Benefits of Iodine for Health

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.

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.

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 Belt." 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 DIFFERENCES! 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. "

08/21/2009: Alimaacd from New Fairfield, Ct Usa replies: "I have been researching Iodine supplementation as part of my treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis / Hypothyroidism. I would just like to point out table salt cannot be considered a reliable source of Iodine for Americans as noted in this article. I was in 2 supermarkets yesterday looking to purchase Celtic Sea Salt which I ended up finding at my local health food store. As for the table salt, most people grab a container of salt probably without noticing that some are iodized and some or most say non-iodized and that they do not provide iodine. Even the sea salts, with the exception of one, said non-iodized."

03/15/2011: Jac from Baltimore, Usa replies: "Please help me out here- we're on a tight budget and I ordered some of 'strongest Lugol's' from an aquatic supply place. I need to be certain I'm not hurting us- especially w/the radioactive dosing we're all getting.

*** Help? ***

So, what is the percentage and safe dosage of Lugol's concentration of 3600 mg/per oz? I'm estimating 600 mg = vertical drop, and would administer one drop per gallon of H20, for half cup consumption twice a week. Thanx much!"

04/01/2011: Aginto from Toronto, On replies: "NASCENT IODINE... Isn't this the safest form of Iodine to take internally Ted? I have only ever "painted" iodine on my skin because of toxicity fears... but now I have discovered NASCENT IODINE.

Can you shed some light on this? THX"

04/03/2011: Anthony from Windsor, Ontario Canada replies: "1-4 drops a day of lugols or iodoral would be safe and incorporating 3 grams a day with vitamin C for thos who may have a difficult time with the uptake of Iodine--the research on this is when Vitamin C is added with the iodine the uptake is better and easier for those who are having difficulties with absorption--taking it with selnium and tyrosine would also increase the effciasy of all the nutrients together since they form a synergeistic activity the tyrosine with the iodine to ward of specific virals and to regulate T4-T3 conversions.

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"

Dr Brownstein has written an interesting review of his own clinical experiences using lugol's iodine. His work illustrates the necessity of taking both iodide and iodine in lugol's form -- which contains both iodide and elemental iodine. Here are some extracts:

One and a half years ago, I began testing my patients for the [iodine] loading test. Although I expected lowered body iodine levels, I was not ready for the magnitude of the results. After testing over 500 patients, I found that 94. 7% of my patients are deficient in inorganic iodine. Many of these patients were already being treated by me for thyroid and other endocrine imbalances, including SSKI. When physiologic doses of iodine/iodide were added to their regimen, many of these patients showed dramatic improvement in their condition, especially patients who were non-responders, even though some were taking SSKI.

Iodine deficiency is often thought of as synonymous with thyroid malfunction, particularly with the development of goiter. The research is clear that iodine deficiency can lead to cysts and nodules of the thyroid gland. David Marine reported the benefits of treating school-aged children with iodine/iodide (Lugol's solution) nearly 70 years ago. Marine looked at two groups: a control group and a treatment group, which received 9mg/day of iodine/iodide. The iodine/iodide treatment group had a 0. 2% incidence of goiter while the control group had a 22% goiter 110x difference. This was the first U.S. Iodine study showing the decline of goiter formation with the use of iodine. Shortly after this study, iodized salt was initiated which was a great success in eliminating goiter in the U.S.

In medical school, little was taught about iodine. Specifically, we were taught that the iodization of salt was implemented to prevent goiter and therefore no further iodine was necessary in the diet. After studying the literature on iodine, I realized what I was taught in medical school was incorrect. The iodization of salt was adequate to lessen the prevalence of goiter, but it did not address the rest of the body's need for iodine.

I was initially hesitant to use higher (>1mg) doses of iodine due to my concern about causing adverse effects. In reviewing much of the literature there was concern about larger doses of iodine causing hyperthyroid symptoms. However, a further, more exhaustive review of the literature failed to prove that iodine, in milligram doses ever was shown to cause hyperthyroid symptoms. In fact, as iodine levels have fallen over 50% in the last 30 years in the United States, autoimmune disorders and hyperthyroid symptoms have been increasing at near epidemic proportions.

After testing individuals and finding low iodine levels, I began to use smaller milligram amounts of iodine/iodide (6.25mg/day). Upon retesting these individuals 1-2 months later, little progress was made. I therefore began using higher milligram doses (6. 25-50mg) to increase the serum levels of iodine. It was only with these higher doses that I began to see clinical improvement as well as positive changes in the laboratory tests.

Why would people need the larger doses of iodine? Why have iodine levels fallen 50% in the last 30 years? As I pondered these questions, I came to the conclusion that the toxicity of modern life must be impacting iodine levels. It is well known that the toxic halides, fluoride and bromide, having a similar structure as iodine, can competitively inhibit iodine absorption and binding in the body.

Source: Clinical Experience with Inorganic Non-radioactive Iodine/Iodides

Clearly, from the above research, not all forms of iodine will have the same beneficial effect and smaller dosages seem to be insufficient for whole body iodine/iodide sufficiency. SSKI contains only Potassium Iodide(I-) but lugol's contains KI(I-) as well as elemental iodine(I₂), so they are not the same thing -- the former is the antioxidant ionic form and the latter is the pro-oxidant molecular form. Furthermore, although SSKI is extremely beneficial, lugols has a more widespread beneficial effect on the body because of the added elemental iodine(I₂).

Here is some research by Eskin and Ghent et al (1995):

Biol Trace Elem Res. 1995. Jul;49(1):9-19

Different tissue responses for iodine and iodide in rat thyroid and mammary glandsby Eskin BA, Grotkowski CE, Connolly CP, Ghent WR. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129, USA. This research describes the effects of short-term elemental iodine (I2) and iodide (I-) replacement on thyroid glands and mammary glands of iodine-deficient (ID) Sprague-Dawley female rats. Iodine deficiency causes atypical tissue and physiologic changes in both glands. Tissue histopathology and the endocrine metabolic parameters, such as serum TT4, tissue and body weights, and vaginal smears, are compared. A moderate reduction in thyroid size from the ID control (IDC) was noted with both I- and I2, whereas serum total thyroxine approached the normal control with both I- and I2, but was lower in IDC. Thyroid gland IDC hyperplasia was reduced modestly with I2, but eliminated with I-. Lobular hyperplasia of the mammary glands decreased with I2 and increased with I- when compared with the IDC; extraductal secretions remained the same as IDC with I2, but increased with I-; and periductal fibrosis was markedly reduced with I2, but remained severe with I-. Thus, orally administered I2 or I- in trace doses with similar iodine availability caused different histopathological and endocrine patterns in thyroid and mammary glands of ID rats. The significance of this is that replacement therapy with various forms of iodine are tissue-specific.

