Customer Reviews

Iodine: Why you need it, Why you can't live without it

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

P.S. Nascent Iodine is gentler and probably more effective than Lugols or Iodoral.

Well written and interesting, this book explains how iodine plays a crucial role in many aspects of health and why iodized salt does not supply our needs. Due to deterioration of soils/foods as well as poorer modern diets and environments (particularly the deliberate pollution of drinking water with fluorine, fluoride and chlorine, which are all toxic), severe iodine deficiency is epidemic in many English-speaking countries.

It's not just good for thyroid problems: some acclaim iodine for helping to heal breast cancer and cysts; for skin problems like acne, eczema, moles and skin tags; for fatigue symptoms; for fungus infections; for detoxification; and much more. It seems to have an amazingly wide application, since it can kill all single celled organisms and is the most effective known antiseptic. The author of this book, Dr Brownstein, confirms "Iodine has many positive therapeutic actions. It is a potent anti-infective agent. No virus, bacteria or parasite has been shown to be resistant to iodine therapy." He also repeatedly hails its proven anti-cancer effects.

Iodine comes mainly as two sorts which are (or used to be) available at pharmacies:

- Tincture of Iodine, a solution of elemental iodine in ethanol: often found in emergency survival kits, used both to disinfect wounds and to sanitize surface water for drinking (warnings: elemental iodine is a deadly - and very unpleasant - poison even in very small amounts if taken internally, it is highly irritating to mucous membranes, and it corrodes metals) and

- Lugol's, a solution of elemental iodine and potassium iodide in distilled water (the iodide makes iodine soluble in water). One of the best things about Lugol's is that it's cheap and there is no microbial resistance to it. A good maintenance dose is said to be from 12mg/day for someone of average weight. Dr Brownstein recommends Iodoral, the tablet form, rather than Lugol's as drops in a drink, but personally I prefer to put Lugol's on my skin - it works just as well, maybe better. (Some say you only absorb 12% of what you paint on the skin ~ the rest goes up in the air...it's a halogen.)

The skin takes in a lot more than most of us know: I don't put anything on it that cannot be eaten or drunk (of course that means avoiding most commercial skin-care products). Perhaps daringly, I am experimenting - on a short term basis only - with about 150 mg divided into three "installments" (morning, lunchtime and mid-afternoon) as some say iodine has an active life of about 4 hours and others that taking it too late in the day can affect sleep. J.C. Jarvis, M.D. who wrote highly of Lugol's in the 1950s commented "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."

The book is shorter than it seems, as the typeface is quite large (which is good) but also doublespaced and I believe there must be much more information available that could be helpful: for instance, it does not say, but should, that:

- - iodine does not have a long shelf-life, needing careful storage to remain active (Lugol's has an optimal shelf-life of approximately one year)
- - Lugol's is now made in different strengths - differing from the original formulation which has a total iodine concentration of 10% from 10g of potassium iodide and 5g of elemental iodine per 100ml - or 6.5mg of iodine per drop; nowadays the solution can be anything from 2% (2% iodine, 4% potassium iodide and 94% distilled water), 3%, 5% to 7% (even though 10% is the original strength) so you need to check before buying (and "1/2 strength" should mean 5% but you still need to doublecheck these days)
- - avoid taking anti-oxidant supplements (vitamins A, C, E, selenium, glutathione, etc.) for the duration of any "higher-than-normal" usage of Lugol's
- - follow high usage of iodine products with probiotics to replenish vital intestinal flora

Oddly, since 2007 I understand a prescription is required in the US for amounts over 1oz/30ml and what is now available as Lugol's is heavily diluted: regular Lugol's solution has 10% of total iodine while the highest concentration permitted by the FDA is 2.2%. Even worse, it's recompounded with sodium, which doesn't let it get into the cells. Therefore Iodoral tablets might be better as they still have the same iodine content as 2 drops of (original) Lugol's solution - 13 mg per standard tablet - and even 50 mg tablets are available.

Finally, never take Lugol's if you're allergic to iodine. In case you worry about iodine poisoning (some people seem to be very sensitive to iodine although excess iodine is excreted via urine), the antidote for iodine overdose is easy: either high-dose vitamin C (at least 4g - that's 4000mg) or chocolate/cocoa which is high in bromine and displaces iodine when needs be. A cruel joke is that commercial breadmaking currently uses the toxic bromine process instead of the traditional iodine process, creating a runaway iodine deficiency.

P.S. If you are allergic to iodine, please see Lee Edwards' advice in the comments section. Thank you Lee!

[Later note: I recommend a well-researched book called "Outsmart Your Cancer" - anything that can HEAL cancer is also a general healer and should be able to help much else in the body as well as "Trick and Treat" by Groves which turns modern eating advice on its head, backed up by plenty of evidence, and "Never Fear Cancer Again" by Raymond Francis, a brilliant distillation of what is truly needed for health. All 3 should be on the "top 10" of any list of books on health.]

My daughter has been ill for a number of years with hypothyroidism and associated issues. We searched the region for a doctor and finally found a wonderful physician who worked with her, prescribed Armour Thyroid and a number of supplements to get her back in balance after the years of Synthroid, Despite some improvements, it was not until I read Dr. David Brownstein's book on the subject of iodine deficiency that we decided we would give this a try. And no, we didn't get any blessing from anyone.

My husband, daughter and myself, all used liquid iodine and did the paint test to see if we were deficient, which we all were. Based upon a significant amount of research we decided to take a specific amount, starting last Monday, June 14. What has happened is NOTHING less that a miracle.

