Table of Contents
Iodine is an essential trace element that combines with the amino acid tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroxine (T4) contains four iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine (T3) contains three iodine atoms.
Iodine deficiency is recognized as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. Even moderate deficiency results in a loss of at least 10 – 15 IQ points.[i] And the reason we’ve added iodine to our list of essential nootropics.
Insufficient iodine is not only a problem in developing countries. Studies have found even in Western countries; iodine deficiency has become a critical health problem.[ii]
Your thyroid gland absorbs iodine from your blood supply to make and release thyroid hormones. Your thyroid affects every cell in your body and brain through the hormones T4 and T3.
Within your brain, T4 is converted to T3 by selenium which then affects gene expression controlling metabolism within cells. And activates the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Malfunctioning thyroid function which is often caused by insufficient iodine results in poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems with recall, depression and anxiety.
Iodine helps:
- Neurotransmitters: Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters.
- Brain Energy: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones which help control cellular metabolism and energy use within brain cells. Supplemental Iodine usually results in increased energy levels and feelings of well-being.
- Neuroprotectant: Iodine can kill bacteria, fungal infections, and viruses. Iodine will remove fluoride, chlorine and bromine.[iii] And helps your body detox heavy metals like mercury and cadmium that other detox methods can’t remove.
Overview
Iodine is an essential trace element needed for the creation of thyroid hormones in your body. Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
The most abundant source of Iodine in our diet comes from seafood like kelp, saltwater fish, seal meat, whale meat, oysters, mussels and lobster.
Iodine is also found in beans, milk and milk products, eggs, spinach and vegetables grown in or produced from soil rich in iodine. Typically found near coastal areas of the world.
The most seriously iodine-deficient parts of the world are mountainous and inland areas. Including much of the agricultural producing areas of Western countries like Australia, Canada, USA and Europe.
Iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland for the production of thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland in your brain releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) instructing your thyroid to release T4 and T3.
T4 and T3 are produced by combining tyrosine (thyroglobulin) with iodine and released into your blood stream. Thyroid transport proteins then carry the hormones to target cells all over your body including your brain.
Nearly all of your body’s functions in nearly every tissue rely on thyroid hormones. Their actions and influence are so wide ranging that you cannot live without them.
Thyroid hormones affect brain development, heart rate, lung function, blood function, bone growth, steroid hormone production, including the breakdown of sugar, fat and protein. And even some immune processes.
Iodine is even involved in how the other nootropics in your stack are utilized by cells in your brain. The bottom-line is Iodine could be one of the most important additions to any nootropic stack.
How does Iodine work in the Brain?
Iodine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Iodine is critical for neurotransmitters. Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters.
Not enough iodine results in too little T3 and T4 in your body. Symptoms of inadequate thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) include insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, dry skin and hair, cold sensitivity, frequent and heavy periods for woman, and joint and muscle pain.
- Iodine is required for a healthy immune system. Iodine is antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and has anticancer properties.
Your thyroid is the main storage site for iodine. But this mineral is also concentrated in your glandular system including your salivary and sweat glands. Ovaries, breasts, pancreas, cerebral spinal fluid, skin, stomach, prostate and your brain all contain high concentrations of iodine.
Iodine is a powerful method for removing heavy metals and halides like fluoride, chlorine and bromine from your system. These chemicals compete for the same thyroid receptors in cells used by thyroid hormones. So removing these toxins will help thyroid hormones do their job of gene expression and metabolism.
How things go bad
Iodine is needed by the thyroid to produce the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones that enter your circulatory system. And are transported throughout your body. Every cell has receptor sites for thyroid hormones.
Neurotransmitters are used by neurons to communicate with one another. The presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter which then binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic cell.
Here we’re going to explore how neurotransmitters relate to the endocrine system and thyroid health. And what can go wrong.
Thyroid hormones are involved in the gene expression needed for neurotransmitter release.[iv] Low levels of iodine result in low levels of thyroid hormones which result in low neurotransmitter levels.
Iodine and Serotonin
Several studies have shown that low T3 results in reduced levels of serotonin in the brain. If you don’t respond to SSRI’s for depression it could be due to a thyroid hormone imbalance.[v] The result is depression.