Editor's Note: As cited above, for iodine-deficient rats, iodine was more beneficial than iodide for the mammary gland. Similarly, for humans with fibrocystics breasts, the patients incurred more benefits from supplementing with iodine rather than iodide. The benefits included a reduction in breast size and remission of disease symptoms.

Source: http://www.breastcanceralternatives.org/iodineref.html

Therefore what becomes plainly apparent form all the above research are the following points:

* Iodide and elemental iodine do not have the same beneficial effects on the body because certain areas and organs of the body may specifically uptake only the iodide or only uptake the elemental iodine or even perhaps an intermediate form -- Triiodide(I₃-) -- arising from a combination reaction between the Iodide and Iodine forms to resolve problems. So both forms are therefore needed for proper whole body sufficiency.

* Larger doses of both iodide and iodine are needed to resolve major problems in the body. Microgram amounts will only ever satisfy the thyroid, whereas larger milligram amounts are unquestionably needed for whole body iodine/iodide sufficiency.

* A paradigm shift in the thinking needs to occur regarding the human body's requirement for iodine/iodine. The body needs 100 times more iodide/iodine than the thyroid -- which only requires the iodide form. Therefore medical thought should more correctly consider this iodine/iodide need as a whole body deficiency rather than just as a singular thyroid deficiency.

As to why Lugol's Iodine causes probems with some people can perhaps be put down to the elemental iodine content in the lugols which can be harsh on the stomach. Both Lugol's Iodine and Nascent Iodine both contain the Triiodide form -- the most biovailable and friendly form for the body which is also not harsh on the stomach. However, Nascent Iodine, because of its electromagnetic formation, contains far more triiodide than lugols. Because of this and whereas one drop of Lugols Iodine contains 6.25 mgs iodide/iodine, Nascent Iodine only contains about 0.6 mgs iodine per drop -- but because most of it is in the triiodide form, this form is absorbed into the body ten times more efficiently than the lugol's form. Triiodide can also easily be absobed sub-lingually or in the stomach and has a much faster action on the body than Lugol's Iodine. The one drawback here is that Nascent Iodine is much more expensive than lugol's iodine because it involves a more complex electromagnetic process.

You shouldn't take vitamin c and iodine at the same time. I add my iodine to milk (can't taste it), or to my chlorophyll solution.

Tincture of iodine is not to be taken internally, if that is what you are saying. I prefer to use Iodoral tablets so there is no taste, though they are a little more expensive.

Would decoloration of tincture iodine with either desoluble vitamin C, lime or lemon juice reduce the strenghth or potency of iodine and its taste? Could anybody tell me the measurement for the decoloration?

Best regards.

Hi Bill from San Fernando, Philippines - thanks for all of the information you posted, I loved reading it :)

I noted someone had problems with burning eyes from taking iodine. I have taken 250 mgs daily for about eight months, luv it. It has fixed all my ailments, My eyes burn, if I don't wash well, scrub my face twice a day, I believe the iodine is loading up in the skin oils, and making it alkaline, which burns the eyes if it contacts them. Anyhoo, scrub your face, keep the oil off and you will live long and healthy taking iodine. david lubbock tx.

Hi Baldev, My husband and I are using Lugols 2% as we don't have access to a stronger one and we are starting to see benefits. We started with the skin painting as taking it internally went against everything I'd been taught, we never painted the same spot as iodine can dry out the skin for some. Then we progressed to one drop internally and are now at 3 drops twice a day. So the 2% is definitely beneficial for us. But as Bill has said you need to know if it is an allergy or the strength that caused your reaction.

Baldev, you can add a small amount of vitamin E to the area you are putting the iodine so it won't burn as much (it will soothe the skin and heal it).

The best way to take iodine however is to have a drop in water (I am taking 6-8 drops daily in water or milk). If you only put it on your skin only a small percentage can be utilised (about 12.5%). I only put it on my skin to test whether I was allergic to it.

Hi Bill, thanks a lot for the prompt reply to my query. Lugols Iodine which I am using is Iodine 5g. Pot. Iodide 10g in 100ml. Of water that means it is 5% lugols Iodine which is being discussed on this site. I am keen to make use of this product towards a better health and also what ever I learn from dedicated people like Ted and you I use it to help others who don't have access to computer/internet. Your advice is well taken that I should dilute it further with water and see whether it still burns the area, but I hope the benifits do not get diluted.Thanks

Baldev

Hi Bill, the same reaction as Baldev said occured after painting iodine solution not the first day but after applying 3... 4 days at the same place. As you say it may be the % of lugol's iodine. I can't find 2 % lugols iodine in the store. But I somehow arranged to make the the solution in the chemistry lab of our college. I have used 10 gm of KI, 5 gm of Elemental iodine , 50 ml Ethyl alcohol and 50 ml of distilled water. Is the measurement correct for 2% lugols iodine solution? Can I take 1 drop of this solution internally? As I guess I am iodine deficient after applying the patch, as the patch disappears within 4 hr.

Hi Baldev... The usual test to see if you are allergic to iodine is to put a drop somewhere on your skin and, after only one or two hours, if this area is red, inflamed or itchy then there is a good possibility that you are allergic. Less than 1% of the population is allergic to iodine. The more serious symptoms of iodine allergy through oral or injected intake are defined here:

http://www.iodine-resource.com/iodine-allergy-symptoms.html

Another factor that could cause your skin-burning problems could be due to the actual strength of lugol's iodine that you used. If it was above 5% Lugol's Iodine strength and since iodine is caustic at high concentrations, it's possible that this might have also caused your skin-burning problem.

I know that I am not allergic to lugol's iodine since I have been orally supplementing it regularly for over 5 years now at doses 100 times higher than the RDA. I recently tested 2% Lugol's Iodine on a mole awhile back. During the day I put between 10 and 15 single drops, at different times, on the mole. The next day, like you, I had a burning or sore/tender sensation which disappeared after a few days.

