Iodine and Hashimoto’s
Iodine supplementation has become very popular in recent years, and with good reason. Iodine has been shown to be an effective therapy for such conditions as breast and uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and more. When it comes to Hashimoto’s, however, I oppose the use of iodine as you risk worsening your autoimmune thyroid condition.
As I explained in the book, iodine stimulates the activity of the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme, which triggers thyroid hormone production. This is why so many thyroid supplements contain iodine, even though the thyroid only needs enough iodine to fit on the head of a pin each day in order to perform its duties.
Supplementing with iodine stimulates the production and activity of TPO. For most people with Hashimoto’s, TPO also happens to be the site of autoimmune attack, and surrounding thyroid tissue is damaged in the process. So everytime TPO production is stimulated, the immune system, which perceives TPO as a foreign invader to be eradicated, responds more aggressively and amps up the attack.
I simply believe, based on my research and clinical experience, that iodine is an unnecessary risk when managing Hashimoto’s, especially since we have safer and more effective ways to work with a improperly functioning immune system.
Some iodine stories
The iodine enthusiasts would have you believe that nearly everyone, including those with autoimmune thyroid conditions, would benefit from iodine loading or iodine supplementation.
Since creating my website, however, I have heard from a few people who experienced negative consequences as a result from supplementing with iodine. For instance, a 62-year-old woman who eats an exemplary diet and is very health conscious emailed to say she first went to her physician for help with her thyroid. Her TSH was 3.22 (the functional range is 1.8-3) and her TPO antibody count, a marker for Hashimoto’s, was 136, which is pretty high. Her physician prescribed Synthroid, which she refused to take.
Next she went to a naturopath and he told her to take 15 kelp tablets a day. She only took three a day and quickly began feeling worse, so she ordered another blood test after two weeks of taking the kelp tablets. Her TPO count had jumped to 268 and her TSH had dropped to .02 (presumably the iodine stimulated an increased autoimmune attack against her thyroid, spilling more thyroid hormones into her bloodstream, hence lowering her TSH). Without the proof of that second blood test, how many doctors would have told her she was feeling worse due to a bromide detox or some other detox due to iodine supplementation? This woman also feels her thyroid problems originally began on a macrobiotic diet high in seaweed.
Iodine and Graves’
Another woman in her 50s emailed to say she used a popular high-dose form of iodine beginning in 2002 as an adjuvant therapy after finishing standard breast cancer treatment. At first she felt an incredible burst of stamina and energy, but that energy slowly morphed into taxing thyroid symptoms that vacillated between hyper- and hypothyroid symptoms. However her thyroid antibodies were not checked, despite being treated by an “iodine expert,” although she was put on Armour for hypothyroid symptoms. Eventually she was prescribed hydrocortisone for her failing adrenal function as she continued to cope with thyroid symptoms, which allowed her to take larger doses of iodine more comfortably. Although her antibodies were not tested, she did receive periodic ultrasounds to monitor the size of her existing goiter and nodules, which did not improve on the iodine treatment (as practitioners learn in the Mastering they Thyroid class, not all goiters are caused by iodine deficiency).
Finally last summer her hyperthyroid symptoms became quite serious and she tested positive for Graves’ disease antibodies, and still continued taking iodine while her antibodies climbed ever higher. Finally she stopped taking iodine and now manages her hyperthyroid symptoms successfully with a prescription medicine that binds iodine. Her goiter and nodules also appear to have resolved from use of this medication. Currently, any amount of iodine makes her feel sick, with a transient return of hyperthyroid symptoms until the iodine wears off. Looking back, she new feels she had an autoimmune thyroid condition before beginning the iodine therapy and it was made much worse over the years by up to 100 mg a day of iodine.
Is even dietary iodine safe for Hashimoto’s?
Although I strictly prohibit iodine supplementation in my Hashimoto’s patients, I have always told them that it was OK to eat iodine-rich foods in moderation, however I recently came across a study that has me questioning that advice (please see “The effect of iodine restriction on thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis” in the studies post).
