People on sodium restricted diets should check labels or get information before using bottled water. While it is recommended that people in the Midwest use iodized salt to avoid goiter, there are other sources of iodine in the diet. The amount of iodine in a food depends upon the soil in which a plant was grown or the amount of iodine in animal feed. Most people eat foods that are grown in soil across the nation, and do not depend exclusively on foods grown in Midwestern soil to provide their iodine. Salt-water fish and shellfish contain iodine.
Some foods contain additives that contribute iodine to the diet.
For example, bread that has been made by the continuous mix process instead of the batch process contains dough conditioners that contain iodate. If you must eliminate salt from your diet, ask your doctor about your need for iodine. There are several ways you can have interesting meals with less salt. Buy good quality produce to get the most flavor Don't overcook produce Plan meals with different colors, textures, shapes, and temperatures Use salt substitutes with a doctor's approval Season foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension Service.