It might be worth diluting some of the lugols iodine 50/50 with water and re-testing a patch of your skin again with a drop to see if the skin-burning recurrs. If it does, then likely you are allergic to lugol's iodine.

Dr James Howensteine, a member of the research team from the Iodine project, has written a notable and detailed book which truly emphasizes the importance of iodine towards good health -- Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It.

Bill, I have a question for you. Whenever I have applied the Lugols Iodine on any part of the body, it burns that area and the skin peels off after a few days. Well, I want to understand whether it is an allergy to Lugols or is a correct reaction. After about 12 hrs. The color of the skin becomes normal but the burning sensation remains and is quite disturbing. Your comments will be appreciated.

Baldev

Hi Saoirse, As you're having what appears to be a cleansing reaction, it would be worth giving your liver some support. Taking lemon juice in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning is good for our liver. Also things like Milk thistle, dandelion and turmeric.

It may also be worth taking one or two days off a week (5 on 2 off), this way you give your body time to catch up. If you are still getting headaches it may be worth staying at the lower level for another week or two. I know we want to get better quick but over loading the liver may in the long run actually take us longer and be sicker in the process. It is encouraging that you did not take that Drs opinion and persisted in finding your answer/s. All the best and let us know how you go.

Having been trying off and on to tolerate the lugols and keep getting these crushing headaches after 2-3 days of minimal dosages--did find out that maybe this was due to detoxifying--I do take water/sea salt and vit C etc as well here-I bought some iodoral and started very slowly with only half a tab/daily for a week, then half tab in the morning and half a tab in the afternoon and again these headaches returned but I will keep going as at least I feel better than what I did before when I was only taking synthroid and the iodine is clearing out my lungs as well--an incredible amount of gunk/appear to be mucus plugs ( I have been wheezing) are coming out effortlessly.

Now I have a multitude of what appears to be age spots, but they're from an episode of some kind of severe infection and fever and before these "spots" came out, many doctors told me there was nothing wrong when they examined me and it was psychosomatic etc as I really felt SICK from an inner ear infection/ruptured ear drum/days of drainage etc (and I have had this happen before.... But this time I FELT VERY ILL ) so when these blebs and literally they were like blisters with a brownish fluid popped out I was beyond going to anymore physicians and simply drank water/tea whatever I could handle--but when the swollen glands and everything calmed down I was left with these spots---so I read here the other day on the application of the iodine to the skin and after only 3 days---I see a difference on one big one already--it's flattened out and looks like it will soon peel off---THANKS TO ALL posting their experiences-- I will post again when they really start to resolve or simply the old skin drops off--

Hi Debbie... Here, in answer to your question, is part of the chemical titration method used to find out how much Vitamin C there is in a substance or pill:

I₂ plus I^- --> I₃^-

Triiodide oxidizes vitamin C to form dehydroascorbic acid:

C₆H₈O₆ plus I₃^- plus H₂O --> C₆H₆O₆ plus 3I^- plus 2H

As long as vitamin C is present in the solution, the triiodide is converted to the iodide ion very quickly. Howevever, when the all the vitamin C is oxidized, iodine and triiodide will be present, which reacts with starch to form a blue-black complex. The blue-black color is the endpoint of the titration.

This titration procedure is appropriate for testing the amount of vitamin C in vitamin C tablets, juices, and fresh, frozen, or packaged fruits and vegetables. The titration can be performed using just iodine solution and not iodate, but the iodate solution is more stable and gives a more accurate result.

From http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/vitctitration.htm

From the above, essentially when you combine iodine and iodide in water, you get the triiodide ion which makes iodide/iodine very bioavailable to the body.

When reacted with ascorbic acid, you also get dehydroascorbic acid, which is exactly the same as ascorbic acid but it can penetrate the blood/brain barrier which ascorbic acid cannot. But the outcome still seems to be the same - you still get the triiodide ion generated anyway from the final reaction, exactly the same as when you add iodine to iodide in water. And as the above says, at the end point of this reaction -- both triiodide and iodine are still present when tested with starch. The worst that can happen is that some of the triiodide is converted to just the iodide, with some loss of iodine perhaps. But potassium iodide is also good for you.

I also know from the Iodine Project research that their preference has always been to use only 5% lugols iodine because they regard this mixture of iodide/iodine to be in the perfect ratio for the body. Their research also backs this up. Perhaps they were trying to preserve this ratio for best results which is why they took Vit C and Lugols on alternate days? I generally always take lugol's on its own, sometimes mixed with fulvic acid drops, but there's no harm in taking Vitamin C, say, an hour or so after taking the Lugols in order to preserve that ideal iodide/iodine ratio if you wish.

Thanks to those who have responded. The first time I painted a drop of Lugol Iodine on my foot I did not take Vitamin C until I had started experiencing a severe reaction to it. I took lots of Vitamin C afterwards to reduce the reaction to Lugol Iodine. Each time I had recovered fully I tried painting it on my foot again but each time I try again my reaction worsens, this time it has left me with a very tight chest and a need to cough all the time which is not going away so easily. If I had not taken Vitamin C after each episode I would have been in serious trouble.

Does anyone know whether a different type of Iodine will make a difference? Or will I still get a reaction? If it is in capsule form would it be better for me? Should I take something with Iodine to conteract the side effects? The Lugol Iodine certainly doesn't agree with me especially as I am very sensitive and allergic to most things. Can someone help me please? It would mean a great deal to me. Karenina

Thanks Bill, all very interesting. A question, how much Lugols iodine should I give to my 4 1/2 year old son? He does have a language delay and other problems so I think he is definitely deficient.

Also iodine should be supplemented with selenium I read as well.

Here is an excellent youtube video of a speech by a Dr on some of the cancers that are caused by iodine deficiency, namely endometriosis which leads to endometrial cancer, PCOS is also an iodine deficiency which leads to cancer. Fibrous breast tissue also leads to breast cancer if not supplemented with iodine. Goiter also leads to cancer.

As the Dr says iodine has been removed from bread, and from milk and we are told not to eat much salt (for some people their only source of iodine). A disaster.

