Low thyroid mistake #1- Iodine

FireFist wrote:How do you know iodine is good pancacke? im asking this seriously
Is this because some guy wrote something in a forum over curezone?

There are hundreds or thousands of people on curezone and other forums, supplementing with iodine....actually they just started a map http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1750655#i

I see many good arguments pro iodine and few contra which consists of doctors with blindfolds on and people who view detox reactions as negative(many on this thread)

Just came across this today, quote from trapper:

this fear of taking too much iodine is total, and i mean total, road apples after a parade. NOT taking iodine should scare the ever-loving crap out of folks.

http://curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=863328#i

I finally watched both videos from the doctor who seems convinced that iodine is harmful. In my opinion, he clearly is misinformed and was surprised to hear him downplay the importance of the Broda Barnes test.

The following is an old quote from Dr. David Brownstein regarding the adverse effects of iodine. Due note that Dr. David Brownstein has tested over 5,000 patients and one of his colleagues labs has tested over 33,000 patients on iodine.

Taken from "Iodine, Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It" by David Brownstein, MD:

Concern with using high levels of iodine

"There is some concern that the ingestion of Iodine in excess of the RDA will cause adverse effects...there are seven major concerns with using iodine in excess of the RDA:

1) allergy
2) autoimmune thyroid disease
3) detoxification reactions
4) iodine-induced hypothyroidism and goiter
5) iodine-induced hyperthyroidism
6) iodism
7) thyroid cancer

1)allergy...
In my experience, an allergy to inorganic iodine/iodide(Lugol's or Iodoral) is rare...an allergy can take any form, including a rash, fatigue, congestion, headache and a fever. NAET, an acupressure technique, has been useful in some of my patients to help them overcome an allergy to iodine..

here's a resource on that:

http://www.naet.com



2)autoimmune thyroid disease...
Some researchers...believe that autoimmune thyroid problems are caused by iodine intake in excess of the RDA...before the adoption of radioactive iodine to treat the side effects of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, the use of higher doses of iodine was the treatment of choice for these illnesses...
If iodine was the cause of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, these illnesses should have been decreasing over the last 30 years. The opposite has occured. In the U.S., iodine levels have fallen approx. 50% over the last 30 yrs while, at the same time, autoimmune thyroid sdisorders have been rapidly increasing.

3) Detoxification reactions...
If the body's detoxification pathways are overloaded when the toxic halides are being released, a detoxification reaction can be triggered. A detoxification reaction can take the form of fatigue, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea, and brain fog, among others...Though a detoxification reaction to iodine usage is RARE, it has happened...can be minimized with nutritional support, balancing pH, balancing hormonal systems.."

***Here's what Brownstein did for a patient suffering detox symptoms***

Taken from curezone - this portion is in reference to a patient suffering bromide detox symptoms (fatigue, headaches) on 50 mg. per day iodoral.

"...the iodine was helping her body excrete large amounts of bromide. During a detoxification process, the body's detoxification systems need proper support to ensure the toxic chemicals can be safely released without harming the body's tissues. I told Ellen to take large amounts of Vitamin C- 10,000 mg. per day as vitamin C helps all of the body's detoxification pathways function more effectively. Furthermore, I placed Ellen on 10 gm. of unrefined Sea Salt per day. The unrefined sea salt has chloride which can assist in the body's removal of bromine. In addition, the minerals in sea salt help the detoxification process. Ellen was also doing Epsom Salt baths(two cups in a tub of water) twice a week and taking a magnesium supplement(amount not specified)...Unless iodine levels are elevated along with the support of the body's detoxification pathways, the body will be unable to release bromide."

here's a link on Vitamin C & sea salt:


http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=839245#i


4)Iodine induced hypothyroidism and goiter
"When animals or humans that are iodine deficient are given large doses of iodine, there is a TRANSIENT DECREASE in thyroid hormone production(approx. 26-40 hrs.) until the body reestablishes it's equilibrium with iodine. After that, thyroid levels adjust to normal and signs of hypothyroid do not develop.

5)Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism
The use of iodine in a previously iodine-deficient population may result in a TRANSIENT INCREASE in thyroid hormones...Studies have shown that the increase in thyroid hormones, which could lead to hyperthyroid symptoms(palpitations, nervousness), will gradually decrease. Can be monitored with lab tests & adjustments in dosage.

6)Iodism
...results when the dose is too high...results in metallic taste in mouth, increased salivation, sneezing, headache & acne...frontal headache...fever...
adjust dosage!

7)thyroid cancer...
There have been some reports in the literature that iodine supplementation can be associated with an increased incidence of thyroid papillary cancer. If iodine usage were the cause of thyroid cancer, then falling iodine levels would be expected to lead to lowered hyroid cancer levels. However, this has not been the case. During the last several decades, when iodine levels have declined, the incidence of thyroid cancer has markedly increased.

I've been taking heavy doses of iodine since July of 2010. I started off with the reccomended 12.5 mg a day and worked my way up to over 200 mg a day. I made sure to take vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium with it. When i first started it, I went through a major detox. I felt like crap for about a month. Brain fog, headaches, and a huge shed. But I stuck with it because I READ this site and UNDERSTOOD what was going on. The problem is that people are looking for a magic pill to cure their hair loss. It's not out there. Read the information on this site and understand that it's going to take time to fix the problems that are causing our hair loss.

If detox was just brain fog, headaches and a shed I would definitely had kept it up, unfortunately it was a little more intense than that..

nice and very helpful post CS , thanks

Decro435 wrote:If detox was just brain fog, headaches and a shed I would definitely had kept it up, unfortunately it was a little more intense than that..

sorry Decro, i didn't mean for my post to seem like it was directed at you

IMO the concern about taking potassium iodide is pretty serious, taking organic iodine from kelp should be a different story

iodine is an element with multiple ixidation states (from -1 in a form of kelp to +7 in synthetic forms), having a high ionization energy (and needing it), meaning it is a electronvolt stealer in this form

if i remember well iodine and fluride possesing the highest electronegativity (capacity to attract electrons)
in organic form (-1) it is a great electron giver, in a synthetic (+n) a stealer - this is the trick with iodinew

ionized iodine or organic is a choice to consider, with KI (Lugol's) one should supplment electrons/voltage (sea salt, lemon should do it) more than anything to ionize it

Prague - How much lemons and salt should you take daily to remove risks?

Prague wrote:

ionized iodine or organic is a choice to consider, with KI (Lugol's) one should supplment electrons/voltage (sea salt, lemon should do it) more than anything to ionize it

Prague, you mentioned Lugol's, what about Iodoral (i take this http://www.iherb.com/TPCS-Iosol-Formula-II-1-fl-oz-30-ml/4785?at=0)

I like the idea of lemons and salt.

How could I ionize my iodoral?

I was told by a nutritionist friend of mine to not take Iodine to deal with hypothyroid since it could trigger an auto immune reaction, he said sometimes hypothyroid is caused by an autoimmune issue not lack of iodine.

It's been sitting in the back of my mind all this time, watching this video is a little scary, I read what CS said about iodine, I see how it helps, but I'd like to know "if" there any risk risk one could trigger an auto immune reaction with iodine to treat hypothyroid symptoms? if so, any tests to do before one can use iodine to rule out that it would trigger an immune reaction?

I take it myself, but this concern has kept me from recommending iodine to friends.

As long as there has been talk about iodine, there has been this same question. However, what I have noticed is that only those medical professionals who are fearful of iodine seemed to have very little to offer for autoimmune problems.

So here is more from the some notable people about iodine:

Iodine: Bring Back the Universal Nutrient Medicine

Medical textbooks contain several vital pieces of misinformation
about the essential element Iodine, which may have caused
more human misery and death than both world wars combined.
Dr. Guy Abraham

The present situation we find ourselves in at the very beginning of the 21st century demands that we quickly reengineer medicine, not only mainstream allopathic but all the branches and alternatives. Consciousness is just forming around the conclusion that more than the majority of humans today are suffering from chronic poisoning. It is not just the fact that the tide of toxic chemicals is rising and accumulating in our cells and blood streams, wrecking physiological, emotional and mental havoc, but there is also a sheer drop in the quality and quantity of key nutrients being consumed. Iodine is a perfect example, in today's world the last thing you want to be short on is iodine.

Iodine is detected in every
organ and tissue in the body.