In this study subjects with Hashimoto’s were divided into two groups. One group ate a normal diet. The other group was put on a diet that strictly avoided iodine so that they consumed less than 100 mcg per day. Eighty percent of the group who avoided dietary iodine experienced complete remission of their thyroid symptoms!
Therefore I am asking my Hashimoto’s patients to avoid iodine rich foods, such as seafoods, seaweeds and iodized salt in order to see how this affects clinical outcomes.
No reason not to do a lab test
I don’t wish to be seen as the anti-iodine thyroid doctor because that is not the truth. I have family members who take iodine with good benefit. I simply believe, based on my research and clinical experience, that iodine is an unnecessary risk when managing Hashimoto’s, especially since we have safer and more effective ways to work with a improperly functioning immune system.
The antibody tests for Hashimoto’s are affordable and easy. If you have Hashimoto’s and you or your doctor insists on iodine supplementation, do yourself a favor and monitor your antibody levels, your TSH, and your thyroid symptoms, and don’t be too quick to pass off negative effects as a detox.
I appreciate your information. I need to do the hashimoto test and would like to find a practitioner in Maui HI.
Mahalo, Mearah
[...] For a start Hashimotos is first and foremost an auto-immune disorder, so you have to treat it as such and stop the environmental trigger that starts the auto-antibodie attack against the thyroid. The primary trigger? Gluten, and it’s many related substances like gliadin. So if you have Hashimotos – STOP EATING GLUTEN NOW – no kidding, treat it as poison. It might save your health. I’ve stopped, gluten affects me in many ways, which I discovered since my health improved dramatically using the Paleo diet (I’m not only gluten, but grain and legume free) The other thing you must not do is take iodine supplements – Hashimotos is not an iodine deficiency issue, and research shows you can make the problem dramatically worse by taking iodine. I flares the auto-immune reaction and increases inflammation in the thyroid gland. Read this article: Iodine and Hashimotos [...]
I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto and stopped all iodine immediately. However, I began using a protein powder that contained spirulina. No where on the can did it list iodine. I did not know spirulina contained it. I had one protein drink a day. After about 10 days I had an attack on my thyroid that was terrible. Sore, swollen troat, raspy voice and hypo symptoms that put me in bed. The only thing new was the protein powder so I investigated the ingredients and discovered spirulina is very high in natural iodine. I certainly agree with your theory!
I have Hashimoto and just realized that a multiviamin perscribed by my Doctor to help with my digestive issues, which I have been taking faithfully for 2 years now, has a daily value of 150 mcg of iodine (from kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) So, should I stop taking this? It would mean I won’t be getting all the other vitamins that my body requires (according to my doc) Please help.
I have been plagued with Lyme disease (late stage, misdiagosed, resistent to treatment dx: neuroborelliosis) and multiple tick-borne co-infections, including Babesia, Bartonella, Epstein Barr Virus, and Mycoplasma, among others, with impaired methylation and liver detox problems hindered by heavy metal toxicity, opportunistic gut parasites, including Yersinia and systemic candidiasis, on top of adrenal exhaustion from the chronic infections that can’t be eradicated, with multiple food allergies and chemical sensitivities, besides celiac disease (though CD is responding to strictly observed gluten free diet, but only after discovering CD two years after having cerebellar and optic chiasmal pathway strokes of unknown etiology, though looking back was probably cerebellar ataxia). Recently, I read that chlorella — a detox binding agent that I have been prescribed, and taking for almost three years — has iodine in it, and iodine may exacerbate Hashimoto’s, of which I am being tested for through my own request, as a result of reading Dr. K’s latest book, which is a God-send; THANK YOU! If I can’t use chlorella, what comparable detox agents or natural health remedies are recommended by Dr. K. in removing dangerous neurotoxins from die-off of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, as well as heavy metals, etc. (positive for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, gadolinium, uranium, aluminum, plus selenium, cobalt, chromium) that have strong binding capacity so toxic metals won’t be released back into body before eliminated and cause further injury and cell damage or destruction, including creating a vicious cycle for multi-system autoimmune disease?
Do you have any info. on Grave’s Disease? I have been on tapazole for 6 months. My numbers are all normal but I still have many symptoms..racing heart, anxiety.
