Post RAI and Iodine intake

[AR-10]

I had RAI recently to ablate my thyroid.

My understanding is it will take two to six months for the gland to shrivel and die, IF I was given the proper dose.

Should I continue to avoid as much iodine as possible for the next year or so?

The reason I ask this is because it is my understanding that as it shrivels and dies, it will release hormones as part of it's natural function, and also randomly dump hormones.

Sort of like a water balloon with a pin hole in it, if you will allow me to make that comparison. That may be incorrect, but it is how I am understanding it right now.

If that is the case, do I want to starve my thyroid while I am replacing natural hormones with Synthroid?

Do I want to make it as hard as possible for my thyroid to continue to function?

The reason I ask is I would like to avoid random hormone dumps as much as possible.

Does my body need iodine for other uses as well?

I may go ask Dr. Lupo, but I'd like to hear what you folks have to say.
Thanks.

[ifupleze]

I agree with chigirl.

[chigirl29]

I think it would benefit you--

[AR-10]

I'm not taking it as a supplement.

I am wondering if it would benefit me to avoid it completely.

[chigirl29]

I have changed all of my salt intake (I cook at home) to sea salt without iodine.  I have read in research that the American diet contains too much iodine and can actually cause thyroid problems ,or rather, have a limited (perhaps indirect) causal relationship.  I have been on levothyroxine for a while now and have had everything in the normal range.

I hope your RAI works out so that you do not need further RAI treatments.

Ups and downs are more than likely until it burns out--

[ifupleze]

Iodine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.  I took iodine supplement when i was first hypo along with tyrosine.  I quickly became hyper along with too much medication and had to quit everything.  I am now hypo again, and I would not suggest taking it as a supplement if your are on thyroid replacement.