Alternate Foods Rich in Iodine to Replace Table Salt as You Lower Blood Pressure

One of the first dietary steps you can take to lower blood pressure is to cut back on salt. Salt contains sodium. By decreasing your salt intake, you decrease the level of sodium in your bloodstream allowing your kidneys to more effectively eliminate water resulting in a lower blood pressure.

However, salt is one of our main dietary sources of iodine. Iodine deficiency is not a common problem due to the fact iodine is added to table salt.

If you eliminate table salt from your diet you may need to shift your diet to include other sources of iodine.

What role does iodine play in your health?

Iodine’s main function is to support the development and function of the thyroid gland with hormone production.

Iodine also fights bacteria, promotes healthy breast tissue, supports hair and skin growth, protects against toxic effects of radioactive material, and is involved in energy production and nerve function.

What are iodine deficiency symptoms?

Some deficiency symptoms include:

• Depression
• Dry eyes
• Decreased mental capacity
• Fatigue
• Cold extremities
• Goiter
• Hypothyroidism
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

How much iodine do you need in your diet daily?
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