Table of Contents
Iodine Cures
According to our readers, not only does iodine cure an impending cold or flu, it also cures acne, PMS, anxiety, allergies, hypothyroidism, bladder infections, moles, dermatitis and fibroystic breast disease!
Do you use iodine? Please let us know what cures it has offered you!
Due to the potential allergic reaction of iodine, some herbalists use some form of seaweed. A very mild form of iodine is liquid kelp. Small quantities of liquid kelp can be extremely useful since the benefits tend to be cumulative.
Note #1: We do not sell iodine (in fact, we don't sell anything on this site). We found "decolorized iodine" at Walmart last summer so you might start there.' Try a google search to find it online. We found Lugol's iodine at jcrows.com for $8.00/bottle. Since Lugol's solution is a prescription medication in the US, it is sometimes sold as a talisman (as on jcrows.com) without a prescription and labeled as a poison. However, it IS safe to take internally in small doses.
Note #2: If you have fair skin and are painting iodine in an obvious place (face, throat, etc) you might purchase colorless or decolorized iodine at the pharmacy or over the internet.
ADDITIONAL INFO AND SOURCES
Here is some additional info we found on the following website:
http://www.cancercontrolsociety.com/bio2005/flechas.html
"... Work done by many researchers over the last few years has shown that iodine is utilized by many different sections of the body. Twenty percent of all of the iodine sits in the human skin. A lack of iodine in the skin manifests as very dry skin and skin that does not sweat when an individual becomes hot. 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.
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. Flechas has recently been able to show that patients with insulin resistant diabetes have a partial to full remission of their illness in the presence of taking iodine. Iodine deficiency is also felt to be the source of ovarian cysts. With iodine replacement therapy the cysts disappear and women have stopped having ovarian cysts."
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FACT SHEET ON IODINE
Overview:
Iodine is a trace mineral produced by the body that is essential for normal growth and development. Seventy to eighty percent of iodine is found in the thyroid gland in the neck. The rest is distributed throughout the body, particularly in the ovaries, muscles, and blood. A deficiency of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels); symptoms of this condition include sluggishness, weight gain, and sensitivity to temperature changes. In infants and children, hypothyroidism can impair physical and mental development.
READER CORRECTION:
9/16/2006: Dan from Largo, FL corrects the first sentence from the above paragraph: "Regarding your fact sheet on iodine
which says: "Iodine is a trace mineral produced by the body that is essential for normal growth and development."
Since when?
Iodine is an essential mineral, in that it must be found in one's diet. The body has no way to produce its own iodine."
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IODINE DEFICIENCY
The classic sign of iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland. Some people with hypothyroidism develop an extremely large thyroid, known as goiter. Today, iodine deficiencies in the United States and other developed countries are rare because table salt is supplemented with iodine and crops in developed countries are generally grown in iodine-rich soil. In developing countries, however, where soil is often low in iodine, more than one billion people are estimated to be at risk for disorders caused by iodine deficiencies.
Uses
Iodine offers a variety of potential therapeutic uses, primarily in the prevention of hypothyroidism. A health care provider may also recommend iodine supplements for the following conditions:
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
There is some evidence to suggest that hypothyroidism and/or iodine deficiencies may contribute to the development of fibrocystic breast tissue. People with fibrocystic breasts experience tenderness, particularly just before menstruation. Certain foods may worsen breast tenderness such as caffeine (including from chocolate) and high fat foods. During a physical exam, the doctor can feel cysts and fibrous (hardened) tissue. A review of clinical studies found that iodine replacement therapy (particularly for those with low levels of iodine) may improve the tenderness associated with fibrocystic breast tissue. The women taking iodine experienced very few side effects.
Iodine deficiency has also been associated with ovarian cysts, breast cancer, thyroid goiter and hypothyroidism. Recent work in the field of iodine deficiency has shown that replacement therapy decreases the risk of breast cancer and promotes the reversal of fibrocystic breast disease.
Vaginitis
Many women with chronic vaginal symptoms use over-the-counter preparations such as iodine to relieve symptoms. Iodine, used as a douche, may reduce vaginal inflammation as well as the itching and discharge that go along with this health condition. Povidone-iodine has the advantage of iodine without the disadvantages of stinging and staining.
Douch for vaginitis: generally two tablespoons of an iodine solution to one quart of warm water once per day. Douching should not be done without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Wounds
Iodine is commonly used as a topical treatment for wounds. Ointments containing iodine are frequently used on burns to lower the risk of infection.
Dietary Sources
Iodized salt is the primary dietary source of iodine. Plant and animal sea life, such as shellfish, white deep-water fish, and brown seaweed kelp, absorb iodine from the water and are great sources of iodine. Garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, Swiss chard, summer squash, and turnip greens are also good sources of this mineral. Bakeries may also add iodine to dough as a stabilizing agent, making bread another source of iodine.
FOODS THAT PREVENT THE BODY FROM UTILIZING IODINE
Foods that prevent the body from using iodine are: turnip, cabbage, mustard greens, cassava root, soybeans, peanuts, pinenuts and millet. These foods are called goitrogens and excessive consumption can cause goiters. However, cooking usually inactivates goitrogens.
Available Forms of Iodine
Sodium iodide (iodine) is available as part of a multivitamin/mineral combination or as a topical treatment for wounds.
