Deepak Singh Deepak Singh Asked 8 months ago

Is iodine good for underactive thyroid?

I recently found out I have an underactive thyroid. Someone mentioned that iodine can help with this condition. Is that actually beneficial for an underactive thyroid?

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5 answers

Rajesh Verma Rajesh Verma Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago
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Please do not start taking iodine supplements for an underactive thyroid without medical supervision. Sometimes, taking extra iodine can actually make hypothyroidism worse or trigger autoimmune issues. It is always safest to get a thyroid panel test and show it to a specialist.

Srinivas Rao Srinivas Rao Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

My endocrinologist explained that while iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in urban areas is rarely caused by iodine deficiency anymore due to iodized salt. In fact, excessive iodine can cause a sudden flare-up. He strictly advised me to only take the prescribed thyroxine sodium tablets.

Prachi Kulkarni Prachi Kulkarni Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Haan na, thyroid issues are so tricky and exhausting to manage. People think iodine means just eating more salt, but it doesn't work like that. It is better to avoid taking any step without asking your doctor, ho na.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Amit Patel Amit Patel Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

If you are vegetarian, you can get normal iodine levels from milk, curd, and iodized salt. You don't need external pills which can disturb your hormone balance. Focus on a balanced diet with proper selenium and zinc, but always let your doctor guide your thyroid therapy.

Neha Joshi Neha Joshi Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I have an underactive thyroid too, and I used to think taking extra iodine would cure it. But my doc explained that in India, most cases are actually Hashimoto's, where extra iodine doesn't help and can even harm. Just stick to your daily thyroid medication and get regular checkups.

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