This article is part of a special report on Thyroid Disorders. To see the other articles in this series, click here.
In a previous article I showed why, when used alone, thyroid hormone replacement often fails. In this post I’ll explain why optimizing your iodine intake is so crucial, and why both too little and too much iodine can be harmful.
Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Once researchers realized this, health authorities around the world began adding iodine to table salt.
This strategy was effective in correcting iodine deficiency. But it had an unanticipated—and undesired—effect. In countries where iodine has been added to table salt, the rates of autoimmune thyroid disease have risen. The following is just a sample of studies around the world demonstrating this effect:
Why does this happen? Because increased iodine intake, especially in supplement form, can increase the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Iodine reduces the activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is required for proper thyroid hormone production.
On the other hand, restricting intake of iodine can reverse hypothyroidism. In one study, 78% of patients with Hashimoto’s regained normal thyroid function with iodine restriction alone.
In the study above where rats developed goiter while receiving excess iodine, when they were given adequate selenium they did not develop the goiter.
Other studies have shown that selenium protects against the effects of iodine toxicity and prevents the triggering and flaring of autoimmune disease that excess iodine without selenium can cause.
In my practice I always test for both iodine deficiency and Hashimoto’s when a patient presents with hypothyroid symptoms. If they are iodine deficient, I will start them on a trial of iodine and selenium together. In most cases, patients see a significant improvement. In a minority of cases, they cannot tolerate supplemental iodine even with adequate selenium intake.
Unfortunately, the blood test for iodine that your doctor might run is not very accurate. The best way to determine iodine status is with a 24-hour urine loading test. This involves taking a large dose of iodine and collecting your urine for 24 hours afterward. If you are iodine deficient, you’ll retain more of the ingested iodine than you should and the level of iodine excreted in the urine will be lower than expected. The two labs I recommend for this test are Doctor’s Data and Hakala.
That said, if your doctor or health care practitioner won’t order these tests, you can simply begin an iodine protocol. This involves starting with a low dose of iodine (I start my patients with kelp tablets that contain 325 mcg of iodine per tablet) and increasing very slowly over time. As I’ve described in this article, it’s crucial that you also take 200 mcg of selenium per day during this protocol to protect against the potentially adverse effects of iodine supplementation, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease.
Physicians that specialize in treating hypothyroidism with iodine (such as Dr. Abraham and Dr. Brownstein) suggest doses as high as 50 mg per day may be necessary to restore iodine levels in those that are deficient. I have used doses this high in my practice, but it’s imperative that patients build up to such high doses very slowly, and I don’t recommend doing it without the supervision of a clinician experienced with iodine treatment. Be aware that high doses of iodine can lead to a transient increase in TSH levels, which can be mistakenly interpreted as a sign of hypothyroidism.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that a minority of patients with Hashimoto’s confirmed by biopsy (the gold standard) never test positive for thyroid antibodies. This is probably because their immune systems are so depressed they can no longer produce antibodies. If you have a combination of hyper- and hypothyroid symptoms, I would still suspect Hashimoto’s even if your thyroid antibody tests are normal. It’s wise to be cautious with iodine if you have any signs of autoimmune thyroid disease, even without a confirmed diagnosis.
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okay, this may be a strange question–but when taking the iodine, how is it done? A few drops in water? Drops under the tongue? I’ve seen site on site with dosage levels but not exactly how to do it. I can tell you Lugol’s tastes terrible under the tongue.
I have hasimotos. Currently on 75 oroxin week days, 100 ovet the weekend. Dr recently after blood test has said thst I need to up the dose to 100 per daregular I’duggested I may be deficient in iodide
Should I try low dose kelp with selenium. Skin is becoming dry also hair. Low energy and feeling depressed . I also try to keep energy levels up with regular exercise.