We might debate about the optimum dosage but we should find quick agreement that iodine is absolutely necessary for a healthy thyroid as well as healthy ovaries, breasts and prostate. Beside the greater risk for breast cancer in iodine deficient women, there is convincing evidence that iodine deficiency increases also the risk of thyroid cancer. These are just a few of the reasons to become interested in iodine. In an age of increasing toxic exposures we all need more not less iodine because it has very specific protective effects against several common poisons like fluoride, bromide, and to a lesser extent it helps eliminate lead and mercury from the body. Dr. Sebastiano Venturi, in Evolution of Dietary Antioxidants: Role of Iodine, makes it clear that iodine is a crucial antioxidant and apoptosis-inductor with anti-tumoral and anti-atherosclerotic activity. When we supplement with iodine we will see increased antioxidant activity[1] and immune system function.[ii]


Iodine, Cancer and Fibrocystic Disease


Several studies have demonstrated a relationship
between low iodine intake and fibrocystic disease of the
breast (FDB), both in women and laboratory animals.[iii]

Dr. David Derry said, "Lugol's solution is an iodine-in-water solution used by the medical profession for 200 years. One drop (6.5 mg per drop) of Lugol's daily in water, orange juice or milk will gradually eliminate the first phase of the cancer development namely fibrocystic disease of the breast so no new cancers can start. It also will kill abnormal cells floating around in the body at remote sites from the original cancer. Of course this approach appears to work for prostate cancer as prostate cancer is similar to breast cancer in many respects. Indeed, it likely will help with most cancers. Also higher doses of iodine are required for inflammatory breast cancer. As well we know that large doses of intravenous iodine are harmless which makes one wonder what effect this would have on cancer growth."

Because iodine deficiency results in increased iodine trapping
by the thyroid, iodine deficient individuals of all ages
are more susceptible to radiation-induced thyroid cancer.

Iodine plays a crucial role in the body's elimination system by inducing apoptosis, or what is called programmed cell death, and this is vital because this process is essential to growth and development and for destroying cells that represent a threat to the integrity of the organism, like cancer cells and cells infected with viruses.

Women with goiters (a visible, non-cancerous enlargement of
the thyroid gland) owing to iodine deficiency have been found
to have a three times greater incidence of breast cancer.
A high intake of iodine is associated with a low incidence breast
cancer, and a low intake with a high incidence of breast cancer.
Dr. Donald Miller Jr.

Iodine is a very important primary nutrient in regards to people's health and healing. So essential is iodine for life that those who are deficient in it suffer from a wide variety of afflictions (including cancer) that are difficult to trace back to this trace mineral. Iodine used to be considered much more importantly, so much so that up until 20 years ago, it had been routinely added to bread as a supplement. "Just how likely is an iodine deficiency in cancer? In an in-house study, 60 cancer patients (various types) were given the iodine-loading test and then measured for urinary excretion. All 60 patients were found to be seriously deficient in body stores of iodine and some had great excesses of bromine. The best case excreted only 50 percent of the load and the worst excreted only 20 percent (that means they were retaining a very high 80 percent). Folks, these are some serious numbers. One hundred percent of these cancer sufferers were deficient in iodine! I assure you the problem is population wide," writes Dr. Robert Rowen.

60 million mainland Japanese consume a daily average
of 13.8 mg of elemental iodine, and they are one of the healthiest
nations based on overall well being and cancer statistics.[iv]


Iodine is available in small amounts in some salts but health officials do not consider that most of the iodine evaporates while sitting on the kitchen table. In the United States 45 percent of American households buy salt without iodine and over the last three decades people who do use iodized table salt have decreased their consumption of it by 65 percent. Americans are consuming less iodine when in reality they need much more.

Iodine the Antiseptic

Iodine is by far the best antibiotic,
antiviral and antiseptic of all time.
Dr. David Derry

The antiseptic properties of iodine are used to sterilize every surface and material in hospitals. Iodine is an excellent microbicide with a broad range of action that includes almost all of the important health-related microorganisms, such as enteric bacteria, enteric viruses, bacterial viruses, fungi and protozoan cysts.[v] The minimum number of iodine molecules required to destroy one bacterium varies with the species. For H. influenzae it was calculated to be 15000 molecules of iodine per cell. When bacteria are treated with iodine, the inorganic phosphate up-take and oxygen consumption by the cells immediately ceases. [vi]

Though iodine kills all single celled organisms such as these it is not exploited for internal use by modern day physicians to combat internal infections, which of course is a great mistake. Dr. Derry says iodine is effective "for standard pathogens such as Staphylococcus, but also iodine has the broadest range of action, fewest side effects and no development of bacterial resistance." Some doctors have reported that it is excellent for the treatment of mononucleosis.

Iodine is able to penetrate quickly
through the cell walls of microorganisms.

Iodine is a deadly enemy of single cell microorganisms thus it can be our best friend. Iodine was not available to these life forms at the beginning of evolution and it was not until seaweed concentrated it did it become involved in higher life forms. It is for this reason that the simplest level of life cannot tolerate iodine. Iodine kills single celled organisms by combining with the amino acids tyrosine or histidine when they are exposed to the extra-cellular environment. All single cells showing tyrosine on their outer cell membranes are killed instantly by a simple chemical reaction with iodine that denatures proteins. Nature and evolution have given us an important mechanism to control pathogenic life forms and we should use it and trust it to protect us in ways that antibiotics can't. As we shall see directly below, so powerful is iodine in a protective sense that it also helps us rid the body, not only of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, but also rids the body of abnormal cells meaning it qualifies as an anticancer agent.

Elemental iodine is a potent germicide with a wide spectrum of activity and low toxicity to tissues. A solution containing 50 ppm iodine kills bacteria in 1 min and spores in 15 min. It is poorly soluble in water but readily dissolves in ethanol, which enhances its antibacterial activity. Iodine tincture contains 2% iodine and 2.4% sodium iodide (NaI) dissolved in 50% ethanol; it is used as a skin disinfectant. Strong iodine tincture contains 7% iodine and 5% potassium iodide (KI) dissolved in 95% ethanol; it is more potent but also more irritating than tincture of iodine. Iodine solution contains 2% iodine and 2.4% NaI dissolved in aqueous solution; it is used as a non irritant antiseptic on wounds and abrasions. Strong iodine solution (Lugol's solution) contains 5% iodine and 10% KI in aqueous solution. Iodophores (eg, povidone-iodine) are water-soluble combinations of iodine with detergents, wetting agents that are solubilizers, and other carriers. They slowly release iodine as an antimicrobial agent and are widely used as skin disinfectants, particularly before surgery.

Medical iodophobia has reached pandemic proportions.
It is highly contagious and has wreaked havoc on the
practice of medicine and on the U.S. population.
Dr. Guy Abraham

According to current W.H.O. statistics more than 3 billion people in the world live in iodine deficient countries and it is known that deficiencies of selenium, vitamin A and iron may exacerbate the effects of iodine deficiency. In the analysis of "National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys" data of moderate to severe iodine deficiency is present now in a significant proportion of the U.S. population, with a clear increasing trend over the past 20 years, caused by reduced iodized table salt usage.[vii] Along with magnesium and selenium, iodine is one of the most deficient minerals in our bodies. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone, but selenium-dependent enzymes (iodothyronine deiodinases) are also required for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the biologically active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium is the primary mineral responsible for T4 to T3 (thyroid hormones) conversion in the liver. (Selenium is absolutely essential in the age of mercury toxicity for it is the perfect antidote for mercury exposure. It is literally raining mercury all over the world but especially in the northern hemisphere. And of course with the dentists poisoning a world of patients with mercury dental amalgam and the doctors with their mercury laden vaccines, selenium is more important than most of us can imagine. One must remember that mercury strips the body of selenium for the selenium stores get used up quickly because of its great affinity for mercury)

Iodine is the agent which arouses (kindles) and keeps going the
flame of life. With the aid of our thyroid, in which the iodine is
manifesting, it can either damp this flame or kindle it to a dissolute fire.
Scholz 1990.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency include muscle cramps, cold hands and feet, proneness to weight gain, poor memory, constipation, depression and headaches, edema, myalgia, weakness, dry skin, and brittle nails. Sources include most sea foods, (ocean fish, but not fresh fish, shellfish, especially oysters), unrefined sea salt, kelp and other sea weeds, fish broth, butter, pineapple, artichokes, asparagus, dark green vegetables and eggs. Certain vegetables, such as cabbage and spinach, can block iodine absorption when eaten raw or unfermented and are called goitrogens. But eating fish won't give you iodine in mg amounts. To get 13.8 mg iodine, you would have to eat 10-20 pounds of fish per day.[viii]


