Don't Bother Testing For Iodine (Here's Why)
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- Опубликовано: 20 сен 2024
- There are at least 6 different ways that you can test your iodine levels and we are going to be talking about each one! Testing your iodine can be important for some people but it's not always necessary. In fact, because iodine testing can be so inaccurate, getting information about your iodine level can cause confusion and may lead to worse outcomes.
This is why even though there are many ways to check your iodine, I typically don't recommend iodine testing. Before we talk about that, though, let's talk about some important iodine facts:
1. ALL humans need it (we can’t create it).
2. Iodine is stored predominately in the thyroid gland.
3. Other tissues also need iodine outside of the thyroid (but less).
4. Iodine has the potential to be harmful if taken in excessive doses
5. Standard testing is typically not very accurate.
6. Individual iodine intake varies dramatically so standard advice is difficult to make.
These facts are important because they build the framework for our discussion around iodine and testing for iodine.
With that in mind, let's talk about the 6 different ways that you can check your iodine status:
#1. Urinary iodine level.
Probably the easiest way to check your iodine is in your urine. You can get either a post urinary level, a 24 hour urinary level, or an iodine/creatinine ratio. Testing your iodine in your urine is quick and easy for the patient but not always accurate. Of these listed, the iodine/creatinine ratio is probably the most accurate.
#2. Serum iodine.
You can also check your iodine in your blood or serum. This is really only accurate for checking if you've recently taken too much iodine.
#3. Serum thyroglobulin.
You can also check your iodine level indirectly using the serum thyroglobulin test. The big problem with this test is that it can only be used on someone who doesn't have a thyroid problem.
#4. Iodine patch test.
I do not recommend using the iodine patch test as it is very inaccurate due to inconsistencies with evaporation.
#5. Iodine loading test.
The iodine loading should also be avoided because it requires the ingestion of a huge amount of iodine prior to the test. If you are worried about iodine then taking a massive dose is probably not a good idea!
#6. Hair iodine level.
Lastly, you can check your iodine level in your hair. This doesn't always correlate well with the iodine content inside of your thyroid gland so it's not the ideal test.
What should you do? Take stock of iodine from ALL sources and try to get a better idea of how much you are consuming. This will be much faster and more accurate than testing.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed...
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
Absence of adequate iodine in our bodies results in low TSH hormone which is basically hypothyroidism. Why doctors don't check iodine before prescribing levo thyroxine is beyond me. Why not correct the iodine deficiency first and then retest to decide what is best for the patients not the pharmacology industry. This video did encourage more med consumption indirectly
I believe it is the opposite. It causes an increase in TSH as the body is trying to pull in more iodine into the thyroid but upregulating iodine transporters to make more thyroid hormones. But, i do agree with the rest
Why would he discourage you from seeing if iodine deficiency is the root cause? 🤔 This was interesting until he recommended meds first.
I he is discouraged to take access Iodine supplement
Because a of people especially women have heavy metals in their body or toxicity with Cadmium that compete with Iodine so you supplements with Iodine they feel good, I know somebody feels like this and she has Hashimoto
@@juliatshamoun4666There are video’s out there that say if taken with Selenium, iodine helps with your body’s removal of toxicity. They also say to add zinc along with the Selenium to prevent you from going into Hashimoto’s disease. Your TSH will be really high, like 500uII/ml. It makes sense to do the skin test, especially if it disappears quickly because of the body being deficient. I it stays around longer, then obviously the body doesn’t need it that bad. I really believe Doctors are trained to look for illnesses that they have a pill for. They only know about results of studies done by the sugar industry. If Big Pharma can’t make money, they don’t know anything about it. They seem to either flat out say no to your request or dismiss it completely. Sometimes i think doctors think it going to affect them more than you.
🌍 is elite... big phhhhharrrrm
I researched this extensively, and the people in the world that get the most iodine and have the possibility of getting too much, are the Japanese. They sometimes get iodine acne from having too much. I don't think that's too big of a problem.
I worked up to 15 drops of Lugol's 4% daily, but now I just do about 1ml a day, in my morning coffee. I've been doing this for four years with no problems.
