• Shop For Gift Certificates
  • Book Now
  • Call Us: 123-123-1234
Call Us1300 THYROID (1300 849 764)
HealthHub Login
Free Consult
Call Us1300 THYROID (1300 849 764)
The Lucy Rose Clinic The Lucy Rose Clinic
  • Home
  • Our Approach
    • FAQ
    • Thyroid Practitioners
    • Discover the Thyroid Gland
    • Testing
    • Locations
  • Reviews
  • Conditions
    • Thyroid Nodules
    • Graves’ Disease
    • Hashimoto’s Disease
    • Thyroid and Fertility
    • Thyroid Cancer
    • Thyroid Testing
  • Podcast
  • Articles
  • Contact Us

Can Thyroid Patients take IODINE?

You are here: Home / General Knowledge / Can Thyroid Patients take IODINE?

Can Thyroid Patients take IODINE?

November 22, 2020January 19, 2022by Lucy Rose Clinicin General Knowledge, Hormones, Nodules & Growths, Nutrition, Supplements, Thyroid, Thyroid ConditionsTags thyroid nutrition education

Today I wanted to discuss things you need to consider when supplementing iodine if you are on thyroid medication.

There is a medical misconception out there that thyroid patients (particularly autoimmune thyroid patients) need to avoid iodine, when the truth is that they may desperately need it for optimal health.

On a Facebook group this week, I saw a lady comment that she couldn’t even take iodised table salt because her medical practitioner told her to avoid any and all forms of iodine.

Read my response below…

Iodine deficiency is present because our food supply is woefully inadequate in iodine. Declining mineral levels in our soil coupled with more pollution in the ocean create a perfect storm for iodine deficiency.

Dr. Brownstein says that we are seeing a rapid rise in autoimmune thyroid conditions due to this iodine deficiency coupled with higher exposure to toxic halides such as fluoride and bromide. Scientific studies have proven in animal studies that you can cause Hashimoto’s by creating an iodine deficiency by removing iodine from the diet, and then ingesting halides such as fluoride. 

A British population study from 2015 observed that iodine deficiency may be caused by extra ingestion of fluoride from treated water and is related to a rise in hypothyroidism. They found that in locales where tap water fluoride levels exceeded 0.3 milligrams per liter, the risk for having an underactive thyroid rose by 30 percent. They also found that hypothyroidism rates were nearly double in urbanised regions that had fluoridated tap water, compared with regions that did not.

If someone is told to supplement, often supplementation is not adequate to replenish the iodine status of the body, or is given incorrectly, in the wrong form, and the wrong dose for the individual, which then means it won’t give you the desired outcome. 

If there is already a burden of toxic halides or metals (flouride, bromide, aluminum or mercury) correcting iodine status in the tissues requires specialist treatment, specific nutritional dosing and therapy, and all nutritional co-factors must be present for success.

Can I take iodine if I am on thyroid medication?

Among our patients it is rare to meet a person who isn’t iodine deficient. The key to safely supplementing with iodine is to be tested using a 24 hour iodine load test. This is a urine test which shows you if you are iodine deficient, and also how well your body absorbs iodine from the loading dose. Iodine therapy is safe for patients if they have a deficiency. This test also indicates the level of toxic halides that are interfering with absorption.

Most commonly if people have detoxification symptoms from starting iodine, it is actually due to a release of toxic halides such as bromide and fluoride. Unfortunately, iodine gets the blame! Typically bromide detox signs include headache, nausea or a metallic taste in the mouth. Our patients will be supported with the most appropriate protocol to deal with a bromide detox safely and quickly, and not all people experience this.

Self prescribing iodine is not recommended as there are many factors to be considered before a dose is prescribed for you. The TGA has stipulated that a safe supplementary dose for the population is 150mcg. This dose is set to prevent goiter in the population, and does not support optimal health. We discover that much higher doses are usually needed to get good health results.

Iodine deficiency symptoms

  • Fatigue or Lethargy
  • Mood issues – depressed or anxious
  • Sugar or chocolate cravings
  • Brain fog
  • Mental slowness or forgetfulness
  • PCOS, fibroid, or other genealogical concerns (women)
  • Breast lumps and bumps
  • Enlarged prostrate (men)
  • Easily get a cold or flu
  • Thyroid band around the neck or enlargement of the thyroid
  • Teeth indents on the side of the tongue

Do you have a few of these signs? Book a call to discuss your findings with a naturopath.

Why does IODINE matter?

Iodine is known for it’s importance with thyroid health, but the rest of your body needs it as well. The thyroid is only responsible for using 20% of the bodies need for iodine.

Check out these iodine benefits – how many did you know about?

Iodine and BRAIN FUNCTION

Iodine crosses the BBB (blood brain barrier) and too little causes mental impairment. In adults, symptoms include:

  • Brain FOG
  • Pituitary gland diseases
  • Slower mental recall
  • Losing words mid-sentence

Iodine and Autoimmune THYROID

Iodine is needed to keep all the glands of the body healthy, and an absence of this nutrient can allow viruses such as EBV to populate in the gland, causing autoimmune problems. Also, toxic halides and heavy metals can also settle in the tissues of the thyroid when iodine is not optimal, setting the scene for autoimmune, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid concerns.

Iodine and ADRENAL GLANDS

Chronic hypothyroidism induced by iodine deficiency significantly attenuates HPA (hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal) axis activity.