Iodine and GABA
In animals and humans there is a direct link between thyroid levels and GABA. Thyroid hormones affect enzymes responsible for synthesis and degradation of GABA, levels of glutamate and GABA, GABA release and reuptake, and GABA(A) receptor expression and function.[vi]
GABA is your brain’s natural Valium. GABA can help turn off stress after you get upset. Or even prevent a stress response in the first place. Low iodine results in low levels of thyroid hormones affecting GABA. Which can lead to depression or anxiety.
Iodine and Dopamine
Thyroid hormones play a role in dopamine release in the brain.[vii] One study showed that an imbalance between thyroid hormones and dopamine could be responsible for restless leg syndrome.[viii]
Iodine and Acetylcholine
Thyrotrophic-releasing hormone (TRH) increases acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis.[ix] One study showed that those with hypothyroidism had significantly decreased acetylcholine in the hippocampus. And that administration of T4 normalized ACh levels.[x]
Insufficient iodine can result in hypothyroidism. And negatively affect ACh synthesis in the brain. Affecting cognition, memory, learning, recall and mood.
Not enough iodine in your diet negatively affects neurotransmitters in your brain. And can result in depression, brain fog, anxiety, learning and memory problems, and ultimately lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Iodine benefits
Most neurohackers associate Iodine with the thyroid because Iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones T4 and T3. But Iodine is also concentrated in your salivary glands, stomach, breasts, ovaries, eyes and in your brain.
Deficiency in Iodine in any tissue will cause problems in that area of your body. And weaken your immune system. Symptoms of low Iodine show up as brain fog, skin problems, fibroids, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.
Iodine can kill bacteria, fungal infections, and viruses. Iodine will remove fluoride, chlorine and bromine.[xi] And helps your body detox heavy metals like mercury and cadmium that other detox methods can’t remove.
Iodine helps prevent and even reverse breast cancer. And helps prevent mental retardation in young children.
Your brain needs sufficient Iodine for cognition through several mechanisms of action. This essential element is involved in gene expression that controls the synthesis of neurotransmitters in your brain. And how they work.
Iodine helps remove fluoride throughout your body including your brain. Studies show that fluoride can damage your brain, reduce intelligence, and impair memory. Fluoride has even been associated with dementia according to a study by The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.[xii]
One recent study showed that water fluoridation in England is linked to higher rates of underactive thyroid.[xiii] One of the simplest things you can do to boost cognition and your thyroid is to stop using fluoridated water and toothpaste. And start supplementing with Iodine to remove the fluoride toxicity and boost thyroid health.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders are considered one of the biggest worldwide public health problems today. Studies around the world show none of us are immune from Iodine deficiency. Estimates range from 10 – 90% of the world population don’t get sufficient Iodine depending on where you live.[xiv]
Adding Iodine to your stack if you are deficient is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to prevent and even cure a host of health problems. Including boosting cognition and memory.
How does Iodine feel?
Many neurohackers report an increased level of focus, energy, memory, and cognitive ability when supplementing with Iodine.
You should also experience improved quality of sleep. And have an overall improvement in mood.
Others report a profound difference in energy levels, they are more alert, and fatigue in the afternoon disappears. A few even report a significant improvement in tinnitus.
Iodine Clinical Research
One of most common reasons we use nootropics is to boost memory and mental energy. Memory loss drastically reduces quality of life. And simple brain fog makes it difficult to accomplish the simplest of tasks.
Research has shown that Iodine is involved in memory, learning and cognition on several levels. And supplementing with Iodine is one of the most fundamental things you can do to boost cognition.
Iodine raises the world’s IQ
The world’s greatest concentration of iodine deficient countries in the 1990’s was the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Worldwide, about 2 billion people or a 3rd of the world population get too little iodine.
Studies show that iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of mental disorders. Even moderate deficiency lowers intelligence by 10 – 15 IQ points.
The most visible and severe effects manifest as goiters, dwarfism and cretinism. Ever hear someone use the derogatory term “cretin” to describe someone with low intelligence?
Cretin describes a child born and raised with severe mental disabilities, small stature and weakness all due to not enough Iodine in the mother’s diet when she was pregnant.
