Suppliments for Hashimoto's

I have been told by one of my doctors the taking an iodine supplement is not good for my Hashimoto's. My question would be why?

[898]

"What Happens if a Hashimoto’s Patient Takes Iodine Supplements?
Some people find that they have an “iodine crash”, where the thyroid enlarges (becomes “angry”), is extremely tender, and the whole body becomes shaky and exhausted for several days. Luckily the reaction is normally so severe – and obvious – that you would be unlikely to repeat the experiment. If you ever find yourself having a strong reaction to a supplement, check whether it contains iodine – often included in the form of a seaweed such as dulse or kelp. Some multivitamins include iodine"
Source:http://thyroid-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/iodine_and_hashimotos_thyroiditis

[iclseablue]

Thank you for sharing the information. I found a sight that commented on a way to self test for Iodine deficiency by rubbing iodine on the upper, inner part of your arm.  If it does away within and hour you're low.

MMMM, this is interesting. I will have to check out this article too. Thanks again.

[LazyMoose]

They call that test the iodine patch test. I have Hoshimotos. I had that test done also at a chiropractor / holistic doc but is was on the side of my torso. And my body sucked up the iodine from my skin faster than what they said was normal.  They suggested I take iodine, I chose not too from what I read about it here. I thought there was a thread on this under heath pages (upper orange icon under e-mail on this page). I sounds complicated to figure weather you need it or not.

[Barb135]

My understanding, from this and other websites, is that iodine is not good for those of us with Hashi's.  

My motto: "If in doubt - DON'T".  

Having hypothroidism/Hashi's is bad enough - why take a chance on compounding the misery??  

[898]

The commonly used test for iodine deficiency is iodine concentration in urine; this test is using by WHO to determine endemic [iodine deficient areas].I can speculate, however that this test is not accurate if the body cannot absorb iodine for some reason, such as iodine displacement by perchlorate or fluoride.The concentration in the urine will still be high, but the thyroid will not get it. the most accurate results can probably be obtained by urine test plus RAI scan [the availabilty of iodine in food and soil + ability of thyroid to "grab it" from the blood stream]

[Tristy]

I had no idea.  I thought if you were hypo you should take iodine and lemon juice would help your body absorb it.  I have not been diagnosed, but I believe I have Hashi's, due to the mass amount of symptoms. (Endo. apt. soon)  I am glad I ran across this.  I have been trying everything to feel better, I may have been making it worse.  Wow!

[stella5349]

I love 898 and what he says... I can go to him and get a wealth of information.

I on the other hand I have Hashimoto antibodies that rage in me at times - and 7 years ago I had no thyroid ablated for Graves Dx. Actually - me starting iodine - the swelling in my neck and glands have shunk and I no longer have that crushing feeling in my neck.

I take iodine now, and started about 3 mths ago. I can't say enough about how it has helped me. It was the nutrient I was lacking and I believe (with no proof) if I would have learned more in the beginning - I could have saved myself the misery I was in for so long.

I can't challenge the statements of it being bad. I still think for some it could be. I "gambled" with it all on my own and I did well adding it.

I guess it a choice.

[LazyMoose]

How safe is RAI?  What type of thyroid individuals gain the most from this test? Not talked about much in detail on the forum.

This question has me wondering more about iodine myself, just as I started to forget about it! AH!.

RAI - that is Radio Active Intake test, right?  If I remember, can't RAI cause further damage to your thyroid, just like an X-ray of the area? (did  someone lose thyroid from RAI on this forum?). Correct me if I'm wrong.

The fact that my body also absorbs iodine on the skin made me think about this few months back. I always wondered about past neck x-rays from the chiropractor (had at least 6) possibly effecting the thyroid as well . Still have my thyroid (have hoshimotos).

thanks

[LazyMoose]

Geez, I should have opened my eyes and seen the RAI poll!!! Lots of info there! Thanks anyhow.

[ellesan]

Hi,

I had a TERRIBLE reaction from iodine, put me into an acute autoimmune attack and triggered my Hashimoto's that I didn't even know I had. I have been very sick for three months because of this and have had awful symptoms. It has been a nightmare. I posted my whole story in another forum (I think under natural supplements or something). You can check my profile and find it. I ended up having a total thyroidectomy 10 days ago because my thyroid became swollen and compressive. Even after I asked about side effects or possible problems with iodine I was told it was totally safe and effective. WRONG. It is definitely not for everyone and can have devastating effects. Please be careful.

Sandra