Precautions
Sudden, large doses of iodine may impair the production of thyroid hormones, causing hypothyroidism temporarily in someone with otherwise normal thyroid function. Excessive iodine intake can also increase the risk for other thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's, Graves', certain thyroid cancers, and thyrotoxicosis (a dangerous condition due to an excessive amount of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream). For these reasons, iodine supplementation is not recommended for people who live in areas where iodine levels are sufficient.
SEAWEED DOSAGES
11/24/2006: Our Bangkok contributor Ted writes, "Iodine is taken when you suspect you have a deficiency. But it is not taken everyday at all and often it is taken once or twice a week. Only when you know you need it. Seaweed contains both iodine and bromine, which generally means you can't overdose on iodine. The reason is simple: bromine displaces iodine. But when bromine and iodine are present together, it makes for iodine bioavailability, while bakery products high in bromine will displace the iodine. The interesting thing is when bromine and iodine (found in nature) as in seaweed are found together, once the body doesn't need iodine it can easily be removed due to the presence of bromine. I have not seen any case of excess iodine consumption from taking of seaweed, but I have seen quite often excess consumption of iodine when they are added in the salt and taken too much. The reason is nature presents us with many minerals in their respective ratios and their antagonism preventing such an overdose and allowing the body to achieve greater equilibrium. This issue appears to be consuming foods from natural rather than chemical if you fear of any possible overdose. Ted"
03/31/2009: Mona from Minneapolis, Minnesota replies: "A couple of comments on the above statements:
1. Iodine is found in every cell in the body and the thyroid is only one of the organs in the body that stores iodine. The mammary glands store even more iodine than the thyroid. Research being done by the Iodine Project is finding that women with breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease are all iodine deficient. There are also strong connections between iodine deficiency and ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. A study in Italy followed 26 pregnancies and children over 10 years and found that 11 of 16 children from iodine deficient area were diagnosed ADHD and each mother was iodine deficient during pregnancy. (None of the 11 children born in the iodine sufficient area had ADHD.) The thyroid's demonstration of an iodine deficiency by swelling (goiter) is a symptom known for well over a century. Goiter had been successfully treated with iodine therapy since the 1800's. Then in about 1948 a couple of scientists did a study and reported some misled and unsupported conclusions that sent iodine therapies for humans into oblivion. They sparked iodophobia within the world that may have caused the destruction to our health that is manifesting in many of our modern ailments and diseases.
2. "Today, iodine deficiencies in the United States and other developed countries are rare because table salt is supplemented with iodine and crops in developed countries are generally grown in iodine-rich soil. In developing countries, however, where soil is often low in iodine, more than one billion people are estimated to be at risk for disorders caused by iodine deficiencies."
This statement is inaccurate. The soil of the Great Lakes region of the US is extremely iodine-deficient and has been since the last glacier melted. The Great Lakes region is referred to as the "Goiter Bel." The population living there may have fewer goiters now, and the iodization of the table salt may have played a role, but so did the iodine used in the flour that made their bread and the iodine used to wash the dairy cow's udders. But the iodophobia that struck after WWII and the use of the competing, opportunistic, toxic halides--fluorine, chlorine, and bromine--in iodine's place is destroying our health. Iodized table salt remains on our grocers' shelves, but less than half of the population buys iodized salt, and the salt they are buying contains other harmful chemicals used in the processing of the salt. The iodine in bread has been replaced by bromine which is toxic to our bodies. We fluoridate and chlorinate our drinking water, both toxic, competing halides that will readily take over iodine's receptors in our bodies--but they don't do iodine's job!
Did you know that studies--several, good, strong studies--have been done around the world comparing the number of dental problems in the populations of fluoridated water communities to those of non-fluoridated communities and the studies show NO DIFFENENCES! Fluoride in your drinking water is not helping to ensure that you have fewer cavities, in fact, about only thing it might be doing for you is weakening your bones as it replaces the calcium in the structure. Think of that when your hip breaks!
Did you know that bromine is found in your bread, your soda pop, your mattress, your upholstery, your computer, your car, in the chemicals applied to your food supply, and in the chemicals you spray around your home to kill bugs?
On a much brighter note, did you know that the Iodine Project's research is finding that when your body has sufficient iodine, it can actually win back its territory and step back in to do the job these toxic, worthless, intruding cousins have not been doing? Iodine supplementation--inorganic, nonradioactive iodine, such as that found in Lugol's or Iodoral (tablet form of Lugol's) can detoxify your body, removing excess bromine and mercury and lead and others.
http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml
This link is a good starting point if you want to read some good information on iodine research. "
04/01/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Much of current research on iodine has been focused on intake of iodine, which is not a proper view of things for a couple of reasons. Namely halogens competing against iodine including chlorine, fluorine and bromine displaces iodine. Hence, in a place where there is fluoridated and chlorinated water, and where diets are high in white flour which uses bromine bleaching process all depletes iodine, so you end up having iodine deficiencies despite adequate levels of iodine intake. An iodine cannot be properly utilized also without sufficient tyrosine. There was a study of taking of inorganic iodine to resolve iodine deficiency but it failed to raise iodine levels up once deficiency has already happened. But what is so interesting is that the raising iodine levels seems to occur best if the iodine are in an organic forms found in seaweed and kelp and can raise the iodine levels. Exposure to fluoride, bromine and chlorine isn't helping so it's best to first avoid these other halogens as well as taking more bioavailable forms of iodine. More inorganic can help prevent some of the deficiencies and may also help ovarian cysts and fiborcystic disease as mentioned. And it's also likely that pregnant woman may need more supplements given to breast feeding has a good chance of depletion of iodine levels. And without sufficient iodine may lead to other conditions as well as ADHD and ADD, but I have also found mother who do have these condition to have a very high heavy metals during term pregnancy, including higher than average levels of cadmium, lead, mercury and other toxic heavy metals.