I like your web site! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im in search of a blog design thats similar so thats the one motive I’m asking. Both manner sustain the good work I used to be impressed together with your content material really..
Has anyone found a thyroid medication that does not have iodine in it? I cannot take armour or natural thyroid due to pork allergy.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals levothyroxine contains povidine, which is iodine.
I also take T3 and at this point I am paying $70 a month for T4 and T3 thyroid meds. I would like to find a more cost effective way to take these.
Thanks,
Judith
I found that Levoxyl from Kings Pharmaceuticals does not contain povidone and the 50mcg doesn’t contain any color added to it.
We can’t get the generic kinds, they all seem to have the iodine.
I also found a multiple vitamin that doesn’t contain iodine, I even called the company to make suer they had forgotten to list on their website. And they confirmed that there is absolutely no iodine.
It is Dr. Ron’s Ultra-pure Doc’s Best located in Watertown, Connecticut.
There might be others out there but this company claims that their ingredients are superior. So far I haven’t had any allergies to it, it has been 2 weeks.
What about omega 3 fish oils or krill oil? Do these contain iodine? None of the supplements I’ve seen actually specify.
Does this mean that people with hashimoto’s can never eat foods containing iodine? what about the risk of breast cancer etc associated with iodine defficiency?
I have hoshimotos and a pretty disinterested dr. In a moment of self help, I began taking iodine and have since learned that it is a definite DO NOt for hashimotos. After only about a week of taking iodine, I have developed a swollen and tender thyroid and am not feeling any too well. Can I just wait this out and will it settle down? I did a little research and have started taking selenium to try and quiet things and have found a doctor in a nearby city that works with autoimmune disorders who I will be scheduling an appt with. Just wondered if any thinks I may have created an emergency situation here. Thanks.
I think there might be a misapprehension above. Povidone is used in many medications and is actually polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which does not contain iodine (at least, not intended to).
Povidone-iodine is a combination of povidone and iodine.
The non-iodine form is what is used in many medicines for many purposes – such as coating and binding with crospovidone apparently being used as a disintegrant.
Mylan levothyroxine contains both crospovidone and povidone.
I found that Povidine (with an ‘i’ not an ‘o’) is often used for povidone-iodine. What a difference a vowel makes.
Rod
I too was painting on iodine daily and taking Kyo-Green. Well it caused my thyroid to swell even more. I thought I was helping a swollen thyroid by giving it iodine so it would go down in size!
I have Hashimoto’s and all my thyroid tests are normal except for HIGH antibodies….over 1300!
I now have stopped all iodine, no iodized salt, which I was using abundantly.
I will check my multivitamin.
Do I continue taking selenium?
I gather I need to be on a GLUTEN free diet? What is that!
Oh my, I am really confused.
my husband was advised to take lugol’s for yeast and other agents. after two years of lugol, now his TSH level is pretty high at 12.7 and free T4 is at .93
could this be induced by the pottasium iodide in lugol?
this is dejavu as the same thing happened to me. i stopped lugol and the TSH levels came down.
Very interesting stuff. I’m really confused about my personal situation because I don’t have an official diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. My antibodies were low when tested, but my cyst was also not swollen at the time. I consume almost zero iodine in my diet, so I believe I am almost certainly low. (The first signs of swollen thyroid were during my pregnancies though, when my prenatal vitamin probably contained iodine.)
I wonder what people should do *before* they reach the obviously dangerous levels of a clinical diagnosis? I feel that my current approach (one drop of Lugol’s cutaneously every other day) is very moderate and not likely to cause dangerous side effects. But I don’t want to end up without a thyroid like my father and his three siblings.
Also, I do not eat grains and have been gluten-free for over two years. My swollen cyst and other thyroid symptoms began again many months after stopping grains and ceasing consumption of iodized salt. I have never been a fan of seafood. I also get symptoms (swollen thyroid, rash on neck, hyperthryoid symptoms) after drinking tea (which I stopped doing months ago).
