The Iodine Protocol TiPs Selenium
Iodine and Selenium Together: Selenium is an important nutrient in thyroid health, especially when taking iodine.
Analysis of the medical literature is clear: selenium plus iodine is the best combination for thyroid health. When iodine has been shown in studies to be damaging to the thyroid, it appears that concurrent selenium deficiency is the true culprit. High amounts of iodine without selenium may induce autoimmune thyroiditis and goiter.
- Iodine and selenium together increase the regulatory immune cells which prevent the development of autoimmune diseases, reduce goiter and inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Selenium supplementation reduces TgAb that may be elevated by taking iodine.
- Selenium neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide that is made when iodine binds to tyrosine to make thyroid hormone. Hydrogen peroxide aggravates the immune system, selenium neutralizes it.
It is very important to run an RBC Selenium Test before taking iodine:
- If test results are low and below range, prime with selenium first before taking iodine.
- If test results are in range, selenium supplementation is not needed; however when in range eating selenium-rich foods remains beneficial.
- If test results are high and above range do not supplement selenium.
HEALTH ADVISORY: Prior to taking selenium run a RBC Selenium Test. Individuals with high selenium testing results should not supplement. Selenium is a mineral that can accumulate in the body and become a toxic disruption to wellness if not monitored. This is especially true for individuals who have the MTHFR gene mutation or difficulty methylating. Repeat the RBC Selenium Test each time Thyroid Labs are run to re-confirm results are not above range. Always consult with your physician.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA). THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
TEXT © KAREN DAME