Hypothyroid Iodine Patch Test
INSTRUCTIONS One of the causes of hypothyroidism is a deficiency of iodine. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin, the thyroid hormone. Here is an inexpensive test you can do at home to check your level of iodine. Tincture of Iodine is available from any drugstore or pharmacy. Be sure it’s the original orange colored solution and not the clear solution.
NAME:__________________________________________________DATE:____________
1.Begin this test in the morning (after showering)
2. Use Tincture of Iodine to paint a “2 X 2″ square on the inner arm
3.Write down your starting time:_________ am
4.Observe the coloration of the patch over the next 24 hours.
5.Record the hour of time for the following:
Hour patch began to lighten: ____________am/pm
Hour patch disappeared completely: ______ am/pm
6. Describe patch site after 24 hours: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If the patch has disappeared in less than 24 hours, you are iodine deficient. Without the iodine there is no thyroid activity and this is why many people don’t respond to thyroid supplementation. This is very simple method to diagnose the problem. Repeat this iodine test every three to six months. In the meantime, eat iodine-rich foods, such as beef liver, turkey, asparagus, white onions, broccoli and kelp.
Don’t apply iodine more than once in a twenty-four hour period as you may experience symptoms of iodine overdose: heightened awareness, dilated pupils, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
If you are concern about your symptoms and are ready to address them personalize, nutritional evaluation and programs customized to your health needs are available. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at (214) 783-8721 or e-mail: womananew@gmail.com
