63: The Iodine Paradox: What Every Thyroid Patient Needs to Know – With Dr. Alan Christianson

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For years, iodine has been one of the most hotly debated nutrients in thyroid health. We know that iodine is essential for making thyroid hormone, yet we also see how too much can actually drive autoimmunity, nodules, and worsening thyroid function.

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I interviewed Dr. Alan Christianson, naturopathic endocrinologist and bestselling author of The Thyroid Reset Diet. Dr. Christianson has decades of experience helping people with thyroid disorders, and he has pioneered a low iodine protocol that has shown remarkable results for some people with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism.

Our conversation dives into the science of iodine, what happens when you get too much, and how carefully lowering intake can reduce antibodies, normalize thyroid function, and even help some people reduce or eliminate thyroid medications.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why iodine is a double-edged sword for the thyroid. While essential in small amounts, iodine has one of the narrowest therapeutic ranges of any nutrient. Too much can trigger Hashimoto’s, worsen autoimmunity, and cause the thyroid to “shut down,” leading to hypothyroidism.
• The genetic factor in iodine tolerance. Dr. Christianson explains how some people are adapted to coastal diets rich in iodine, while others with “inland genetics” are much more sensitive. These differences can explain why some people tolerate seaweed and kelp – while others see skyrocketing antibodies.
• Hidden sources of iodine in your diet and home. Beyond seaweed snacks and iodized salt, high iodine exposure can come from dairy, processed bread, prenatal vitamins, and even personal care products like conditioner and lotion. Identifying these sources is a key step toward healing.
• How a low-iodine reset can help the thyroid recover. Short-term iodine reduction (below ~100 mcg/day) can give the thyroid space to heal. Dr. Christianson shares research and patient stories showing that many people who stick with the reset see dramatic improvements, from normalizing thyroid labs to lowering antibodies, often within just a few months.
• When to discuss med changes with your doctor. In some cases, a supervised low-iodine protocol may allow for gradual reductions in thyroid medication. Dr. Christianson notes that studies show many patients can safely lower – and some even stop – their meds, but emphasizes this process must be done cautiously, with close monitoring.
• The co-nutrients that widen your “safety window.” Selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and iron aren’t optional extras; they’re critical for how your thyroid handles iodine. These nutrients support the enzymes that regulate iodine metabolism and help protect the thyroid from oxidative stress. When they’re low, excess iodine does more damage; when they’re optimized, your thyroid can tolerate a wider range without flaring. autoimmunity.

Freebies

• The Thyroid Reset Diet Quick Start Guide (includes an Iodine Food List)
• Check out the new documentary: Invisible Iodine

Guest Resources / Connect with Dr. Alan Christianson

• Learn more at Dr. Christianson’s Website
• Follow Dr. Christianson on Instagram and Facebook
• Read The Thyroid Reset Diet by Dr. Alan Christianson – A plan to help readers reverse chronic thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with nothing more than a dietary change: the reduction of iodine intake. His diet plan contains the optimal amount of iron and dietary iodine to control thyroid hormones, effectively resetting the thyroid.

Supplements We Discussed

• Selenium – This antioxidant mineral plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid antibodies and protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative stress. Research has shown that selenium can reduce thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in Hashimoto’s, and it supports enzymes that regulate iodine metabolism. Consider Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol or Pure Encapsulations Selenium.
• Vitamin D – Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is a key immune system modulator. Low levels are common in Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, and deficiency has been linked with increased autoimmunity. Supplementation can help support immune balance, reduce inflammation, and improve energy and mood. Consider Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3.
• Iron/ferritin – Adequate iron stores are required for the production of thyroid hormones, especially the conversion of T4 to T3. Low ferritin (iron storage) is common in women with thyroid conditions and can cause fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog, even if other labs look “normal.” Consider Pure Encapsulations Optiferrin-C.
• Zinc – This mineral supports the enzymes (deiodinases) that regulate thyroid hormone conversion and also strengthens immune defenses. Zinc deficiency can contribute to hypothyroidism, slow wound healing, and impaired taste or smell, and it often needs to be replenished alongside selenium. Consider Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30.
• Pure Encapsulations Nutrient 950 without copper, iron, or iodine – A complete hypo-allergenic, high-nutrient, iodine-free, bioavailable multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, and trace element supplement. (Note: Pure Encapsulations makes a few multivitamin ingredients; please use the drop-down menu to find this version.)

Other Tools and Resources

• Thyroid Ultrasound – Useful for monitoring gland structure and nodules.
• Urinary iodine testing – Measures the amount of iodine in your urine. This can be helpful for monitoring iodine clearance after high exposure, but it is not a definitive test for iodine status.

Books and Articles About Thyroid Health

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Dr. Izabella Wentz
• Iodine: Good or Bad for Thyroid Health?
• Selenium: The Nutrient That Can Reduce Thyroid Antibodies by 40%
• The Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Thyroid
• How Balancing Iron Levels Can Help Your Thyroid
• The Surprising Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Hashimoto’s

Get the Full Episode Transcript

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Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂

About Our Host

Dr. Izabella Wentz 

Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.

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About Our Guest

Dr. Alan Christianson is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist specializing in thyroid health. A New York Times bestselling author, his works include The Hormone Healing Cookbook and The Thyroid Reset Diet.

Dr. Christianson was the founding president behind the Endocrine Association of Naturopathic Physicians and has trained thousands of doctors worldwide in natural thyroid care.

He frequently appears on major national TV shows such as Dr. Oz, The Doctors, and The Today Show, and his expertise has been featured in publications like Women’s World and Natural Health.

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