Hypothyroid Symptoms and Iodine

Saturday, August 25, 2012 | Unknown at 8:42 AM |

It can be a real struggle living with the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and trying to beat them. As all of us that have Hashimoto's or a hypothyroid know, the people around you don't always understand. Especially when it is all you can do to get out of bed in the morning and go to work. You stay tired and can get down right irritable.

They don't think of you as sick because to most you don't really look "sick", and that can be very discouraging. Don't give up hope!!!

If you do have the symptoms of a hypothyroid, one of the first things you want to check is your iodine levels. Iodine is very important to the function of your thyroid. Your thyroid has the cells in your body that absorb iodine. This is what your thyroid uses to produce your T3 and T4 hormones. Without it, your thyroid slows down becoming underactive and causes your hypothyroid symptoms.

This is not the only cause, but iodine is a big contributor to your sluggish metabolism.

You can do a simple home test to see if your iodine levels are low.

Dip a cotton ball into USP Tincture of Iodine.

Make a 1 or 2 inch circle on soft skin, such as your inner thigh or inside your upper arm.

Then wait- if the yellowish stain disappears in less than an hour; it means your body is lacking crucial iodine and has soaked it up.

If the stain remains for more than four hours, your iodine levels should be fine.

A caution: If you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis be careful with iodine. Increasing iodine levels at first can actually cause more inflammation to your thyroid and cause your thyroid to burn out faster.

The best source of iodine is sea vegetables. Iodized salt is an iodine source, however it is heavily processed and it is always better to get iodine from natural sources when you can.

I found a great source of Iodine in Kelp powder. (You should be able to find it at your local health food store.) This works great if you're not to crazy about a strong salty sea taste.

The powder is nice because you can mix it in with other things (like tuna).

As with anything, please make sure you communicate with your doctor. He or she should be willing to answer any questions and work together with you to achieve your best level of health.