A worthwhile interesting video to watch for everyone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoMfg76gAUo

Hi Debbie... I too am continually astonished at iodine's beneficial effects on the body. Here are some other facts I've stumbled across looking at all the history and research on lugol's iodine:

* Iodine acts to lower cholesterol and also helps to successfully remove and clear plaque from the heart arteries.

* Iodine, as well as T3 and T4, tend to accumulate in the lungs. Iodine is anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic. In the old pre-WW2 days iodine was used by medical doctors in much larger doses -- 300 mgs to 2000 mgs amounts (50 to 300 drops a day of lugols) -- to successfully treat chronic forms of bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. Lugol's Iodine is therefore highly protective for the lungs in general.

* In larger dose, lugol's iodine inhibits the conversion of histidine to histamine. So lugols acts as a natural anti-histamine against allergies as well.

* For low acidity problems in the stomach, taking oral lugol's iodine will treat the root cause and revive proper acid levels in the stomach for proper digestion.

* There is an artery that runs through the thyroid/parathyroid which trickles out iodine continuously into the blood. Iodine kills 90%-95% of all known pathogens.

* Iodine in the blood also prevents bacteria and viruses from attaching themselves onto host cells for invasion, attack or reproduction.

* Cyst problems such as uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease are completely resolved and cured, usually over a 3 month period, by taking 50 mgs (8 drops) lugols iodine a day.

* Taking daily oral Lugol's Iodine can also resolve prostate problems in men.

* Larger dose lugol's iodine, just on its own, can completely cure systemic candida. Google Search "Orian Truss iodine candida".

All of the above benefits are associated with taking larger dose lugols. But most people still associate the small RDA microgram dose for iodine with just the thyroid when, in actual fact, the rest of the human body needs at least 100 times more iodide/iodine than the RDA recommends. Women also need much more iodine than men. For a lactating woman -- her breasts alone will need 100 times more iodine than the RDA.

Hi Bill, thanks but I would be interested in your opinion on what is written in the e-book I posted on Iodine.

It says that vitamin c can help iodine absorption but not taken at the same time. It was suggested to take them on alternate days. Anyway I would be interested if you could read it and give your opinion. I am referring to Point #10

Hi Debbie... Regarding your precautions on taking Vitamin C with Lugol's Iodine supplementation -- I think your advice is perhaps incorrect. Ted from Bangkok has always advised taking Lugol's with Vitamin C to avoid headaches and other after-effects of taking the lugol's.

And recent research by The Iodine Project in 2005 would also suggest that taking Vitamin C with Lugol's Iodine is also quite beneficial. Here is their research:

Evidence that the Administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport mechanism for iodine: A Case Report

Vitamin C seems to help remove absorbed bromine from the body in rather large quantities, thus greatly aiding iodine transport and eventual iodine re-absorbtion by the thyroid and the rest of the body.

I recently came across this excellent free e-book that I think everyone should read and print off/email for friends and family members.

Iodine deficiency is rampant in most of us. Iodine is the best treatment for thyroid disorders, breast issues, bladder infections and many, many, many other issues. Iodine also clears up chest congestion. Iodine also improves babies IQ's when given to pregnant women.

Iodine also detoxes the body from heavy metals. Anyway much much more information.. Well worth reading.https://www.jcrows.com/MaryJoFahey_IodineRemediesSecretsFromTheSea.pdf"

Karenina, Dr. William Shevin, has developed a salt loading protocol to clear bromide detox symptoms that may occur while taking iodine:

Take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (unrefined sea salt) in 1/2 cup of warm water and follow immediately with 12-16 ounces of water. Repeat this twice in 30-45 minute intervals until urination begins.

Karenina, I read recently that you should never take vitamin c at the same time as iodine because vitamin c will render the iodine ineffective or useless and will in fact deplete the body of iodine. If you are using a lot of vitamin C you to" calm the reaction" you are negating any effect the iodine would have. You may as well not use iodine at all.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hi Ted,

I tried one drop of Lugol Iodine on my foot and within 24 hours I feel asthmatic, sneezes, running nose, and runny stools. I feel sick, with a headache and stomachache coming on. It takes a lot of Vitamin C to calm the reaction. I have tried doing this 4 times and the same problems occur again and yet it is helping me with painful breasts, more alertness and energy, not so tired etc. I do suffer from allergies generally. I read somewhere that when iodine is introduced to the body it kicks out bromide which has to be flushed out of the body, possibly causing a detox reaction which is what a get each time I try again. Is there anything or other alternatives to Lugol Iodine or is it simply the case that I am very allergic to Iodine or Bromide? I really find Iodine very effective for me. Please let me know. Many thanks in advance. Karenina

YES I have to agree with the Iodine. I take 4 dropper fulls and literally in 48 hrs my thyroid/goiter (not noticible, but I can feel it when I swallow) has literally shrunk so well I can't feel it when I swallow anymore! I love IODINE!

Hello dear.

Your thyroid gland in you neck requires all the iodine you intake to get back to full power. Only then will it allow your body to utilise the iodine to your other organs. However, and this is a big however. Your thyroid will never regenerate if your only supplying iodine, and your adrenals and pituary glands have to be leveled out and all have the right amount of nutrients for the thyroid to heal, and thus for your body to start utilising the iodine properly.

Firstly, if you're not absorbing the iodine too well. Add betaine HCL (hydrochloric acid) to your diet.

Your most likely low on stomach acid, because all ppl who lack iodine are low in stomach acid. as you need iodine to make it!! .

Next. add a natrual 100% adapatagenic hormone supplement. No armour thyroid, no animal hormone supplement!! . Use the best of the best, . MACA

Its 100% the best and most efficient way(the only way) of restoring you adrenals, thyroid and pituary gland all3 in one. it balances all you hormones, sugar levels, eveything.

And take the kelp iodine supplement too.

So thats:

Betaine HCL., Maca, iodine (take all 3 at meal times ) the hcl will allow your body to absorb the other 2 better. (maybe take a b complex too)

After awhile, with sufficient amounts of iodine, you wont need hcl anymore. As your body's producing stomach acid on its own. However the hcl suplement is needed to absorb the iodine at first. as your pancreas doesn't release enzymes if you have no stomach acid and your body wont absorb the iodine at first.!

hope this helps >.<

It's very easy to grow herbs. I have some in the kitchen window and the rest in a little garden patch. It's approaching harvest time for the outdoor herbs. You can dry them by hanging upside down in a cool space or use a food dehydrator.

