt will satisfy the daily requirement of iodine for adults.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, of the Doctor Oz television show says one way to test for a thyroid problem is to take your temperature each morning before rising from bed, and if the average is below 98.7 you may have an iodine deficiency or thyroid problem.
According to writer Diane Porter, the FDA does not required identifying salt as "iodized" in most food products. The only place you may see iodine listed as an ingredient is in regular table salt.
But says Porter, when you buy, say, a cake mix the FDA says it's just supposed to be labeled "salt" whether it's iodized or non-iodized.
The only way to determine if foods like frozen foods and fast foods contain iodized salt is to call each company. And studies indicate most salt in prepared food is not iodized. Salt in picked and canned products is never iodized because iodine turns the foods brown.
But says Porter, when you buy, say, a cake mix the FDA says it's just supposed to be labeled "salt" whether it's iodized or non-iodized.
The only way to determine if foods like frozen foods and fast foods contain iodized salt is to call each company. And studies indicate most salt in prepared food is not iodized. Salt in picked and canned products is never iodized because iodine turns the foods brown.
Even table salt can be troublesome as a 2008 study published in the American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology journal says that we may not be getting as much iodine from table salt as we believe:
"Researchers tested 88 samples of iodized salt and found that 47 did not meet the FDA’s recommended level. In addition, amount of iodine varied in individual packages and brands of salt."
The publication also reveals "Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of salt in the U.S. diet is not iodized. Approximately 70% of the salt is used commercially − virtually none of the salt used by the pre-prepared or the fast food industry is iodized."
"Researchers tested 88 samples of iodized salt and found that 47 did not meet the FDA’s recommended level. In addition, amount of iodine varied in individual packages and brands of salt."
The publication also reveals "Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of salt in the U.S. diet is not iodized. Approximately 70% of the salt is used commercially − virtually none of the salt used by the pre-prepared or the fast food industry is iodized."
Porter says, "So most salt in the United States is NOT iodized (including the very trendy new varieties of sea salts and kosher salts). The only salt you can truly count on is the salt you buy for your home consumption.
"Make sure you check the label for its iodine content (some brands actually list the amount). And when it gets old, toss it. There IS a difference between fresh salt and salt that's been exposed to heat, light, and humidity over time."
Diane Porter at empowher.com
Diane Porter at empowher.com
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