You and your thyroid need iodine

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Last updated:

22/7/2025

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The thyroid — that butterfly-shaped endocrine organ located in your neck — regulates your metabolism. It is the only endocrine gland that produces hormones with receptors on every cell in your body. That’s why it’s so important.

The thyroid produces the hormones T3 and T4. The numbers 3 and 4 simply refer to the number of iodine atoms attached to each hormone. And this fact is crucial, because without enough iodine, the body cannot produce thyroid hormones.

Do you know which foods contain this super mineral?

Some sources include seafood, saltwater fish, seawater, and iodized salt, but often, dietary intake of these foods is not enough to meet our daily requirements.

When iodine intake is insufficient, the body’s overall function deteriorates due to the lack of thyroid hormones. This can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, which may cause symptoms such as:

Dry skin
Cold intolerance
Muscle cramps
Constipation
Fatigue
Mental sluggishness
Depression
Goiter: an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which, according to Dr. David Brownstein (2014), happens when the thyroid grows in an effort to capture more iodine and produce more hormone
Note: Not all cases of hypothyroidism involve obesity or overweight.

Just as iodine deficiency is a factor responsible for hypothyroidism, another major cause is an overactive immune system that attacks the thyroid. Studies indicate that a leaky gut is at the root of the problem, and gluten from grains is the main trigger. When gluten is not properly digested, it causes sensitivity and is detected by the immune system, which works to eliminate and neutralize it. In addition, gluten proteins are similar to thyroid proteins, which leads the immune system to attack the thyroid as well — a phenomenon known as molecular mimicry — resulting in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Is iodine supplementation safe?

In general, iodine supplementation is considered safe — unless there are thyroid nodules present. That’s why it’s always advisable to consult with a specialist to determine the appropriate dosage for each individual.

Dr. Brownstein also notes that iodine acts as a cellular antioxidant, especially in endocrine glands. When there is a deficiency, these glands tend to hypertrophy (enlarge) in order to absorb more of this mineral. This is the case with goiter (thyroid enlargement), breast cysts, and tumor masses.

Dr. Brownstein further emphasizes that when taking thyroid hormone replacement, iodine metabolism increases — which in turn raises the body’s requirement for iodine.

In addition, iodine has antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties.

What should we do to restore thyroid function?

Apply the 3R Protocol

Remove the consumption of enemy foods such as grains and cow’s dairy, which promote inflammation and the development of autoimmune diseases.

Replenish with friendly foods:
Iodine is key for thyroid health, and if you’re not getting enough through your diet (such as from marine products), you should consider taking a supplement — ideally a high-quality seaweed supplement (make sure to verify the source to avoid potential radioactive contamination) or a whole-food supplement that contains iodine.
Consult with a thyroid-specialized nutritionist.You should also replenish essential nutrients by consuming healthy carbs and fats like: Root vegetables, Legumes, Fruits and vegetables, Avocado, Olive oil and olives and micronutrients such as: selenium, and vitamins A, D, and C