Iodine Side Effects
Are you experiencing negative side effects like headaches, fatigue, flushing, and skin rashes after taking iodine? You may find it surprising to hear, that this is often a good sign!
In 1902, a German dermatologist known as Karl Herxheimer began treating patients for skin lesions. He noticed that those patients that had the most extreme reactions actually healed faster. (1) The underlying healing process became known as the Herxheimer Reaction and it identifies natural detoxification occurring in the body. Side effects in this instance, are a positive sign that treatment is working.
What is the Herxheimer Reaction?
The Herxheimer Reaction is a normal reaction in the body that occurs when invading pathogens, such as parasites and bacteria, are killed and released into the bloodstream. The body begins to clear and detoxify itself, but when these pathogens are dying at an extremely fast rate, it is hard for the body to keep up!
As pathogens begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, an acid imbalance occurs, which can lead to unwanted symptoms. (2)
Iodine itself is anti-parasitic and anti-microbial so Herxheimer reactions are not uncommon during iodine supplementation. Symptoms are often exacerbated in those that are especially low in iodine to begin with.
What is the Herxheimer Reaction?
The Herxheimer Reaction is a normal reaction in the body that occurs when invading pathogens, such as parasites and bacteria, are killed and released into the bloodstream. The body begins to clear and detoxify itself, but when these pathogens are dying at an extremely fast rate, it is hard for the body to keep up!
As pathogens begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, an acid imbalance occurs, which can lead to unwanted symptoms. (2)
Iodine itself is anti-parasitic and anti-microbial so Herxheimer reactions are not uncommon during iodine supplementation. Symptoms are often exacerbated in those that are especially low in iodine to begin with.
Symptoms of the Herxheimer Reaction.
Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
Headaches
Flu-like symptoms
Brain Fog
Fatigue
Itchiness and skin rashes
Flushing
These symptoms are usually mild and occur as pathogens die-off, signaling that the treatment, is working.
Toxic halogens such as bromine, fluoride, and chlorine bind to the same receptors in the body as iodine. Unfortunately, we are commonly exposed to these toxins due to their prevalence in many of our foods and drinking water. Increasing iodine intake can displace these halogens which can sometimes lead to the experience of a detox or Herxheimer reaction. This is common when fluoride and bromide levels are especially high. (3)
Symptoms of bromide toxicity include fatigue, brain fog, constipation, rashes, and leg or hip pain. Iodine is actually the only way to remove toxic halogens from the body. (4)
Experiencing severe symptoms is often an indication that there are high amounts of pathogens or toxicity in the body.
Thyroid Warrior Iodine
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How Long Can These Reactions Last?
The duration of symptoms varies widely. Some data suggest that symptoms start occurring between 4 and 24 hours from the onset of treatment. Others indicate a slightly more delayed response with symptoms appearing somewhere between day three and five from the start of treatment. (5)
It is important to remember that many people will experience no symptoms at all.
The duration of Herxheimer reaction symptoms can also vary depending on the individual’s general health to begin with and the severity of toxicity. Sometimes, symptoms only last a few hours. Others have noted that the reaction may last a few days with more severe reactions lasting a week or more.
4 Ways to Ease Symptoms.
If symptoms are mild and you aren't experiencing too much discomfort, it may be best to continue supplementing with iodine, which will allow the body to carry on destroying pathogens and displacing toxins.
If symptoms are moderate too severe and causing you pain or distress, it may be best to stop supplementation for a few days and then to start back up slowly again. This way the body can continue the healing process.
To speed up this healing process you can take steps to aid the body in the detoxification process.
4 Ways to Ease Symptoms.
If symptoms are mild and you aren't experiencing too much discomfort, it may be best to continue supplementing with iodine, which will allow the body to carry on destroying pathogens and displacing toxins.
If symptoms are moderate too severe and causing you pain or distress, it may be best to stop supplementation for a few days and then to start back up slowly again. This way the body can continue the healing process.
To speed up this healing process you can take steps to aid the body in the detoxification process.
Heres are some tips to help unclog and rid your body of toxins.
Drink plenty of water
Soak up the sunshine
Eat a whole food diet
Take steam baths or saunas
It is important during the detoxification process to stay hydrated in order to flush the body. Adding lemon to water can help to rebalance and alkalize the blood which can mitigate symptoms.
Getting fresh air and sunshine can enhance microbial action. (6) Eating a whole food diet will help with healing time as the body will not need to waste energy on ridding itself of harmful chemicals and additives found in processed food. Consuming plenty of organic fresh fruits and vegetables can aid the liver which acts as the detoxification center of the body. Steam baths and saunas can also help by eliminating toxins through body sweat.
Finally, a Safe and Effective Form of Iodine.
Side effects are not a common occurrence when taking Thyroid Warrior at the suggested 3-6 drops a day, however in some instances they can still occur. It's important to remember that the body can simply eliminate any excess iodine through the kidneys. In fact, more than 90% of dietary iodine is excreted through the urine. (7)
In some instances, a runny nose, increased salivation, or sinus headaches may occur but this is a normal reaction due to iodine being mucolytic, meaning it breaks down mucous.
If you do experience any symptoms associated with the Herxheimer reaction while supplementing with iodine, it is important to remember that this is a natural and positive indicator of the body’s healing process. If this does occur, you may want to stop iodine supplementation until symptoms are relieved (usually within 24-48 hours) before restarting at a lower dose.
Finally, a Safe and Effective Form of Iodine.
Side effects are not a common occurrence when taking Thyroid Warrior at the suggested 3-6 drops a day, however in some instances they can still occur. It's important to remember that the body can simply eliminate any excess iodine through the kidneys. In fact, more than 90% of dietary iodine is excreted through the urine. (7)
In some instances, a runny nose, increased salivation, or sinus headaches may occur but this is a normal reaction due to iodine being mucolytic, meaning it breaks down mucous.
If you do experience any symptoms associated with the Herxheimer reaction while supplementing with iodine, it is important to remember that this is a natural and positive indicator of the body’s healing process. If this does occur, you may want to stop iodine supplementation until symptoms are relieved (usually within 24-48 hours) before restarting at a lower dose.
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