IODINE PUBLICATIONS
PUB. #1: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Optimum Levels of Iodine for Greatest Mental and Physical Health. The Original Internist, 9:5-20, 2002 Print Document
PUB. #2: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency Of The Whole Human Body. The Original Internist, 9:30-41,2002 [Print Document]
PUB. #3: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Measurement Of Urinary Iodide Levels By Ion-Selective Electrode: Improved Sensitivity And Specificity By Chromatography On An Ion-Exchange Resin.The Original Internist, 11(4):19-32,2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #4: Abraham, G.E.,The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect: Crying Wolf?The Original Internist, 12(3):112-118,2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #5: Abraham, G.E., The safe and effective implementation of orthoiodosupplementation in medical practice. The Original Internist, 11:17-36, 2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #6: Abraham, G.E., The concept of orthoiodosupplementation and its clinical implications. The Original Internist, 11(2):29-38, 2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #7
Abraham, G.E., Serum inorganic iodide levels following ingestion of a tablet form of Lugol solution: Evidence for an enterohepatic circulation of iodine. The Original Internist, 11(3):112-118, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #8
Abraham, G.E., The historical background of the iodine project. The Original Internist, 12(2):57-66, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #9
Brownstein, D., Clinical experience with inorganic, non-radioactive iodine/iodide. The Original Internist, 12(3):105-108, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #10 Flechas, J.D., Orthoiodosupplementation in a primary care practice. The Original Internist,
12(2):89-96, 2005. [Print Document]
PUB. #11 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D.,Evidence that the administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport mechanism for iodine: A case report. The Original Internist, 12(3):125-130, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #12 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D.,
Validation of the orthoiodosupplementation program: A Rebuttal of Dr. Gaby’s Editorial on iodine. The Original Internist, 12(4): 184-194, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #13 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D., Flechas, J.D.,
The saliva/serum iodide ratio as an index of sodium/iodide symporter efficiency. The Original Internist, 12(4): 152-156, 2005. [Print Document]
PUB. #14 Abraham, G.E, MD., The History of Iodine in Medicine Part I: From Discovery to Essentiality.The Original Internist, 13: 29-36, Spring 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #15 Abraham, G.E.,The History of Iodine in Medicine Part II: The Search for and the Discovery of Thyroid Hormones The Original Internist, 13: 67-70, June 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #16 Abraham, G.E.,The History of Iodine in Medicine Part III: Thyroid Fixation and Medical Iodophobia. The Original Internist, 13: 71-78, June 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #17 Abraham, G.E, MD, Roxanne C. Handal, BS & John C. Hakala, RPhA Simplified Procedure for the Measurement of Urine Iodide Levels by the Ion-Selective Eleectrode Assay in a Clinical Setting The Original Internist, Vol 13, No. 3, 125-135, September 2006, [Print Document]
PUB. #18 Abraham, G.E.,The Combined Measurement of the Four Stable Halides by the Ion-Selective Electrode Procedure Following Their Chromatographic Separation on a Strong Anion Exchanger Resin: Clinical Applications The Original Internist, 171-195, December 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #19 Abraham, G.E, MD, and David Brownstein, MD, A Simple Procedure Combining The Evaluation of Whole Body Sufficiency for Iodine with The Efficiency of the Body To Utilize Peripherall Iodide: The Triple Test The Original Internist, Vol. 14, No. 1, 17-23, March 2007 [Print Document]
PUB. #20 Abraham, G.E, MD, and J.D. Flechas, MD, Evidence of Defective Cellular Oxidation and Organification of Iodide in a Female with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue The Original Internist, Vol. 14, 77-82, 2007[Print Document]
PUB. #21 Abraham, G.E, MD, and J.D. Flechas, MD, The Effect of Daily Ingestion of 100 mg Iodine Combined with High Doses of Vitamins B2 and B3 (ATP Cofactors) in Five Subjects with Fibromyalgia The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 1, pg. 8-15, March 2008 [Print Document]
PUB. #22 Abraham, G.E, MD, Facts about Iodine and Autoimmune Thyroiditis The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 2, pg. 75-76, June 2008 [Print Document]
PUB. #23 Abraham, G.E, MD, The bioavailability of iodine applied to the skin The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 2, pg. 77-79, June 2008 [Print Document]
My son was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (graves disease) over 4 years ago (now 14 yrs. old) and thank God that I listened to my inner instincts and got him off the roller coastal ride of giving him Tapazole. I got in contact with Dr. Guy Abraham after giving him the iodine loading test (he was severely deficient in Iodine) and so he has been on Iodine ever since! Four years now and because his doctor refused to listen to me about him needing iodine, I gave it to him on my own (50-100 mg a day). You need to work up to it as iodine will rid itself of all the toxins so slowly! My son is now stable and his doctor thinks it is the Tapazole! To think that they wanted to give my son radioactive iodine! Trust me when I say that the population majority is deficient…especially people with hypothyroidism. I know they say never give someone with hyperthyroidism iodine but they were treating people just fine with this quite successfully at the turn of the century and then of course the government has to jump in. I am now starting him on Nascent iodine as this is the best form and the body uses it immediately!
I need help 🙁 I have read so many articles and have been trying to be proactive about doing the right thing for my thyroid, but it’s exhausting, everything that I read, I find another article that contradicts it. I feel so symptomatic. It’s terrible! I’m hypothyroid, and I have been getting dry hair, skin, hair loss, my breast and chest muscles always hurt. My nails get dips in them, I’m constantly cold. I get weird tension headaches, and high anxiety. The list actually goes on and on with the symptoms. I took Synthroid at first and my hair got better, and so did all of the other symptoms. About 6 months into it, disaster hit, and my Dr. said, “No worries we’ll just up the dose.” Well my synthroid hasn’t helped ever since, which I find weird since it worked the first 6 months. I’m feeling hopeless, and I want to see a specialist. I’m afraid that they’ll all just tell me to take my synthroid and just treat me like I’m lying about my symptoms. My current Dr. will not suggest any supplementations at all besides Vitamin D, which I was deficient in. She doesn’t test for Iodine or anything. I’m heart broken. I’m 37 yrs old in 3 days and should be enjoying my life, but I know the meds aren’t working. Can anyone give me simple advice as to what I should do? Will a specialist listen to me? When I was diagnosed, I was handed a pamphlet and told it’s no big deal and it’s easy to treat, and they check my blood every few months. I have a friend that got diagnosed with it, and the Dr, put her on synthroid and she said they have never tested her level since they prescribed her the meds, and have never done any blood tests in two years!!! I don’t feel that most Dr.’s know what they’re doing with treating thryoid disease. She has tested me for Hoshimoto and when I asked her if I had it, she said, “I don’t know. We will have to keep an eye on your blood tests over time.” I’ve had this for three years and she hasn’t been able to tell me that. It’s time to move on to a specialist? Or is a wellness center that looks at alternatives to just prescriptions a better option. .I feel desperate and would do nearly anything to feel better 🙁
Hi Kari, I am hypothyroid bcuz of Hashimoto’s. I’m seeing a Naturopathic doctor (ND) who started me on Natural Dessicated thyroid. This provides BOTH the T3 & T4 hormones as opposed to the synthetic Synthroid. My problem is complicated by mercury poisoning from my silver fillings so I just had them all replaced & now have to go detox the mercury out of my tissues before my thyroid can work properly.
