Jan 11 • Give Advice
The Hidden Halogens. How Fluorine, Chlorine, and Bromine Affect Iodine and Thyroid Health
Most people think thyroid problems come from the thyroid.
But often, the issue is competition, not failure.
Let’s talk about the three hidden competitors to iodine in modern life.
- Fluorine
- Chlorine
- Bromine
Together, these are called halogens and they directly compete with iodine in the body.
Why do halogens matter?
Iodine is a Halogen. So are fluorine, chlorine, and bromine.
Because they’re chemically similar, they use the same transporters and binding sites.
So when your environment is high in fluorine, chlorine, or bromine, it can -
- Block iodine uptake into the thyroid
- Displace iodine from tissues
- Reduce thyroid hormone production
- Increase iodine loss from the body
Where would I be exposed to these other Halides?
Fluorine (fluoride)
- Fluoridated drinking water
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Some medications (especially antibiotics and psych meds)
- Processed beverages made with fluoridated water
- Non-stick cookware off-gassing
Chlorine
- Tap water and swimming pools
- Bleached paper products (toilet paper, white coffee filters)
- Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Shower water (absorbed through skin and inhaled)
- Processed foods washed or prepared with chlorinated water
Bromine
- Brominated flame retardants in furniture, mattresses (child & adult), electronics
- That new car smell is off gassing
- Brominated vegetable oil (in some sodas and sports drinks)
- Bakery products made with bromated flour
- Some medications and dyes
- Hot tubs and some pool sanitizers
How does this affect the thyroid specifically?
Your thyroid needs iodine to make T4 and T3.
Halogens interfere by-
- Competing for iodine transport into the thyroid
- Binding to iodine receptors without functioning properly
- Increasing iodine excretion
- Triggering low-grade inflammation in thyroid tissue
This can lead to-
- Functional iodine deficiency
- Reduced thyroid hormone production
- Higher TSH
- Thyroid resistance
- Increased autoimmune risk in vulnerable individuals
What can I do?
- Use a water filter if possible
- Choose fluoride-free toothpaste if appropriate
- Support selenium, zinc, iron, and protein intake. Test, don't guess and just supplement.
- Reduce ultra-processed food and brightly colored drink exposure
- Support detox via sleep, sweating, and bowel regularity
Which of these exposures surprised you most?
Have you ever thought about iodine or the competing halogens before? Or is this new?
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The Hidden Halogens. How Fluorine, Chlorine, and Bromine Affect Iodine and Thyroid Health
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