In the Iodine Dosages post we explained why 12.5 mg of iodine is still a good daily target for maintaining iodine levels and recommended a cautious approach when starting iodine supplementation. Iodine detox symptoms may show up for new users or those increasing to higher doses of iodine.

There are 3 phases to consider when starting on iodine: detox, replenishment, and maintenance. During detox we recommend the cautious approach. Once detox symptoms are no longer present then we can increase the dosage for a time even above the recommended maintenance amount. Finally we settle on the maintenance phase, where we recommend most users take 12.5 mg of elemental iodine daily. Here we explore symptoms of detox when some users start supplementing with iodine and provide tips on how to help mitigate these symptoms.

During the detox phase the iodine and selenium will be displacing bromide, fluoride and some toxic heavy metals from your body. You may temporarily experience one or more detox symptoms. Do not increase the dosage while experiencing detox symptoms. Maintain the same dosage or reduce dosage to a comfortable level that can be sustained and consider other challenges and stresses of daily life that you will also have to manage.

Common Iodine Detox Symptoms

Iodine detox symptoms can include headache, acne, body odor, vivid dreams and mood swings. They are temporary. The full list:

  • bursts of energy
  • vivid dreams
  • acne
  • headache
  • anxiety
  • mood swings and irritability
  • dark thoughts and depression
  • more saliva
  • body odor
  • bloating and temporary weight gain
  • cherry angiomas (skin growths)
  • eyelid or foot twitches

Knowing these symptoms beforehand will help you avoid panic and allow you to respond appropriately. Start slow. Symptoms are temporary. Meanwhile, your body is moving towards a healthier, balanced state.

How to Ease Iodine Detox Symptoms

Himalayan rock salt for detox

Drinking water that contains dissolved Himalayan Rock Salt or Celtic Salt will help the detox process along. The chloride in these salts helps the kidneys flush out bromide and other toxic elements displaced by iodine. Add just enough salt to soften the water by taste.

In addition to having salt water the following self-care actions also help.

  • exercise
  • supplement with milk thistle and probiotics
  • relax with hot baths and saunas
  • help remove toxins through the skin with dry brushing
  • minimize exposure to bromide and fluoride

Runner Sweating - Middle Aged Man Wearing a Purple Shirt

Exercise

Exercise will help you to sweat more and push toxic elements out through the skin. It improves blood circulation which will help the iodine and supporting nutrients reach all parts of the body. Movement and exercise support the lymphatic system, which in turn helps with detox.

Milk thistle flowers, one bright purple and one green, for liver support during detox

Milk Thistle

As toxic elements are displaced by iodine the liver may take on a greater burden. Milk Thistle will support the liver which in turn can improve and speed up the detox process.

Graphic of blue bacteria floating or flowing with a white background

Probiotics

These friendly bacteria can restore balance in the intestines and improve the absorption of minerals. They help detoxify the body of heavy metals, free radicals and dangerous bacteria.

Bathtub in a blue and white room for a detox bath

Hot Baths

Hot baths are great for detox, aiding the lymphatic system and helping remove toxins from the skin.

Medium sized sauna with hot rocks excellent for detox

Sauna

The skin is the largest organ in the body and sweating is a key exit point for toxins. Saunas improve circulation so the iodine will move well throughout the body. Improved lymph function will help move toxic elements out of the body by various means.

Woman Dry Brush In Hand Brushing Her Back for detox

Dry Brushing and Exfoliating

Boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system. Removes dead skin that can clog pores so that toxins can be released more easily through sweating.

Minimize Bromide, Fluoride and Aluminum Exposure

Avoid the following as much as possible:

Metal tap on grey wall with watermarks on the pipe

  • Bakery Goods made with bromated flour (potassium bromate)
  • Soft Drinks with brominated vegetable oil (BVO) on the label
  • Fire Retardants in Carpets, Drapes, Mattresses
  • Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Treatments
  • Pesticides and Non-Organic Produce
  • Fluoridated Drinking Water
  • Toothpaste with Fluoride
  • Deodorants containing aluminum

These self-care habits have many benefits, especially with adequate iodine in the body.

Refer to our Iodine Guide now available on the website.

FAQ

What are iodine detox symptoms?

They can include bursts of energy, vivid dreams, acne, headache, anxiety, mood swings and irritability, dark thoughts, more saliva, body odor, bloating and temporary weight gain, cherry angiomas, and eyelid or foot twitches.

What are bromide detox symptoms?

Bromide affects the skin and the mind, so as iodine pushes it out you may notice skin changes like acne, mood changes like anxiety or irritability, and the other temporary detox symptoms listed above. Drinking a little salt water helps the kidneys flush bromide out.

Are iodine detox symptoms permanent?

No. Symptoms are temporary. Do not increase the dose while you have them. Keep the same dose or lower it to a comfortable level, then increase once they pass.

How can I ease iodine detox symptoms?

Drink water with a little dissolved Himalayan or Celtic salt, exercise, take milk thistle and probiotics, relax with hot baths and saunas, dry brush your skin, and cut your exposure to bromide and fluoride.

Zen Haus 12.5 mg Iodine with Selenium bottle

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