In Japan, people get Iodine from seafood, seaweed, vegetables grown in Iodine-rich soil or animals that eat grass grown in that soil. But even in wealthy nations like the USA and the UK, people still need to supplement. Usually by using iodized salt. Or adding it to their stack as a supplement.
According to Dr. Gerald Burrow, a former dean of Yale’s medical school, “For 5 cents per person per year, you can make the whole population smarter than before”. Simply by adding iodine to the salt supply.
Back in the old Soviet republic, Kazakh children were stunted compared to same-age Russian children. A survey of 5,000 households in 1996 found that 10 percent of children were stunted. And iodine deficiency identified as the main culprit.
In Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan campaigns were run promoting iodized salt. Salt companies were persuaded to add iodine to salt before putting it in stores.
In Kazakhstan in 1999, only 29% of households were using iodized salt. Now, 94% of households are. And in 2007, the United Nations certified the country officially free of iodine deficiency disorders.
In raising the world’s IQ, the secret’s in the salt.[xv]
Iodine deficiency and ADHD
A 10-year study conducted in Italy investigated the children born to 16 women from an iodine-deficient area (Area A) and 11 control women in an iodine-sufficient area (Area B).
ADHD was diagnosed in 11 of the 16 children born in Area A but none in Area B. Total IQ score was nearly 20-points lower in Area A children compared to Area B.
The researchers noted that the prevalence of ADHD in children born in Area A could only be compared to similar children with a resistance to thyroid hormones.
And that iodine-deficiency was the likely cause of ADHD due to a critical reduction in intracellular thyroid hormone T3 available to the developing brain.[xvi]
Iodine Recommended Dosage
Recommended Iodine dosage is very difficult because everyone needs different amounts based on your body’s ability to use the Iodine. And the level of exposure you have to daily toxins like fluoride, chlorine, and other halides.
If you are dealing with a severe health problem, then your dosages would need to be higher that someone trying to maintain good health.
Maintenance and for optimal cognition – Natural health doctors have been recommending up to 50 mg of Iodine per day. But I’ve since revised my recommendations based on the latest research and potential health problems caused by iodine toxicity.
The maximum adult dosage for adult is 1 mg Iodine per day. Recommended maintenance dosage is the same.
Cancer – Cancer is a result of mutated cells. Iodine is critical for the P53 gene which prevents damaged cells from dividing.[xvii] Iodine and selenium helps P53 do its job of eliminating abnormal cells. Cancer patients have used 50 – 300 mg of Iodine per day successfully.
Supporting supplements to take with Iodine include:
- Selenium – 200 mcg per day. Selenium is required for the production of T3. And assists in detox.
- Vitamin C – 2,000 – 5,000 mg per day helps support thyroid symporters which transport thyroid hormones through the body including across the blood-brain barrier. And assists in detox.
- Magnesium – 400 mg per day. See my post on Magnesium as a nootropic.
Iodine should be taken with food particularly if you have a sensitive stomach. The supporting supplements can be taken at the same time as your Iodine dose.
Iodine should be taken early in the day because it can increase energy levels so much you could have problems sleeping.
Iodine Side Effects
Most forms of Iodine can cause diarrhea and bloating. Particularly at higher doses. Those with a sensitive stomach could experience stomach pain and is the reason we suggest taking Iodine with food.
It is also possible to overdose on Iodine. So please start at a lower dose and see how your body reacts. Symptoms of Iodine overdose include abdominal pain, delirium, fever, vomiting and shortness of breath.
Iodine is a powerful method for removing toxins and heavy metals from your body which can also produce unpleasant effects. If you experience flu-like symptoms when starting Iodine its very likely you’re feeling the effects of toxins being flushed out of your cells and your body.
For more on Iodine toxicity, here’s information from Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Types of Iodine to Buy
Iodine is sold in many forms but the main thing to look for; does the product contain both Iodine and Iodide. Your body needs both forms. Breasts look for Iodine and the thyroid needs Iodide. Contrary to some sources; your body cannot convert supplemental Iodine to Iodide.
Also important is to understand and recognize the difference between milligram (Mg) doses vs. microgram (Mcg) amounts. Mcg doses is how most mainstream as well as integrative health practitioners recommend Iodine dosage .