It is also important to note that when a person is afflicted with any number of conditions such as ovarian cysts for example, yes, iodine helps, but there were other factors that was in play also that seemed to significantly caused ovarian cyst such as the taking of birth control pills, such as estrogen or hormone replacement. What happens is that external sources of estrogen often leads to a hormonal shutdown whenever the body detects a spike of estrogen from pills, but this doesn't occur with hormonal patch, since the release is transdermal and the amount is small compared to taking pills which leads to a spike causing the body to shut down hormonal production for about 1-2 month, at which time the body becomes overly dependent to external hormones instead. During which time this lead to either polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or ovarian cysts. It tends to occur in woman after 30 years of age, more often rises significantly around 33 years of age. In which case ovarian pain can occur. What is so interesting is an ovarian cyst may occur as early as a woman in the mid 20s, such as 25 years of age due to past mold exposures in the home (something like a decade or more), the common one being the black mold, which generates aflatoxins and mycotoxins, that leads to a breakdown of proteins, especially the glandular functions such as ovaries, thymus, thyroid and adrenal, being the most frequent ones I have seen. The molds and fungus generally creates these mycotoxins in order to breakdown the the protein with which the fungus can grow, unfortunately these can be our own body's organ and it is this that it causes mensturation pain during or after menstruation period. The other issue that leads to cyst, besides low magnesium, excessive calcium and metabolic acidosis from acid forming foods, found mostly in the flour is the major issue of blood sugar. For a cyst to occur, a blood sugar spikes commonly occur after eating or a generally high blood sugar, leading to ovarian cysts being the most common issue, more so than the issue of iodine. In fact certain PCOS or ovarian cysts for example, the single most effective remedy I have found, after looking over many supplements such as vitamin B complex, selenium, iodine, magnesium, alkalization, which are indeed important, including copper, is the chromium. If long term chromium deficiency is there, it leads to a blood sugar problem and causes the calcium to be many times more soluble in blood leading to calcium accumulation of healthy tissue. Therefore the single most effective remedies against cysts, which leads to hirsute, is the chromium supplements. Iodine, selenium, and the other mentioned while important isn't as nearly important as alkalization and the need to control blood sugar, assuming on average person who consumes typical Western food. Many supplements have to be taken, but the two needs them most often and the dose for chromium is also higher than average, where the effective dose to deal with this condition appears to be 1500 mcg.
As to the fibrocystic disease, seems to be the issue of generalized glandular suppression, that occurs from overall high fluorine and chlorine exposure during young adult life plus an exposure to black molds, fungus in general. A vaccination is also high in mycoplasma, so that's not helping either, and most antibiotics are in fact made from fungus, so it may be possible to have certain forms of mycotoxins that leads to side effects and may not be just the antibiotics in itself.
What I am trying to say is I tend to view environmental exposure that needs to be considered first, and view each of the diseases that's needed to reverse the condition, then looking on any individual supplements to help. For each condition it needs a specific supplements as in the case of PCOS I have mentioned.
In another case a person may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and yes, iodine did help some, but tyrosine is also needed so that the body can utilize the iodine. However, for a chronic fatigue syndrome the most effective so far, at least in the short term is the hydrogen peroxide be added in the drinking water being the most helpful of all, especially if they are viral in nature.
So as you can see I tend to view the disease and the cause of disease and the environmental exposure as the primary way to look at finding the proper remedy. It's not easy solution, but it's the most effective way. Obviously a company which markets iodine or specific supplement may prefer to promote the one bullet theory, or someone I know to promote one other single theory which cures everything. It doesn't work that way because I have seen too many cases of people who thinks one supplement will do it, as in MMS, or colloidal silver, but that is rarely the case to get a cure. The best way is often an array of different supplements and the understanding of the cause, and environmental exposure that relates to that specific condition rather than any individual supplements.
Ted"
04/14/2009: Mona from Minneapolis, MN replies: ""Organic iodine" does not imply a form of iodine grown in natural conditions as in iodine from an organic farm. Iodine is a mineral, an element like iron, aluminum, or gold. "Organic iodine," therefore, would be an iodic compound that contains a carbon atom, as in a compound formulated in a laboratory that contains iodine molecule(s) and carbon molecule(s), such as ethylenediamide dihydriodide salt (Organic Iodine 20). The correct statement for the type of iodine present in seaweed is "inorganic iodine," meaning a compound of iodine that does not contain a carbon molecule(s), such as potassium iodide or sodium iodide (both salts of iodine). The inorganic, nonradioactive iodines are the only forms of iodine which are safe for the body.
