I received this email from a pharmacist I met at a lecture.
“Hello Dr. B! I’m the pharmacist in Tulsa who spoke with you last fall about a thyroid nodule. As you predicted, after remaining on 50mg Iodoral daily for 3.5 months, they couldn’t visualize a nodule on the repeat ultrasound-ha ha! I mentioned this to the endocrinologist, who was dubious and issued a caution about autoimmune thyroid disease and iodine—that iodine triggers antibody production. I’ve read about similar warnings from several other sites. What is your response to this concern? By the way, I’ve ordered your latest edition of the iodine book thinking the rationale will be found there. But, I’ve continued with the50mg Iodoral, and am seriously considering a diet to eliminate food allergies. I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thank you so much for all you do!
Martha Stalcup
Dear Martha,
Thank you for your note. Over the last 40 years, autoimmune thyroid illness has been increasing at epidemic rates. During this same time, iodine levels have fallen over 50%. Therefore, I find it hard to make an argument that iodine is behind the cause of the epidemic increase in autoimmune thyroid illness. In fact, the research is clear; iodine deficiency is responsible, in part, for the rapid rise in autoimmune thyroid illnesses. Over the last 20 years, my research and clinical experience has confirmed this.
In order to treat autoimmune thyroid illnesses such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease, it is important to ensure adequate iodine intake as part of a holistic treatment plan. Much more information about this can be found in my new book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 5th Edition. The best advice I can give you is to work with an iodine-knowledgeable holistic health care provider and avoid health care providers suffering from iodophobia.
Hi Dr. Brownstein,
I started taking Iodine about four months ago (after reading your books) along with magnesium, ATP, selenium, vitamin C and fish oil. I tested my TPO antibodies a couple of days ago and they went down to 14! Everywhere I read it says you should not take iodine when you have Hashimoto’s but it works! I’m having an ultrasound done next week to check the nodule I have on my thyroid (last ultrasound was done about a year ago). Can’t wait to see the results. I hope they are just like Martha’s.
Hi Dr. Brownstein,
I don’t think you actually addressed the concern that Martha was asking about. She questioned “that iodine triggers antibody production”. I think she was talking about TPO antibodies. You and I discussed this at one time, because I had read an interview from years ago where you said that it did, but when I asked you about the interview, you said you’d found out different, since the interview. I had also heard that the porcine base of the natural hormones in the thyroid meds caused the TPO antibodies. I know, in my case, that the iodine isn’t getting rid of the TPO antibodies, and I’d appreciate an explanation of where they come from, and how to get rid of them. Can you clarify?
Thanks for all you do!
Sandie
Sandy,
TPO antibodies are produced in the body when TPO is damaged. Damaged TPO is very destructive to the thyroid tissue. The body tries to ‘put the fire out’ by producing antibodies to TPO. Damaged TPO is much more common when iodine is deficient.
DrB
Dear Dr. Brownstein,
You are always right on target. I am so grateful for all of the information I have read in your books. If it wasn’t for you, I would not be as healthy as I am today.
Thanks for everything!
Angel
We must also remember that minerals are interconnected with each other. In the case of iodine we also need cobalt, calcium fluorine (not fluoride) and also arsenic. Again not the inorganic type. So in order to uptake and utilize our iodine we need the supporting minerals to go along with it.