My ND doesn’t take my insurance but does charge me only 1/2 price for my visits. I urge you to call local pharmacies & ask what local doctors prescribe natural dessicated thyroid such as Nature Throid or Armour so you can make an appointment. I wish u the best!
Hello Diana, I have the same problem. What detox are you using? In addition to the thyroid issue, the mercury has caused my lymphatic system to malfunction. I did an IV for one hour every week for four weeks to detox. I am in the process of getting my mercury levels checked again because of the problems I am having with my lymphatic system. I want to make sure no mercury is hiding in my tissues.
Hi Kari,
I have Hashimoto’s also and am hypothyroid. I am 32 years old and have been struggling for years also. It can be so confusing as you said because there is conflicting info everywhere. Medical doctors could never help me (one actually told me that I DIDN’T have a thyroid problem and that I needed anti-depressants, even when my blood tests show Hashimotos antibodies!!). I’ve started working with a doctor who uses nutrition, supplements, essential oils, and flower essences to heal you. She corrects what is wrong in our body instead of just managing symptoms. She specifically told me that we need to support my thyroid instead of just replacing thyroid hormones, otherwise my thyroid itself will never heal and I will never be freed from this disease. The initial consultation with her is $150 for a 1.5 hour in-person consultation (she will muscle test you, etc.), or if you are not local to Dana Point, CA, she does an initial phone consultation for $100 for 1 hour and follow-ups are $50. You can get more info at her website http://www.happyhealthychristian.com. I pray that you will be healed and be freed from all these symptoms and confusion!
Way to go girl!! I’ve been researching this whole thyroid thing for about two years now. Sodium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C, MTHFR treatment (a whole other ball of info), and now I’m comfortable taking mg’s of iodine. I’m also on 1 grain (60mg) of Urfa – NDT) and the journey is improving. Folks need to spend the many hours needed to dig deep, very deep, to find their solutions. Good on you for being brave.
Hi smarter now,
What are you to treat your MTHFR?
Did you notice an improvement in your thyroid symptoms after you started?
I have a concern that you reference studies, but you have not sited a specific study nor given a link to that study so that your readers may have access to that study and review it themselves??
IODINE PUBLICATIONS
PUB. #1: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Optimum Levels of Iodine for Greatest Mental and Physical Health. The Original Internist, 9:5-20, 2002 Print Document
PUB. #2: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency Of The Whole Human Body. The Original Internist, 9:30-41,2002 [Print Document]
PUB. #3: Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Measurement Of Urinary Iodide Levels By Ion-Selective Electrode: Improved Sensitivity And Specificity By Chromatography On An Ion-Exchange Resin.The Original Internist, 11(4):19-32,2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #4: Abraham, G.E.,The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect: Crying Wolf?The Original Internist, 12(3):112-118,2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #5: Abraham, G.E., The safe and effective implementation of orthoiodosupplementation in medical practice. The Original Internist, 11:17-36, 2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #6: Abraham, G.E., The concept of orthoiodosupplementation and its clinical implications. The Original Internist, 11(2):29-38, 2004 [Print Document]
PUB. #7
Abraham, G.E., Serum inorganic iodide levels following ingestion of a tablet form of Lugol solution: Evidence for an enterohepatic circulation of iodine. The Original Internist, 11(3):112-118, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #8
Abraham, G.E., The historical background of the iodine project. The Original Internist, 12(2):57-66, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #9
Brownstein, D., Clinical experience with inorganic, non-radioactive iodine/iodide. The Original Internist, 12(3):105-108, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #10 Flechas, J.D., Orthoiodosupplementation in a primary care practice. The Original Internist,
12(2):89-96, 2005. [Print Document]
PUB. #11 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D.,Evidence that the administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport mechanism for iodine: A case report. The Original Internist, 12(3):125-130, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #12 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D.,
Validation of the orthoiodosupplementation program: A Rebuttal of Dr. Gaby’s Editorial on iodine. The Original Internist, 12(4): 184-194, 2005 [Print Document]
PUB. #13 Abraham, G.E., Brownstein, D., Flechas, J.D.,
The saliva/serum iodide ratio as an index of sodium/iodide symporter efficiency. The Original Internist, 12(4): 152-156, 2005. [Print Document]
PUB. #14 Abraham, G.E, MD., The History of Iodine in Medicine Part I: From Discovery to Essentiality.The Original Internist, 13: 29-36, Spring 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #15 Abraham, G.E.,The History of Iodine in Medicine Part II: The Search for and the Discovery of Thyroid Hormones The Original Internist, 13: 67-70, June 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #16 Abraham, G.E.,The History of Iodine in Medicine Part III: Thyroid Fixation and Medical Iodophobia. The Original Internist, 13: 71-78, June 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #17 Abraham, G.E, MD, Roxanne C. Handal, BS & John C. Hakala, RPhA Simplified Procedure for the Measurement of Urine Iodide Levels by the Ion-Selective Eleectrode Assay in a Clinical Setting The Original Internist, Vol 13, No. 3, 125-135, September 2006, [Print Document]
