Re: Hashimoto's

From :
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/brownstein-hormones.htm


Q [Mary Shomon]. In your book, in addition to a variety of supplements, including Vitamin A, B Vitamins, C, E, and others, you suggest people get sufficient foods with iodine. There's been a great deal of controversy among holistic and complementary practitioners regarding whether to supplement with Iodine or iodine-containing foods and herbs (such as seaweed, kelp, bladderwrack, etc.). A number of practitioners I've spoken feel that Iodine can actually aggravate autoimmune thyroid disease. Personally, I've found this to be the case with me, and have heard from so many people who have had major "crashes" (in terms of fatigue, low energy, neck irritation/tenderness) when they either eat iodine-rich food, or begin Iodine supplementation. What do you feel the situation is with iodine, and what are these reactions all about?

A [Dr. David Brownstein]. I agree that iodine can aggravate autoimmune thyroid conditions. Iodine supplementation in those that have an autoimmune thyroid problem can be akin to pouring gas over a fire. However, with hypothyroid conditions that are not autoimmune in nature, iodine-containing foods can actually help the thyroid function better.

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Q [Mary Shomon]. You feel that a number of factors can contribute to the inability to convert T4 to T3, including:

1. Deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iodine and iron
2. beta blockers, Dilantin and certain other drugs
3. Alcohol and pesticides

Can you explain why and how you feel these factors affect the ability to convert, and how you feel natural thyroid might address these problems?

A [Dr. David Brownstein]. Mary, all of these factors decrease the conversion of the relatively inactive T4 to the more active form of thyroid hormone, T3. All patients with thyroid problems need to be properly evaluated for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In addition, I look at all of my patients for signs of toxicity, whether it is from drug therapies or chemicals like pesticides and alcohol. It is critically important to treat the whole person, not just part of the person in order to achieve the best results.

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Since it clearly relates to iodine supplementation and thyroid hormones, I'm quite comfortable posting it here. Your imaginary rules about what content is relevant don't apply here. Tweet