Can Iodine Cure Hypothyroidism?

Thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone which plays role in maintaining optimum metabolic rate. If less amount of thyroid hormone is produced, the rate of metabolism decreases and the person starts to accumulate fat. This makes the person lethargic and obese. All these symptoms are put together termed as the condition hypothyroidism.

What are the causes for hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism manifests either due to deficiency of iodine or due to poor functioning of complete or a part of thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is destroyed in case of autoimmune disorders such as the Hashimoto’s disease.

How to cure hypothyroidism?

There is no permanent cure for hypothyroidism in most of the cases. All the medications only aim at elevating the symptoms and help the patient lead a normal life. The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be reduced by following hypothyroid diet, regular practice of exercises and by taking hormone supplements or drugs that elevate the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Is iodine useful in treatment of hypothyroidism?

Iodine is the mineral essential for the making of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine and incorporates it into the hormones T3 and T4. So, iodine is essential for proper secretion of thyroid hormones. We hear many people suggesting hypothyroid patients to consume kelp to obtain relief. Kelp is a sea weed that is rich in iodine. Iodine definitely helps in treatment of hypothyroidism if it is caused due to iodine deficiency. Kelp is very helpful in treating hypothyroidism in obese patients as it also helps to lose weight. To treat iodine deficiency hypothyroidism it is also essential to take sufficient amounts of vitamin A as it is essential for formation of the hormone thyroxin by the thyroid gland. Thyroxin in turn promotes absorption of iodine by thyroid gland. But, now-a-days it is very rare for people to develop iodine deficiency as they are consuming iodized salt. The iodine present in iodized salt meets the iodine needs of the body.

Most of the hypothyroid cases develop due to autoimmune diseases or due to graves diseases. In either of the case iodine does not help to improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. On the other hand it is hazardous to take iodine by these patients as increased amount of iodine aggravates the attack of immune system on thyroid gland. Hence, this category of hypothyroid patients should not take iodine to cure hypothyroidism. The best recommendation for this group of hypothyroid patients is to take non-iodized sea salt rather than the iodized salt. They should also sparingly consume foods rich in iodine to prevent complications.

How to identify hypothyroid patients with Hashimoto’s disease?

Individuals with Hashimoto’s disease contain thyroid antibodies TPO and TG in the blood. If the blood tests for these antibodies turn positive then the patient is said to have Hashimoto’s disease and should not use iodine pills or iodine foods to combat hypothyroidism. However, some patients show false negative results. Hence, the patient should be tested twice to confirm the results. There are patients who give negative results to the antibody tests but are found to have Hashimoto’s disease through biopsy. People with both hypo and hyperthyroidism symptoms are suspected to have Hashimoto’s disease even if the antibody tests are negative. Thus, a careful analysis is required to confirm the cause for hypothyroidism.

Lastly, before using iodine to treat hypothyroidism talk to your doctor. The doctor will do blood tests to identify the cause for hypothyroidism. If he finds that hypothyroidism is due to low levels of iodine then he will recommend iodine supplements. However, the intake of iodine pills should be regulated as increased intake may result in hyperthyroidism. Make sure to observe the symptoms that develop during the intake of iodine pills and change the course of treatment depending on the symptoms.