Stop Taking High Dose Iodine (It's Harmful)

Thinking about using high-dose iodine to "help" your thyroid? Think again. I can't think of many good reasons to use high-dose iodine for one simple reason:

The benefits don't outweigh the risks.

Are there benefits to using high-dose iodine? Sure, but those benefits can be obtained using other, less dangerous, therapies and treatments.

Some people disagree with this idea by suggesting that high-dose iodine is not only beneficial but necessary.

Let's break apart their arguments to see if they hold water:

Argument #1. High-Dose Iodine is Safe Because The Japanese Population Consumes 12.5 mg Per Day.

This may be appealing if it were true, but it's not. Data from the Japanese government shows that the Japanese consume, on average, 1 to 3 mg per day.

Argument #2. High-Dose Iodine Helps Detoxify Harmful Compounds (Halogens).

There is some truth to this argument but you don't need high doses of iodine to detox out halogens from your body. You can do this with chloride and low doses of iodine.

Argument #3. High-Dose Iodine Does Not Cause Autoimmune Thyroid Disease.

There is a clear connection between increasing iodine intake and the onset of autoimmune thyroid disease that has been confirmed by multiple studies.

How much iodine should you take each day? The ideal dose is 150 to 300 mcg per day from all sources.

It's probably safe to increase your dose up to 1 to 3 mg per day at the most, based on available data, but there will be some risks associated with these higher doses so proceed with caution.

Based on the data, and my experience, staying in the 150 mcg to 300 mcg per day range provides the most benefit without any side effects.

Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:

See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:

Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:

Disclaimer:

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

[rikiyul]

When we know that every cell in our body needs iodine to thrive; I don't see what 200 mcg of iodine can do in a modern life full of competitions with bromines, fluoride and chlorine.

[Mspiggy]

Anything a government agency recommends, I’m doing the opposite

[petroart]

I’ve had freezing cold hands and feet for over 5 years. I’ve tried everything including lower dose iodine for months at 3-5mg. Nothing worked. It wasn’t until I jumped to 50mg/day that I saw an immediate change in warmth and blood flow. Several weeks in and I’m finally feeling consistent normal blood flow and the tenderness on my varicose veins are now healing.
Temporary high dosing can be very beneficial according to many more experienced Drs that I’ve researched.

[orionk]

Anything FDA recommends is a load of bs.

[donpowers]

Other Doctors say high dose iodine is good, Based on experience and research.

[kedelight]

Taking high doses of iodine is not the problem. The problem is taking high levels without the use of selenium. Very uneducated and misinformed information in this video.

[KetovoreWayOfLife]

The RDA only recommends the MINIMUM of anything to help you stay alive NOT to thrive. They recommend just enough to keep you living in a depleted state so you can depend on doctors and big pharma.

[venusxo]

The RDA? You mean the liars who only care about $$$$? The US RDA also recommends a grain majority diet. Cmon doc make up your mind whose side you're on.

[JohnQPublic]

I gave my kids one drop of iodine in water, on and off. Now they are tall and healthy

[NotAnnaJones]

Uh, you made a major mistake in your video. The Japanese government said their citizen's average daily intake was between "1 to 3 mg - milligrams" ( That's 1000 to 3000 mcg - micrograms). But the American RDA is about 130 mcg - micrograms ... and the Japanese government says the same thing (following the American RDA apparently). Doctor, that is sloppy work on your end. If the average Japanese citizen is taking 1000 to 3000 mcg - micrograms is that why they are healthier?

[iss]

Your body will simply pee out excess iodine.

[kedelight]

The iodine doesn’t excrete the halogens but competes with them at the cell receptor levels. If higher levels of iodine are present then there are no receptors available for the chlorine chloride and bromine.

[kedelight]

You don’t just take salt to remove halogens. You need to take Sea Salt and not only that but selenium is necessary to prevent the metabolism of iodine into peroxide. Please educate yourself.

[Rocket-Fest]

been on 6 to 10 drops of 5% lugols a day for decades, not seen a Dr since
All my ails have cleared up and never felt better.
People need to read the medical material on iodine before 1920.

[chamberlin]

Great video as always, but I think you should be more clear on your units of measure, as you are bouncing back and forth between micrograms and milligrams... Orders of magnitude differences all over the video... 130 mcg, 1-2 mg, 12.5 mg, 150-300 mcg per day etc... If you just keep to mcg or mg throughout, I think it would be a safer discussion with your audience.

[gregoryhunt]

I am not saying that you are wrong with your theory, but consider that the RDA of iodine was established many years ago to address the treatment of goiters. The dose determined was based on the amount of iodine that prevented goiters and has never been changed since that time. Maybe it is time to reconsider the benefits of a higher dose to address other requirements of our bodies?

[SWLion]

My understanding (for what it’s worth) is the RDA recommends a half a teaspoon of iodized salt per day or 150 micrograms per day. Have there been any randomized controlled trials done showing what the optimal amount of iodine per day consumed should be?

[Abstract]

I don't get why small children have almost the same RDA of iodine than an adult who weighs 10x as much. If what we give to children we multiply to adult body weight we should around 1mg a day. Especially if you are a big strong man.

[jenniferrice]

Maybe the third people Japanese are also getting a great amount of Selenium with it to compensate. Never take Iodine without Selenium. I take two to three drops of Iodine as I am Hoshimoto's, but, a very good amount Selenium with it. Be safe out there people. 🙏 Do not take high dose unless it's a constant food source not a high dose suppliment. Spot on doc.

[cates_keto]

This is not strictly true!! There is the most important camp (who you did not mention) who believes that people who are hypothyroid should take a slightly higher dose of the recommended RDA, but the rest of the population should take the RDA! Don’t treat us as if we are stupid!