Organic iodines are present in pharmaceuticals, such as the organically-bound iodine used in radiographic studies (x-ray or CT "contrast"). Radioactive iodine, or radioiodine, is the isotopic versions of iodine used in nuclear medical studies and in radioactive iodine thyroid treatment. Radioactive iodine is also the toxic fallout from nuclear reactor explosions such as the one at Chernobyl. "
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IODINE DEFICIENCY BY ROBERT SARVER
Copyrighted 2005 by Robert Sarver
Published with the permission of the author.
Iodine Deficiency
By Robert Sarver
Dr. David Brownstein has a US medical practice dealing primarily with thyroid patients. He has been quite successful treating hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with the iodine/iodide supplement Iodoral that is available over the Internet without prescription. Dr. Brownstein believes that the usual thyroid medication prescribed by doctors is the wrong treatment because it does not deal with the underlying iodine deficiency problem. All cells in the body need iodine for proper functioning. All glands (thyroid, adrenal, etc.) especially need iodine for the production of hormones. Dr. Brownstein believes that iodine deficiency is a major cause of breast cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs such as ovarian, uterus and prostrate cysts and cancers. Iodine levels in US soil have fallen 50 per cent over the past 50 years and soil in the US is deficient in iodine. The Great Lakes region has some of lowest soil iodine levels in the world and this results in high levels of cancers related to iodine deficiency. Dr. Brownstein has been quite successful in treating fibrocystic breast disease (cysts in the breast) with iodine/iodine supplementation. In one case a 37 year-old woman with severe fibrocystic breast disease was completely cured after supplementing with 50 mgs of iodine a day for two months. Women with large breasts need more iodine than women with smaller breasts. Other medical authorities agree that iodine deficiency can lead to fibrocystic breast disease and/or ovarian cysts. [1] [2] [3] Iodine can similarly reduce uterine fibroids and one of the first conventional medical treatments for severe fibroids was to paint the uterus with iodine. [4] Some other medical conditions associated with iodine deficiency are goiters, Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s Disease, fatigue and impaired immune system function. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and reduced IQ in surviving offspring. [5] The World Health Organization says that iodine deficiency is the largest single cause of mental retardation. Iodine also detoxifies the body by removing mercury, fluorides, chlorides, and bromides.
If iodine/iodide are so crucial in the body, why hasn’t there been more research studies published? Dr. Brownstein believes that because iodine cannot be patented there is no incentive for the drug companies to perform the research. Iodized salt and the iodine supplements usually found in health food stores contain the iodide form of iodine. Dr. Brownstein has had little success treating patients with only iodide. The supplement Iodoral contains both the iodide (reduced) and iodine (oxidized) forms of iodine because the body needs both forms. The US RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. Iodoral contains 100 times (12.5 mgs) the RDA’s requirement of iodine/iodide. It seems the conventional medical establishment again has grossly underestimated the amount of a nutrient needed for good health. According to Dr. G. E. Abraham, “Of all the elements known so far to be essential for health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet, it is by far the safest of all the trace elements known to be essential for human health. It is the only trace element that can be ingested safely in amounts up to 100,000 times the RDA. For example, potassium iodide has been prescribed safely to pulmonary patients in daily amounts of up to 6.0 gm/day, in large groups of such patients for several years. It is important however to emphasize that this safety record only applies to inorganic nonradioactive iodine/iodide, not to organic iodine-containing drugs and to radioiodides.” [6]
Seafood and sea plants such as kelp (seaweed) are good dietary sources of iodine but few people in the US consume enough of these foods. On a personal note, I found sellers of Iodoral on the Internet and purchased 180 tablets for $40. The usual dosage as a supplement is one tablet a day but up to four tablets a day can be taken for medical conditions under a knowledgeable MD’s supervision. For those interested in knowing more about iodine’s function in preventing and treating diseases, four of Dr. Brownstein’s video clips located at http://vitamincfoundation.org/videos. Dr. Brownstein’s home page and links to his books are located at http://www.drbrownstein.com/iodine.shtml. His books include “Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It”, “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders” and “Salt: Your Way to Health” which encourages consumption of sea salt in order to obtain many trace minerals. Informative research papers about iodine are at http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml. Iodine deficiency may be a major contributor to the widespread arthritis problems in the US. A folk remedy for arthritis is consumption of two drops of Lugol’s solution each day. Two drops of Lugol’s solution contain the same amount of iodine as one Iodoral tablet. Lugol’s solution is a water solution of 10 per cent potassium iodide and 5 per cent elemental iodine. Iodine deficiency may be a major contributor to the widespread emotional disorders in the US. A folk remedy for the treatment of some emotional disorders is consumption of two drops of Lugol's solution each day. Hormones control body weight. Malfunctioning glandular systems due to iodine deficiency may be a major cause of the overweight problem in the US.