PUB. #18 Abraham, G.E.,The Combined Measurement of the Four Stable Halides by the Ion-Selective Electrode Procedure Following Their Chromatographic Separation on a Strong Anion Exchanger Resin: Clinical Applications The Original Internist, 171-195, December 2006 [Print Document]
PUB. #19 Abraham, G.E, MD, and David Brownstein, MD, A Simple Procedure Combining The Evaluation of Whole Body Sufficiency for Iodine with The Efficiency of the Body To Utilize Peripherall Iodide: The Triple Test The Original Internist, Vol. 14, No. 1, 17-23, March 2007 [Print Document]
PUB. #20 Abraham, G.E, MD, and J.D. Flechas, MD, Evidence of Defective Cellular Oxidation and Organification of Iodide in a Female with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue The Original Internist, Vol. 14, 77-82, 2007[Print Document]
PUB. #21 Abraham, G.E, MD, and J.D. Flechas, MD, The Effect of Daily Ingestion of 100 mg Iodine Combined with High Doses of Vitamins B2 and B3 (ATP Cofactors) in Five Subjects with Fibromyalgia The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 1, pg. 8-15, March 2008 [Print Document]
PUB. #22 Abraham, G.E, MD, Facts about Iodine and Autoimmune Thyroiditis The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 2, pg. 75-76, June 2008 [Print Document]
PUB. #23 Abraham, G.E, MD, The bioavailability of iodine applied to the skin The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 2, pg. 77-79, June 2008 [Print Document]
I’ve found naturopaths online who suggest adding iodine tincture 2% in a dollar size circle on the abdomen to let it slowly absorb into the body. Once it absorbs fully you can add more; hence the ability to control how much iodine your body needs to recover. Do you think that this is a legitimate way to add it?
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/54-iodine-deficiencies.html
I’d like to know about this too.
I’ve suspected my daughter’s (dx Hashimoto’s Encephalitis/Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) iodine levels being low. I found info online about testing yourself; simply use the reddish-orange iodine and make a 3″ square on the abdomen, inner thigh, or inner arm. If it fades within 24 hours, there is a deficit. We tried this and it faded considerably in 18 hours.
Of course, then I’ve read so much on how dangerous supplementing with iodine is, and the need to supplement in conjunction with selenium. I’d like to know how to safely accomplish this without doing any harm.
The skin has receptor sites for iodine/iodide so if you are trying to get an effect in the thyroid such a method might not get that I- to it’s desired target organ.
Hello,
I have Hashimotos and was just at doctor. Currently I am on 195 mg. nature thyroid, now my doctor wants me to take 12.5 iodine with selenium. Is this safe?
When there is a super-abundance of iodine the NIS (Na+/I- symporter) will tend to only pick up one of two possible Na+ making the Na+/I- ratio 1:1.. Since the normal ratio of Na+ to I- is 2:1, the Na+ may act as a limiting factor in the production of the desired T3 and T4 hormones. Other factors like too little iron for the heme part of TPO can limit use of available Iodine. Optimum utilization of I- is the goal. I have some concern that the natural high levels of methyl bromide in Laminaria and probably other kelp species would at least interfere with I- usage via competition. At worst the methyl part might cause damage of some degree. A site about seaweed posited that using kelp in excess of 2X per week has resulted in development of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid!
Hi
I have been taking supplemental iodine in a liquid sea weed form with additional nutrients etc.My Dr (likes natural healing as a first call rather than orthodox)recommended 60ml per day ,I have started on a lower dose at 15 ml per day and thought I would gradually build on that,now I see the risk of Thyroid cancer it is making me nervous,does anyone else have advice for me,also have a pain lower right side radiating into back with burning skin on and off ,mainly hands feet and face (wierd) is this all tied in to Thyroid issues?.I had burning skin prior to taking seaweed which I have only been on for 5 days,Thanks so much in advance 🙂
Hi Jen, Iodine may be a very good supplement for the thyroid – or it may make things worse. The best way to judge this is by symptoms and lab results.
On the plus side, iodine is apoptotic – meaning that it causes cancer cells to stop being immortal and die. For this reason, there are many who use it as part of an anti-cancer protocol, and some have suggested that this is the reason for Japan’s very low breast cancer rates.
On the negative side – it will increase the TSH, which will increase the H2O2 production in the thyroid – which will increase the oxidative stress on the thyroid cells. This means dna damage, which could in theory push cells further towards the cancerous state. However, Dr Brownstein suggests that at 100x rda (eg 12 – 15mg daily iodine), iodinated lipids are formed in the thyroid which regulate the H2O2 production and limits the oxidative stress and protects the thyroid. (but he always suggests supplementation as part of a holistic approach which also includes various vitamins, antioxidants and magnesium – and he warns that this should be done with a physician who knows how to apply it properly)
Whether supplementing iodine or not, every effort should be made to dampen that oxidative stress in the thyroid, because I believe that is what raises the risk of thyroid cancer in hypothyroid patients. That means supplementing with selenium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, and perhaps checking your glutathione status.
