Are you a self-proclaimed salt-aholic? Are you starting to feel a little bit salty as our stay at home order and social distancing initiatives have been in place for nearly three months now?
If you’re feeling salty, we’re here to help you clear the salt and iodine out of your diet, giving your skin a fighting chance at being luminously clear.
History of Iodine and Salt
Iodine is a trace element found in coastal waters and soil. In the 1800’s, it was discovered to be a micronutrient required for thyroid hormone production. People who lived in the mountains or plains away from coastal waters were found to by iodine deficient–resulting in thyroid issues and goiters.
Companies began fortifying salt with iodine in the 1920’s to help decrease the iodine deficiency in the US.
Iodine and Acne
Iodine is essential for the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. These hormones control the body’s metabolism and many other important functions. When there’s more iodine than the body can use, the excess is excreted through the sweat glands. This is where the problem stems from.
As it is excreted, iodine irritates the pores and causes acne flare-ups. Large enough amounts can induce acne in even skin that’s normally clear.
Foods High in Iodine
Iodine is commonly added as a supplement in table salt and cow’s milk dairy products, including milk and cheese.
Seafood is naturally high in iodine. Our clients are often surprised that seafood and shellfish are on our “do not eat” list because seafood is known to be so healthy. It is healthy but it triggers people who have acne-prone skin.
The following foods are high in iodine and are very problematic for acne-prone skin.
-
Kelp
-
Iodized salt
-
Vitamins or supplements that contain iodine
-
Milk or other dairy products including ice cream, cheese, yogurt and butter
-
Seafood including fish, sushi, shellfish, kelp or seaweed
-
Herbal and vitamin supplements (one of the biggest culprits, check labels)
-
Foods that contain the additive carrageen, agar-agar, alginate, or nori
-
Breads and other commercially prepared bakery products made with iodate dough conditioners
-
Egg yolks, whole eggs and foods containing whole eggs
Health foods and supplements are not excluded – vitamins almost always contain some form of iodide – it could be in the form of iodine, iodide, potassium iodide or kelp. Be careful with protein bars – they often have potassium iodides in them. Whey and soy protein powders for smoothies can be bad for problem skin – try hemp or pea protein powder instead.
Foods high in iodine fuel the acne fire.
So what can you eat instead?
Replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew cheese. Choose fresh water fish. Check your vitamins and supplements for added iodine. Switch to using a non-iodized salt like Himalayan salt or Celtic salt. Eliminate the egg yolk and stick with the whites.
A final note:
We can’t reiterate enough the importance of what you put into your body is what you see on your skin. When you clean up your diet, eliminating dairy, shrimp and sushi, you will be amazed at the skin clarity you will achieve.
Pass on the salt and iodine and say hello to clear skin.
Cheers to clear!
Rene