References:
[1] J. D. Fleches, MD, http://www.helpmythyroid.com/iodine.htm
[2] Abraham, G. E., Flechas, J. D., Hakala, J. C., “Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human body”, http://www.helpmythyroid.com/IOD-02.html
[3] James Howenstine, MD, “Iodine is vital for good health”, http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm
[4] Herb and Supplement Encyclopedia, http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/healthinformation/encyclopedias/Iodine.asp
[5] Iodine Deficiency Disorder, http://indorgs.virginia.edu/iccidd/aboutidd.htm
[6] G. E. Abraham, MD, “The safe and effective implementation of orthoiodosupplementation in medical practice”, http://www.helpmythyroid.com/IOD50.htm
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LUGOL'S CURES SALMONELLA POISONING
WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO IODINE!!
Here is a remedy that's been around quite a long time. It stops Salmonella poisoning immediately. Also used to treat Giardia. If you have gas and bloating and suspect Salmonella poisoning, here's the recipe:
1/2 glass of water.
Add 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine Solution.
Stir and drink in entirety.
You will feel better within an hour. Take this 4x a day, after meals and at bedtime, for 3 days in a row, then as needed.
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MORE ABOUT IODINE DEFICIENCY CAUSED BY TABLE SALT
J.C. Jarvis, M.D. author of Folk Medicine was particularly fond of iodine replacement due to the chorine content of our drinking water. He writes: "The clinical activity of any one of these four halogens is in inverse proportion to its atomic weight. This means that any one of the four can displace the element with a higher atomic weight, but cannot displace an element with a lower atomic weight. For example, flourine can displace chlorine, bromine and iodine because flourine has a lower atomic weight than the other three. Similarly, chlorine can displace bromine and iodine because they both have a higher atomic weight. Likewise, bromine can displace iodine from the body because iodine has a higher atomic weight. But a reverse order is not possible. A knowledge of this well-known chemical law brings us to a consideration of the addition of chlorine to our drinking water as a purifying agent. We secure a drinking water that is harmful to the body not because of its harmful germ content but because the chlorine content now causes the body to lose the much-needed iodine..."
(Folk Medicine, Henry Holt & Co., 1958, HB, p. 136)
To counter the effects of iodine loss, Dr. Jarvis recommended various methods including: eating foods rich in iodine: food from the ocean, radishes, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, rhubarb, potatoes, peas, strawberries, mushrooms, lettuce, bananas, cabbage, egg yolk, and onions; Painting a small area of the body with tincture of iodine; and taking preparations known to be rich in iodine, including cod liver oil, kelp tablets.
Dr. Jarvis was very keen on Lugol's iodine for treating various illnesses, including colds and flu, and for countering the effects of stress: He writes, "Supposing you do follow the suggestions outlined above and find that some weeks the pressures of your private and your business life are causing you to lose the ability to bounce back. Then you should add a drop of Lugol's solution of iodine to your glass of apple or grape juice at breakfast, or you may take it in the mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. The point is that the potassium in the solution (Lugol's is 5% potassium iodine) blocks off the body mechanism that organizes for aggressive action, releasing its hold on the body when opportunity for rest and relaxation arises. The iodine swings into action the body and the building up and storing of body reserves. When working under pressure, include the Lugol's solution dose each day until the period of pressure passes. If it should happen that your body becomes saturated with iodine, you will find that there is an increase of moisture in the nose. If this occurs, omit the iodine until the nose is normal.
Lugol's Iodine can be purchased in some drug stores or over the internet.
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USING IODINE TO PURIFY YOUR WATER
Iodine is a very effective method for water purification. Iodine destroys bacteria, viruses and cysts, and its action is dependent on its concentration, the water temperature and duration of contact. A concentration of 8 mgs per litre 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.
Various preparations of iodine are available, including tincture of iodine, iodine crystals and tablets. Manufacturers instructions should be followed in each case. With tincture of iodine, adequate levels are normally achieved by using 4 drops to 1 litre of water or one drop to a glass. As with all halogens it is less effective against cryptosporidia.
Iodine has been used safely for periods of several months, however it is not known whether there are adverse effects associated with longer term use. Those with a history of thyroid disease or iodine allergy, the pregnant and the very young may be advised against using iodine for water purification.
The taste of iodine can be largely removed by neutralising the iodine, after it has had time to work, with dissolvable vitamin C tablets, lime or lemon juice. It should be noted that this also stops the disinfectant action, so care should be taken to prevent recontamination of water.
Tincture of Iodine: USP tincture of iodine contains 2% iodine and 2.4% sodium iodide dissolved in 50% ethyl alcohol. For water purification use, the sodium iodide has no purification effect, but contributes to the total iodine dose. Thus it is not a preferred source of iodine, but can be used if other sources are not available. 0.4 cc's (or 8 drops) of USP tincture (2% iodine) added to a liter of water will give the 8 mg/l (same as 8 PPM). If the iodine tincture isn't compounded to USP specs, then you will have to calculate an equal dose based on the iodine concentration.
Lugol's solution: Contains 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide. 0.15 cc (3 drops) can be added per liter of water, but 3 times more iodine is consumed compared to sources without iodide.
Betadyne (povidone iodine) Some have recommended 8 drops of 10% povidone iodine per liter of water as a water treatment method, claiming that at low concentrations povidone iodine can be regarded as a solution of iodine. One study indicated that at 1:10,000 dilution (2 drops/liter), there was 2 PPM iodine, while another study resulted in conflicting results. However, at 8 drops/liter, there is little doubt that there is an antimicrobial effect. The manufacturer hasn't spent the money on testing this product against EPA standard tests, but in other countries it has been sold for use in field water treatment.