Thyroid labwork may also help – as high antibodies may indicate lots of H2O2 activity.
One last point – seaweed may not be the best source, unless it is from uncontaminated waters. There may be problems with Bromine and heavy metal contamination, as well as knowing the actual level of iodine present.
I think you got to be real careful with any type of supplemental iodine. Iodine is a double edged sword some will benefit others will be harmed.
From my experience ingesting iodine was by far, easily the worst decision of my life. I only took it for 2 weeks and had a violent reaction. I quit months ago yet all the symptoms remain. All my lab tests come back at normal but I still feel god awful so none of the doctors out there know how to help me and that’s including the alternative ones who even sell it.
I don’t think anybody truly knows what iodine does once it goes into your body, not even Dr Brownstein.
You have to start out on iodine SLOWLY as your body rids itself of all toxins like bromine, fluoride, mercury and iodine. Iodine is needed by almost all of us especially women as we store it in our breasts. Almost every woman that has breast cancer and also iodine deficient. Make sure to also take magnesium D3 and selenium with it.
Sorry not meant to add iodine on the toxins that body gets rid of when on iodine.
How much iodine were you taking? Did you take selenium along with it? DId you go hyperthyroid from it? I have heard that can happen
I have had the exact same thing happen to me when I took nacsent iodine drops. Every food that has iodine in it or that iodine salt has been added to causes a reaction. My mouth becomes inflamed only on the left side and sometimes the back of my thoat starts to swell up. This has been going on for 2 months with no relief and no one seems to know what to do.
Janine.. any food or substance that causes back of throat to swell is something you are allergic to. Anaphylactic shock.
stop taking. Iodine for ingestion is typically made and sourced from shellfish (such as shrimp). You probably have a new allergy to shellfish and dont realize it. Even a tiny vitamin E pill can accidently have the tiniest smidgeon of shellfish. Swelling of throat is life affecting. It can also cause swelling in hands, in feet and heart palpitations… if you get swelling of throat just from a bit of iodine you must never eat shellfish. Even a piece as small as a fingernail size can kill you. Be very very careful.
go to doctor and ask for allergy testing.
You might be experiencing a kind of cytokine storm, which would involve cytokines like TNFalpha, TNFbeta, interferon gamma, IL-1a, IL1b, and IL6 from T cells attacking your thyroid and involving IL 17 secreting cells involved in auto-immune response. The development of TH 17 cells which secrete IL 17 instead of immune modulating FoxP3 T-regulatory cells occurs via the ligand activation of the AHR(aryl hydrocarbon receptor). Low levels tryptophan are metabolized to Kynurene and other ligands of AHR. The issue is the right ligand to obtain the anti-inflammatory, anti-autoimmunity effects rather than pro-inflammatory immune exciting effects.
Women have the extra issue that Estradiol tends to block TSH induced symporter expression.
Some natural substances that can help reduce inflammatory cytokine activity are Boswella, nettle tea, and Chinese Skullcap. Do avoid Resveratrol which inhibits symporter gene expression. (This info comes from a couple of Endocrinology Journals (USA and European.)
Would nettles work instead of nettle tea for anti-inflammatory action?
My father has an underactive thyroid. I was supposed to give him one drop, twice a week, of Iodine but due to misunderstanding the instructions, I was giving him one drop per day, for about 3 weeks, When I realized the mistake I stopped all together out of fear. Was I poisoning him? I feel so terrible! Is there something I can give him now to undo whatever damage I must have done? Can anyone help me?
I was taking 10 drops 3x/day after a prolonged water fast. I had no trouble with it. I reduced to 5 drops 3X a day and now I will stop it for a while and start taking it again at some point, this time only a couple drops a day.
Quite sure your dad would be OK. There is lots of information available on Youtube. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny has a lot of very useful information, as does Dr. Brownstein.
Best regards.
Hi Chris. My 14 year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy/Steroid Receptive Encephalopathy Associated with Thyroiditis. She’s seeing a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, and a neurologist. She’s a month into recovery and is taking Prednisone, Keppra, Synthroid, Pepcid, and Ativan. Is an iodine supplement plus a selenium supplement something her doctors will be receptive to? My daughter has all the symptoms of an iodine deficiency. Could these deficiencies contribute to such a traumatic auto-immune disorder? I’m just really curious about her levels. At the time of diagnosis, her T4 level was .4 and her TSH was 163. Thanks for any guidance you can provide.
Treading in very dangerous territory with those AMA toxic prescriptions. Prednisone and Ativan particularly. Beware of taking that brutal benzodiazepine for more than a couple or so weeks as it is nasty addictive. I am now working with a man that was put on it insanely by an AMA Psychiatrist for 5 YEARS!!
Psychiatrist should lose his license. As a Holistic Healer/Coach, I have been able to HALT his numerous panic attacks through super food nutrition, culturing and fermentation along with MEDITATION daily….especially when the chatter box of the mind tries to bulldoze him into disorientation. Shame on the drugging AMA. GO FOR HOLISTIC REMEDIES, NOT TOXIC DRUGS.
