Much of iodine is found in the sea, but iodine is a mineral and is also found in soil. We can get our iodine where all the other animals on the planet get it, through our food. If we are consuming high-quality food grown in rich soil we should not be iodine deficient. Over and above this, most of us do consume some foods outside of our home, and these are likely to contain iodised table salt, therefore we are likely to get small quantities of supplements regularly too.

Whenever we are deficient in anything our body naturally craves foods rich in that substance. For example, if you find yourself craving seaweed or even fish, it could be that you are iodine deficient. One way to find out what is best for you is to consume regular table salt, (which in India is iodised) over a period of a few months and rock salt over a period of the next few months and see if you find an improvement in your health with either. Unfortunately, iodine levels in the blood are not commonly measured by most laboratories in India currently.

In the past, when people suffered from iodine deficiency, they would develop goitres. Goitres have become very rare these days and, despite all the iodised salt being consumed, hypothyroidism has become quite common. Is there a connection? It’s difficult to say for sure. The rise in hypothyroidism has coincided not only with the usage of iodised salt but also with the increased use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Chemicals are hormonal disruptors. The increase in the use of pesticides, packaged foods, and personal and home care products may be a major factor in causing hypothyroidism. It is commonly seen that switching from a conventional lifestyle to a healthy organic which includes rock salt has led to a reduction in hypothyroidism. Many patients have been able to stop their thyronorm intake over a period of time after changing to a healthier lifestyle.

In summary, table salt is not the only source of iodine. Iodine is a mineral and is found in many rich soils, as well as in the sea. Seaweed is a rich source of iodine, but fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains also do contain iodine.