Health Basics with Diana Bomford of Active Nutrition

New Zealand's soil is deficient in a number of key nutrients. One of the most important deficiencies that affects our health is the low deposits of iodine.

Iodine is vital in the manufacture of thyroid hormones that help maintain our metabolism and support growth and development, especially in children. It also supports normal brain development and is particularly essential for the development of healthy foetus and in young children. Some of the symptoms felt by people with iodine deficiency can include fatigue, weakness, depression and weight gain. However these symptoms can be due to any number of factors, so it is not wise to self-diagnose.

Severe iodine deficiency can lead to stunted growth, mental retardation in children and the occurrence of goitres – an enlargement of the thyroid gland that results in a swelling of the neck. Goitres were common in the early 1900s and to resolve deficiencies, iodine was added to salt. Sanitisers containing iodine were used in the dairy industry and this led to iodine leaching into the milk supply. This, and the combination of iodised salt, gave New Zealanders sufficient iodine to remain healthy. However, lately deficiencies have crept back in owing to the dairy industry ceasing to use sanitisers containing iodine; the reduction of the use of iodised salt in manufactured foods, in home-cooked foods and the absence of salt from dining tables.

As of 2009 iodised salt has been added to commercially produced breads to address the lack of iodine consumption by the public. But the question is, what if you do not eat these breads or use iodised salt? Where do you get your iodine from? Seafood such as fish and shellfish are good sources of iodine. So is seaweed, which makes sushi a good food choice. Traces are also found in dairy and eggs, as well as imported foods grown in iodine-rich soils.

As low consumption of iodine can affect our health, so can high consumption of iodine. Very high consumption of iodine can inhibit the production of the thyroid hormones as well as cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weak pulse, and even result in a coma. With this in mind I advise clients to first consult their doctors before taking iodine supplements and kelp tablets. Women considering falling pregnant or breastfeeding should also ask their doctors about taking iodine supplements.

For further information email me: info@activenutrition.co.nz