Iodine is needed in microgram amounts for the thyroid,
mg amounts for breast and other tissues, and can
be used therapeutically in gram amounts.[ix]
Dr. David Miller


Inorganic non-radioactive iodine/iodide is an essential nutrient, not a drug. Therefore, the body has the metabolic mechanism for using inorganic iodine beneficially, effectively and safely. Iodine is as safe as magnesium chloride with a track record of 180 years of use in medicine. Published data confirms its safety even when used in pulmonary patients in amounts four orders of magnitude greater than the US RDA.
When patients take between 12.5 to 50 mg of iodine per day, it seems that the body becomes increasingly more responsive to thyroid hormones.[xi] Optimal intake of iodine in amounts two orders of magnitude greater than iodine levels needed for goiter control may be required for iodization of hormone receptors.[xii]

Iodine helps us utilize our proteins properly. In all likelihood
an iodine deficient person will remain protein deficient.
Dr. Bryce Vickery

Iodine is the essential ingredient in thyroid hormone synthesis. So if deficient, protein synthesis will be disturbed. Thyroid hormones have two major physiological effects. They increase protein synthesis in virtually every body tissue and increase oxygen consumption dependent upon Na+ -K+ ATPase (Na pump). The thyroid gland needs iodine to synthesize thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that regulate metabolism and steer growth and development. Thyroid hormones are essential for life as they regulate key biochemical reactions, especially protein synthesis and enzymatic activities, in target organs such as are the developing brain, muscle, heart, pituitary and kidney;[xiii] thus iodine is critically important to the developing fetus.

Iodine transport damage can be corrected, in part, by administration
of reasonably high doses of ascorbic acid or more natural Vitamin C.

The thyroid hormones are synthesized in the follicular cells of the thyroid. The first step to hormone synthesis is the import of iodide into the follicular cells. Thyroid hormone regulates mitochondrial protein synthesis through the stimulation of synthesis of mitochondrial protein synthesis modulators, and that the tissue specific modulators (stimulatory in liver and inhibitory in kidney) can be produced by the hormone.[xiv] Whole body iodine sufficiency is a critical means to counter the side effects of thyroid hormone medications (Synthroid, etc.). Long-term use of these drugs is associated with depletion of thyroid and tissue iodine levels, as well as increased rates of cancer. All thyroid patients should be on iodine therapy.

Iodine is a powerful primary nutrient with broad medicinal effects and a hundred years ago it was used universally by most doctors. From 1900 to the 1960s almost every single U.S. physician used Lugol (iodine) supplements in his or her practice for both hypo and hyperthyroid, as well as many, many other conditions all with excellent results. In fact, iodine was considered a panacea for all human ills. The Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Szent Gy?rgi (1893-1986), the physician who discovered vitamin C, writes: "When I was a medical student, iodine in the form of KI (potassium iodide) was the universal medicine. Nobody knew what it did, but it did something and did something good." Today we know what iodine does and how much it can help people but modern allopathic medicine is asleep at the switch letting people suffer and die for its lacking.

Iodine is a gatekeeper of mammary gland integrity

"Breast, ovarian, and skin cysts - In addition to fixing almost all cases of breast cysts, iodine also has a remarkable healing effect on ovarian cysts," says Dr. Robert Rowen. Though few know it swollen ovaries is a condition analogous to goiter, when the thyroid swells in response to iodine deficiency. Goiters often also result in a hormonal imbalance leading to hypothyroidism. In the case of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) the starvation of the ovaries causes them to become cystic, swollen and eventually unable to regulate the synthesis of their hormones leading to imbalances and infertility. Russian studies when investigating Fibrocystic breast disease also discovered that the greater the iodine deficiency the greater the number of cysts in the ovaries. Since 1928, the iodine concentration in the ovary has been known to be higher than in every other organ except the thyroid. Dr. Browstein has found in his research with high doses of iodine that cysts on the ovaries became smaller and began to disappear. He also found that libido in women and men increased.


It takes 20 to 40 times the amount of Iodine needed to control
breast cancer and fibrocystic disease than it does to prevent goiter.



In sufficient amounts iodine can not only adjust a dysfunctional thyroid, it can assist with a host of glandular imbalances as well as a wide assortment of internal as well as external bacteria, fungi, and virus's. Iodine has many non-endocrine biologic effects, including the role it plays in the physiology of the inflammatory response. Iodides increase the movement of granulocytes into areas of inflammation and improve the phagocytosis of bacteria by granulocytes and the ability of granulocytes to kill bacteria.[xv]

Dr. Robert Rowen informs that iodine reduces the activity of lipoprotein(a). When elevated, this protein can lead to excessive blood clotting and vascular disease. Iodine has been used successfully in headaches, keloid formation, parotid duct stones, and Dupuytren's and Peyronie's contractures. Doses up to six times the RDA have been used safely for months to combat the excessive mucous in chronic lung diseases. He also states that Iodine is found in large amounts in the brain (including the parts of the brain associated with Parkinson's disease) and the ciliary body of the eye, a possible factor in glaucoma.

"One 1860 French physician mistakenly gave a tincture of iodine when he meant to give digitalis to a woman with Grave's Disease. She recovered within three weeks. When he discovered his mistake, he switched to digitalis, and her symptoms came back. He switched back to the iodine and achieved a remission," reported Dr. Rowen.

The occurrence of iodine deficiency in cardiovascular disease is frequent. The thyroid hormone deficiency on cardiovascular function can be characterized with decreased myocardial contractility and increased peripheral vascular resistance as well as with the changes in lipid metabolism. A study done with 42 patiens with cardiovascular disease were divided into 5 subgroups on the ground of the presence of hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary dysfunction and arrhythmia. When urine concentrations were tested the most decreased urine iodine concentration was detected in the subgroups with arrhythmia and congestive heart failure. An elevated TSH level was found by 3 patients and elevation in lipid metabolism (cholesterol, triglyceride) associated with all subgroups without arrhythmia. The researchers concluded that iodine supplementation might prevent the worsening effect of iodine deficiency on cardiovascular disease.[xvi]


Iodine made its leap into medical history when a Swiss physician, Dr Jean Fran?ois Condet announced that iodine could reduce goiters (enlarged thyroids). At this moment, modern medical science was born because for the first time we have a specific disorder that is relieved by a specific treatment. It is most ironic to note that the very first step of allopathic medicine was into nutritional not chemical medicine with iodine being a common mineral from the sea.

The required daily amount (RDA) of iodine is just enough tokeep our thyroids
from expanding, like the RDA of vitamin C today which is just enough to keep us
free of scurvy, but not enough to prevent pre scurvy syndromes or Cardiovascular Disease.

"We placed am 83-year-old woman on orthoiodosupplementation for six months at 50 mgs of elemental iodine daily. She experienced a tremendous increase in energy, endurance, well being, and memory. At six months all her skin peeled off and was replaced by new, younger-looking skin. She was flabbergasted and amazed at her new appearance. In our experience older women (especially over 65) noticed a major difference both physically and mentally," wrote Dr. Guy Abraham, an endocrinologist who today is providing the backbone of the movement back toward the use of iodine as an essential safe and effective medicine.

Breast tissue has an affinity for iodine.
Iodine deficiency causes fibrocystic breast disease
with nodules, cyst enlargement, pain and scar tissue.

Drs. Abraham, Flechas and Brownstein tested more than 4,000 patients taking iodine in daily doses ranging from 12.5 to 50 mg, and in those with diabetes, up to 100 mg a day. These investigators found that "iodine does indeed reverse fibrocystic disease; their diabetic patients require less insulin; hypothyroid patients, less thyroid medication; symptoms of fibromyalgia resolve, and patients with migraine headaches stop having them." We can expect even better results when iodine is combined with magnesium chloride.

Most physicians and surgeons view iodine from a narrow perspective and this is one of the greatest tragedies of allopathic medicine. Most health officials are chemical terrorists in disguise as they ignore the toxic buildup going on in the general population and they have no intention of informing them what they can do about it. Mercury is a perfect case in point. Mercury is toxic from whatever source it arrives into our bodies but doctors and dentists still insist on using it, which puts us solidly in the modern age of medical and dental barbarism. We like to think we are an advanced race of intelligent beings but lo and behold we find what are supposed to be the best and most intelligent of us poisoning young and old alike with mercury. It is beyond criminality what they are doing and what they are denying.

