Pass the Iodine, Please

A small amount of iodine is critical for weight loss, energy, and concentration, according to Samara Felesky-Hunt.

Iodine is an essential element that we need in very tiny amounts.

The body obtains iodine from food and stores it in the thyroid, where it is used for manufacturing the thyroid hormone. Once its job is done, the remaining iodine is filtered by the kidneys and removed.

Both vitamin A and selenium are important for the body's efficient absorption of iodine; if there is not enough of these nutrients in your diet, you may be making too little thyroid hormone.

A lack of iodine in the diet can impair the workings of the thyroid gland and cause lethargy, weight gain, cold extremities and poor concentration. Read more