If you struggle with constant tiredness, brain fog, unexplained weight gain, constipation, feeling cold all the time, or changes to your hair, skin, and nails, and think your thyroid might be to blame, don't rush into iodine therapy. Not all thyroid treatments are created equal, and we want to shed some light on why iodine therapy could be doing your thyroid health more harm than good.
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Iodine Therapy for Thyroid: Friend or Foe?
First things first, iodine is essential for optimal thyroid function. Your thyroid needs iodine to create hormones like T3 and T4, which help regulate your energy, weight, and mood, and keep everything running smoothly.
So, if you are experiencing low thyroid symptoms, you might assume extra iodine is what your body needs. But you could be wrong, especially if you have Hashimoto’s.
The Hashimoto’s Twist: When Iodine Backfires
Most people don't realize that roughly 90% of hypothyroid cases in America actually stem from Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the body's own defenses slowly damage the thyroid gland.
Annoyingly, too much iodine can make that situation worse. High iodine levels are actually linked to a greater risk of flare-ups of Hashimoto's. symptoms. In fact, some patients feel better simply by cutting back on iodine instead of loading up, because a confused immune system is already on the warpath; adding extra iodine is like pouring gasoline on a tiny blaze.
How Much Iodine Is Too Much?
So, how much iodine is really safe? This is a tricky question because everybody is different, and things get even murkier when autoimmune disease enters the picture. However, there is a ceiling (the maximum recommended daily dose), and going over it can cause harm you definitely want to avoid.
Do you want to know how much iodine is right for you?
If you have a Hashimoto’s diagnosis or are feeling thyroid symptoms, reach out to Dr. Ian and the team at Dr. Autoimmune! A personalized approach is always best, especially since we are dealing with complex areas of health such as immunity and thyroid health.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About “Fixing” Your Thyroid
Addressing thyroid disease (especially autoimmune thyroid disease) is more than just about a “quick fix” like iodine therapy. Instead, it is about tracing the root cause, understanding and listening to your body, and avoiding one-size-fits-all medical advice.
If you have tried and failed to reset your thyroid, cycling through iodine therapy and other treatments, then it might be time to ask: Is it a thyroid problem, or an autoimmune one?
Are you interested in learning more about how to support your thyroid without iodine therapy making things worse? Schedule an online functional medicine consultation with our autoimmune specialist!