On top of everything these same health officials do not even have an understanding of the basic medicines already in use, like iodine, magnesium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, all emergency room substances that save peoples' lives everyday. To most doctors iodine is an antiseptic that disinfects drinking water and prevents surgical wound infections, and the thyroid gland needs it to make thyroid hormones - and that's it. But Dr. George Flechas relates that many of his diabetic patients need lowering of insulin dosage and diabetic drugs after repletion of iodine deficiency and others have observed the same thing. Something is dangling itself before our very eyes, a medical mystery that will enlighten us about our ignorance about how important minerals are for life. Both general and medical scientists can explain why diabetics and others benefit so greatly from heavy iodine supplementation, but will allopathic medical officials listen? Don't count on it.

Iodine is utilized by every hormone receptor in the body.
The absence of iodine causes a hormonal dysfunction that
can be seen with practically every hormone inside the body.
Dr. George Flechas

This, in part, would already start to explain why Dr. Flechas sees such dramatic results with his diabetic patients. Why would many people who take iodine report that they have a greater sense of well-being, increased energy, and a lifting of brain fog? They feel warmer in cold environments, need somewhat less sleep, improved skin complexion, and have more regular bowel movements. The most obvious answer is that iodine is a trace mineral used to synthesize hormones and is a mineral that is very important to how hormones function at the hormone receptor sites.

Thyroxin and Triiodothyronine stimulates and maintains normal heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.[xvii] "Despite the general medical dependence upon special hormone tests, such as TSH, etc, temperature appears to be much more accurate for assessing thyroid function. During the past decade, I have noticed that 90% of individuals have a temperature BELOW normal. The oral temperature before getting out of bed in the morning should be 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Mid-afternoon the temperature should be 98.6. Temperature is the simplest measure of basal metabolic rate, the key function of the thyroid gland," said Dr. Norman Shealy, who suggests iodine dosages of 1500 micrograms daily 4 to 6 weeks. If basal temperature comes to normal, lower iodine dosage to 600 mcg daily.

Iodine's ability to revive hormonal sensitivity seems to significantly improve insulin sensitivity. Dr. Flechas said, "It was while treating a large 320-pound woman with insulin dependent diabetes that we learned a valuable lesson regarding the role of iodine in hormone receptor function. This woman had come in via the emergency room with a very high random blood sugar of 1,380 mg/dl. She was then started on insulin during her hospitalization and was instructed on the use of a home glucometer. She was to use her glucometer two times per day. Two weeks later on her return office visit for a checkup of her insulin dependent diabetes she was informed that during her hospital physical examination she was noted to have FBD. She was recommended to start on 50 mg of iodine(4 tablets) at that time. One week later she called us requesting to lower the level of insulin due to having problems with hypoglycemia. She was told to continue to drop her insulin levels as long as she was experiencing hypoglycemia and to monitor her blood sugars carefully with her glucometer. Four weeks later during an office visit her glucometer was downloaded to my office computer, which showed her to have an average random blood sugar of 98. I praised the patient for her diligent efforts to control her diet and her good work at keeping her sugars under control with the insulin. She then informed me that she had come off her insulin three weeks earlier and had not been taking any medications to lower her blood sugar. When asked what she felt the big change was, she felt that her diabetes was under better control due to the use of iodine."

Increased metabolic rate increases the need for iodine.
If a person is not getting enough iodine and are
on thyroid meds they will become more deficient.

Dr. Fletchas[xviii] reported that two years later and 70 pounds lighter this above patient continues to have excellent glucose control on iodine 50 mg per day. "We since have done a study of twelve diabetics and in six cases we were able to wean all of these patients off of medications for their diabetes. The range of daily iodine intake was from 50 mg to 100 mg per day. All diabetic patients were able to lower the total amount of medications necessary to control their diabetes."

A lack of iodine in the skin manifests as very dry skin
and skin that does not sweat when an individual becomes hot.

Dr. Jorge D. Flechas

Everyone agrees that a lack of iodine in the diet causes a spectrum of disorders that includes, in increasing order of severity, goiter and hypothyroidism, mental retardation, and cretinism (severe mental retardation accompanied by physical deformities). Iodine deficient humans, like endemic cretins, suffer physical, neurological, mental, immune and reproductive diseases. Iodine is important in the proper function of the nervous system and Dr. S. Cunnane[xix] suggests that "iodine is the primary brain selective nutrient in human brain evolution."

Iodine deficiency is a major cause of under-functioning intellect.[xx] Dr. Flechas agrees, "In newborn children iodine is responsible for the development of the babies' I.Q. Recent research shows iodine deficiency is felt to be the source of attention deficit disorder in children." We have an absolute epidemic of autism in this country," said Representative Dan Burton (R-Indiana). "Parents and doctors are struggling to find appropriate treatment options." What help iodine can be to neurological damaged children has not been explored yet but iodine and magnesium logically should be some of the first things parents should reach for. We certainly will find science to create a foundation for the use of iodine before, during and after pregnancy.

Deficiency of iodine seems to cause more damage in developing embryos and in fact, in pregnant women iodine deficiency causes abortions and stillborns.[xxi] It is not cretinism alone that holds risks from deficiency, but the very survival of the infant itself. Adequate iodine may also provide protection from infection and vaccine damage. In a study done on 617 infants between the ages of 6 weeks and six months, in an iodine deficient area, it was shown that with the addition of 100 mg of iodine oil to the diet of newborns, that the death rate of infants was markedly lower than for those without any supplementation.[xxii]

Magnesium and iodine deficiencies are the
causes of autoimmune thyroiditis, not excess iodide.


Iodine deficiency poses significant additional reproductive risks, including overt hypothyroidism and infertility. Hypothyroidism causes anovulation, infertility, and gestational hypertension.[xxiii] Adequate tissue iodine helps guide estrogen into friendly pathways that support proper function of female sex hormones. Iodine contributes to the formation of testosterone. In women this supports healthy sex drive. In men, testosterone is vital to function.


Iodine is my drug of choice. I use it for everything. I raise my kids and
now my grandkids on iodine. My son was due to have his tonsils removed
and I decided to paint his tonsils and he has never been had any more
problems with his throat. I took a spray bottle and poured some iodine into the
bottle and sprayed his tonsils. As you may know iodine dries quickly, so he
didn't really swallow any. It worked within 24 hours after spraying the throat.

According to Dr. John Myer iodine has a marked effect on muscle contraction directly. It relieves cramps of the leg muscles known as "charley horses". It also relieves pain in the pericardium, which he believes is similar contraction of the heart muscles, and it has a remarkable effect on muscle energy and contraction of all muscles of the body. Dr. Myer also asserts that iodine plays a decisive and critical role in the lymph system and in the lymph glands. Swollen sub maxillary glands known as "waxen kernels" to our parents and grandparents, will soften and regress within minutes after allowing iodized lime to dissolve in the mouth.

Iodine is a very effective method for water purification. Its action is dependent on the concentration of iodine, the water temperature and duration of contact. For example, a concentration of 8 mgs per liter at 20 degrees centigrade will destroy all pathogens if left for 10 minutes. Lower concentrations and lower water temperatures require a longer duration of action. Iodine tablets were developed during World War II to disinfect small amounts of water for emergency or temporary use. A few drops of tincture of iodine or iodine tablets are popular with campers and the military for disinfecting water. An iodine residual of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/l should be maintained and iodine at this level gives the water little or no iodide taste or odor.

When one combines the intake of iodine with other minerals (Iodine in combination with selenium increased the activities of type 1 deiodinase (D1) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)[xxiv] one can expect strong and positive changes in cell physiology. Iodine with magnesium, with the help of natural chelation will resolve tough, stubborn problems that resist other treatments. Dr. Linus Pauling's 'orthomolecular medicine,' which refers to the concept of creating the optimal molecular environment in the body ('orthomolecular' means 'the right molecules') should have become the foundational stone for medicine but was replaced by a system that massively destroys peoples' life and health with pharmaceutical poisons. Allopaths live with the illusion that the dose makes the poison meaning they are always assuming that there is too little poison in their medicines to do harm. We are just beginning to find out how tragically wrong they have been and the staggering cost in terms of lives lost because of this mistake.