The other side of discussing iodine is to discuss what inhibits iodine in your body, which is chlorine, bromine, and fluoride. Eliminating these will allow you to take and use more iodine.
Chlorine and fluoride: avoid tap water! Distill your water. I've been drinking distilled water for four years, no problems.
Bromine: avoid enriched flour- breads, pizza, doughnuts/pastry, and pastas.
I wouldn't worry about taking too much iodine. And don't obsess over the ice cubes in your drink at the restaurant, either, like I used to. Lol
I WAS ABLE TO STOP MY THYROID MEDICATION USING IODINE BUT AFTER 2 YEARS OF DOSING ABOUT 1,000 mcg a day, MY TSH SHOT UP TO 13. THE HIGHEST IT'S EVER BEEN WAS 5.5 BEFORE STARTING MEDICATION. EITHER IT WAS THE IODINE THAT MADE ME VERY HYPO OR LACK OF THYROID MEDICINE IDK. ALSO, I DON'T HAVE HASHI'S.
Sorry I can’t help asking if you got the C19 vaks. Dr. Bradley Campbell has talked a lot about the drastic changes in blood work (don’t remember specifics) in his V patients. No idea if somehow it would affect iodine. Just thought I’d mention it because that is a crazy drastic change. Hope you get to the root cause.
@@lauranilsen8988 NO WAY WOULD I GET THE POISON SHOT. I DON'T LIKE TO TAKE ANY DRUGS EITHER IF THERE IS A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE.
@@melissanative1799 Okay.Good to hear! I hope you figure it out.🙏🏼❤️
@@melissanative1799 NO NEED TO SHOUT
Thanks again for another great video! Imo you are the no. 1 here on RUclips for thyroid related info!
He's told me way more after just one video than my own Dr knows/ has told me. I felt so lost until I found him!
this is the best, most thorough information I've ever received on iodine. My own primary care doctor stumbled through it (..."umm, ahh, well ummm"), spewing words but no take-away information. Thank you, Doctor Childs.
I guess I'm in the category I like to experiment. Iodine and vitamin D deficiency are a pandemic in adults causing cancer and autoimmune disease. In babies low IQ stunted growth and poor bone development. Vita in D is easy to test for and understand. Iodine is much more difficult since the medical community wants sick lifetime customers. If I ate all the highest iodine foods each day it would be less than 1mg per day, except for seaweed. The 150mcg or .15 mg was established prior to WW2 just to prevent goiter. We need much more. I take 12.5mg per day but I have no known thyroid problems. I wouldn't take 50mg if I had thyroid issues without a naturopath. As far as measurement a fluorescent xray of the thyroid can work. This is without radioactive isotope.
Iodine can be taken as iodine or iodide and preferably both. Most organs only/mostly use one or the other. The thyroid uses iodide not iodine. I don't believe the tests distinguish between the forms. So are any much use?
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT POINT AND I'M GLAD YOU BROUGHT IT UP. I HOPE DOC CAN ANSWER.
Hi doc, If we are taking t3 and t4 medication , is it required to take iodine.
Dont waste your time watching this video if you want to test your iodine level at home. Unless you can see it in your pee or your hair.
I was noticing that too.
"High iodine intake is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease" what does this mean sir ?? Can we relate excess iodin with hypothyroidism (thyroiditis) ??
It can be, yes, but it's more complex than that. I have other videos which explain the concept further: ruclips.net/video/ZTd1-3QKBC8/видео.html
Thank you so much for this!!!I will check my supplements and food, etc.
I took a blood test for Iodine and it came back with a score of 7. Normal range is 40 - 90. Should I panic?
You are the best, thank you.
Great videos but maybe slow the pace down a bit.
DR Childs what is best iodine to purchase and not to highly expensive budget friendly and I am hypothyroid. Do I drink or apply to skin newbie here
Thank you for sharing! Do they have Iodine test strips for urine testing?
