In 1924, iodine was added to common table salt to eliminate the problem of iodine deficiency.  It is a fact that more and more people are experiencing thyroid diseases.  Iodized table salt after being processed contains some aluminum and chemical residues. Sodium chloride (table salt) is a chemical comound made of sodium and chlorine. Chlorine competes directly with iodine for the iodine receptors in your thyroid and for that matter, throught-out the body. Iodine belongs to a class of elements known as “halogens”, which are all salt-like compounds.  Other halogens are bromine (bromide) and fluorine (floride). Floride taken internally has been associated with thyroid disorders for a long time and some researchers say that it is a cause of thyroid cancer and iodine deficiency. Did you know that chlorine is added to many  products that we consume daily? It is used in Sucralose (Splenda TM) as one example. We could go on and on about the uses of these elements.  I often am reminded of my years in pharmacy school when we were trying to memorize our work.  One of my favorites was the rhyme that we used for these “halogens”.  It goes something like this.  Chlorate he ate, chloride he died.  Bromate he ate bromide he died.  Fluorate he ate, flouride he died. So, when I buy some products made in the USA, I ALWAYS read the list of ingredients to see if I can spot the toxic (poison) ingredients.  I really try to keep my organs as free as possible of any and all toxins, especially my thyroid. We have numerous natural products to help improve your thyroid. Visit with me some time and I’ll try to help you with any of your health issues.  Happy Holidays and I wish you good health in the New Year!! As always, I am trying to improve your health, my total commitment.  Gill Weise, Pharmacist/Consultant, Naturally.