Iodine and/or selenium deficiency may modify
the distribution and the homeostasis of other minerals.[xxv]

Running our bodies without sufficient minerals is like running a car without oil. Our engines of cellular life begin to seize up especially quickly today because of all the impurities in our food, air, water and medical and dental drugs and substances. Minerals are powerful medicines exactly because they directly touch upon and effect vital body physiology.

One might go as far as imagining that there might even be a conspiracy to keep us iodine deficient, because if we are iodine deficient our will to resist is diminished, our apparent intellect, energy and vitality are all diminished and we are significantly more vulnerable to thyroid malfunction, endocrine/hormonal imbalances, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Many fine physicians are wondering why the RDA for iodine would be set so low, and why would many of the former sources of iodine be diminished or removed and replaced with things like bromides and fluorides that deplete iodine and offer no worthwhile compensation for the replacement?

Dr. Daniel H. Duffy uses some very harsh but deserved words while asking some clear questions about iodine. "Isn't it odd that the government dispenses Iodine to protect against radioactive iodine resulting from a nuclear disaster when the medical quacks are dumping the same type of radioactive iodine into patients with thyroid problems in a stupid attempt to "cure" thyroid "disease" caused by a lack of elemental iodine in its natural state found in nature? Nature's iodine protects our thyroid glands from taking up biologically destructive, radioactive iodine, yet the medical quacks use similar radioactive iodine to destroy our thyroid glands? Why did doctors quit using Lugol's solution, the sure cure for thyroid disease? Why did the medical quacks bring in anti thyroid drugs and goitrogens to kill the thyroid gland when iodine was being used so successfully for so long?"

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Nothing in Government and politics happens by accident, you can bet if something happened it was well planned." J. Edgar Hoover said: "The individual is handicapped by coming face-to-face with a conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists." When it comes to iodine suspect the worst from top government health officials who only seem to want to poison the public. What can one say about an FDA that, for example continues to assert the safety of aspartame when scientists around the world are finding it to be the worst food additive ever used? Now that there is an iodine revival going on expect the FDA to clamp down on its availability.


Orthoiodosupplementation should be part
of a complete nutritional program,
emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
Dr. Guy Abraham

Orthoiodosupplementation employs elemental iodine supplements until the thyroid gland and all other iodine-sensitive sites in the body have reached iodine sufficiency. In reality there is no reason to fear iodine if approached with reason and a slight bit of caution[xxvi] for it will stimulate a detoxification process of heavy metals especially of hologens. All doctors used iodine a hundred years ago and the best ones are still using it today.

Every 17 minutes, every drop of blood in our body flushes through
our thyroid, and if our thyroid has an adequate supply of iodine, blood-borne
bacteria and viruses are killed off as the blood passes through the thyroid.

We are just beginning to rediscover the amazing curative powers of iodine. While it may not be the panacea that old-timers have claimed it to be when used alone, when combined with magnesium chloride, ALA, and in the special case of cancer, with sodium bicarbonate, we will find something quite extraordinary. Survival Medicine for the 21st Century contains a revolutionary protocol for breast cancer that includes magnesium chloride, iodine and sodium bicarbonate. These three emergency room medicines when combined and used correctly will revolutionize the field of oncology but will threaten the pharmaceutical industry whose profits will suffer enormously from the widespread use of these inexpensive, safe and effective nutritional medicines.

The medical truth is obvious and as plain as day, but most of the time it does not line up with conventional thinking. But given time medical science will catch up to the obvious. As you will see in Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, the research is already there showing magnesium chloride to be the number one heavyweight champion of the medical world able to save lives with a single bound in emergency situations and it, along with other basic nutritional substances concentrated for medical purposes are the answers we are looking for to protect ourselves and loved ones in the age of toxicity that we are all unfortunately passing through.

Mark Sircus Ac., OMD


[1] Saker KE, Fike JH, Veit H, Ward DL (2004) Brown seaweed-(Tasco) treated conserved forage enhances antioxidant status and immune function in heat-stressed wether lambs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 88:122-30.

[ii] Saker KE, Allen VG, Fontenot JP, Bagley CP, Ivy RL, Evans RR, Wester DB (2001) Tasco-Forage: II. Monocyte immune cell response and performance of beef steers grazing tall fescue treated with a seaweed extract. J Anim Sci 79:1022-31

[iii] Ghent, W., et al, Can. J. Surg., 36:453-460,1993.

Eskin, B., et al, Biological Trace Element Research, 49:9-19, 1995.

[iv] Abraham, G.E., The historical background of the iodine project. The Original Internist, 12(2):57-66, 2005.

[v] _http://www.ispcorp.com/products/pharma/content/brochure/pvpiodine/antiact.html

Table 4: Microbiological Efficacy Activity of PVP-Iodine versus Bacteria, Yeasts and Molds, Actinomycetes and Rickettsia

ORGANISMS (NO. of STRAINS)
RANGE OF PVP-I IN ppm AVAILABLE IODINE
CONTACT OF KILL TIME IN SECONDS

Proteus (41)
100 - 2500
15 - 180

Staphylococcus (36)
66 - 2500
15 - 80

Pseudomonas (36)
25 - 2500
15 - 900

Streptococcus (25)
200 - 2500
15 - 30

Escherichia (23)
200 - 2500
30 - 120

Salmonells (9)
1000 - 2500
15 - 60

Candida (
3.75 - 2500
10 - 120

Serratia (6)
200 - 2500
60 - 120

Spores-Baccillus; Clostridium (6)
10000
2 - 5 Hours

Trichomomonas (5)
400 - 2500
30 - 60

Enterobacter (4)
1000 - 2500
60

Klebsiella (4)
500 - 2500
60

Clostridium (4)
1000
30 - 60

Shigella (3)
1000 - 2500
60

Corynebacterium (3)
2500
60

Diplococcus (3)
1000 - 2500
60

Mycobacterium (3)
1000 - 2500
60 - 120

Bacillus (3)
7.5 - 2500
10 - 30

Sarcina (2)
500 - 2500
60

Trichophyton (2)
1000
60

Aspergillus (2)
1000
30

Mima (1)
2500
60

Herella (1)
2500
60

Edwardsiella (1)
2500
60

Citrobacter (1)
2500
60

Providencia (1)
1000
60

Acienetobacter (1)
3.75
10

Epidermophyton (1)
1000
60

Microsporum (1)
1000
60

Pencillium (1)
1000
30

Nocardia (1)
2500
60


[vi] STERILIZATION ACTION OF CHLORINE AND IODINE ON BACTERIA AND VIRUSES IN WATER SYSTEMS; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD SCHOOLOF HYGIENE AND PUBLIC HEALTH; Final rept. 1 Jul 1962-30 Jun 1966; _http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0476804

[vii] Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. (1998) Iodine nutrition in the United States. Trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971-1974 and 1988-1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83: 3401-3408

[viii] The iodine content of most foods depends on the iodine content of the soil in which it was raised. Seafood is rich in iodine because marine animals can concentrate the iodine from seawater. Certain types of seaweed (e.g. wakame) are also very rich in iodine. Processed foods may contain slightly higher levels of iodine due to the addition of iodized salt or food additives, such as calcium iodate and potassium iodate. Dairy products are relatively good sources of iodine because iodine is commonly added to animal feed in the U.S. In the U.K. and northern Europe, iodine levels in dairy products tend to be lower in summer when cattle are allowed to graze in pastures with low soil iodine content . The table below lists the iodine content of some iodine-rich foods in micrograms (mcg). Because the iodine content of foods can vary considerably, these values should be considered approximate ;
_http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/iodine/

Food
Serving
Iodine (mcg)

Salt (iodized)
1 gram
77

Cod
3 ounces*
99

Shrimp
3 ounces
35

Fish sticks
2 fish sticks
35

Tuna, canned in oil
3 ounces (1/2 can)
17

Milk (cow's)
1 cup (8 fluid ounces)
56

Egg, boiled
1 large
29

Navy beans, cooked
1/2 cup
35

Potato with peel, baked
1 medium
63

Turkey breast, baked
3 ounces
34

Seaweed
1 ounce, dried
Variable; may be greater than 18,000 mcg (18 mg)

[ix] Iodine Metabolism; _http://iodine4health.com/overviews/clinicians/miller_clinician.htm


The RDA limits for vitamins and minerals were established after World War II. One of the last essential elements included in the RDA system was iodine, established in 1980 and confirmed in 1989. The RDA for iodine was based on the amount of iodine/iodide needed to prevent goiter, extreme stupidity and hypothyroidism. The optimal requirement of the whole human body for iodine has never been studied. Therefore, the optimal amount of this element for physical and mental wellbeing is unknown. Based on demographic studies, the mainland Japanese consumed an average of 13.8 mg daily and they are one of the healthiest people on planet earth. One tablet of Iodoral contains 12.5 mg iodine/iodide, an amount very close to the 13.8 mg average intake of mainland Japanese.
[xi] Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human body. The Original Internist, 9:30-41, 2002.