My last two labs turned out quite strange... low T3, normal T4 and very low TSH. Does that automatically mean there's a problem with the pituitary gland? I'm not sure whether or not you covered this topic already, but if not, a video explaining when we should worry about the pituitary and how to check if something is wrong with it would be greatly appreciated :)
re Rock Lombax. Check RT3 to see if you are converting Ft4 to Ft3.
Your T3 should be in the middle of the range or close to top of range. That’s depending on where you are getting your test and what ranges the lab you use, uses.
I've had exactly the same issue, for 20 years. 20 years ago my T4 was "off the charts" at the low end, and TSH has always been very low, so that eventually started me down the sythroid route. Hypothyroidism runs in my family, and I have other symptoms which I think could be attributed to pituitary issues (legally blind in one eye, etc). Yet a recent referral to an endocrinologist proved to be confusing. He too thought it might be my pituitary, so he cut my meds to less than half of what I was used to taking and monitored me over the months. I went through some strange and scary "withdrawal" symptoms (inc. heart palpitations) but my T4 & T3 test results never "tanked" and now 6 mos. later he feels my thyroid is "normal" on 100 mg of synthroid daily. My TSH is at the lower end of the range, but still within the normal range. His explanation is that too much thyroid meds suppress your body's functioning especially your TSH. I must say - I feel great now. Research says to take as low a dose as required.
I have a similar thing. You ever figure out the low tsh low t3
Normal t4?
Hi, is sea moss good for hypothyroidism? If so, which one is the best
Please answer
Thyroid problems run in my family. My 21 yo daughter had an ultrasound and the doctor said it had an appearance that was Hashimoto like. Her numbers are still decent. I am having problems getting her to take selenium. I want her to supplement with iodine. Am I wrong in wanting her to fo this?
I took 3 drops yesterday and reacted with nausea headache and brain fog... But i researched it means you actually have too much bromine that needs to go out now when iodine replaces it....
So basically it is a derox reaction intil most of bromine is excreeted. I am taking a very low dose so it is basically impossible i would have too much the bromine detox makes more sense so I will make sure to take one drop for a while to slow down this detox but keep it going... So it can takr weeks before u actually start feeling better because of iodine.
Yeah, that's called halogenoderma. I have a video coming out which explains this phenomenon. It should be out next week sometime.
@@drwestinchilds great I'm looking forward to it 👏
Thanks! Made perfect sense.
You’re talking too quickly Dr
Yes, he was even getting tongue tied every few sentences. He has some videos where he speaks normally, but this one was like he was in a race.
Hi I'm Tina from Wales in the UK just been told by doctor I have low thyroid been put on folic acid can you tell me if that's the right thing to take
folate absorbs better than folic acid so my understanding is that's what we need
Ironically, I started a 24 HR Iodine challenge test two hours before watching this. So far it’s not too bad. Take the iodine pill. Pee in the cup. Pour the cup in the container.
I’m also having the sample tested for bromide, chloride and fluoride. I’m feeling well and healthy, but living in the goiter belt, I’m curious what the results will be. I do plan to supplement iodine, working up to a high dose. As Dr. Childs mentions, this is a “controversial” area, but if you take the seafood eating Japanese (10-15mg/day) I think that it would be hard to hurt yourself. But if I don’t feel well … I will adjust.
@pwhitlock10, how did the testing go? Did it give you some answers?
What were your results?
O
I need help with my thyrod
If I have hypothyroidism but negative for Hashimotos, would the serum thyroglobulin test be accurate for iodine?
What do you mean to forget once or twice to pee in the 24h gallon, I only pee once or twice a day.
Can you tell me my results was a 8.2 dr wants me on meds. I don’t want to take meds. I rarely eat meat and diary I’m 80/20 plant base. If i eat seaweed packets daily or every other day would that be enough?
What did you decide to do?
My thyroglobulin level is 153. Should I do a blood test on iodine
My t3 is also low; everything else is in range
Same thing with me. I have a high thyroglobulin lab result (twice), but zero TG antibodies. And my Total and Free T3 is low. TSH and FT4 are in optimal range. I did have a iodine blood test and it was just over the high end of range. I don't feel bad though.
