When a patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means they have low thyroid production, the first thing that is commonly done is having a prescription for iodine supplementation. On the surface this is valid and logical, as I said, on the surface. Iodine is a component in thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency is a widespread, worldwide, problem. Iodine is the cause of many, if not most cases of hypothyroidism, in areas of the world where iodine in deficient. In the United States and other areas like it the iodine is not deficient in the food supply, thus it is not usually the cause of low thyroid.
In areas of the world with adequate iodine in food, or where salt is iodized, the most common cause of low thyroid is Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroid. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of cases of hypothyroidism in the United States is from this autoimmune mechanism.
Autoimmune thyroid is a form of hypothyroidism that is caused by immune destruction, not primary hypothyroidism. The amount of iodine that is contained in iodine supplements and thyroid natural support products act like gas on a burning fire.
In a 2004 article in the journal Thyroid, the author stated “…the explosive mix of iodine, TPO Ab, and Hydrogen peroxide necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis, inadvertently provide the trigger for the autoimmune thyroid response.”
It is this misguided inclination to give every hypothyroidism patient high doses of supplemental iodine that leads to increased thyroid gland destruction, and more suffering on the patient’s part.
Most natural healthcare practitioners and Medical practitioners possess a very limited understanding of autoimmune physiology and continue giving iodine supplements for all cases of hypothyroidism, in the same way as the medical community uses thyroid replacement hormones as a “blanket” treatment for all low thyroid conditions.
You need to take an inventory of your supplements, especially if you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. We get plenty of iodine from the iodinization of salt and from a normal balanced diet. Remove any and all supplements that contain iodine, as it is most likely aggravating your condition, and can most likely be one of many things working against you as you try to properly treat and manage your condition.
It is in your best interest to have your doctor check your thyroid antibodies is you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism but are not sure whether it is autoimmune. The test results will indicate whether your hypothyroidism is from an immune cause and will help guide you in your decision of whether to include iodine supplementation in your diet.
In the immune battle with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis you are guaranteed to lose if you are not playing on the right field.
Enhancing T Cell Function for Hashimotos