Hi Bill, I hope you are well..... Great that you can grow your own herbs, I try to do that as well but I am a beginner! How do you do to dry them? I haven't tried yet because I am afraid of doing it badly and therefore get fungus and other stuff which wouldn't be very good for the health. We are going to move to the countryside in a while and we intend to have a nice vegetable /herb garden there. But even here, countryside surrounded by the developed world we already manage to grow a few things.

On a different level here is a question I posted a little while ago but which I don't think you saw: I am now getting into the Anti-Candida diet in order to try to cure my dry eyes and mouth (especially during the night, it is a nightmare and I don't have Sjogren's). You seem to feel that molasses is not a problem but it is sugar..... I would like to take it to try to contain my grey hair but if it is not good in the fight against Candida I won't do it. Right now my priority are my eyes and my mouth! The problem with the diet is that there are so many different opinions. Could you maybe send me a link to your diet advice? I am basing myself in a book called Beat Candida through diet.

Hi Wendy... The simple answer to your question about dealing with irradiated herbs is that you can't really deal with it because there is now a European-wide law -- Codex Alimentaruis -- that says that all herbal, mineral and vitamin alternative and nutritional health products in Europe are to be managed completely by the the allopathic medical fraternity in terms of their safety, dosages etc. But make no mistake, this is just an excuse for the big pharmaceuticals to wipe-out their main alternative medicine competition in Europe by discreetly adding unhelpful additives, irradiating, thus ruining herb quality and minimizing the RDA to useless and ineffective dosages. America will probably follow suit soon.

Here's another trick Codex is playing that you should also be aware of -- I bought some European Magnesium Malate recently all packaged nicely in capsule form. Capsules should contain pure loose powder and when I squeeze tested the capsule -- it was indeed powder -- and each capsule contained 400 mgs of Magnesium and 200 mgs of Malic Acid. However, the capsule itself was very large -- at least 1000 mgs. So what was the other unknown 400 mgs? Then I read the additives on the label: Stearic Acid. This substance is only ever used to help form tablets. So did my capsule also contain 400 mgs of Stearic Acid which I don't want?

The only real alternative you have is to either buy your herbs from sources outside Europe on the internet from gauranteed organic herbal distributors like Raintree Nutrition which might be quite expensive or to simply grow them yourself if you can.

In the Philippines I'm very lucky, I grow and prepare all sorts of herbs in the simplest ways and I know they are natural and organic because I grow them in my own small garden. And I've always found my own herbs to be very effective and useful. I tend not to use dried store bought herbs very much now.

Dessicated Liver has A, B's, C, D, E and is said to be superior to Chlorophyll (body can break down the proteins meat source better than plant source). It has lots of minerals and amino acids. Bill takes the DL with meals. Alkalizing is done on an empty stomach. Bill will have to let you know if its ok to mix the other things with the alkalizing.

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/desiccated-liver.html

This is for "Bill from San Fernando, Philippines" - How do we deal if supplements are irradiated?"

Read this - "If you want vitamins and nutritional supplements that are free of pesticides and have not been irradiated or fumigated, you must test every incoming batch today, as pesticides, irradiation, and fumigation are all widespread. If the company goes outside the United States to source ingredients, you need to know that up to 70% of raw materials coming into the United States today for vitamins and nutritional supplements are irradiated, creating toxic radiation byproducts. " Are we doomed if we can't grow organic products in good quality soils? -WORRIED

Yikes Bill and Sasha! Thats a lot of things 2 take in your daily routine!

1 Can they all be taken at the same time in the morning or night?

2 You get vitamin D from the sun & omega 3 from fresh fish & u take zinc when sick?

3 What about vitamin A? B? B3? B12? E? Chlorophyll?

4 You don't take molasses bc you're a guy? Molasses helps the woman's problem and grey hair. What helps you keep your hair color? If it isn't cull color maybe consider adding the molasses.

Can't wait to read your answers! Good stuff here! Thanks!!!

Thank you Bill this is a selfless priceless wealth of info! This in a way can sum up the entire website for general health and would make a great sticky for everyone to find easily. Other than, many of the supplements I need to order (and some from abroad) I hope there is no irradiating of my mail, Thank you!

Hi Sasha... My own health routine is quite variable, however I always make sure that I take certain supplements on a regular basis. I tend to use natural more bioavailable ingredients rather than synthetic nutrients, which also tend to be more expensive anyway. And I avoid multi-vitamin tablets because they cannot be gauranteed to be dissolved properly in the intestines and be absorbed into the body, they also contain synthetic nutrients as well as additives and the nutrient amounts contained in the multi-vit pill are usually very inadequate. I therefore regard multi-vits as useless.

Everybody has their own emphasis in regard to their own health regimen. My own emphasis is that, unless you eat food that is entirely organic and grown on healthy soils and you can afford to do this, then you must continually defend yourself against the bad effects of chemically processed foods. Therefore, I never stop defending my body from the effects of modern food now. I live in the Philippines and in the semi-provinces which is fairly primitive. Most of my shopping is done at the big primitive markets here. I eat no canned or processed food. But I have seen many Syngenta and Monsanto test farms in my rural area and I am not fooled, so the food where I live cannot be regarded as organic or pure or safe if you like -- therefore I defend against this and continually use a defensive and preventative approach. Most of the European and American retirees here of my age suffer from heart disease, diabetes or liver disease. This tells me a whole lot about their food diets and their bad habits. I therefore conclude that bad nutritional habits are the hardest thing in the world to change because we so love to eat sweet, acid things, we enjoy big steaks and beer etc. People look to convenience as a way out, popping a bucket full of medical pills daily to cure all their problems whilst still continuing their bad habits!! This is so crazy. I see this everywhere in the Philippines.

I always alkalize as per Ted's remedies -- I use the lemon/lime remedy on most days -- and also use the sodium bicarb and water remedy for the blood.

As my nutrient baseline I use dessicated liver tablets every day. It's not perfect but liver contains all the necessary vitamins, amino acids and minerals. William Kelly and Max Gerson used organic raw liver, but there were still problems with parasites in the raw liver.

