Iodine/Iodide suppliments in conjunction with Thyroxine

[Deady]

Is it safe to take iodine/iodide tablets with 100mcg of thyroxine(my daily dose)
I have had an underactive thyroid for about 15 years, have a very small appetite and weigh 66kgs.
I find my weight is stable but would like to weigh less,but find it impossible to do so. I also take Lipitor 80mg and
Ezatrol 10mg. My cholesterol was 11.5 despite always having a low fat high fibre diet! Its now around 5.5.
I had Graves for about 20 years prior to this.

[raynmanuk]

Hi Deady

Not sure if you're still looking for comments on this but the whole subject intrigues me as thyroid issues are something I' don't think are usually particularly well dealt with.
One comment said that there's plenty of iodine in most peoples diets which completely contradicts a report commissioned by the World Health Organisation on Iodine deficiency in Europe.
Have you tried getting iodine from natural sources especially seaweed?
There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that the body reacts better to iodine when it's presented in its natural form and that people eating such things as seafood salads containing seaweed have no adverse reaction to the iodine in this form.
Putting people on thyroxin does not deal with the underlying issue of the thyroid gland not working.

[Deady]

Thanks for that,I'll give it a try.  Deady

[Deady]

I only wait half an hour after taking my Thyroxine on an empty stomach as directed by the doc, no mention of delaying high fibre foods for 4 hours,not a lot of support in my area from the medical profession! My blood tests sometimes indicate that I'm taking slightly too much medication but when the doc lowers the dose the next test shows I'm not taking enough so he tends to leave it alone.Maybe I need to see an endocrinologist again (haven't seen one for about 27 years! ) I have been taking the iodine/iodide tabs for 2 days and have noticed that i don't have the usual feeling of a lump in my throat so thats a plus, also no palpitations and have had 6 hours sleep which is an added bonus. thanks to everyone for your suggestions, I don't feel like I'm by myself with this problem now

[FTB4]

Just a thought, How much of a High Fiber diet are you on, Are you waiting fours hours after taking meds before eating fiber? you could be losing T4 with the fiber. FTB4

[redheadaussie]

In a word; NO.
Do not take any extra iodine/iodide.  
Unless you are a on a total vegan diet there is no need to take any extra iodine.
Grave's patients especially should not take extra as this will only exacerbate the condition.

  The normal diet of most people has sufficient iodine.

If you think your thyroid medication is insufficient it would be wise to get your levels checked.

You say you had Graves 20 years ago, then you say you are underactive. Have you recent antibodies testing done? You may well have Hashimoto disease as well. ( You can have both Graves and Hashi's and also it can swing from one to the other over time)



  

[Barb135]

I see that you have Graves Disease.  Do you, also, have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?  Some people do have them both.  Do you still have your thyroid?  

While some people do very well taking Iodine, it's not usually recommended for those of us with Hashimoto's, unless under the very strict supervision of your doctor.  I'm not sure about Graves disease, but I'd not take iodine without doctor supervision, since most people get enough in the foods they eat, via the salt.

What are your latest thyroid test results?  Usually, if thyroid levels are adjusted properly, people can lose weight with a reasonable diet and exercise program.  While a calorie is a calorie, maybe you're not eating the right type of foods; some tend to turn to fat  more quickly, if not used right away.  You don't mention what type of exercise you get.