Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and in the past have had numerous issues with swallowing and feeling like there’s a lump in my throat.
I’ve used Iodine Therapy from time to time and although I don’t see any real life altering changes, my thyroid dosage has been lowered over the years, and more stable, so I do believe some of this comes from the Iodine and a good diet. In my opinion, some of the thyroid improvement comes from eating gluten free. Avoiding gluten means avoiding white flours and processed bakery items which all contain dough conditioners. Many of these dough conditioners compete with the uptake of iodine, which is stored mainly in the thyroid gland, breast tissue in women, and prostate gland in men.
Dr. Brownstein explains this in detail in his book. Some of the easiest to understand information I found was Dr. Brownstein’s book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It
After much research, two of the more common sources of Iodine supplementation I’ve used are Optimox Iodoral 180 tablets
I am currently using LDN (low dose naltrexone) which is improving my thyroid function. I was actually a little surprised when I got a call from my family physician after a routine blood test telling me that my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was low, which is an indicator of too much thyroid hormone. I’ve had to lower my thyroid dosage with the help of my endocrinologist and I believe my thyroid is recovering as the LDN works to improve immune function.
BTW, my very intelligent endocrinologist who I completely admire and respect didn’t understand how Iodine supplementation was healthy for the thyroid as he was confusing it with the radioactive iodine therapy he uses to destroy the thyroid gland. This is the most common form of iodine treatment an endocrinologist typically utilizes.
Please be sure to consult with your Doctor for proper thyroid evaluation and diagnosis. Iodine supplementation does not destroy the thyroid gland in and of itself, unless the iodine is first radiated as medically used to destroy the gland.