[xii] Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human body. The Original Internist, 9:30-41, 2002.

[xiii] _http://www.moh.gov.my/opencms/export/sites/default/moh/download/16_chat.pdf

[xiv] Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi. 1985 Nov 20;61(11):1249-58.Induction of cytosolic proteins controlling mitochondrial protein synthesis by thyroid hormone.

[xv] Stone OJ (1988) The role of the primitive sea in the natural selection of iodides as a regulating factor in inflammation. Med Hypotheses. 25:125-129

[xvi] [Iodine deficiency in cardiovascular diseases]; Molnar I, Magyari M, Stief L.Orv Hetil. 1998 Aug 30;139(35):2071-3.

[xvii] _http://www.sirinet.net/~jgjohnso/endoreview.html

[xviii] Orthoiodosupplementation in a Primary Care Practice; Jorge Fleches, M.D. _http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/IOD-10/IOD_10.htm

[xix] Cunnane SC (2005) Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution. World Scientific Publishing Company (Hardcover)

[xx] J Clin Endocr and Met 1998; 83:3401-08

[xxi] Dunn JT, Delange F (2001) Damaged reproduction: the most important consequence of iodine deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 8:2360-3

[xxii] Infant Survival Is Improved by Oral Iodine Supplementation; Cobra et al; The Journal of Nutrition Vol. 127 No. 4 April 1997, pp. 574-578 _http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/127/4/574

[xxiii] Damaged Reproduction: The Most Important Consequence of Iodine Deficiency; Dunn and Delange 86 (6): 2360. (2001) _http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/reprint/86/6/2360

[xxiv] Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2006 Summer;111(1-3):229-38.

[xxv] Tissue distribution of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, the essential trace elements associated with oxidant and/or antioxidant processes, was examined in iodine- and/or selenium-deficient rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2003 Dec;95(3):247-58 Entrez Pubmed

[xxvi] Iodine therapy is not as completely free from side effects as magnesium is but compared to medical treatments, thyroid drugs, and all the rest, iodine is very safe. Simply proceed with caution, follow directions vigilantly, and carefully monitor your results. It is always best to use a high quality iodine supplement and to start with low dosages and work the dosages up slowly

Came across a surprising information (to me, at least) here-
http://www.naturalnews.com/022313_saturated_fat_coconut_oil_fats.html


Ray Peat Ph.D., a physiologist who has worked with progesterone and related hormones since 1968, says that the sudden surge of polyunsaturated oils in the food chain post World War II has caused many changes in hormones. He writes:

Their [polyunsaturated oils] best understood effect is their interference with the function of the thyroid gland. Polyunsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. When the thyroid hormone is deficient, the body is generally exposed to increased levels of oestrogen. The thyroid hormone is essential for making the ‘protective hormones’ progesterone and pregnenolone, so these hormones are lowered when anything interferes with the function of the thyroid. The thyroid hormone is required for using and eliminating cholesterol, so cholesterol is likely to be raised by anything that blocks the thyroid function (http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/efatox.rtf)
It is very interesting to note that high cholesterol is not a sign of eating too much saturated fat. High cholesterol in a lot of the cases is due to an under-active thyroid which affects the liver as well as the many loops and feedback systems within the endocrine system. Stress and the over consumption of carbohydrates/sugars also form high levels of cholesterol.



-9r5-

Our ancestors did not evolve on very large doses of Iodine. It makes no sense that the human body would have developed a
need for Iodine hugely excceeding what was avaliable in land diets.

Our ancestors also did not evolve on very large doses of bromide, fluoride, chlorine, and loads of heavy metals. Hence this huge amount of iodine is simply a corrective measure to counteract what our present-day food and environment give us, returning us to the systemic balance we need. Our ancestors dealt with these same measures on much smaller scales than we need to, so smaller amounts of iodine found within food would suffice.

N/A you raise a good point.

I am of the opinion that high dose iodine works in the way high dose vitamins do, for a massively over burdened system the body utilizes it for short term detoxification, but becomes too much for the long term.

I'd like to see abrahams patients in 10-20 years from now having taken 12g of lugols everday, that would be interesting.

Having said that I'll continue to reiterate that food/kelp is your healthiest source of iodine. To add to that, fermented kelp is even better.

Here are some thoughts for discussion.

"With Abraham’s work, and its popularization by physicians such as Jorgas and Brownstein, many health-conscious individuals began taking Lugol’s solution regularly, even without medical supervision. A challenge to this practice came from Dr. Alan Gaby in an editorial published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, August/September 2005.25

“Recently, a growing number of doctors have been using iodine supplements in fairly large doses in their practices,” wrote Gaby. “The treatment typically consists of 12 to 50 mg per day of a combination of iodine and iodide, which is 80 to 333 times the RDA of 150 mcg (0.15 mg) per day. Case reports suggest that iodine therapy can improve energy levels, overall well-being, sleep, digestive problems and headaches. People with hypothyroidism who experienced only partial improvement with thyroid hormone therapy are said to do better when they start taking iodine. In addition, fibrocystic breast disease responds well to iodine therapy, an observation that has been documented previously. The reported beneficial effects of iodine suggest that some people have a higher-than-normal requirement for this mineral, or that it favorably influences certain types of metabolic dysfunction.

“While iodine therapy shows promise, I am concerned that two concepts being put forth could lead to overzealous prescribing of this potentially toxic mineral. First is the notion that the optimal dietary iodine intake for humans is around 13.8 mg per day, which is about 90 times the RDA and more than 13 times the ‘safe upper limit’ of 1 mg per day established by the World Health Organization. Second is the claim that a newly developed iodine-load test can be used as a reliable tool to identify iodine deficiency."

Gaby takes issue with the argument that the optimal human requirement is 13.8 mg per day, by noting that “the idea that Japanese people consume 13.8 mg of iodine per day appears to have arisen from a misinterpretation of a 1967 paper. In that paper, the average intake of seaweed in Japan was listed as 4.6 g (4,600 mg) per day, and seaweed was said to contain 0.3 percent iodine. The figure of 13.8 mg comes from multiplying 4,600 mg by 0.003. However, the 4.6 g of seaweed consumed per day was expressed as wet weight, whereas the 0.3 percent-iodine figure was based on dry weight. Since many vegetables contain at least 90 percent water, 13.8 mg per day is a significant overestimate of iodine intake. In studies that have specifically looked at iodine intake among Japanese people, the mean dietary intake (estimated from urinary iodine excretion) was in the range of 330 to 500 mcg per day, which is at least 2.5-fold lower than 13.8 mg per day."

Regarding the other argument in support of a high iodine requirement, namely that it takes somewhere between 6 and 14 mg of oral iodine per day to keep the thyroid gland fully saturated with iodine, “. . . it is not clear that loading the thyroid gland or other tissues with all the iodine they can hold is necessarily a good thing. . . Our thyroid glands have developed a powerful mechanism to concentrate iodine, and some thyroid glands (or other tissues) might not function as well after a sudden 90-fold increase in the intake of this mineral. . . relatively small increases in dietary iodine intake have been reported to cause hypothyroidism or other thyroid abnormalities in some people.”

As for the observation that iodine supplementation “promotes the urinary excretion of potentially toxic halogens such as bromide and fluoride. While that effect might be beneficial for some people, it is not clear to what extent it would shift the risk-benefit ratio of megadose iodine therapy for the general population.”

Abraham and colleagues promote the use of the iodine-load test, in which the patient ingests 50 mg of a combination of iodine and iodide and the urine is collected for the next twenty-four hours. The patient is considered to be iodine-deficient if less than 90 percent of the administered dose is excreted in the urine, on the premise that a deficient person will retain iodine in the tissues, rather than excrete it in the urine. According to the literature of a laboratory that offers it, 92-98 percent of patients who have taken the iodine-load test were found to be deficient in iodine.