Iodine and DIGESTION

Iodine assists the correct pH in the stomach, which keeps issues such H. Pylori at bay, and protein digestion optimal. Having good protein digestion minimises risk of food intolerances, malabsorption issues, and digestive health complaints.

Iodine and OVARIES

After the thyroid, the ovaries contain the second highest concentration of iodine. Deficiency leads to cysts, PCOS, and other health imbalances.

Iodine and UTERUS and PROSTATE

Absence of iodine in these tissues allows tissue proliferation, such as nodules, fibroids, cysts, and growths. Instead, having the right amount of iodine in these tissues keeps the architecture of the tissues healthy.

Did you know?

The Japanese consume 89 times more iodine than Americans, due to their daily consumption of sea foods and sea vegetables. This equates to 12.5mg iodine a day. They have reduced rates of many chronic diseases, including the lowest rates of cancer in the world. Australian diet and statistics are relatively similar to America regarding iodine. 

Don’t like seafood that much? Then supplementation can meet optimal iodine requirement at a fraction of the cost.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss our screening and treatments, and how we can assist your ultimate wellness.

0One-Dish Paleo Chicken DinnerAre Thyroid Problems Hereditary?

Share this post?

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

About author

Lucy Rose Clinic

Naturopath and writer for The Lucy Rose Clinic.

More posts

  • Related
  • Popular
  • Latest
What is Bromide? The toxic halide driving thyroid problems
What is Bromide? The toxic halide driving thyroid problems
What is Selenium?
What is Selenium?
Is Coffee Bad For You? Coffee Health Benefits and Risks
Is Coffee Bad For You? Coffee Health Benefits and Risks
Eating for Illness – Why Food Matters
Eating for Illness – Why Food Matters
Is Iodine the Key to Weight Loss? Pt1 - Iodine & Weight Loss
Is Iodine the Key to Weight Loss? Pt1 - Iodine & Weight Loss
The Root Cause to Autoimmune Thyroiditis
The Root Cause to Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Let’s talk about Hydration and Salt! Why you can’t live without it!
Let’s talk about Hydration and Salt! Why you can’t live without it!
Vaccines and Immunity
Vaccines and Immunity
Endometriosis Treatment – Managing Endometriosis
Endometriosis Treatment – Managing Endometriosis
Prostate Health – Keeping a Healthy Prostate
Prostate Health – Keeping a Healthy Prostate
What Causes Beer Belly?
What Causes Beer Belly?
Healing Sweet Potato Soup
Healing Sweet Potato Soup

Search

Recent Podcast

  • The Thyroid and Menopause Complication
    April 4, 2022 by The Lucy Rose Clinic
  • Belly Fat - The Why and How Behind It
    March 14, 2022 by The Lucy Rose Clinic
  • #5 The Role Of The Liver In Optimal Wellness
    March 7, 2022 by The Lucy Rose Clinic
  • #3 Iodine Dosing misconceptions and safe use for thyroid health
    February 28, 2022 by The Lucy Rose Clinic
  • The REAL Reason You Have Brain Fog
    February 23, 2022 by The Lucy Rose Clinic

Categories

  • Autoimmune
  • Beauty
  • Complementary Practices
  • Conditions
  • Detoxification
  • Diagnosis & Testing
  • Fatigue
  • General Knowledge
  • Gut Health
  • Healing Diet
  • Hormones
  • Libido
  • Lifestyle
  • Liver health
  • Medication
  • Mens Hormone Health
  • Mental Health
  • Mood
  • Nodules & Growths
  • Nutrition
  • Patient Stories
  • Podcast
  • Quizzes & Questionnaires
  • Recipes
  • Sleep
  • Stress hormones
  • Supplements
  • Thyroid
  • Thyroid Conditions
  • Uncategorized
  • Vitality Boosting Programs
  • Vlog
  • Weight Loss

Follow Us

Recent Posts

  • Endometriosis Treatment – Managing Endometriosis
  • Prostate Health – Keeping a Healthy Prostate
  • What Causes Beer Belly?
  • Healing Sweet Potato Soup
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Thyroid
Contact Info
Sydney CBD (Head Office), Suite 13, level 3, 247 Coward St. Mascot NSW 2020
1300 THYROID (1300 849 764)
info@thelucyroseclinic.com.auEmail Us
Contact Us
Open Hours
  • Monday 9am-5pm
  • Tuesday 9am-5pm
  • Wednesday 9am-5pm
  • Thrusday 9am-5pm
  • Friday 9am-5pm
Contact Us
Latest Articles
  • Endometriosis Treatment – Managing Endometriosis
  • Prostate Health – Keeping a Healthy Prostate
  • What Causes Beer Belly?
  • Healing Sweet Potato Soup
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Thyroid
  • The Effect of Iodine on Testosterone in Men
  • 7 Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Symptoms
  • What Causes Bumpy Arm Skin (or Keratosis Pilaris)?
  • Graves Disease in Men
  • Vegan Cheese Sauce
View More
Quick Links
  • Our Approach
  • FAQ
  • About Thyroid
  • Testing
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Contact Us
© 2020 The Lucy Rose Clinic. All Rights Reserved - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy
The Lucy rose clicnic

Privacy Policy. Visit Our Website.

Talk To Us Today - Click Here To Book An Appointment To Talk To An Experienced Practitioner

The Lucy Rose Clinic - Sydney CBD (Head Office), Suite 13, Level 1, 110 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 - 1300 849 764

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT