Iodine is found in water treatment tablets that are used to disinfect water. Table salt is iodized because of iodine's use in producing thyroid hormones that are essential for growth and metabolism. Iodine is also useful in preventing or reducing the harmful effects of radiation. After the nuclear disaster in Japan last year, people were told to take potassium iodide tablets which give the thyroid gland all the iodine it needs so it is less likely to absorb radioactive iodine-131 from nuclear fallout. I personally take Atomidine , an iodine supplement that was recommended by Edgar Cayce in some of his readings. The seaweed kelp is another good source of iodine. You can sprinkle a little powdered kelp on food to add iodine. In the 1930's, Atomidine was used and recommended for sore throats, colds, flu, burns, arthritis, high blood pressure and urinary tract infections as well as a first-aid for cuts and scrapes. It has been used in the past for hay fever, liver problems, cysts and tumors, and dental problems and infections. Sodium iodate is sometimes added to flour by bakers to make better bread. Iodine is important for pregnant woman because a deficiency of it can cause high blood pressure in the mother and mental retardation in the baby. While it rarely occurs in the U.S., iodine deficiency is the leading cause of mental retardation in the world. Iodine can treat fungal infections of the skin(Sporothrix), diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and eye problems. It can prevent swelling and soreness in the mouth that can occur during chemotherapy treatments. It can treat foot ulcers caused by diabetes.

Warnings: Iodine use in recommended doses is generally safe. If you have the rare skin condition Dermatitis Herpetiformis, taking iodine can make it worse.