Dear Dr. Kharrazian: thank you for this incredible website. I am 65 and on armour for 10 years. Iodine loading test showed very low. I started on 12.5 mg. of iodine for one month and then twice a day for second mont. I am taking it for breast and ovary health. I have find Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Andrew Jonses website that explains how most of people are deficient in iodine and different health problems comes from this deficiency. I also have thyroid nodules and want to know if iodine helps or hurts the nodules. I have to wait several month before I could do an ultrasound. my TPO and TGAB are within range.Both doctors expalain that Hashimotos is because of iodine deficiency. I would appreciate if you could tell me if iodine is OK for nodules. I will stop the iodine after taking 3 months total.Appreciate your time and help allot. Shakeh Sumian
I’m 23 years old and have dealt with hyper and hypo symptoms my entire life, but never told anyone about them and never sought help until last year when my hypo symptoms became unbearable. I suspected celiac disease at first, but my blood test and biopsy came back normal. Then I did some more research and realized my symptoms were nearly textbook for primary hypothyroidism, but my TSH test came back normal. At that point, my doctor completely dismissed me as a hypochondriac. My roommate suggested I try iodine. After a week of moderate iodine supplementation, my throat became incredibly sore, my skin became so dry that it cracked and bled, and my chronic constipation became drastically worse. After reading this and other articles online, I now believe I have Hashimoto’s. My doctor never tested my thyroid antibodies, only my TSH. I’m going back to the doctor on the 25th to have my antibodies tested; at least that’s my plan. Fingers crossed!
[...] http://drknews.com/iodine-and-hashimotos/ [...]
Hello,
I am a 42 year old woman and I am living in Canada.
I have the following health issues:
1) 6 nodules in my neck:2 of the right thyroid lobe (4mm and 4mm),
>2 benign hypoechoic nodules in each parotid gland (5 x 4 x 5 mm and
7 x 4 x 6 mm), 2 benign lymph nodes of cervical chains (18 x 13 x 5
mm and 16 x 6 x 2 mm)
and a lump on left supraclavicular region.
2) autoimmune hypothyroid (TSH = 1.55 and ANTITPO =156 – it should
be under 5.6 ,T3=4.8 (range 2.6-5.7),T418(range12-22))
3) uterine fibroids, heavy periods, anemia
4) breast cysts
Can I take Lugol if I have autoimmune hypothyroid in the eurothyroid-phase ?How many drops /day? What do you recommend?
Thanks, Lumi
I see how what you discuss with someone with Hashimoto’s taking iodine. However, you did not take selenium into account. These people who got worse taking the iodine may have been on the low side with selenium in their body’s? It would be interesting to repeat that with the person starting on 200 mcg of selenium per day then after a week add in 150 mcg of iodine. There are a lot of sources that indicate it is the balance between the two that is important.
Cynthia–Thank you sooooo very much for your comment. I had recently started The Blood Type Diet and was feeling sooooo good. Then suddenly I started to feel horrible again and couldn’t figure out why. Your comment about the protein powder containing spirulina was a godsend! I had started taking a green powder and it contains spirulina! Did not know it contained iodine. I am so happy right now to know that I can get my life back again by not taking the green powder again! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
[...] [7] Dr. Datis Kharrazian. Iodine and Hashimoto’s. http://drknews.com/iodine-and-hashimotos/. [...]
I was diagnosed with hashis a few months ago. I started taking 12.5 mg iodine. Although I did have a reaction at first, I started taking selenium, magnesium citrate powder, and zinc and my symptoms settled down. I have continued on 12.5 mg iodide because of fibro. Breasts and uterus and my mother has had breast cancer 3 times. I am taking armour and feeling great. I did not like synthroid and only felt marginally better on it. Also trying to go gluten free as much as possible. Hope this helps.
Hi Kate,
I have Hashi’s, my TPO numbers are huge, usually in the thousands (1,600). I felt better on Armour and then developed joint pain, probably due to a sensitivity to the pork in Armour (I am blood type O and don’t do well with pork). I had huge reactions to iodine but tested as deficient in it!? I have wondered about the exact supplements you are taking because i have read that they work well with iodine sensitive Hashimoto people but I haven’t found a selenium supplement that does not have yeast. I am very allergic to yeast. Brazil nuts don’t seem to digest well for me either. Did your TPO numbers go back to normal with your program?
