On the Eating Alive Program, Dr. Matsen recommends that you always use unrefined sea salt on any plant foods that you eat. Unlike commercial table salt which has iodine added to it, most brands of sea salt contain smaller amounts of iodine. This essential trace mineral is necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland and it also helps to protect breast tissue from estrogen over-stimulation. To make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient, it’s a good idea to consume foods that naturally contain iodine—such as sea vegetables (seaweeds) and ocean fish—two to three times a week. Alternatively you can obtain iodine from kelp supplements.

See Dr. Matsen’s Monthly Comment for January 2009 titled “Mercury’s Rising” for info on the safest fish to eat. And see this month’s recipe, “Egg Drop Soup with Nori,” for a quick and easy recipe that will help you add more sea vegetables to your diet.