Recommended forms
I highly recommend Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Iodine which is pure and produced using NutriGenesis® technology which is a highly bioavailable form of Iodine.
Other options include:
- Lugol’s liquid – Iodine/Potassium Iodide – 2% and 5% solutions. 2% solution is 2.5 mg/drop and 5% solution is 6.25 mg/drop
- Iodoral – Lugol’s formula in pill form – Iodine/Potassium Iodide – 12.5 mg and 50 mg
- Biotics Research Iodizyme – 12.5 mg per tablet of Iodine/Iodide
- Tri-Iodine by Vitaminlife – 12.5 mg per tablet of Iodine/Iodide
Other forms not recommended
- “Nascent Iodine” which is iodine in its atomic state and is a very low dose. Not enough to detox heavy metals, fluoride, bromine and chloride. Or to saturate tissues.
- Iosol which is Iodine only, and the micro doses have the same issues as Nascent Iodine
- Prolamine which has 3 mg of Iodine and 20 mg of Calcium may be too low to detox the body and saturate tissues
- Pure Encapsulations, Solaray, Source Naturals, Progressive Labs and NOW all offer mcg doses of Iodide only
- Kelp because of low Iodine status, not being able to determine levels of Iodine and possibly toxic due to arsenic and halides
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Iodine up to 1 mg per day
I recommend using Iodine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Iodine on its own. So to get its benefits it needs to come from your diet. Or you must take it as a supplement.
Iodine is especially helpful for those dealing with brain fog, poor cognition and memory, low energy levels and a sluggish thyroid.
Iodine is also particularly useful to help rid your body of the daily toxins we’re exposed to every day including heavy metals, fluoride, chloride, bromine and other halides.
While most forms of Iodine are helpful for overall health, keep in mind it’s the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 which influence cognitive health.
Thyroid hormones are produced from tyrosine and Iodine. And the production of T3 from T4 requires selenium which should be a part of your stack when using Iodine.
I recommend an Iodine supplement which contains both Iodine and Potassium Iodide to boost cognition.
Iodine is a fast-acting nootropic that can also help prevent brain degeneration later in life.
I highly recommend Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Iodine which is pure and produced using NutriGenesis® technology which is a highly bioavailable form of Iodine.
Join The Discussion - 259 comments
Richard Young
May 28, 2020
️ Thank you!!
Stephanie St'Wards
May 27, 2020
Hi David!
Do you recommend supplementing Choline in lesser quantity if someone is taking 30mg of Potassium Iodide per day? Or is it the opposite that more Choline is required to support higher quantity of neurotransmitters as you said that Iodine can boost all the neurotransmitters level. I’m talking about acetylcholine synthesis and it’s relation with other neurotransmitters, which you are saying are controlled by Thyroid hormone.
Is 30mg of Potassium Iodide optimum or should I take more or less? Is it depended on age and can my kids, below 18 years of age, take it too?
David Tomen
May 28, 2020
Stephanie, under the “How things go bad” section I’ve detailed how iodine or your thyroid hormones affect each of the major neurotransmitters. It acts more like a “regulator” for each. So the only reason to use a choline supplement (i.e. CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC) is if you are low in acetylcholine. Same goes for any of the other neurotransmitters.
And dosage recommendations are based on my most recent research for iodine. Which is 1 mg per day. But dosage is dependent on how much each individual needs. Look under the section “Dosage Notes” for a deeper explanation on dosage.
W. W.
May 16, 2020
I have a large goiter for several decades. I do not have hypothyroidism or any brain and health issues.
What can you recommend to shrink the goiter?
David Tomen
May 17, 2020
W. a goiter is caused by inflammation of the thyroid. And it nearly always points to a thyroid problem of some kind. It could be hypothyroidism which may be helped by supplementing with iodine. Goiters can also be caused by iodine deficiency.
But if you try Iodine and do not see any improvement it could be hyperthyroidism.
There is no ‘quick fix’ for this until you address the cause of the goiter.
You mentioned that you “do not have hypothyroidism” but you haven’t included how you know that to be true. Have you had a full thyroid panel done? And do you know how to read it? This is critical because unless you luck out and find a doctor who actually knows how to read thyroid labs and not just TSH, you could go to your grave being hypothyroid and never have know it.
