Iodine is an element present in nature, it is found more abundantly in the ocean than on earth. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones which are involved in the regulation of various vital enzymes and metabolic processes. It is also a key nutrient to produce sufficient amounts of hormones. Under normal circumstances, our body contains about 20 to 30 mg of iodine. Mainly distributed between the brain, muscles, skin, heart, the pituitary gland and the kidneys.
The commonly accepted opinion suggests that Iodine's role in the body is solely to help in the creation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a gland involved in various physiological processes such as reproduction, nerve and muscle functions, protein and fat distribution, hair and nail growth, as well as in the use of oxygen by cells. However more recent observations suggested many more roles of that particular element in the human body.
Dr. Guy Abraham, one of the leading experts on iodine and former professor at the UCLA School of Medicine, studied the role of iodine and found evidence that iodine's benefits goes far beyond its thyroid function :
• Iodine supports health in breasts, ovaries, uterus, prostate, pituitary and adrenal glands.
• Helps to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Acts like disinfectant agent to help tissues fight against infection (mycosis, eczema, etc)
• Helps to eliminate fluorine, bromine, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum and mercury residues.
• Protects against electromagnetism, radioactivity, various toxins and environmental pollutants.
• Regulates moods and supports mental balance.
Studies also report the antioxidant effect of iodine. More so, the researchers suggest that iodine increases the antioxidant potential of blood serum to a level similar to that of vitamin C.
Iodine is a chemical element discovered in 1811. It belongs to the subgroup of halogens. Its symbol is I and atomic number 53. Iodine is an element recognized as indispensable to human life.
During the nineteenth century Iodine was considered a panacea for treating all kind of human ills. The Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Szent Györgi (1893 - 1986), the physician who discovered vitamin C, said :
Back in the 21st century, iodine is generally known as the fuel of the thyroid gland. It was recently discovered that Iodine was also stored in the prostate in men, in the breast and ovaries in women, but also in the skin and in the stomach mucosa. All these tissues can concentrate the iodine to a degree close to that of the thyroid gland, thanks to the presence of identical transport mechanisms called sodium / iodine symporters.
Iodine remains undervalued. Contemporary medical corpus recognizes the utility of iodine supplementation at very minor doses. The extra-thyroidal functions of iodine are almost completely ignored.
Most of the sources of iodine are in seafood, including some table salts (+/- 30%), algae and crustaceans. Like many other minerals our body needs a frequent intake of iodine as it can not store it long term.
Iodine belongs to the subgroup of "halogens", this subgroup includes Fluorine, Bromine, and Chlorine.
How do halogens behave in the body ? Iodine is the heaviest of all halogens: which means it has the highest atomic mass (53). In a 1: 1 ratio, the lightest elements take the place of the heaviest. This phenomenon is becoming problematic when the environnement is flooded by light halogens such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine. These elements will compete with iodine for receptor sites throughout the body. Fluorine and Bromine are undesirable, toxic elements that are known to interfere in particular with the endocrine system (see article below).
Bromine is added to a variety of foods, mainly cereal products. Fluoride sources in water and toothpastes provide an important daily dosage. In the United States, few decades ago, iodine was added to bread. Thus a few slices of bread were enough to give the recommended daily intake of iodine. This practice was stopped in the early 1980s and iodine replaced with potassium bromate.
We all had a typical modern lifestyle eating lots of processed food, swimming in chlorinated water, drinking fluoridated water and cleaned our teeth every day with fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes. Today, that's part of the typical lifestyle of millions of people. The body knows how to collect the good elements and reject the unwanted ones, but in the presence of such an abundance of light halogens coupled with insufficient daily iodine intake, the fight can not be won.
The body requires the intervention of Iodine in many organs, glands, enzymatic processes. Iodine is needed in every cell in our body. Recent studies have shown that the Japanese population consumed an average of 13 to 43 mg of iodine per day via their diets. With the highest levels being held by the people of Hokkaido. The government's recommendations for the daily intake of iodine in the United States are 150 micrograms (at least 100 times lower). Which is a quite low when a dish of seaweed and seafood exceed this number a hundredfold.
The thyroid gland is the most commonly associated with iodine. It has a beautiful deep red color. This gland has two lobes well known to endocrinologists. The biologist appreciates the harmonious proportions of these two lobes united by an isthmus. They are located exactly on each side of the Adam's apple.
The way the thyroid gland operates depends on the iodine we get from our diet. Then the gland secretes iodinated compounds called T3 and T4 hormones. These hormones (iodine compounds) produced by the thyroid T3 and T4 are essential to the human body. They act on many functions: regulation of body temperature, heart beat, nervous system, digestive tract, genital system, but also on the health of our hair, skin, nails.
Now that we have discussed the problem of iodine deficiency and the invasion of the halogens who acts as competitors, what are the solutions ?
