Pregnant women or currently breastfeeding should include iodine in their diet for ensuring normal development of the brain of their babies. Iodine helps in production of hormones that are important for brain development in children. According to the American Thyroid Association, despite the fact that iodine is present in most table salts, many people still suffer from deficiency of iodine.
"Women who are childbearing age need to pay attention to this topic as well, because about half of the pregnancies in the U. S. are unplanned. Women in the early part of the pregnancy may not realize they’re pregnant", said Dr. Jerome Paulson, chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