W.W.
May 21, 2020
Dear David,
Thank you for your Comment.
I have never heard of Goiter being caused by inflammation. Has there been any proof of that? If so I would like to pursue it.
30 years ago I discovered a small nodule on my neck (one side only). The initial test indicated an auto-immune disease of the thyroid with antimicrosomal antibody count of 400. It has since decreased to a minimal of 25 a few years back.
We have done lots of tests, thyroid panel, TSH, biopsy, chemical etc. I don’t know how to read the Thyroid Panel results, but everything was in “normal” range, low end for TSH, and T4 seems to be 10 times more than T3. I was never told I might be iodine deficient. The only treatment I got for 20 years was synthroid. Instead of shrinking, the nodule grew larger and larger over the years, even pushing the trachea aside. The nodule was “cold”, so I don’t have hyperthyroidism, and my good side is working full force to keep me well.
About 10 years ago I got fed up with endless and useless Synthroid, so I fired the eminent “expert” from a top university hospital, and no one would dare to offer a second opinion. I am on my own. I relied on a tiny Kelp pill (225 mcg). A year ago I accidentally discovered that my thyroid was very sensitive to the lack of iodine. One day there was a lot of pressure and engorgement of the nodule. I concluded that was due to the rush of blood supply to the site to bring much needed iodine because I was out of Kelp pills for a few days. After that I began to take 5 (225mcg x 5) pills a day and increasing to 15 a day. To my great surprise, after 5-6 weeks, the goiter shrank by at least 20%, about 2mm. as measured by the neck skin stretch mark. I still could not find higher dosage iodine pills at that time.
About a month ago I found the NOW product of Potassium Iodide (30mg). No dramatic shrinkage without iodine. But last week I found the “Brain Basics” Iodine/Iodide Complex of 12.5mg (7.5 iodide, 5 iodine) and am taking one a day now. I also take Tyrosine and Selenium to complement.
That is my story. I hope you can shine some light.
Thank you.
David Tomen
May 22, 2020
W. the best advice I can offer is get the book Stop the Thyroid Madness because it explains in detail and in plain English what you need to do. You can get a copy here: https://amzn.to/36pHN72
Adjai
May 2, 2020
Hallo Davd
Iodine has effect on prolactin levels?
Thanks
David Tomen
May 4, 2020
Adjai, I have not found any evidence that iodine directly effects prolactin levels. But hypothyroidism is often associated with high prolactin (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3766941/).
The thing is thyroid hormone is made up of iodine, L-Tyrosine, selenium, magnesium and Vitamin C. Iodine deficiency is also associated with hypothyroidism. But is iodine involved in this tendency to higher prolactin levels? As far as I can tell no one has pointed to this as a cause.
Gary D Small
April 25, 2020
Lugol’s liquid – Iodine/Potassium Iodide – 2% and 5% solutions. 2% solution is 2.5 mg/drop and 5% solution is 6.25 mg/drop
The above is from your Iodine page. The drop amounts look flipflopped. Shouldn’t 2% = 6.25mg/drop and 5% = 2.5mg/drop ?
David Tomen
April 25, 2020
Gary, Lugol’s Liquid 2% is 2.5 mg per drop: https://www.jcrowsmarketplace.com/2ozlugolssolution212strengthvaluepriceincludesshipping.aspx
And 5% is 6.25 mg per drop: https://www.jcrowsmarketplace.com/1ozlugolssolution5valuepriceincludesshipping.aspx
Eddie
April 23, 2020
Hey David, glad to have you back. I recently had my iodine plasma/serum levels tested and my result was in range but in the lower end. My lab result for Iodine result: 60 mcg/L, Reference Range: 52-109 mcg/L. My level is in range but on the lower end. My understanding is that optimal level is in the upper quartile of the range or about 94-95 mcg/L. Before the test I was supplementing with 1000mcg of sea-iodine from Life Extension daily for 5 weeks. I did stop taking the iodine several days before the blood draw as per the Lab instructions.
