I’ve just been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland and have been started on Carbimazole but I’m frightened I’m going to put weight on with it and reading the comments posted I think I’m justified in thinking this. Could going on a low Iodine diet reduce my throxine levels - has anyone tried this?
Hi stephanie41706, hope you are doing better and your treatment has worked. Unfortunately, a low Iodine diet is not a replacement for taking Carbimazole.
Iodine is an essential mineral and an Iodine deficient diet can cause thyroid disorders. Serious Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause congenital abnormalities (source: World Health Organization section on Iodine deficiency).
I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and am currently in remission and did not need Carbimazole for a few years. My endocrinologist never mentioned changing my diet. I would recommend a diet that ensures you get the recommended daily allowance of Iodine (140 micrograms source: NHS) However, I would avoid consuming excessive amounts of seaweed as these may contain a lot more than the daily allowance.