The first thing is to ensure that all sources of bromine, chlorine and fluoride are removed. Fluoride can be permanently removed without disturbing everyday's life, simply by getting a fluoride-free toothpaste. Bromine compounds are mainly used in bakery products. Read the list of ingredients.
Secondly, as we mentioned before, the chemical behavior of halogen elements is simple. Increasing the ratio of one element will be sufficient to move the latter. This means that high doses of iodine taken on a regular basis will gradually lead to the extraction and replacement of the undesirable elements. Again, for the process to succeed, the supply of fluorine and bromine have to be stopped or greatly reduced. These are the basis of the Brownstein protocol, more details of this protocol are listed below.
Various symptoms may occur during this process. That reaction, called the "Herxheimer reaction", corresponds to the symptoms caused by the detoxification process. This occurs when the organism fails to evacuate the waste caused by the lysis (destruction) of too many pathogens. For example after taking antibiotics in the context of a bacterial or parasitic infection, the healing process often results in both a reaction (fever, sweatings, muscle pain) and an exacerbation of symptoms. If the elimination reaction becomes troublesome, just reduce or stop temporarily the iodine intake.
In the case of a large intake of iodine (50 to 100 mg), some testimonials report symptoms of kidney pain followed by a slightly brown urine. This is the excretion phase of bromine. However, such cases remain rare and concerns only deeply intoxicated individuals. Similar cases with a clear green urine color correspond to fluorine.
These symptoms are usually limited to fatigue, aches, cold, nausea, night time sweating or loss of appetite. Other symptoms reported includes depressed mood, nightmares.
Once the toxic elements are evacuated by the body, the reaction symptoms cease and the body regains an optimal state of functioning.
In order to support the body in this process, it is best to have a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The two supplements that can be helpful are Selenium and Vitamin C. Selenium helps to capture toxic elements for their excretion and vitamin C helps to alleviate the possible undesirable symptoms and support renal function.
The problem of iodine deficiency is affecting both developed countries and underdeveloped countries. Because of a decrease in the consumption of iodine through the diet and due to the invasion of halogens elements competing with iodine in the body. All of the organs having a significant concentration of iodine including the thyroid, chest, prostate, ovaries, stomach, are functionally impaired by this.
The scientific and medical establishment opinion and fears about iodine are mainly based on three reasons. First erroneous or obsolete research data (see our final paragraph, concerning medical iodophobia), second, frequent confusion between different types of iodine, eadible, toxic or radioactive. Third, a disinterest for the issue of toxic metals accumulating in the body.
The fluoridation of drinking water, which is a common practice in the United States, shows the lack of interest from health institutions in the matter of environmental pollution.
The most recent research has established a link between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease, but also led to recognition of the extra-thyroid function of this element.
As an endocrine disruptor: causative factor of goitre (800 million cases worldwide: WHO), sex hormone disruption, puberty disturbance, quantitative decrease of spermatozoa in mice, cause of fetal abnormalities. Increases estrogen reception, decreases the receipt of progesterone. Impaired desire and sexual ability, women exposed to PCBs and PBDEs have a 33% lower probability of giving birth to a male than non-exposed children. As a neurotoxic: affects thoughts and moods, affects the ability to learn and memorize, link with behavior changes, cause hearing deficits, cause sedation.
• Brome and Mental Disorders
The psychiatric literature abounds with high cases of Brome levels as being involved in various mental conditions ranging from depression to schizophrenia (1) (2) (3). As stated in the words by the famous American endocrinologist Guy Abraham "How many people with undiagnosed bromism are currently treated with heavy psychiatric treatments?" (4). Brome was also used to suppress libido in nymphomaniacs (Neurosin) and is now found in the anti-depressant "Buspar" in the United States.
• Bromine and Thyroid Gland
High levels of Brome are involved in all diseases related to the thyroid gland. From simple hypothyroidism to thyroid cancer. Malenchenko revealed 50-fold higher levels of Brome in cancer cases than in healthy tissues (5) Rats subjected to the minimum amount of bromine likely to be encountered in the environment underwent Goiter (6) changes, a clear case of bromine dominance. In the "Fire Project" exposure of rats to bromocyclodecane demonstrated consistent effects on the thyroid hormone axis, including a decrease in T4. The cells of the thyroid gland increased in size with larger nuclei, indicating increased synthetic activity. (7) By significantly increasing bromide consumption, more than one-third of the iodine present in rat thyroids has been replaced by bromide (8)
(1) Horowitz BZ et al., Bromism from Excessive Cola Consumption, Clinical Toxicology 1997.
(2) Levin M., Transitory Schizophrenia Produced by Bromide Intoxication, Am J Psychiatry 1946.
(3) www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/pb_paper/mr1018.2chap10.html.