Hello Doc, can you please tell me drug levothyroxine has any iodine? Secondly. I want to know can I reduce doe of levothyroxine and instead take iodine supplement. Third thing I have hashimotto , so doctor said you are born with it, so my cause of hypothyroid is hashimotto, I guess not iodine. Is there anyway I can find out if levothyroxine has iodine or not, how it helping me in hashimotto.
Hashimoto is an autoimmune disease. I have never heard even a conventionally trained doc say you are born with it. If you are interested, I watched a docuseries a few years ago called The Thyroid Secret with Dr. Izabella Wentz. It was incredible. So many amazing interviews with experts in thyroid health! Check it out. 😊
What did you end up doing after 1 yr? Curious
I got a reading of 21.5 on T4 and 1.92 TSH. What does this mean? My doctor was consered about the 21.5 reading
If TSH, T3 and T4 is normal , does it mean that my iodine level is normal as well?
Is CLA save to take for thyroid patients?
2:15 define a high dose of iodine. What is the rda based on, how is it derived? What is the study that lead to the controversy of iodine after thousands of years of using it in treatments? What were the flaws of this study and has it been reproduced, or has it been debunked? Without this information you have not provided good information or a complete picture.
P.s. what is rhe half-life of iodine? What is rhe measured levels of iodine in populations?
talk slowly please
Do u see people on a regular basis?
I'm not seeing patients. If that ever changes I will send out an email to my list!
Can you talk slower .thanks
You can edit the speed of the video on your RUclips app or browser
Consuming 100-200 micro gram Iodine each and everyday is safe for someone who is diabetic?
& what should be Iodine concentration of such dose?
That was definitely a hollow video with little to no substance or clear recommendation of what to do.
So my dr put me on 10000 mcg of iodine daily because I was low AND I have had problems for years with fatigue, tpo antibioties in 60's and borderline low t3 and t4. I feel much better and my numbers went up slightly and tpo antibioties went away. I'm concerned about continuing to take such high iodine, but don't want to start to feel bad agian. I currently only take that dose 2 xs weekly. Do you think that's safe?
You must be careful with taking too much iodine you can develop hyperthyroidism
The fear mongering that caused fear of high iodine is debunked in The Iodine Crisis. I encourage you to read that book and form your own opinion.
The audio is very slightly out of sync! Now that you know you can’t unknow it LOL 😂!
Hey!
Are you able to tell me what supplements I should order from you?
I asked for my blood test results.
This is what it says on the paper -
My TSH is 2.58 (0.27 - 4.20)
and my FT4 is 10.8 (11.0 - 25.0)
Have you been tested for Hashimoto's?
Globe hhhmmmm
Thyroglobulin antibodies mean that you're ingesting too much iodine. Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism can be cured through dieting. Both TSH (hypo) and antibodies went into normal ranges after dieting with low iodine for about 3-6 months. Doctors will never tell you this, and my doctor, OMG, what a deuce. He wanted me to go on hormone replacement without fixing the root cause, what made my thyroid slow, i.e. iodine overload. Had a case in family with thyroglobulin antibodies and everyone is now with healthy thyroid. just need to watch our iodine intake as we are being bombarded with this element in almost all foods. There is an iodine conspiracy as no doctor is willing towel patients although the science is there, but hidden. It's all about prescribing that artificial thyroxine that actually causes cancer. Test your urine creatine iodine levels, see if you're having too much, know if you have thyroid issues and what they are, and go on a diet. Test your functions in private despite being expensive, otherwise you might be duped by your health service and driven back into taking artificial medicine. The milk for example is loaded with iodine because they're feeding cows with fish-based feed. The milk from cows raised in the mountains only with fresh grass is way lower in iodine than commercial milk. Just as an example. DYOR!
Whats the best diet?
Thank you 👍👍👍👍👍🙏🏽
Welcome!
All they did is test my blood
You probably didn't even need that!
Your are Dr and you don't know if it is possible to take a needle biopsy to test someone's thyroid? WOW 🥺
You speak too fast for me…please slow down so I can assimilate what you are saying for Christ’s sake….
Typical doctor this is why I won't see a doctor