Thanks for listening.
Jean
xo
After being diagnosed with celiac disease in Oct. of 2008, I was put on Armour Thyroid, because at that time no one could guarantee me that the synthetic thyroid med I was taking was gluten-free. I have a pork allergy listed on my medical/health history, which I present each time I visit my doctors. I was never told that Armour Thyroid should not be taken by those who have a pork allergy. After about 2 years of being on it, I developed a fever that ranges from 101-103 degrees every day/all day, suffered from fatigue and developed intolerance to heat and could not spend time outdoors in the sun. I asked my doctor if the fever could be the result of too much thyroid and he said no. After researching Armour Thyroid side effects online, I found out otherwise. He also had me taking iodine supplements to increase absorption. Doctors are not aware that celiacs who strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet end up improving their absorption and may inadvertently get too much thyroid medication and may need to reduce their dose. My thyroid blood tests have shown that I’ve been receiving too much for a long time, but my doctor kept saying he prefers to rely on how his patients feel rather than go by the blood tests. I started developing some serious arthritis symptoms and also felt very irritable, which is not characteristic of me. I skipped one day of my Armour thyroid and iodine supplement when I went for a recent cat scan and discovered my arthritis symptoms went away. After a 2nd day without Armour, I started feeling like a whole new person. Luckily, I made the connection and looked online and found that people with pork allergies can develop a condition called palindromic or allergic arthritis if they eat pork or take Armour Thyroid. I also had a very itchy rash on the back of my head that has gone away since going off the iodine. I’m wondering if there is some connection. I would appreciate any advice/feedback anyone has to offer. I cannot believe that NONE of my doctors knew that, and I have a collection of them because I have 3 auto-immune diseases, as a result of undiagnosed celiac disease for many years. Anyone who has one auto-immune disorder is at increased risk of developing others, and it is common for people with thyroid conditions and diabetes to also have celiac disease. Celiac disease and diabetes actually ride on the same gene. There are over 300 different symptoms of celiac disease, but unfortunately, some people, like me, don’t have ANY symptoms and the disease is doing damage without the individual even knowing it. If you have symptoms, make sure you get tested before going gluten-free, otherwise your testing may produce a false-negative result. It is not uncommon to have a false-negative blood test for celiac as well as a small bowel biopsy. If you have symptoms, be persistent and get tested again! I lead a celiac support group for the CDF and have heard many horror stories from people who were told after being tested that they didn’t have the disease. After being tested a 2nd time, they tested positive. You must be your own advocate. If this message helps even one person avoid what I have gone through, it will be worth the time writing it. For more information regarding symptoms of celiac disease, go to http://www.celiac.org
Hi Andrea,
I have had a similar experience. Gluten sensitive (I carry the celiac gene), I have pre-diabetes, and hashimoto’s. My aunt passed away due to pancreatic problems and was diagnosed in her 80′s with celiac disease. The Canadian blood and biopsy tests did not show her celiac disease until very late, that is why I am taking no chances. I am gluten fee, my tests never showed “celiac disease” because I am not at that stage and plan to never develop it. A cheek swab from the US (Celiac Disease DNA test – Kimball Genetics) can tell you if you have the gene and rate your risk level. Even when you think you are gluten free, try taking the celiac panel from Rocky mountain Analytical. You might be shocked, while no active celiac disease may be present, you may still be showing a reaction to gliadin IgG. Have you found any way to reduce your TPO?
Cheers, jean xo
Dr. K. I’ve tested TH2 dominant and have Hashimoto’s. Currently on Viromen. Sometimes when I visit, my doctor says “stay off this food”, or “don’t take that supplement”. What I would like to see from you is a complete list of foods, supplements, and herbs that TH1 and TH2 and Hashimoto’s need to stay away from “in general”. Post this on your website/blog and update it as necessary.