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1 WARNING!
11/16/2007: SKS from Ann Arbor, Michigan writes: "First of all, thank you so much for this great website! Regarding Lugol's Iodine, apparently, its formulation has been changed. I purchased it on the web and received a brochure along stating that effective August 31, 2007 Lugol's would only be available as 2% iodine:4% K Iodide:94% dist.H2O..."
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05/23/2007: Tom from Midland, Texas writes: "Lugol's Solution bought at Walmart: I special ordered Lugol's Solution at the local Walmart Pharmacy. Next day delivery. $30.03 for 500 mL."
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04/17/2007: Rachel from Reno, Nevada writes: "Last week I purchased decolorized iodine at Rite-Aid. A 2-ounce bottle was $4.59."
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03/29/2007: Ginny from Tampa, Florida writes: "I found decolorized iodine at our local CVS drugstore for $2.16 for a one-ounce bottle."
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03/27/2007: Dawn from Arlington, VA writes: "I found decolorized Iodine on Ebay for $3/bottle/1 ounce. The seller has over 1,000 in inventory."
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03/25/2007: Tamara (twis113[at]yahoo.com) from Houston, TX writes: "I had a lot of trouble finding decolorized iodine also, but I found it online. Try searching 'iodo blanco'! Good luck all!"
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03/14/2007: Brad from Winnipeg, MB writes: "I cannot find lugol's anywhere in canada- it is possibly not approved. i did see lugol's iodine for marine purposes such as fish tanks. is this the same and can i take it internally or paint it? thanks, Brad"
EC: Probably the same, Brad. Suggest you write one of the distributors in the U.S. like jcrows.com and see what they have to say.
04/19/2009: Louis from Courtenay, BC replies: "Hi Brad,
In regards to purchasing Lugol it is available in Canada with no restrictions (for now anyway), an you can purchase it at xenex lab. I just got some 500ml for $43.00 CAD including delivery and tax.
Good luck
Louis"
05/20/2009: Cindy from Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada replies: "I have checked all over for the Lugol's Iodine, and cannot find it anywhere, I did check the website for Xenex Labs, and you cannot direct order from them. Is there anywhere else to Look?"
05/20/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. replies: "You can order Lugol's Iodine online. To comply with EC's guidelines, I can't post the URL or site name, however if you do a Google search you should find the online store that sells it.
Good Luck!"
EC: Feel free to send us urls for lugol's or food grade h202!
05/20/2009: Anonymous from Anonymous, USA replies: "Looks like Amazon.com might carry it. Wishing YOU well!"
05/21/2009: T from Maryland, USA replies: "J. Crow's has it in 2 strengths: http://www.jcrows.com/iodine.html"
05/21/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. replies: "I purchased Lugol's Iodine online from JCrow: http://www.jcrows.com/iodine.html. You'll have to scroll down the page a little to find the order form, but the page contains an abundance of info. on the Usefulness of Iodine. I don't have a link for food grade H202."
EC: Does JCrows ship to Canada?
05/21/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. replies: "JCrows does ship to Canada and other international countries."
05/21/2009: T from Maryland, USA replies: "It seems J. Crow's would ship to Canada. They have "Province" and "Country" as fields on their order form, and also this on the site:
"Phone or Fax Toll Free 1 800 878 1965 in US & Canada"
There's also this note on the order form: "Shipping on international orders figured at time of shipment"
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[WARNING!] A Reader writes: "Please be advised that if you buy clear iodine and mix it with Peroxide 50/50, after you dip your toe in the solution, the toe will become as discolored as from regular iodine. Not sure why this is, but it ruined my day :) So if you use those do at the same time, know that you will have brown toes."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/28/2009: T from Maryland, USA writes: "I must post about my recent experience with Atomidine (iodine trichloride) as it's been nothing short of amazing for me. I'd been intending to try Lugol's (after dithering due to reading some things warning thyroid/Hashimoto's patients off taking supplemental iodine). But so far I've yet to buy some. While browing online I ended up buying some Atomidine as it wasn't too expensive. I started taking a single drop most days in my usual water+ACV a few weeks ago, and it has made a seriously remarkable change for me!
After becoming very ill by the end of 2007 due to Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease), and finally self-diagnosing and spending a painful 2 grand to wring some meds out of appallingly ignorant and uncaring doctors (a rant for another time!), I've spent the last year or so greatly changing my diet, starting Levoxyl, taking supplements and researching like mad, trying this and that. I did improve some, but it's not been nearly enough to get me back to normal...until the Atomidine. I've hardly had the chance to haunt EC like I normally do because I'm off and out getting so much done! Not only do I have more energy, I have MOTIVATION (that's been a very elusive thing!). I do still have 'down' time but it's not anywhere near like it was before starting the Atomidine. I am so very grateful to God for this miracle and I hope it continues on.
I've had swollen glands in my neck for years, and they are mostly gone now. I've also been putting Atomidine on a suspicious mole on my arm that I was supposed to get removed long ago (I chickened out!). It's flaked over twice now (pain-free), yet the skin around it is fine, like the Atomidine is affecting only the suspicious spot. I'll report back with any more changes on that; I do expect it'll take some time if it's really going to get rid of it.