I have all the symptoms of a low thyroid so bringing my iodine levels should help my thyroid and the T3 to T4 conversion which I currently have an issue with. I also have several imbalances with neurotransmitters. My GABA was undetectable on my last blood test and my serotonin was deficient on my last test as well. I wonder if my lower end iodine is why these neurotransmitters are low.
After my lab test I resumed taking 1000mcg of iodine daily and have also added 225mcg of Iodide as well. I want to continue this regimen for two months and then retest my iodine level. For my next lab test should I continue with the Iodine, Serum/Plasma blood test or should I test my iodine levels using the 24 hour urine test instead? I’ve read that the latter may be more accurate. What about testing my halides? Is there any benefit in testing these and is it worth the extra expense? Any comments are appreciated. Thanks
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Eddie, I wouldn’t go crazy with the testing. Do what you did originally. Low iodine levels can certainly affect neurotransmitter levels. But an easy fix for GABA and serotonin is to use GABA and L-Tryptophan daily before bed.
Also, refer to “Dosage Notes” in this review to see how much Selenium, Vitamin C and magnesium you should be using to help make thyroid hormones.
Eddie
April 28, 2020
Thank you David. Sorry for the late reply. Didn’t get a notification like I have in the past.
David Tomen
April 28, 2020
Eddie, I’ve been trying out different things so everyone can get a notification each time someone responds to their question or comment. But each time something else breaks. Still have not found the right solution for this.
Dianne
April 19, 2020
Hello David,
I had/have Grave’s Disease. I am 69 years old and at age 50 I had RAI therapy. Since then I’ve been on different doses of Synthroid (depending on what doctor I’m seeing at the time). 125 mcg’s presently.
This has been very frustrating for me over the years. I’ve never felt like myself since. I tried adding T-3 but lost my insurance coverage and it became way too expensive and I really didn’t feel the addition made me feel better.
I understand that natural Armor or NP Thyroid that you suggest would be much better, however I cannot afford this, especially now that I’m on a very fixed income and still work part-time.
So, my question..would iodine be beneficial to add to my diet? Not sure since I don’t have a thyroid anyway.
Your response is greatly appreciated.
Dianne
David Tomen
April 20, 2020
Dianne, a combo of Iodine, selenium, Vitamin C, magnesium and L-Tyrosine to make thyroid hormones.
But you really need Natural Desiccated Thyroid of some kind. I currently use Nature Throid which is not covered by my insurance. Walgreen’s in SE Florida would charge me nearly $70 for this but found a coupon somewhere internally which makes my cost $26 per month. That is 120 tablets (65 mg). So check with your local pharmacies and see who will be willing to work with you on this.
Mark
April 12, 2020
In your thread on 5HTP (which I also take) you mentioned you’re hypothyroid and take NDT. I read Dr Barnes book on hypothyroidism back in Y2K but had a quack tell me I needed Prozac instead. I’ve suffered most of the symptoms all my life. In 2018 I tried Lugol’s and it worked but my neck swelled. Someone knowledgeable suggested I have the Hashi’s variety and to back off and switch to NDT to help the thyroid heal before giving it a nitrous boost. It worked quite well. I ramped up to 135 mg and was doing fabulous.
Then I tried supplementing Calcium and Magnesium at the old-fashioned 2:1 dose. Sadly, I bought “The Magnesium Miracle” but had yet to read it. And everything fell apart. My insomnia (had that most of my life too) became nearly intractable. My aches and pains returned, energy went to crap. And then I developed gastroparesis. I used to enjoy eating to excess and now, Damn I can only eat like a bird twice per day- and I now require digestive enzymes for even that much food. I reversed course and started on higher doses of Mg (500mg of time released twice daily) and only Ca from dairy. I’m taking TWICE the NDT I was before and still no better. How high is high for NDT? Is it safe to keep increasing it until symptoms subside?
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Mark, the only way to know your correct NDT dosage is a combo of thyroid labs and how you feel. It takes awhile to get the dosage right. And it doesn’t help when manufacturers mess with a formula that works. In my case I needed to switch from NP Thyroid to Nature Throid. It helped but my T3 levels are still a little low.
I use 65 mg Nature Throid 4-times per day which is consider “high” by many. But it’s what this body needs.