I also take organic debittered Brewers Yeast for the CoQ10, the selenium, B vitamins etc. I sometimes vary this by eating 2-4 brazil nuts(raw, unsalted) on a daily basis. Brazil nuts also contain Selenium as well as high amounts of other amino acids such as glutamine, tryptopan and cysteine.

All my cooking is done in virgin coconut oil -- very cheap in the Philippines.

I also take fulvic/humic acid in concentrated ascorbate drops for all my mineral needs. 5-10 drops a day. Fulvic acid also removes pesticides and drug poisons from the body. There are many other numerous benefits to fulvic/humic acid as well as described on this site.

Then I addtionally take nutrients that are always lacking in our diets such as iodine as Lugols Iodine(2-4 drops a day at least as maintenance), Magnesium and Vitamin C(as ascorbate -- no calcium -- 3000 mgs a day -- more if ill). I take the magnesium as Mag Chloride or Mag Malate or Mag Citrate(250 mgs 2 X a day). I take the iodine about once every two days now because my iodine levels are now correct.

The above is my nutrient baseline if you like. Most people, as I see it, will need these nutrients because of the drugs, poisons in our own food, water supply and environment and because of nutrients they lack and the rest below is really my own regimen for my own individual needs.

Other nutrients that I take not on a regular basis are Chanca Piedra ("StoneBreaker") and heart vine (tinospora cordifolia) in a combined home-made decoction (taken on a once-a-month basis for a week only) to get rid of excess calcium, removes aches and pains, anti-inflamatory, highly protective of the liver and kidneys, removes gallstones and kidney stones, strongly anti-viral and can cure Hepatitis B in less than a month. I also drink green tea and eat raw cilantro in salads which, as Ted has advised, helps remove heavy metals and I also regularly take 10% Sodium Thiosulfate(8 drops a day in a glass of water) to remove heavy metals and to remove chlorine from my body. I also take Borax in water regularly to remove the fluorine fom my body and as a mycoplasma preventative.

Another alternative liver-protective protocol I sometimes use is Dr Foster's Triple Anti-oxidant Therapy which consists of taking Selenium (200 mcg twice a day), Alpha Lipoic Acid(300 mgs twice a day) and Milk Thistle (1000 mgs twice a day) on a daily basis. This also promotes Glutatione production in the body -- a protective super anti-oxidant -- and is very beneficial to the kidneys, liver and intestines.

As you have probably noticed, I also tend to favour and emphasize protection of the liver, kidneys and intestines in my own regimen in order to help create a healthier body terrain. This helps to purify the blood in order to deliver nutrients and remove waste to and from the cells and organs respectively in the correct way. And by doing this, the immune system, the excretory system, endocrine system, body organs and many other body parameters are also correctly maintained in a healthier state. This therefore makes all my body defenses stronger against illness and pathogens.

I also eat in a particular way. I hesitate to call it a diet -- this infers that one day you will come off the diet. This way of eating is really an elimination diet which is defined elsewhere on earthclinic but is no less important to your health.

All in all I have to admit that my nutrient regimen, apart from my nutrient baseline, is not a rigid thing. It has become intuitive to me, so that my health regimen is governed more by an awareness of how I'm feeling right now rather than that I must religiously take a certain nutrient routinely forever. To be honest about it, I think this is the best approach but I know this can be confusing to people. But there is rarely such thing as the magic bullet cure-all. The real trick is to educate yourself, validate all information assiduously, trust your own judgement and take responsibilty for your own health. And this is really all about educating yourself and taking your own health very seriously. Despite all that has been said about the hopelessness of allopathic medicies -- it helps to remember this one truth -- that the medical profession is not a performance related or results orientated profession. To illustrate, here are a few quotes from doctors:

"I find medicine is the best of all trades because whether you do any good or not you still get your money." (Moliere: "A Physician in Spite of Himself, " 1664)

"If we doctors threw all our medicines into the sea, it would be that much better for our Patients and that much worse for the Fishes." Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendel Holmes, MD

The above really represents my own regular protocols. But I also keep Lysine, aspirin, methylene blue, hydrogen peroxide etc in emergency reserve in case of sudden illness or further problems.

Does anyone know the link for Bill's routine use of supplements? I remember seeing it somewhere here. I found an older one here but I know there was an updated post with chanca. There are so many supplements here and I want to narrow them down but not miss any important ones. If someone can post a link of Bill's updated post on how he uses the supplements, please post it here. I've searched pages and pages but can't find it. Thank you very much!

Http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/fungus2.html

This is super info everyone! I'm going to try the iodine more fearlessly within the constraints of what is recommended here. I am going to try to get more seaweed into my diet. I'll look for some made in US East coast, not sure how all the radiation in Japan will affect things. I bought unrefined sea salt from a coop but it was pure white. I don't think it was truly unrefined but so tricky these days with ignorant or plain out false labeling in the states. Thank you Bill and Jc. I was told there was a link of Bill's typical supplement day, I am going to search through and find that here.

Dear Bill from San Fernando,

How much pumkin seeds I have to eat in order to get 25-50 mgs in my body ? You recommend taking zinc once a week along with the iodine. Zinc(25-50 mgs once a week).

Sasha,

I know this is not your question but I would replace the iodized table salt with unrefined Sea Salt. Refined salt has lost the other trace minerals and has added anti caking agents that you do not want to take, like Aluminum. Get unrefined sea salt like Celtic or unrefined mined salt Like Real Salt. The Iodine content is low in iodized salt and for the reasons I stated is not a good idea. Get your iodine from kelp (or other sea weed), seafood or supplements like Lugols. You can buy ground and dried sea weed and sprinkle it on food like salt. It has a salty flavor but will not impact BP as much and is a food source of iodine. Available in most health food stores.

As another option, if your stomach is an issue, you can take Lugols sublingually. Place some under your tongue and hold it for a few minutes. I don't know how much you will absorbed but it will be better than 12% as reported in foot painting.

Hi Sasha... Up until the Second WW years, and for over a hundred years before this period, lugols iodine was used for a huge number of chronic problems and diseases. Doses of 300 mgs - 2000 mgs or about 50 drops to 300 drops were administered by doctors on a daily basis for chronic forms of emphysema, asthma and bronchitis (iodine has a tendency to accumulate in both the lungs and breasts and its effect is highly protective). Iodine is well known to be anti-pathogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer as well. And larger dose lugols was a successful treatment because, amongst all its other wonderful healing properties, iodine acts as a safe antihistamine, germ killer, blood purifier etc etc.

