Iodine, a necessary nutrient, does cause side effects for some people. Side effects of internal iodine use include: increase in back and leg pain, asthma symptoms, diarrhea, acne, dizziness, vertigo, and red, itchy, swollen eyes. Iodine is commonly used on the skin, which has had side effects for some, including inflammation of the skin and rashes, not to mention the temporary staining.
Donna from Colorado experienced an abnormal increase in her calcium and phosphatate levels when taking an iodine supplement. Her levels became normal again after discontinuing the iodine.
Two Earth Clinic readers used iodine of moles/skin tags and found it cause them to harden.
Possible Causes of Side Effects from Iodine
Earth Clinic readers offer a variety of possible reasons for side effects from iodine use. Many suggest that the side effects are detox reactions. Taking a smaller amount of iodine and slowly increasing the dose will lessen the likelihood and severity of detox reactions. Ted and at least one other reader suggest that if your iodine source is from kelp, it may be improperly processed and may have high levels or heavy metals or other contaminates. Ted also suggests that fillers in supplements could be the source of a reaction as opposed to the iodine itself.
How to Avoid Side Effects when taking Iodine
Bill Thompson discusses the complete iodine protocol which includes many companion nutrients to help the body to use the iodine most efficiently. Not taking the companion nutrients could be another source of side effects because the body is not able to use the iodine effectively without them.
Since all iodine sources are not created equal, do your research before deciding which iodine source your should use.
Iodine is a critical nutrient in the diet of humans, but many people are quite deficient in iodine. Earth Clinic readers report many cures from the supplementation of iodine, including acne, acid reflux, colds, sore throats, alopecia, goiter, hot flashes, fungal infections, impetigo, heart arrhythmia, skin cancer, ringworm, tumors and menstrual problems.
Earth Clinic has many pages of posts from readers about their experiences with iodine, good and bad. If you experience side effects from using iodine, please send us some feedback!
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