According to Gaby, “the validity of the test depends on the assumption that the average person can absorb at least 90 percent of a 50-mg dose. It may be that people are failing to excrete 90 percent of the iodine in the urine not because their tissues are soaking it up, but because a lot of the iodine is coming out in the feces. There is no reason to assume that a 50-mg dose of iodine, which is at least 250 times the typical daily intake, can be almost completely absorbed by the average person. While this issue has not apparently been studied in humans, cows fed supraphysiological doses of iodine (72 to 161 mg per day) excreted approximately 50 percent of the administered dose in the feces.”

Gaby expressed concerns about iodine toxicity: “Fairly modest increases in iodine intake have been reported to cause thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. In a study of 33 Japanese patients with hypothyroidism, the median serum TSH level decreased from 21.9 mU/L to 5.3 mU/L (indicating an improvement in the hypothyroidism), and one-third became euthyroid, when the patients stopped eating seaweed and other high-iodine foods for 1-2 months. In a survey of 3,300 children aged 6-12 years from five continents, thyroid glands were twice as large in children with high dietary iodine intake (about 750 mcg per day), compared with children with more normal iodine intake. While the significance of that finding is not clear, it suggests the possibility of iodine-induced goiter. In addition, there is epidemiological evidence that populations with 'sufficient' or 'high normal' dietary iodine intake have a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis, compared with populations with deficient iodine intake. In a study of children in a mountainous area of Greece with a high prevalence of goiter, public-health measures taken to eliminate iodine deficiency were followed by a three-fold increase in the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis. In addition, modest increases in dietary iodine have been suspected to cause hyperthyroidism in some people, an effect that is known to occur with larger doses of iodine.

“Other well-known side effects of excessive iodine intake include acne, headaches, allergic reactions, metallic taste in the mouth and parotid gland swelling. While the doses of iodine reported to cause those side effects have often been higher than those currently being recommended, some people appear to be especially sensitive to the adverse effects of iodine.” Gaby concludes: “The possibility that high-dose iodine/iodide can relieve certain common conditions is intriguing. Considering the positive anecdotal reports, an empirical trial of iodine/iodide therapy, based on the clinical picture, seems reasonable. The case has not been made, however, that the average person should markedly increase his or her iodine intake in an attempt to saturate the tissues with iodine. Nor has the case been made that the iodine-load test can provide reliable guidance regarding the need for iodine therapy. Thyroid function should be monitored in patients receiving more than 1 mg of iodine per day.”

Subsequent counter arguments by Drs Abraham and Brownstein and rebuttals by Dr. Gaby focused on the amount of iodine in the Japanese diet and the safety of ingesting large amounts. An important point made by Abraham and Brownstein is that the requirement for iodine depends on the goitrogen load. Bromine, now very prevelant in the food supply, is a goitrogen, and may increase our need for iodine. They also claim that many of the toxic effects reported in the literature were due to radioactive forms of iodine. Finally, they dispute the assertion that the values of iodine in seaweed consumed by the Japanese were computed in dry weight. “The average daily intake of iodine by mainland Japanese in 1963 was 13.8 mg, based on information supplied by the Japanese Ministry of Health, which used only dry weight in their calculations, confirmed by a phone interview of one of us (GEA) on June 21, 2005, with officials of this organization."26

Abrahams and Brownstein also defended the urine test for iodine loading, noting studies showing that organic iodine is not excreted in the feces. They also cited their own clinical experience. “Our experience at the Center for Holistic Medicine has shown that patients with the lowest urinary iodide levels on the loading tests are often the most ill. Many of these patients with very low urine iodide levels following the loading test have severe illnesses such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer or autoimmune thyroid disorders. All of these conditions have been shown in the literature to be associated with iodine deficiency. Positive clinical results were seen in most of these patients after supplementation of orthoiodosupplementation within the range of 6.25-50 mg of iodine/iodide (1/2 to 4 tablets of Lugol in tablet form).”27

In response, Gaby noted that “all but one of the references I cited discussed the adverse effects of inorganic iodine” and that while Dr. Lugol did use high doses of his combination iodine/potassium iodide compound, “they were recommended primarily to treat infections (iodine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent) and hyperthyroidism, not as routine nutritional support for the average person.” Finally, he notes a review article, published in 2000, in which the authors state that in the 1920s and 1930s, when potassium iodide (KI) was widely used, many patients died of KI-induced side effects, particularly pulmonary edema and associated heart failure.28
Conclusions

It is axiomatic that there are no uncomplicated issues in the field of diet and health - and the subject of iodine is no exception. What conclusions can we draw from these conflicting assertions about iodine, especially supplementation containing iodide?

Let’s start by looking at the RDI of 100-150 mcg iodine per day. Most would argue that this intake is too low. Yet it is in line with what Weston Price reports in primitive diets. In preliminary analyses, he found a range of 24-32 mcg daily for the northern American Indians and 131-175 daily for the Inuit.29 Apparently the Inuit of the far north do not eat seaweed.30 Unfortunately, Price did not carry out more extensive measurements, especially among those he reported to eat seaweed—the Gaelic peoples of the Outer Hebrides and the Andean Indians of Peru.

It appears to be bery difficult to estimate the iodine intake in diets that contain seaweed. Based on the reported values in seaweed, some have claimed levels of 12 mg (12,000 mcg) in Japanese diets,31 leading Abraham and Brownstein to propose that “only mainland Japanese consume adequate amounts of iodine and that 99 percent of the world population are deficient in inorganic, non-radioactive iodine; that is, they have not reached whole body sufficiency for that essential element.”32

However, a published analysis of iodine intake in Japan found a range of 45-1921 mcg per day,33 and Weston Price found healthy peoples consuming iodine amounts in the lower end of this range. Furthermore, without seaweed, it would be very difficult to exceed 1,000 mcg per day, based on values found in typical traditional foods (see chart, page 47). For example, one meal of cod, one meal of shellfish including the 20 grams of the hepatopancreas, and one meal of mussels, plus additional meat, vegetables and legumes would supply about 1,000 mcg iodine; diets based on meat, even organ meats, would supply considerably less.

The late distinguished researcher Emmanual Cheraskin and his colleagues conducted a survey of reported total number of clinical symptoms and signs (as judged from the Cornell Medical Index Health Questionnaire) and correlated the findings with average iodine consumption. An intake of approximately 1,000 mcg per day correlated with the lowest number of reported symptoms, that is, the highest level of health.34

Abraham and Brownstein argue that the human iodine requirement is 1,500 mcg per day (1.5 mg) which is difficult to achieve without using seaweed, iodized salt or supplementation. They argue that because of widespread bromide and fluoride toxicity, most people today require between 5 and 50 mg per day, amounts only possible with supplementation; they do note that such supplementation should only be taken under the supervision of a physician to monitor iodine status.35

We cannot ignore the many reports of improved health using various types of iodine supplementation—whether through tincture of iodine on the skin, the atomidine protocol recommended by Edgar Cayce or use of iodine/potassium iodide compounds as proposed by Drs. Abraham and Brownstein. Increased exposure to goitrogenic mercury, bromides and fluoride compounds, and soy products ubiquitous in the food supply, coupled with declining levels of thyroid-supporting nutrients such as selenium and vitamin A in modern diets, may explain why some people need much higher levels of iodine than those found in traditional diets. Dr. Brownstein is to be credited with alerting the public to the dangers of bromides increasingly used in processed foods, sodas, vegetable oils, breads and even replacing iodine in teat washes for dairy cows, as well as in thousands of consumer products.

The Abraham protocol does carry a risk of adverse reactions and should be carried out under the supervision of a physician with experience in using it. As these physicians point out, consuming iodine in milligram doses should be coupled with a complete nutritional program that includes adequate amounts of selenium and magnesium, and, they claim, omega-3 fatty acids, and with careful supervision of detoxing reactions. According to Dr. Brownstein, chloride increases renal clearance of bromide and the use of salt or ammonium chloride shortens the time required for bromide detoxification. He recommends oral administration of sodium chloride (6-10 gm per day) or intravenous sodium chloride for increasing the renal clearance of bromide.31

Dr. Gaby’s call for a careful study should not be ignored. Not every physician reports the sterling results described by doctors using the Abraham protocol, and some individuals—including this author—have experienced adverse reactions to Lugol’s solution. The study should include a control group and groups using other iodine therapies, such as tincture of iodine on the skin, the atomidine protocol or even oral supplementation with elemental iodine rather than the iodine/potassium iodine combination. Comparison of the iodine-load urine test with the blood test for iodine status in relation to various symptoms of thyroid deficiency is another area begging for further research. Studies involving even a small number of individuals would be helpful in providing further answers to the great iodine debate.