I took about 16 drops of lugols (100 mgs) per day for a while just to see what effect this would have on me. It had very little effect on me and so I concluded that because of its safe and long history of use in larger dosages by the medical profession in the past, those that do have problems with iodine now must have other problems with excreting the iodine from the body. This problem is not caused by the iodine -- this is because of other medical problems within that individual.

Foot painting with iodine would probably be useful just to maintain the small thyroid iodine maintenance levels in a fairly healthy body, but would not be sufficient to satisfy the whole body's need for iodine/iodide or enough to help cure such as hypothyroid conditions. The body also needs approximately a 100 times more iodine than the thyroid does -- so you cannot guarantee that even small amounts such as 2 drops will ALL go to the thyroid -- because the body, excluding the thyroid's requirement, needs iodine too in much larger amounts. This is why you must take larger amounts of lugols to get quicker and more satisfactory results.

The absorbtion of iodine by foot-painting, from the research, seems to be very small -- only about 12% of the iodine applied to the skin is ever absorbed into the body. Here is the article and research: http://thyroid.about.com/library/derry/bl2a.htm

Bill, If I stop taking iodized salt, what si the right amount to takr of Lugols? 3 drops a day as the bottle says? I don't want any complication of taking too much and getting the thyroid overactive. I think a friend did that and got anxious and racing heart. But from what I'm reading here, it seems 2 drops would take a year then I don't have much to worry about? What are the symptoms of too much and how can one alleviate them? Any antidote? Also does painting on the foot help much to get it into the body? I will consider this nascent if Lugol's uspets the stomach too much. Thank you!

Hi Susan... Lugol's has been shown through research to alleviate and correct hypothyroid in dosages between 12.5 mgs and 50 mgs (2 and 8 drops 5% Lugols respectively). If you use the 12.5mg dose, it will take a year before full body iodine sufficiency is attained. If you take the 50 mg dose -- full body iodine sufficiency will be attained in about 3 months. I am not talking just about thyroid sufficiency here -- I'm talking about the whole body's need for iodine.

See this link:

http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm

Nascent iodine, to keep it simple, is the electrochemical form of elemental iodine and is the same as Atomidine -- what Edgar Cayce recommended. Certain people have iodine sensitivities and lugols iodine can have harsh effects on the stomach in certain people due to the iodine content. But Nascent Iodine tends to be much kinder and is also a highly bioavailable and tasteless form of iodine/iodide solution. It is, however, more expensive.

See this link for dosages and use of Nascent Iodine:

http://iodine.imva.info/index.php/iodine-dosages/

Also it would be advisable to take Magnesium Gluconate(250 mgs twice a day), Vitamin C(1000 mgs 3 times a day), Selenium(200 mcg twice a day) and zinc(25-50 mgs once a week).

The Selenium and Magnesium aid in certain thyroid enzyme processes to convert and store the iodine in the thyroid and to convert the T4 to the more active T3 thyroid hormone form respectively. Vitamin C has been proven to improve and increase iodine/iodide transport and absorbtion in both the intestines and into the cells and organs. These absorbtion problems are usually caused by excess bromine in the body which is chelated and removed by the Vit C. Zinc helps to improve the immune system and also helps to increase the rate and efficiency of metabolism in the body.

See this link for the most current and up to date research on iodine supplemetation by the Iodine Project:

http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml

The need for daily Iodine:

http://www.iodine4health.com/overviews/uses/panam_uses.htm

Dear Bill from San Fernando,

I have been taking iodine per your postings. 2 Drops of 2% every night in half glass of water. What is different between Lugols and Nascent Iodine, do you have to take 2 days off or can you take it everyday?

Thanks Bill

I am just wondering if you open a new page for seaweed. I live in a Korean pack city and there are stores in here that they sell different types of seaweeds. I want to use, but do not know how and what is the advantage and disadvange of seaweed. Thanks

You don't mention if you have a thyroid issue.

If you have Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune conditon that attacts your thyriod) you may be aggravating it. If you don't know, get your TPO and Tg antibodies tested. While you are at it get a full thyroid panel done.

They say many people are hypothyroid and don't know it. I have also seen estimations that 90% of those who are hypothyroid have one or both of the Hashimotos antibodies.

painting iodine evidently is not for everyone! I started this about a year ago using iodine tincture - and since it would fade away quite quickly I kept doing it... I thought it was making me feel better and it still seemed to be going away pretty quickly.

after a week or so I noticed that my thyroid was swelling up! I also noticed that I felt weird, kind of nervous, and my blood sugar was higher (i am a type 1 diabetic).

so I stopped taking it (there is iodine in my multivitamin) and my thyroid went back to normal and I've had no problems since.

however once I had an animal bite and my bf insisted on putting iodine on it and it got more and more swollen until I stopped the iodine.

perhaps it is sensitizing for some people? or we actually have more than we think.

Hi wondering, just avoid iodised salt and fish for a few days. I avoided anything with Iodine in for about 2 weeks (it's in bread here in Australia now again too) and my incredible whole body itching and kidney and bladder pain went away. It took about 4 days for it to calm down and a week to recover completely and then I waited 2 weeks to eat things with iodine in them again. I also used betadine, maybe it is too strong I haven't used it since and won't be going to either. Hope this helps. Cheers Lily.

I was painting a quarter size amount of Betadine Iodine on my stomach for 8 days. On the 8th day my blood sugar started to act very different; it wouldn't go under a 100 (I have a blood sugar issue of it spiking, but it always would go back to 85ish). And, as it turns out I was taking about 200mcg of iodine with some supplements (didn't realize that at the time). Could I have overdosed and that's what caused the blood sugar issue? If so, how does one resolve the overdose issue?

Hi Ann, you may be allergic to Iodine. If I paint it on it disappears in less than 3 hours, so I'm thinking you may not need it. Lily.

Some people are allergic to iodine. I believe that your sister might be allergic to iodine. You can try with a different brand and very small amounts. Good luck!

I told my sister to use iodine test, i.e., painting 2x2 inch with Swanson's iodine.

