Iodine is a chemical element that is responsible for many of the body’s health functions.

Heath studies have found iodine offers thyroid support (it is needed for under-active, or hypothyroid), fighting infection, and helping the body fend off cancer and mood instability.

Iodine deficiency can show up in the body masked as fatigue, foggy thinking, cold hands and feet, dry skin, thin hair, and constipation.

In our culture, we are no longer exposed to as much iodine as we used to be, for many different reasons.

After a long day, I take time to heat water in a little pot, prepare my mug with loose tea or a tea bag, pour the water in, let it steep, savor the aroma, and take small sips as my body temperature rises.

Brewing tea seems to provide space, helps me connect to my breath, and gives my mind something clear to focus on.

Especially in the colder months when the immune system can become challenged, this warm comfort can help us stay healthy and vital.

(Editor's note: This commentary was originally published on HuffPost Gay Voices, a content-sharing partner of SDGLN.)

In the mid 90s, when my mentor, Dr. Judy Bradford, tried to urge me into the LGBT health field, I asked her, "But what's different about our health?" It still makes me chuckle to think of it. "Almost everything" is the answer.

Honey is one of my favorite sweeteners.

When I taste it often feels like an ecstatic meditation for my taste buds that makes me ponder, how did this ambrosia of the Gods get here?

Honeybees are phenomenal creatures, as they travel to hundreds of flowers (in North America clovers, dandelions, berry bushes and fruit tree blossoms) to collect nectar.