- BARIUM
Barium is a trace element which can apparently affect thyroid function and
which may be especially toxic for persons with thyroid disease, especially
hyperthyroidism.
Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is commonly used as a contrast medium in radiography
of the intestinal tract. For these purposes a quite large amount is given
orally to the person.
Barium carbonate (BaCO4) is rat poison. This works by interfering with
the sodium-potassium pump and causing a paralysis of the muscles, including the
heart muscles and respiratory muscles, causing death.
Because barium interferes with the sodium-potassium pump, which seems already
disturbed in hyperthyroidism, any ingestion of barium may be very toxic to
someone with hyperthyroidism (or anyone for that matter).
Some hyperthyroids get periodic hypokalemic (potassium deficiency) paralysis
from a deficiency of potassium or a reduced permeability of the muscles to
potassium entry. Barium seems to cause the same reduced permeability to
potassium and this may be its mode of toxicity.