This has been my own experience so far with Atomidine. As always, research for yourself before trying anything.
I'm hoping to see some more discussion on the various types of iodine, and also hoping someone else has experience of Atomidine and can advise if I should continue taking it as I have been (single drop most days, with days off here and there) or should I be changing something. I'm afraid I'll somehow cause its effectiveness to fade...and I can't bear to go back to the way things had been! I don't usually take it on the days that I take my tiny dose of Levoxyl (I only take half of a low-dose pill every few days now).
On a side note re: the Hashimoto's, I've been taking chlorella on and off after seeing someone here post that their antibodies disappeared after taking that for awhile. I'm going to try to take it more consistently. I hope to have the funds to retest in a few months and see where my antibodies stand after these measures - and I'll report that here too :)"
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95 YEA
4 NAY
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
2 WARNINGS!
2 SIDE EFFECTS
5 QUESTIONS
06/27/2009: Val from Tampa, Florida writes: "Iodine - What is Iodine Trichloride? This is what I have as atomidine iodine. One drop is 600mcg and dosage is 1 drop a day in water. Is it not as good as Lugol's?
Thank you! This site is fantastic!"
06/28/2009: T from Maryland, USA replies: "I'm very interested myself to see some discussion on this as I now have some Atomidine but am still curious about the Lugol's. You've reminded me that I've meant to post about my recent Atomidine experience. I don't want to hijack this thread with that, so I'll make a fresh post about it."
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[QUESTION] 06/21/2009: MrsMcBear from Shoreline, WA writes: "So much has been said about iodine, but here's where I get confused. It seems there are three types of iodine: tincture of iodine, povidone iodine, and Lugol's iodine. Which is used for what? It seems most of the posts don't say. For example, which iodine do you paint with? Can you paint AND take Lugol's iodine drops in water? Can you drink drops of povidone in water like you can with Lugol's, or is that not to be taken internally? I'm really confused and need a little clarification."
06/21/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello to Mrs. McBear and all who are confused on iodine.
The only two solutions usually used internally are SSKI (Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide) and Lugol's solution. I believe the Lugol's solution is a little stronger than the SSKI (but you can research the formulas for both to make sure of this. You should also be aware that either of these should be taken in unchlorinated water, as the chlorine will cause the potassium iodide to revert to iodine.
Povadine and Betadine are usually used for pre-surgical scrubs and/or handwashing.
You can paint the tincture of iodine on the skin, but I would hesitate to take it."
06/22/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn. replies: "Answers to those confused about uses of SSKI or Lugol's solutions (both potassium iodide solutions:
An excellent article on the use of SSKI can be found and printed off the internet by typing "potassium iodide" (omit parenthesis) in search window. Pull up reference from Tahoma Clinic which is an excellent article telling you what to use it for and how much to use. SSKI & Lugol's solution are both potassium iodide solutions for oral use, but of course most anything you can use orally can be used externally also."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/18/2009: Rachel (Firefly579@hotmail.com) from Dallas, Tx writes: "I was using iodine for several days painting it on my neck for a sore throat and because I know this is something I am deficient in. After a few days the front of my neck began to swell a little and burn when I put the iodine on so I stopped putting it on my neck and put a small patch on my leg instead. Within a few minutes my throat began to burn in the area of my thyroid where it was swollen. Does anyone have any ideas? Is it from too much iodine? Or just a reaction from being deficient too long? Any info would be appreciated."
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[YEA] 06/04/2009: Kris from Winnipeg, MB Canada writes: "iodine cured Bad knee.
35 years with bad knee. joint would come off some times. always swollen. applied regular iodine externally three times a day. applied one week on and 4 days off. only the affected part would mildly burn and the knee will feel bug crawling inside the skin. after a week the bad skin looked like war zone. so gave four days break. new skin came after break. started the application again. itch started badly on the knee. applied Tea tree oil over iodine to stop the itch immediately. after 4 weeks knee shape came to look like normal. at this time the effected part squeezed to the size of a quarter. still kept on applying on the affected area and surroundings. pain went away after 3 weeks from the start up of the application. but didn't stop applying. this has been 4 months now. knee is like brand new.
i did switch from regular store available iodine to lugol's iodine after 3 months. started applying iodine to every family member's joint pain and cysts. iodine never failed to cure."
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[QUESTION] 05/29/2009: ThelmaLew from Baltimore, MD writes: "I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 1999. Being that I had no clue as to what was going on with my body. I was given one pill, which I later found out was the radioactive iodine. My doctor put me on levothyroxine and told me I would have to take it for the rest of my life. Is it now too late to use the Lugol's iodine or can I still get some benefits from it?"
05/31/2009: Chris from San Pedro, Ca replies: "iodium & iodine r the same thing, it was probably a Rx, so it might have been a brand name.......iodine does get stored & reused by ur thyroid, but illness, stress, heavy sweating & other things cause u to get low in it again.......one month is not enough time to know for sure.......
radioactive iodine destroys the thyroid......also, u can be hypo thyroid & exhibit, even in blood tests, signs of over hyper active thyroid........i think u might b screwed, the thyroid doesn't grow back......i would look into more natural thyroid supplements, like amour thyroid.......i have heard of others getting their thyroid damaged for idiot dr's........ there's a good book by: Dr. Broda Barnes, M.D.....called Hypothyroidism, the hidden illness.......u might b surprised...... the iodine supplement might help, if the radioactive stuff didn't kill the whole thing & i think i'd sue the dr who gave it to me, without telling me what it was & the consequences of taking it..........it's unfortunate that alot of people think dr's walk on water...."
