Iodine

[Garrett Smith]

Gittit,
I'm not a big fan of the "patch" test, but it may have some (albeit shaky) validity.

If you try it on different "soft skin" parts on consecutive attempts and notice the disappearance time lengthening each time, then you may be onto something. If you do it, PM me and let me know how it went.

[Amanda Mitchell]

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

Nikki,
There can be "detoxing" of chlorine/fluorine/bromine from iodine's normal binding spots when the loading dose is undertaken--working up to the loading dose can nearly eliminate any of these possible symptoms. Also, if symptoms appear, a simple reduction of iodine dosage, with a following ramping back up, will also rid one of the symptoms.

What are those symptoms? How do they manifest themselves?

[Garrett Smith]

Symptoms I have seen of bromine detoxification, as confirmed by Dr. Flechas (iodine/thyroid expert) are frontal headache, brassy taste, excess salivation, and short-term cystic acne.

To see the full range of bromine detox symptoms, simply Google "bromism". The ones above are pretty typical and are the ones I forewarn my patients about.

[Amanda Mitchell]

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

Symptoms I have seen of bromine detoxification, as confirmed by Dr. Flechas (iodine/thyroid expert) are frontal headache, brassy taste, excess salivation, and short-term cystic acne.

To see the full range of bromine detox symptoms, simply Google "bromism". The ones above are pretty typical and are the ones I forewarn my patients about.

I am seeing the acne in strange places; I figured that had to be a side effect, but wanted to make sure. Feeling exceptional otherwise!

[Garrett Smith]

If you want the symptoms to be less or go away, simply lower your dose or take a couple days off. If you can manage the symptoms, then you can stay on the current dose. Pretty simple.

[Greg Davis]

Thought this might be worth noting for anyone looking into potential iodine issues and is an occasional smoker:

Endocrine effects of marijuana

Cannabinoid effect on thyroid function was first noted in 1965, when
marijuana extract was shown to reduce iodine accumulation in the rat thyroid.

Acute administration of THC in rodents reduces levels of thyroxine and TSH by as much as 90% for up to 6 hours. In addition, marijuana extract has been shown to decrease the release of radioactive iodine from the thyroid.

These effects are reversed by administration of exogenous TSH, suggesting a hypothalamic site of action.

With chronic administration of THC, however, the thyroid depressant
effect of cannabinoids is lost, which may indicate the development of tolerance.

Sort of counter-intuitively, the last part seems to suggest that the effect is something to concern oneself with when smoking irregularly..

[Chris Rice]

Garrett - I have been on Synthroid for several years now (hypo). What are your thoughts on trying the Iodine at this point?

[Garrett Smith]

Iodine is an essential nutrient, so it can help anyone who needs it, even those on T4 (Synthroid).

I personally use Armour Thyroid on patients while I'm trying to help them recover proper thyroid function (so they don't need thyroid hormones at all, unless they don't have a thyroid gland).