Drugs are not all created equal. Benzos are only for temporary or occasional-to-rare use.
An SSRI (Celexa) and propranolol saved my job and possibly my life after benzo usage (Klonipin or Ativan always) got bad. Propranolol is good healthy stuff in my very limited experience – it acts fast under tongue so the very existence of it is helpful.
Propranolol is a beta blocker which should only be given to people with actual heart disease problems, it is not good healthy stuff for anyone else, there is an article I read where it was killing people when given as a preventative other than to people with actual current heart problems – be careful purporting it to be a general use medication
Prednisone is the only known treatment for Hashimoto’s Encephalitis/Steroid Receptive Encephalitis Associated with Thyroiditis. I realize it’s a drug with horrible side effects, but she was in a coma twice, when awake suffered from hallucinations and paranoia, and has extensive brain damage. Since treatment with Prednisone, the thyroid antibodies are no longer causing her body to attack her brain. I don’t know of any safer alternatives.
The Ativan was given in the hospital to treat catatonia schizophrenia and now she takes .5 mg nightly to sleep, as the prednisone keeps her awake. Sometimes she forgets to take Ativan and doesn’t seem to have trouble missing a dose.
Please do research on the Ativan and/or benzo withdrawal. The Ashton manual is a good place to start.
Hello! Reading your comment and I am so furious myself about doctors! I have been on rivitrol (clonazepan) for 20 yrs now. I have sjourgren and Fibromalgia and now they suspect a thyroid and I also have osteoarthritis! I ask them about being on this medication this long is it hazardous! Doctors say u r on a low dose so don’t worry about it!
My osteoarthritis symptoms virtually disappeared when I started using nettle tea, Boswellin (a trademark boswella supplement) Chinese Scullcap, turmeric with black pepper, raisins soaked in gin with added juniper berries and evaporated, and safflower petals (which block uric acid, though one could use celery seed extract instead. These items block the inflammatory chemical messengers (cytokines) involved in inflammatory conditions regardless of cause. Pain left, knobs disappeared, Deputry’s contracture knots disappeared, flexibility is almost completely restored though I am still discovering more about inflammatory factors and auto-immune
conditions and how to restore normal balance.
My osteoarthritis symptoms virtually disappeared when I started using nettle tea, Boswellin (a trademark boswella supplement) Chinese Scullcap, turmeric with black pepper, raisins soaked in gin with added juniper berries and evaporated, and safflower petals (which block uric acid, though one could use celery seed extract instead. These items block the inflammatory chemical messengers (cytokines) involved in inflammatory conditions regardless of cause. Pain left, knobs disappeared, Deputry’s contracture knots disappeared, flexibility is almost completely restored though I am still discovering more about inflammatory factors and auto-immune
conditions and how to restore normal balance. Interstingly in an article regarding the association between Thryroid disorders and Kidney disease it said that TNF-a and IL-1 (interleukin 1) inhibit expression of type 1 5 deiodinase which converts T4 to the active T3. This fact suggests the above cytokine inhibitors could possibly help in auto-immune thyroiditis. Also look at IDO pathway.
Hello,
I would recommend you listen to Dr Brownsteins lecture. He lectures to doctors on the importance of when testing thyroid to always test a patients iodine level, which is often overlooked or deemed not neccasary, which is what a doctor told me two days ago… insisting that I do not need a iodine check as our required amount is minimal
Hi Chris,
I am having problems with my thyroid, and the doctor’s think it’s thyroid viral infection, and it has to run it’s course. They did blood work, and did a thyroid scan uptake with radioactive iodine. Before I got this, I was very active. I had a regimen I took every day, and it helped in all areas of my life. This is it:
Over the counter supplements taken everyday:
Nature’s Bounty men’s over 50+ vitamins
B2 400mg, B12 5000mg, CoQ10 300 mg, C-500mg, Magnesium 250mg
Mega Red Omega-3 Krill Oil 300mg
Over the counter herbal supplements taken every third day prior to workout:
L-Arginine 750mg / L-Citrulline 250mg complex, Avena Sativa 750mg, Maca 600mg,
Tongkat Ali 100:1 extract 650mg, Nettle Root Extract 600mg, Tribulus Terrestris PE 400mg
Ginseng 125mg.
My doctor does not think any of these supplements caused the problems I am now having. Again I feel like I have the flu, and get night hot flashes, and my heart races a lot. What do you think???
Could be a bacteria like a lyme or co infection ,,genx test I think is approved now ….the night sweats seem to be a symptom but it is a very big guess …A peer reviwed paper came out about sexual transmission by Marianne Middelveen a Canadian researcher …this has been on the heals of reporting issues and drs not treating lyme for fear of prosecution….is a long story ..Look for a Lyme Literate MD in your area ..read all you can ….
I find that if I stay better hydrated during the day it actually helps reduce night sweats and I live in a hot, humid climate.
I have been told to take raw thyroid pills and/or iodine to protect my thyroid from the effects of radiation and other toxic exposures.
But I know nothing about all this..
Do you guys know what should I take for that? Please help.
Thank you!