(4) Abraham G., The Combined Measurement of the Four Stable Halides by the Ion-Selective Electrode Procedure Following Their Chromatographic Separation on a Strong Anion Exchange Resin: Clinical Application, The Original Internist 2006.
(5) Malenchenko AF et al., The Content and Distribution of Iodine, Chlorine and Bromide in the Normal and Pathologically Changed Thyroid Tissue, Med Radiol 1984.
(6). Velicky J et al., Potassium Bromide and the Thyroid Gland of the Rat: Morphology and Immunochemistry, RIA and INAA Analysis, Ann Anat 1997.
(7) www.credocluster.info Issue 6, July 2006
(8) Vobecky M et al., Interaction of Bromine with Iodine in the Rat Thyroid Gland at Enhanced Bromide Intake, Biol Trace Elem Res 1996.
- Voir également le "Bromisme" et ses symptômes selon l'investigation médicale de l'US Army, suite aux intoxications massives de soldats lors de la guerre du golfe :
http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/pb_paper/mr1018.2.chap10.html
• Dental Fluorosis
Absorbed in excess fluoride disrupts the secretion of the enamel which appears constellated with white spots, more or less marked according to the severity of the overdose. In addition to the aesthetic damage of an enamel pecked with white spots, in cases of severe fluorosis, fragile enamel collapses.
• Bone disorders
Fluorine accumulates in the bones and weakens them, making them more prone to fractures. It affects the processes of bone formation and resorption leading to abnormal development (according to a 1988 study). By its impact on bone metabolism, excess fluoride would promote the appearance of the so-called fluoric terrain in homeopathy, characterized by a narrow palate and poorly implanted teeth.
• Carcinogenicity
According to Morin, a former research director at Laval Hospital Canada, fluoride induces cellular mutations and accelerates the growth of cancerous tumors. Prolonged consumption of fluoride increases the mortality rate in exposed populations. Artificial fluoridation is suspected to be the cause of osteosarcomas in young people and to be related to the upsurge of arthritis and hypothyroidism.
• Nerve damage
Used as a sedative in Nazi camps to make prisoners more docile, fluoride affects the nervous system. One study -link- shows that children who absorb fluoride have a lower intelligence quotient than others. Fluoride increases the penetration of lead into the blood. In addition to its stunting effect, it engender violent behavior.
• Effects on procreation
Fluoride could be responsible for a significant drop in the birth rate (according to a study of women of childbearing age in the 1970s to 1988*). Its ingestion during pregnancy presents a malformative risk for the child.
The original Lugol solution by Dr Jean Lugol. Each drop contains approximately 6 mg of iodine. The following informations on the Brownstein protocol are shared only for informational and scientific purposes. Please respect the dosage written on the bottle.
Dr. Brownstein's protocol
Generally 2 to 15 drops in a glass of water, fruit juice or milk, per day according to the desired usage (maintenance or detoxification). Maintenance: 12 mg daily (2 drops). Detox: 50mg / day (9 drops) for 3 months. Take in the morning. May be slightly irritating if taken on an empty stomach.
Precautions
Start preferably with low doses during the first week (3-4 drops), then gradually increase up to 9 drops daily. The Herxheimer reaction observed in very deficient and / or intoxicated subjects are mainly caused by the fluorine and bromine elements whose excretion will be stimulated by iodine. These symptoms will cease immediately once these toxic elements will be evacuated from the body. In case these troubles become too troublesome, stop taking Lugol the time they dissipate. This process can take several months depending on the state of intoxication, the usual protocol recommends 3 months of supplementation with a daily dose of 50mg. It is generally advised to do two days break every 5 days to relieve the kidneys in their work. The two useful supplements in this process are Selenium in the form of selenomethionine and Vitamin C. Selenium helps to capture the toxic elements for their excretion and vitamin C helps to alleviate the possible undesirable symptoms and support the renal function. Of course, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for health and any healing process.
Iodine allergy
Some people may be allergic to certain iodine-containing products, such as contrasting injections used in radiology or some seafood. The idea that people may be allergic to iodine has spread. This is inaccurate. The products likely to induce an "allergy to iodine" all contain iodine, but they are different substances that intervene in the case of allergy.
For betadine, povidone iodine (the iodine carrier) is responsible. For seafood (fish and crustaceans) it is often an allergy to proteins. There is no cross-reaction or risk factors. Moreover, there is no allergy reported in the case of the use of alcoholic or aqueous solution of iodine (Lugol's solution, iodine dyeing, etc.).
More on the allergy to iodine : here
To the attention of doctors, pharmacists, as well as anyone who might want to know more on this topic. Read Dr. G. E Abraham's comprehensive account of the Wolff-Chaikoff effect (1948), which has been infirmed, yet still taught as a central issue concerning iodine supplementation. The study leads to what Dr. Abraham calls "medical iodophobia" here
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