She said it disappeared within 8 hours so reapplied. In 3 days of doing this, her eyes became swollen, red and itchy and she felt very bad. If the test is correct, she does need iodine but why did she have such a bad reaction?

I too, did the test and the iodine disappeared withing 8 hrs each time I applied the test sqaure for 3 days. I, too, started feeling crabby and my throat started to feel raw. I did apply on throat and for a few moments afterward felt I would choke, as though I'd swallowed something that irritated me terribly and couldn't swallow properly.

My sister is afraid now and says she will just use kelp.

2 things: Does anyone know why we had these reactions? And I thought kelp wasn't a complete iodine source. If it is, how much should one take every day?

Many thanks, Ann

I have used iodine to check my thyroid and also clear iodine for toenail fungus. My Naturopath suggested that I use the brown iodine and put a half dollar size circle on my abdomen every morning as long as it disappeared and the first morning it remained visible, stop the treatment. I do this every six months to keep my thyroid healthy.

HI;

I don't think that you can find Lugol's in Thailand. I even contact government authority in charge of distributing iodine to schools in rural areas in the attempt to suppress retardant in kids. They do not use lugol's. a check with Government Pharmaceutical Organization who is the procurer of all pharmaceuticals to government hospital did not help also.

nattakit

Hi! We are moving to Thailand in a couple of weeks, and I'm wondering how easy it is to get Lugol's? We will be living in Chiang Mai. Thanks!

Hi Missm,

You should be able to get Lugol's from a compounding chemist, I know there is one up here in the Newcastle area that sells it.

Hey Andy; Anything marine fish can live in should be a good Iodine.

WARNING!

I want to warn people that not all kelp powder is safe to take due to its heavy metal contamination. My husband and I have supplemented with powdered kelp at the suggestion of our naturopath, for 28 years. Although I had a hair analysis done about 10 years ago in the USA, nothing showed re the arsenic levels. Fortunately this product was safe. However, after returning to Australia, we started consuming King Island kelp from 'pristine waters' south of Australia. Less than twelve months later, our hair started to fall out, we had mental confusion, lack of energy and failing memory, to name a few symptoms. Our son suggested another hair analysis and the results were horrific - both of us were off the chart with arsenic overload. Blood and urine tests confirmed this. Lab testing of a kelp sample found considerable arsenic - organic and inorganic. We bought what was advertised as organic kelp, which means nothing, we now realize, as it was not certified organic. When I see kelp mentioned as an alternative to iodine, I shudder!!!

Kelp grows on rocks at the bottom of the sea, some of which contain arsenic. If heavy metals drain into the waters, the kelp naturally absorbs them readily. You may even be consuming one of the nasty brothers, such as cadmium, mercury, etc. without realizing it.

We are now taking Lugol's Iodine (2%) among other supplements for detoxing and have found Dr. Brownstein's experience and knowledge of great assistance.

I hope this saves someone the misery we have gone through over the last five years.

The one subject that doesn't come up in the whole iodine subject is the fluoride in our water displaces iodine in the body. What all of us have to do is stop using fluoridated water for bathing, cooking, dishwashing, and drinking. I was diagnosed as hyperthyroid. After 2 months of no meds and taking iodine with distilled water I have absolutely no hyperthyroid symptoms.

Hi Bill - The Lugol's Solution (5%) I have here in Canada also has a POISON label, plus the skull and crossbones and what to do for an antidote. When I bought it at London Drugs, the pharmacist told me not to ingest it. Yeah, right... I take two drops daily in juice or water. Thanks for the explanation!

Bill, Thank you so very very much for your information - you are a legend :)

I was going to ask further questions but it seems that you have answered them in your reply.

Thank you Bill and earthclinic, Keep up the great work

Hey Bev, Interesting enough that I just read your post and that you found the iodine at an aquarium shop. I was in a pet store last week buying anti algae med and low and behold there was a bottle of iodine sitting there on the shelf! Didn't have time to look at it closely but I did wonder if it was equiv to the Lugol's brand. Is what you have equiv?

Hi Missm... A 5% Aqueous Solution of Iodine(ASI) simply means a solution of iodine and iodide in water and may be regarded as equivalent to 5% Lugols Iodine. The reason for this difference is that ASI is the British naming equivalent or standard for Lugol's Iodine and obviously Australia, being part of the British Commonwelth, has adopted the same naming standards as UK. Don't ask me why the British do this(I'm a Brit) as it leads to alot of confusion. When I bought my own current stock of lugol's iodine in Thailand, this was also called an Aqueous Solution of Iodine. Notably, on my own Thai bottles of aqueous iodine, there is no reference at all to iodine being a poison.

As regards putting POISON on a bottle of ASI or Lugol's bought in Australia, I am somewhat amused by this. If you check the Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS) for Lugol's Iodine then you will see that the oral LD50(Lethal Median Dose) is 14000 mgs/kgm for a rat. The MSDS and LD50(oral, rat) for ordinary table salt is 3000 mgs/kgm. This simply means that ordinary table salt is over 4 times more toxic than lugol's iodine. The MSDS is the biochemist's bible on toxicity and handling for any drug or chemical.

As far as I am concerned, Lugol's Iodine is very body friendly. As an experiment, I took between 50 mgs and 100 mgs of lugols orally(that's 400 to 800 times more than the RDA for iodine) for a couple of weeks just to see what would happen. I had no terrible effects. If you have healthy kidneys then there will not be any ill effects from doing this.

Here is an article on the reasons why people fear iodine -- referred to as Iodophobia in this article. This research article explains why people have so much fear about taking Lugol's iodine orally. It's all about propaganda from the drugs companies because lugol's iodine was "too cheap, useful and successful" and intererred with their drugs sales. So they simply created fear of iodine or iodophobia to eliminate the iodine competition.

Here is the most current research on Lugol's Iodine and correct dosages by The Iodine Project. The current RDA for iodine is about 125 MICROgrams per day. The Iodine Project recommends a maintenance dose of at least 12.5 MILLIgrams per day(2 drops of 5% lugol's iodine) -- which is 100 times more than the RDA. Women generally need higher doses of iodine than men because women's iodine requirements for their breasts and sexual organs are far greater.

I get mine from a fish store that sells products for salt water aquariums. Can't find it at a pharmacy.