I am also very low in Iodine, 20 (ideal is 100-190) and have been reading "Iodine, why you need it" by David Brownstein. Also read "Hope for Hashimotos" (which I have/had) by Dr Alexander Haskell. So far I have been DIY with respect to supplements of Vit D, B12, folate and Zinc and also DIY blood tests from Blue Horizon and genova urine/iodine test. I am now following D Brownstein, as I am already Gluten and lactose free (Got rid of my TPO antibodies) the next stage is using Celtic sea salt etc then go onto using Lugol's iodine. Bit nervous about that bit as don't know any medic that I could turn to and here up north we seem to be without any decent endos etc. Iodoral is the tablet form and Lugol's the liquid form for Iodine. Please let me know how you get on, could do with some moral support!
I decided on liquid as it is much easier to adjust the dose and start off very low. I think I also read in one of the books that it is easier to use for that reason.
You're hypothyroid Puss?
Diets these days are too low in iodine. Thus supplementing sounds like a good idea. However, I'd take it slow : start on a low dose and raise very gradually. Too much iodine can be as bad for hypothyroid folk as too much. When I tried to buy Kelp tabs from Holland & Barrett and, foolishly, replied to her query that yes, I was hypothyroid, she refused to sell them to me!
Are they allowed to do that? Sounds a bit heavy-handed. What they should do, in my opinion, is warn you of the possible dangers, and then it's up to you whether you buy it or not. But refusing to sell it... hmm
Yes, did notice that. Only been in the Folkestone branch about twice because they don't have branches in France, but the employee couldn't even tell me where stuff was in the shop! lol
I can absolutely imagine the incandescence! Congratulations on leaving and not trashing the shop!
Yes am hypothyroid... Currently taking 125 Levo, Nutri adrenal and Nutri Thyroid. Do you know what side effects there could be from taking iodine? Are you taking? Thanks
Opinions vary about iodione, Puss. I am not taking it, although I'm wondering whether to give it a go. I use Thyroid S to control my hypothyroidism. I think the opinion agin it is that the Levo (or whatever one is taking) sort of cuts to the chase, as it were, and takes over the function of iodine to the thyroid. Correct me if I have that wrong, someone.
Here's the skinny from Sparerib's very helpful discoveries in the archives, Puss:
"Taken from the Livestrong website:
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of T4. It is used to treat individuals who have hypothyroidism due to any cause. Levothyroxine can be converted to T3 in your body, so you only have to take one medication to supply both hormones. Since levothyroxine already contains iodine, you do not need to take additional iodine to treat hypothyroidism. Any extra iodine you consume will not be incorporated into new thyroid hormones, because your thyroid’s function is being replaced by levothyroxine. In fact, according to a 1992 study published in “International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research,” any additional iodine you obtain from supplements will be eliminated in your urine, feces and sweat.
It's not just your Thyroid - in women the breasts & reproductive organs contain & need Iodine. If you are Iodine deficient your body will deplete the stores in other areas of the body.
Putting a bit of Iodine in Levo does not supply everything the body needs!
Thanks Humphrey and Spareribs, very informative. I am really confused now as Dr P suggested I supplement but that article indicates it would be a waste of time. I'm sure Dr P would disagree or else he wouldn't suggest taking it. In a quandary now
I know this is 3 years old, but just in case anyone comes to this thread now - please do as advised by your current doctor/specialist - there is a great deal of misinformation re' Iodine - many of us are deficient because of excess fluorine/ fluoride and bromine/bromide in water/food etc...
Read Dr Barry Durant-Peatfield's book, The Great Thyroid Scandal and How To Survive It (Barons Down Publishing), & then decide about Iodine.
just been diagnosed with Hypo (yesterday) and of course am trying to read everything on it and getting a little overwhelmed. Thank you OzoneGirl for the recommended read, i am that person who has joined the thread now!.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.