Hi Chris, I have regular hypothroidism. I take meds made at a compounding pharmacy for it. I also have Fibromyalgia. Would you suggest I take the iodine supps? If so, what brand. There are way too many choices. Thank.
Hey Ann, I don’t have an answer for you, but I’m interested as well. Hopefully he will answer. What is really interesting is that you and I both have hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia.
Hi, I also have hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia. So I too am interested in what he has to say.
Hi all, I also have both and am very interested in an answer.
Debbie
Fibromyalgia has been helped by soaking in epsom salt baths and avoiding high oxalate foods since oxalates interfere with absorbing some minerals. It has been suggested that when consuming oxalate foods to include a source of calcium and citric acid to prevent its bad effects. Also good to avoid phytates either by sprouting, which activates resident phytase or doing as I do and putting a metal tea ball containing rye berries or whole buckwheat (organic) into the water soaking your grain or beans (or nuts) and adding a little acid. Let set at least two hours. I’m going to try this with my flax seed milk. though I might use lemon juice for the acid.
How long would it take for Iodine supplementation to start taking effect, an effect which can be seen in blood test results for TSH and FT4?
I have been researching several diseases that have a root cause of low iodine but if one does suppliment iodine you must supplement all the minerals we are lacking .Our basic knowledge of minerals is also well below normal . The Doctors were never trained on restoring health just on keeping us alive until death or broke
Hi, I was just informed my TSH level was a 2.7 I am trying to get pregnant and was told they should be below a 2.5. My mother had to have her thyroids removed a few years ago and I am wondering if I should be concerned? Also is there anything I can use to naturally lower my TSH levels?
Yeah, heal your thyroid so it’s not being prodded by the TSH to produce!
My thyroid radiated because of Graves Disease. I understand this is not best protocol . I take 125mg Synthroid. Any suggestions?
Hello Everyone! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s 2 years ago. Upon diagnosis my TSH was 25.27 and I felt near death. I was also diagnosed with pernicious anemia and was deficient in Vit D and B-12. By the way, Hashi does run in my family very strong. My sister now has it too but reared its ugly head after surviving breast cancer. I see a lot of people talking about supplements and Iodine. I was recently introduced to Nascent Iodine 2%. It’s very confusing….. is this harmful or helpful. Especially when your hashi’s starts out hypo and then swings hyper as mine just did, my TSH on my last lab was .02 and my Levothyroxine was reduced from 100mcg to 88mcg. I also take 5mcg of Cytomel. Although I see an Endo on a regular basis and was lucky to find a very good one, I like to take whatever holistic approach is possible as well. I see a lot of talk of selenium and magnesium but no mention of brazil nuts, unless I overlooked it, so here is a little food for thought of the benefits it provides instead of taking more pills. Brazil nuts hold exceptionally high levels of selenium. 100 g nuts provide about 1917 µg or 3485% recommended daily intake of selenium, rating them as the highest natural source of this mineral. Selenium is an important cofactor for anti-oxidant enzyme, glutathione-peroxidase. Just 1-2 nuts a day provides enough of this trace element. Adequate selenium in the diet help prevent coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancers.In addition to selenium, they contain very good levels of other minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Copper helps prevent anemia and bone weakness (osteoporosis). Manganese is an all-important co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Just a thought. Taking the supplements in pill form was giving me acid reflux and gerd. I have also eliminated gluten and soy from my diet. I also get horrible migraines and started Topamax therapy for those. I was nervous at first, I hate taking medication but I will admit, I’m 21/2 months in and I have not had a migraine in 3 weeks. This is the longest I’ve gone without a migraine in 10 years. Mild side effects are tingling in hands in feet but it does go away. the benefit to me is worth it. Now back to the iodine, from all that I have read it would seem more harmful to someone who is hyper and more beneficial to those who are hypo but hashi’s can swing, this is where I get confused. Much more research is in order apparently but it would be nice to hear from someone who has actually used Nascent Iodine 2%. Thanks!!
For the topamax side effects of tingling in hands and feet, take a potassium supplement and it should eliminate the issue. Topamax deletes your body of potassium.
What do you think about Nascent Iodine?
I just now am using a nascent iodine and am very impressed as lugols and iosol TASTE extremely strong.
lugols would make you think you ingested the form of iodine for external use only.
iosol not as bad but still strong.
the form i am using IS with alcohol and has no powerful taste, one drop in the afternoon has resulted in a feeling of warmth throughout and I will soon move on to 2 drops/day etc.
i have hypothyroid for more than 15years and still feel like crap,never attained my former levels of energy and FED UP with it all,so will work with the iodine until i see results which IS what I should have done to begin with.
There is tooooooooooo much mythology and scatology on the use of iodine for thyroid conditions.
IT WORKED FINE IN THE PAST and was used for BOTH conditions by the medical profession.
taking the synthetic form available only puts the thyroid into a useless/dead state when it needs support and stimulation and somehow iodine WORKED fine in the past.
I use Lugol’s iodine in water with apple cider vinegar and honey based on info from Dr. Jarvis in his book on Vermont folk medicine. Even my dog who is 60# threw up from 1 drop of Lugol’s added to her wet-dry food mix that has water in it.
Hi,
I have had MIRACULOUS results from iodine supplementation!
So much so that I now sell it at a very low profit to help everyone. Just search nascent iodine on ebay and sort for lowest price, 12.90, shipping, tracking, insurance included. 14 day guarantee
L Patrick
Did you take thyroid medication along with the iodine supplementation?
I’m looking for a good Dr. who can figure out what iodine suppliment I need. I live in Michigan. Brownstein and his group are not taking new patients. I had an autonimously functioning nodule which made me hyperthyroid. After 10 years I had 1/2 of my thyroid removed and was told I was cured. I am now hypothyroid and cannot find a Dr. in Michigan to work with that knows thyroid issues and iodine supplimentation. Any ideas? I take kelp suppliments but need better direction on using both iodine and iodide.
Hi Nan, I also live in Michigan and have read Dr. B’s books. Based on his guidelines I have started up supplementation and am better for it. I have Hashi’s. Let me know if you would like to discuss further.
Lauren, I have hoshimotos and am on a low dose of generic cytomel. I’ve been on this for about three years. Things are not optimal although my diet is (gluten free & paleo -ish). I would like to try the iodine supplementation but i’m nervous. Ive learned certain things set me off, for example I started taking DIM and soon realized people with Hoshimotos have to stay away from goitrogens. I was thrown into a thyroid storm pretty fast so I’m worried that may happen with iodine. Right now I need about 12 hours of sleep to feel rested, my thyroid actually aches and i can’t GAIN weight. I’ve had two ultrasounds on my thyroid, there is a small nodule that has grown a mm over the last three years. I supplement with:
selenium 200 mcg
zinc 50mg
c 1.000mg
b complex sublingual
50 mg iron
raw adrenals
calcium
1 mg melatonin (insomnia)
a mulit vitamin (liquid)
B-12 1,000 mcg liquid
vitamin d liquid 4,000 iu
5mg dhea alternated daily
maca powder in my shakes
Ive had my hormones checked. I use an over the counter progesterone for estrogen dominance. I feel like I”m either on two low of a dose or I’m missing something very simple like iodine. This iodine loading test seems dangerous and I don’t currently have a doctor in the area that I can discuss this with. As a side note I realized I’ve been brushing with prescription fluoride paste for the last year. This is probably a bad idea….I’m interested in hearing how this went for you. Please email me 🙂
Maca is a Peruvian turnip which has the isothiocyanates you are trying to avoid. Also make sure not to take the iron and calcium near the same time or near the time you take any T$ or T3.
If you are eating almonds be aware that they have cyanic glycosides also as well as high pro-inflammatory Omega 6’s and high Phytates which bind to many minerals to store them up for the sprout to come making them unavailable to you. Phytates are found in grains and beans and seeds ( and “milks” made from seeds or nuts too) unless they are soaked in an acid medium with a source of phytase or sprouted.
Kelp contains natural methyl bromide which competes against Iodine for absorption. Non-organic fruits and veggies and grains are treated with methyl bromide which is toxic and competes with iodine. Hope this info is helpful.
You are going to be hard presssed to find a Iodine knowledeable doc, I even had to give my integrative MD here in So. Cal, Dr. Brownstein’s book.
Some just can’t or do not want to be bothered….
Iodine is vital for all our tissues, major for breast tissues too.
Dr. David Williams in his Alternatives Health newsletter likes Iosol Iodine and that’s what I take now for 3 yrs or so. When I miss Iodine for a whle, I get breast pains.
I also take 120mg Armour and I’m fine with what I do.
There is a yahoo iodine group who know it all, and they like Lugols, I don’t for me.
MOST need iodine supplements. Unless one consumes loads of sea FOODS….
PS: If you are drinking Michigan water from the tap and bathing in it, you are getting loaded wth fluoride. More damage to thyroid and joints, more reason to be on iodine.
Better YET, don’t use the water that is fluoridated….Grand Rapids was the first city to get this stuff back in 1948 or so…..
It’s such a fraud!!! I’ve been in the “Fight” for years….our city got the dirty stuff in 2008. Maddening is what it is.
same for the amount of IODIZED SALT that would be necessary to EAT and this is why I cannot believe the allegation that iodine is equal to putting gasoline on a fire.
an overseas study ?
anything near this in the USA ?
and what FORM of iodine is in salt to begin with ?
and definitely that yahoo group has reams of info and is overloaded with it as well.
i don’t like yahoo’s style for their forums and hope that someone someday can better organize it.
curezone.earthzone and others have all the info needed to get familiar and comfortable with the notion of using IODINE as there IS plenty of medical documentation PROVING that simple iodine WORKS in regulating conditions and somehow CORRECTS hyper and hypO.
My research says that Lugol’s is only 20% absorbed and nascent iodine is the way to go. From what I’ve researched in Endocrinology articles breast tissue only contains Na+/I- symporter presence, hence Iodine, during lactation to provide Iodine for the new baby and in breast cancer. Perhaps something like bromide or other is concentrating in breast tissue and the symporters are expressed to provide Iodine to counter its presence? Don’t yet know.
I have healed my auto immune thyroid after 20 years on synthroid. It’s a process but can be done.
Cathy, would you mind telling how you healed yourself?
Hi, there is a doctor in northern indiana, Dr. Cal Streeter, who treats thyroid issues like dr brownstein. You can reach him at northern nutrition in shipshewanna indiana.