Edited on 10/11/11
Since I now know my thyroid problems are actually autoimmune – extra iodine only inflames my auto immune attack. I am avoiding extra iodine, as I am getting to the root cause of the problem. If you have a thyroid issue read these two books:
Hope for Hashimotos
and
Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests are Normal?

I’ve been reading about this chemical element for the past few months. Here are some things I found most interesting:

• Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation. The LEADING cause! I could not believe it! Everyone thinks that because iodine was added to the salt – that we are okay. But even in developed countries there is a serious problem of Iodine Deficiency.
• There is a correlation between Iodine Deficiency and Breast Cancer – And Iodine Deficiency and Hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland and breast tissues actually hold Iodine (and use them).  Here is an interesting article by Dr. Howenstein, MD, called Iodine Is Vital For Good Health
• Iodine is put into animal feed as a supplement.
• There are A LOT of different types of Iodine….. Iodine – 131, Iodine 124, Iodine, 129, etc. Some are used to enhance our health and some are used as Radiation Treatments to destroy cancers. For a chemistry lesson read more at Wikipedia.
• There is some evidence that the fluoride we encounter in our water system and toothpaste prevents proper absorption and use of the Iodine we need. This is complicated to me, as the two Chemical Elements are similar and can be combined (I GUESS??). I didn’t take high level chemistry. Can you tell?
• Iodine shouldn’t be added just because or recklessly. As in any food element – it’s best in a whole food source so the body can process it correctly. This article from  Natural News recommends taking Kelp (it’s a whole food) to regulate your Iodine levels. They claim that taking Kelp can help a too skinny person gain weight and an obese person loose weight (again, linking thyroid function to proper Iodine absorption).
• There is an opposing view point that says too much Iodine messes with the thyroid and makes it not work properly. I’m really not sure about the evidence, but I’ll post the links so you can have the information yourself:                                                                            Jillian Michaels, Master Your Metabolism
  it says on pg 220: ”Don’t supplement with iodine. Many “holistic” nutrition websites recommend that you take supplemental iodine or kelp to support your thyroid. Don’t. The average American diet has plenty of iodine-and when the thyroid gland senses high levels of iodine in the blood, it will release even less thyroid hormone.”
  The New England Journal of Medicine article published new research from China that looks at the relationship between iodine intake and thyroid disease. Reporting in the June 29, 2006 issue, the researchers concluded that “more than adequate or excessive iodine intake may lead to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.”

I personally take Iodine as a supplement in Kelp form. I think I need it because I have a family history of hypothyroidism and have personally experienced pregnancy induced thyroiditis.

So, there ya go! I recommend everyone know there thyroid functioning levels (You can get a blood test from your doctor) AND make sure you are consuming enough whole foods that are high in Iodine. It sure helps me!

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