05/31/2009: JoJean from La Grande, OR replies: "The Naturopath gave my mother Iodium, I don't know what the difference between that and Iodine was, but her Thyroid never acted up after 1 month of this."
EC: More about the homeopathic remedy here: http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Iod
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[QUESTION] 05/03/2009: Sherry from Jonesboro, AR writes: "I just visited a holistic type of doctor in Rosebud, AR, who owns ___ Health Food store. I have been chronically constipated for 6 months, NO BOWEL movements. I have been to every specialist and doctor and been on up to 22 pills a day for a bowel movement. I have had colonscopy, ct scans, xrays, and blood work. They say nothing is wrong with me. The guy in Rosebud, ____ _____, said I have a hernia causing my constipation and depression. He put on some natural products. However, I know I have hypothyroidism even if blood tests won't show it. He said to paint my left foot with iodine. My daughter has had kidney reflux disease and he said to paint her foot too. Have you heard of this? He said to take our temperatures 5 times a day and that if they were low then use the iodine. Has anyone heard of this?"
05/04/2009: PR from Houston, Texas replies: "Hi Sherry, I know who you are talking about. I went to see him once and he does come up with unusual things. I have heard and practice painting different parts of my body with lugols iodine as well as ingest it. Painting iodine on the body is quiet common way to supplement with iodine. As far as on the bottom of the foot maybe better as we are suppose to have large pores so maybe the iodine could be easily absorbed. Most people in the US are deficient of iodine and have thyroid problems especially after a certain age. I have heard of taking temp under the arm in the morning to check thyroid. Does he want you to take your temp 5 times a day under arm. Maybe he knows something we don't. I also read taking temp under tongue is one way to check adrenal function. Let me know and have you been able to confirm the hernia? I would like to know that too."
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04/22/2009: Muffet from Ashland, OR writes: "Google Video on Iodine -- Excellent info on Iodine:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7498778564110218870&ei=Lb7vSbblCoOgqQONnqyPCw&q=iodine&hl=en"
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04/17/2009: Bill Jencks from San Fernando, La Union, Philippines writes: "Many thanks for all the info on the different types of iodine, very much appreciated. I live in the Philippines now, and I've been looking for a safe source of iodine intake for a variation in alkalizing the gut(I already alkalize with lemon + sodium bicarb + water). Since much of the well-water in the Philippines isn't safe for white men to drink(but Filipinos seem drink it without problems), I also want to use iodine for killing the bacteria etc in the well-water as well as well as deal successfully with all the fungus and yeasts that continually assault our own bodies every day.
I can't buy Lugol's in the Philippines, but I can buy the 2% iodine tincture and the Povidone(Oral wash) iodine. Many thanks for the thorough descriptions of how to use these different forms of iodine orally.
Just one question which might interest Ted.
Have you ever looked at the anti-cancer properties of Graviola(Brazilian Paw-Paw or Sousop - Annona muricata)? This plant has quite a history. About 10 or more years ago this plant was researched by a large pharma company. What they found was that the plant extract killed just cancer cells outright in large numbers - up to 12 different forms of cancer - because it destroyed the cancer cells anaerobic ATP pump(energy source) and caused apoptosis - but left normal human cells alone. For seven years this pharma company tried to synthesise the main two cancer-killing chemicals - unsuccessfully. This pharma company kept graviola's cancer-curing properties a secret and told no one, but one of their biochemists left the company and informed a natural health institute in the US. Purdue University picked it up and are running with it now. It appears, much as Ted has inferred, that the anti-cancer attributes(and other properties) of graviola are due to synergistic chemical combinations and actions of this plant. Apparently this plant also kills bacteria, fungi, worms, parasites, viruses - but care has to be taken replacing the good bacteria in the gut if you take this herb. Normally taken as a tea just made from the leaves and stems of the graviola. I only mention this plant because there is a graviola tree growing about 30 feet away from my house in the Philippines. Worth a look.
http://www.cancerplants.com/medicinal_plants/annona_muricata.html
This site is packed with such useful information and its all relatively simple and cheap. Many thanks to Ted for all his minute detailed descriptions and to all other contributors as well."
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[YEA] 04/05/2009: Steven (stevesevek@yahoo.com) from Shohola, PA writes: "Iodine Resolves Developing Boil
I have been taking 5 drops of Lugol's 2% strength solution for 3 months now. [I understand this to equal 12.5 mg of iodine whereas the 5% solution would require only 2 drops.]
About a month ago I began getting an infection in one nostril and could feel a boil developing. My nose was sensitive to the touch and I knew it was only a matter of time and it would be really bad. I waited a couple of days as it worsened. I then increased my dose of Lugol's 2% solution to 5 drops in a pint of water 6 times a day along with 500mg of vitamin C 6 times a day. After 2 days, the infection was 95& better and I dropped my dose to what I normally take. Another 2 days later I was back to normal."
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