Another grand idea is to create cookbooks; one for TH1 dominate and one for TH2 dominate people, and one for Hashimoto’s (or include this in the TH1 & TH2).
Also, please come up with a multivitamin & mineral supplement for Hashimoto’s! Since almost all multi’s have iodine in them, create one that doesn’t, one that is specific for TH1 and one that is for TH2 would even be better(maybe in addition to Hashimoto’s)!!! I suggest you contact Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Joseph Mercola to formulate these vitamins.
One last thing, what does one do when they test LOW Iodine on a blood test?
I Started taking Sea Kelp, 1 tablet 150 mcg, in June.
For me, I do not have any bad side effects.
I started taking it for fibrocystic breast and have experienced much improvement in that area.
I also have less hair loss. Only 3 strands of hair loss while washing my hair.
I have a phlegm build up in my throat and the sea kelp has broken that up.
It seems like I’m losing weight faster, too.
I was diagnosed in 2004 with Hashi and I’ve had stupid doctors since then. They left me in the 3 range for the TSH, FT3 & FT4. The doctors said I was “within range”.
Was hypothyroid, negative Hashimoto antibody tests. Doctor prescribed Iodoral 12.5 mg tab/day, it caused Grave’s disease, TSI antibodies.
If we are not supposed to take iodine why is there iodine in the thyroid pills prescribed for the disease? I have had this disease for over twenty years and have never been symptom free. I began taking iodine, one drop per day in water, and feel better.
In ref to the post about not taking iodine supplements when having hashimoto.
I been taking for 5 weeks,Premier Labs nutritional iodine capsules,as per a Zyto bio scan showed that needed this supplement.
Have not noticed any adverse reaction or syntoms.
Not sure how one would feel if it was bad for thyroid/body?
Thank you for your feedback!
Hi, I was diagnosed 6 years ago with Hasimotos along with COPD LBBB (left branch bundle block)and a few other things. I was misdiagnosed for years all my symptoms were singly addressed. The female doctor that ask if i ever had a Thyroid test done was shocked at my numbers when the came back. After being put on Levothyroxine my world changed felt better than I have in years. My questions has to do with my slow metabolism and weight issues. I still have the added pounds I put on from having low thyroid and would like to get that off. I really have not gotten any real diet and or food advise from my doctors, just that I was told to lay low on the spinach and peanuts. Now your article say to stay away from seafood, which I eat a lot of for weight loss reasons. Are there any web sites or books to guide me on what I should eat, how much of it and what to definitely avoid? thanks
I started taking 1 table, 150 mcg of Sea Kelp for FIBROCYSTIC breast and I have had much relief in that area.
Deep this scar tissue from surgery is gone, disappearedl
The scar from breast surgery is fading;
Less hair loss while washing my hair;
Phlegm build up in my throat has been broken up
It’s only been 2 months that I took the sea kelp for all of these symptoms to improve.
The most exciting one is no more scar tissue so the medical experts can no longer put me thru an assortment of tests for fake and phony suspicions of breast cancer to generate money in their pockets!!
Not sure if Hashimoto’s is what I have, but I just got back from the emergency room because I had a reaction to trying out iodized table salt that really scared me. Wanting to see if my thyroid condition was caused by an iodine deficiency and wanting to see how I’d react to supplemental iodine because of a multivitamin I wanted to try (to see if it would help with stubborn acne), I bought some iodized salt from the grocery store and called my doctor. I asked if iodized salt or a multivitamin containing iodine would interfere with my numbers, and she said it would take a large amount of iodine to throw them off. Taking this as permission to use supplemental iodine with no ill effects, I happily began using it with my meals. This was Tuesday night, almost five days ago. Even Wednesday morning, my neck felt strange, but I felt fine otherwise until Saturday evening, when my neck felt worse, and I felt warm. I went to the ER to make sure nothing was seriously wrong. Thankfully everything was normal. I’m going to call my doctor ASAP on Monday to fill her in. The moral is to ABSOLUTELY make sure with your doctor what the cause of your thyroid issue is and make ABSOLUTELY sure it’s okay to use supplemental iodine. I would stay clear of the stuff otherwise. If not, you may end up in a scary situation yourself.