SIDEBARS
Food Sources of Iodine

PLANT FOODS: Any food grown near the sea is likely to contain iodine, but especially rich sources include asparagus, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, strawberries, spinach, pineapple and leafy greens. Coconut products, which always grow near the ocean, are good sources of iodine. Blackstrap molasses also provides iodine.

SEAFOOD: Iodine levels vary widely in fish and shellfish, but all seafoods contain some iodine. In published reports, cod, haddock, whiting, oysters and mussels test high. The hepatopancreas (yellow “butter” or “mustard”) in lobster tested as an extremely rich source and it is likely that the hepatopancreas of other saltwater shellfish would contain high levels of iodine as well."

Here is the link if you want to read more

http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/metabolic-disorders/1662-the-great-iodine-debate.html

"Our ancestors did not evolve on very large doses of Iodine. It makes no sense that the human body would have developed a
need for Iodine hugely excceeding what was avaliable in land diets."

One of the reason why we are iodine deficient is that the soil of our ancestors and therefor the plants contained many times the iodine. Same with other minerals.....

"Our ancestors also did not evolve on very large doses of bromide, fluoride, chlorine, and loads of heavy metals. Hence this huge amount of iodine is simply a corrective measure to counteract what our present-day food and environment give us, returning us to the systemic balance we need."

Good point! If you're free of metals your need for iodine should decrease considerably. Same with other minerals.....

This is 2011. Anyone who doubts iodine maybe looking too much at old research.

Without iodine we die.

It's needed in every cell in the human body.

In the last 30 years iodine levels have plummeted.

Iodine supplementation will increase the lifespan.

The information about Omega-6 is slightly incorrect. Oxidized Omega-6 fatty acids (the kind that everyone eats in processed food) may suppress the thyroid. However, unrefined Omega-6 is important for the body and with 100 times the RDA of iodine will produce &-iodolactone, which causes apoptosis in breast cancer and thyroid cancer.

http://www.hormones.gr/pdf/HORMONES%202010%2060-66.pdf

LooseGroove wrote:I've been taking heavy doses of iodine since July of 2010. I started off with the reccomended 12.5 mg a day and worked my way up to over 200 mg a day. I made sure to take vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium with it. When i first started it, I went through a major detox. I felt like crap for about a month. Brain fog, headaches, and a huge shed. But I stuck with it because I READ this site and UNDERSTOOD what was going on. The problem is that people are looking for a magic pill to cure their hair loss. It's not out there. Read the information on this site and understand that it's going to take time to fix the problems that are causing our hair loss.

Do you feel iodine has helped your hair loss since then?

Smurfy wrote:Our ancestors also did not evolve on very large doses of bromide, fluoride, chlorine, and loads of heavy metals. Hence this huge amount of iodine is simply a corrective measure to counteract what our present-day food and environment give us, returning us to the systemic balance we need. Our ancestors dealt with these same measures on much smaller scales than we need to, so smaller amounts of iodine found within food would suffice.

Like pancacke pointed out, I think this is a worthy point to consider aswell.

Yes it seems we have a larger need for iodine in this day and age just like a smoker has a greater need for vitamin C, but my question is once the bromide, fluoride, heavy metals are removed and one is in a situation where exposure to these things are extremely minimal to non existent, are massive doses of iodine needed?

I don't question the necessity of iodine, just the optimal dosage for the long term.

Silverlin wrote:

Smurfy wrote:Our ancestors also did not evolve on very large doses of bromide, fluoride, chlorine, and loads of heavy metals. Hence this huge amount of iodine is simply a corrective measure to counteract what our present-day food and environment give us, returning us to the systemic balance we need. Our ancestors dealt with these same measures on much smaller scales than we need to, so smaller amounts of iodine found within food would suffice.

Like pancacke pointed out, I think this is a worthy point to consider aswell.

Yes it seems we have a larger need for iodine in this day and age just like a smoker has a greater need for vitamin C, but my question is once the bromide, fluoride, heavy metals are removed and one is in a situation where exposure to these things are extremely minimal to non existent, are massive doses of iodine needed?

I don't question the necessity of iodine, just the optimal dosage for the long term.

Once you get that junk out of your system, you would only need a small "maintenance" dose. It's the initial huge amount that matters. The amount taken should be proportional to the amount of said halogens and metals still in you. Epic amounts of iodine like we're suggesting are only initial as I see it... you should really only be taking higher amounts (mgs) if you're constantly bombarded by these toxins (aka swimmer, showering, baked stuff, etc).

Personally, for the last 4 months I've taken 12-90mg daily. After the detox symptoms one week into it, I don't feel any different on the 12mg or 90mg days, but soon I'll lower it to 1 drop of lugol's per day or less, for that's what our bodies were more meant to handle.

Oh and sustained high amounts just seems wasteful. You readily excrete any leftovers.

Decro435 wrote:Seems like CS isn't as engaged in this board anymore, same goes for JDP, MisterE etc... I guess he's just busy with HealthyFixx.

I wonder where MisterE has gone... Havnen't been here in a long time. There was some post about him and accusing him of the deterioriation of quality on this forum. He probably took it personaly and quit here... But that is just my guess...

Jeruslan

Smurfy wrote:Personally, for the last 4 months I've taken 12-90mg daily. After the detox symptoms one week into it, I don't feel any different on the 12mg or 90mg days, but soon I'll lower it to 1 drop of lugol's per day or less, for that's what our bodies were more meant to handle.

Oh and sustained high amounts just seems wasteful. You readily excrete any leftovers.

One drop won't be enough or doesn't make much of a difference. What people don't get is that you really can't overdose that easily, you're body would tell you way before. With 10-15 drops you can't do nothing wrong.....iodine is also the least expensive supp of mine.

Anyone interested in iodine should read this exchange between Gaby (a skeptic) and Abraham/Brownstein ("iodine docs").

http://www.iodine4health.com/ortho/debate_ortho.htm

Concluding remarks from the skeptic:

If Dr. Brownstein has done before-and-after thyroid antibody tests on all his patients, then his data might resolve the question of whether short-term treatment with high-dose iodine increases the incidence of thyroiditis. I urge him to publish his results. His data would not appear, however, to answer the question of whether long-term iodine therapy increases the incidence of thyroiditis, particularly since Dr. Brownstein only started using high-dose iodine routinely about three years ago.

Aside from my comments above, I see no value in continuing this debate. My concerns about iodine toxicity were stated in my editorial and in the rebuttals that followed. Those who have an interest in resolving these issues are urged to read the original research cited by Abraham/Brownstein and by me, and to reach their own conclusions.

I cannot accept Abraham/Brownstein's analogy between iodine and the Myers cocktail, with respect to the need for toxicity studies. While I am an advocate of the Myers cocktail, I have never stated that it is entirely safe. Indeed, I have described adverse reactions and potential toxicities and have recommended that it be administered with caution. I use the Myers cocktail to treat chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart failure, acute asthma, and several other conditions. I do not recommend that the entire human race receive Myers cocktails, as Abraham and Brownstein seem to be recommending for megadose iodine.

thissucks wrote:
Do you feel iodine has helped your hair loss since then?

It has absolutely helped. I honestly feel that if I wasn't taking iodine that I would still be losing hair. I've known for a few years that I had some sort of thyroid issue. It wasn't until I started reading this site that I was able to make an assumption that it stemmed from my mouthful of mercury fillings. So, I started supplementing with iodine based off of things I read on this forum. I realized it was helping so I dug further and did a heavy metal detox and increased the iodine. I feel that those 2 things, along with the top 6 have been instrumental for me. I can't say that I've seen any regrowth yet, but my hairloss has definitely stopped. I attribute a large part of that to iodine and doubt I could say that if I were only taking the top 6.

LooseGroove - That's great to hear, congrats. I want to try a metals detox and see how much it does for me. What was your heavy metals detox regimen?