Wanted to add that I eat yogurt most days of the week and drink EAS AdvantEdge shakes (with 20% iodine) with no ill effects that I’ve noticed. Milk and other dairy products don’t bother me either.
My thyroid results were always kind of stable. Then I decided to have large portion of natural yoghurt every day for a month and my T4 results at the next bood test went up loads. I guess it was the iodine in it. I have also feel alot better. My doctor was asking if I raised my T4 medication.
ijust started taking iodoral in early august and i feel alot better, i do have hashis, recently found out i was anemic, so heres another problem to deal with, but i feel good taking iodoral, much better than taking naturethroid alone, should i be concerned about taking iodoral?
Rachel, I had the exact same experience, I was hypothyroid and took Lugol’s to correct it; it did bring my body temperature up to normal but then it gave me Graves Disease, goiter and Thyroid Eye Disease, which has affected my life so negatively there are no words to describe it. So I feel taking iodine is not a wise course of action (perhaps totally natural iodine such as seaweed and seafood is fine, I don’t know.)
I have Hashimoto’s and I’ve been staying off iodine for a while. But now I’m pregnant and worried that I need the iodine for the baby. Can’t find answers anywhere on the web. Does anyone know where to look? Thanks!
I’ve been using a multivitamin with iodine in it for about a month now, and I can’t believe how much better I feel. I don’t know if it’s just the iodine and/or the larger amounts of other vitamins/minerals in the multivitamin. I’m taking the Nature Made Multi for Her plus an extra 400 IU of Vitamin D. Three days ago, I started taking half a teaspoon of cod liver oil a day in the hopes it will clear up my acne even further. I guess my mistake when trying to use iodized salt was trying to increase iodine intake without increasing the intake of the minerals it works with. The multivitamin hasn’t caused me any issues at all so far. I’m hoping it, the Vitamin D supplement, and the cod liver oil will help me to keep feeling better and will help me to get rid of the acne that has plague me for most of my life once and for all.
I had a strong feeling that Iodine supplementation makes my Hashi worse. Now I know for sure. I was taking spirulina every day and within 3 weeks I was worse then ever before. I continued taking it and added other sea based minerals and Cholerrala too. All these are rich in Iodine. I felt so bad and went running to doctors. Finally it dawned on me when I took a narrative of my own symptoms. So avoid iodine based supplements if you have Hashi
My TSH levels are in the normal range& have been tested for Hashimotos. My TPO was VERY low & my Dr does not want to put me on meds. I have many symptoms of a hypothyroid disorder. I had a miscarriage early in the year which is when all symptoms were flared up & TSH level was low. I cant shake many of my symptoms. Will a gluten free diet help? Would taking iodine be harmful for even me to take with very low levels of antibodies??? I’m frustrated & tired of being tired! I look forward to your response.
I recently stopped eating all Gluten products 2 weeks ago and haven’t noticed a change. I consistently have a light headed feeling causing me to have trouble concentrating and feeling spacey. My thyroid levels are 5.5. My doctor said she could increase my medicine to 112 mg to bring it down to a 3. Does eliminating iodine means cutting out all can goods that contain salt like tuna, olives, tomato sauce etc? Can I use sea salt or iodine-free salt as a substitute?
Thanks Rose
I have hashi’s, TPO in the 1,600′s regularily. Staying away from everything with iodine seems to be the only thing that brings those numbers down but I also tested as low and completely deficient in iodine. Don’t I need iodine? When I was on Armour, I felt better initially but my TPO numbers went higher and developed arthritis. Within two days of going off it, my sore knee and hip improved dramatically. Dairy, prunes, strawberries, fish, anything with sea kelp or lots of iodine seems to bring on the “thick’ throat feeling. When I took supplemental iodine drops I ended up in emergency. My whole head swelled up and I had trouble breathing and swallowing. The funny thing is that after all the pain and swelling subsided and I took Tyleno, I had this unmistakable flood of a feeling of well-being? This doesn’t make sense to me. It is like i am so reactive to iodine yet maybe i need it?? Help…
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