My daughter, who has hideous outbreaks of hives, had no hives during the first three days, had two outbreaks on the 3rd day, but they were noticeably small and did not last near as long. Secondly, she has so much more energy and is able to get through the day without an afternoon nap, whereas before this iodine, the fatigue drove her to nap every afternoon. Thirdly, her voice, which had been very hoarse since before she was diagnosed has cleared and her attitude is much more positive now. These are just of the improvements we have seen in her, but they are remarkable when you understand her long journey and the insane number of doctors she has been through. For the first time in 10 years, I am getting my daughter back.

As far as my husband is concerned, he has hypothyroidism as well and he has noticed considerable improvement in energy, muscle strength, attitude, and the puffiness is starting to leave his face, his joint pain has also improved to the degree that it has almost completely dissipated, and keep in mind this is only ONE WEEK on the Iodoral.

As for my own improvements, my former level of energy has returned, joint pain from several injuries has lessened considerably, I no longer have a number of cravings that used to plague me and the list goes one.

It is clear, once again, that the FDA, Big Pharma, the food industry and the AMA are doing their best to get us fat, break us down and keep us sick. Everywhere we turn, essentials to our quality of life are being depleted or destroyed and we wonder why our health care costs are out of control. If one is diligent to read, research and study the findings in Dr. Brownstein's book, you will be amazed and committed to using the information the quality of your life.

This book and Iodoral, which you can also find on Amazon, have been miraculous in our lives.

When I was studying nutrition in college, I was taught that iodine is important only for the thyroid, and that the amount of potassium iodide in table salt was enough. Medical school teaches doctors the same things. Most doctors will tell you that more than a milligram of iodine a day can cause hypothyroidism. They are simply wrong, the victims of a strange misinterpretation of research data from an experiment on rodents.

In this book, David Brownstein, M.D. summarizes his work with Dr. Guy Abraham, bringing to light old and new information and truth about iodine, an extremely important mineral - the most misunderstood mineral. Proper use of iodine may cure most thyroid problems, and beyond that, may be a preventative and cure for every disorder of breast tissue, reversing precancerous changes. The same may be true in other tissues which concentrate iodine, such as overies and the prostate.

This book is little in size, but big in content. It opened worlds for me as a clinician.

Dolev Gilmore, author: Nutrition and Your Child's Soul: Don Quixote's Heart-Cry

Iodine is an essential nutrient, meaning it must be consumed in the diet. Iodine is found primarily in seawater and sea organisms, particularly seaweed. Some iodine becomes airborne and is deposited in soil and water but in extremely small quantities. It is estimated that one-third of the earth's soil is deficient in iodine and that people's iodine levels have fallen 50 percent over the past thirty years.

Iodine was added to table salt in the 1920s due to high incidence of goiter in areas with low soil iodine. But the RDA for iodine is just enough to prevent goiter, not necessarily enough for optimum health. Iodine is used by every cell of the body, the thyroid gland being the heaviest consumer. It's no wonder we are experiencing so much hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

In the 1960s iodine was used by the commercial baking industry as a dough conditioner, but due to unfounded concerns of toxicity, it was removed twenty years later and replaced with bromine. (The Japanese regularly consume one hundred times the RDA of iodine without ill effect.) The irony is that bromine is a known goitrogen and competes with iodine at receptor sites in the cells. What were they thinking? Other chemicals that compete with iodine are chlorine, fluoride, and perchlorate, all of which can be found in most municipal water supplies.

In this book, Dr. Brownstein discusses:

* the history of iodine
* where it's found
* insufficiency of iodine in supplemented salt
* why the RDA for iodine is not enough
* difference between iodide and iodine and why both are needed
* testing for iodine levels
* the problem of halogens competing with iodine and how sufficient iodine can detoxify these chemicals
* iodine's role in the cell, thyroid gland, breast, prostate, uterus and ovaries
* the importance of adequate selenium and vitamins B2 and B3
* requirements for children
* iodine's possible role in the reduction of cancer
* diseases that can occur because of iodine deficiency
* a question and answer section
* scientific references
* numerous case studies of patients he has successfully treated

I would have liked more information on thyroid function in relation to iodine, but the author has chosen to write a separate book (Overcoming Thyroid Disorders) covering that topic and another book on a required component of his treatment protocol: (Salt: Your Way To Health (This Book Will Show You Why Salt Is The Most Misunderstood Nutrient)).

I don't think the author adequately addressed the claim that supplemental iodine should be avoided in those with Hashimoto's. I'm also not fond of books with large typefaces and double spacing, yet the book still manages to convey a wealth of information that will help anyone understand the importance of iodine's many roles in the body.

Another point the author makes is that many people prescribed thyroid hormones may be harming themselves down the road if they do not have sufficient dietary iodine. Demanding the thyroid to increase output without providing it with nutrients essential to its function may lead to autoimmune diseases of the thyroid. According to Bernstein, these same people may be able to reduce or eliminate these thyroid hormones by simply raising serum iodine levels. On the other hand, I have read that the Japanese consume a lot of iodine in sea plants and yet have high rates of hypothyroidism. And where do you think Hashimoto's came from?

Update: 4/15/10: After supplementing with iodine, I began getting hot flashes and night sweats and stopped menstruating. I also had difficult sleeping through the night. Several other women in a Yahoo iodine group had the same complaints. Many people reacted poorly to Brownstein's protocol, which was laid at the feet of poor adrenal function and/or detoxification. But several very vocal people claimed great success with it. I've been researching further into iodine, whose use appears to be very controversial. I am skeptical about Brownstein's protocol until I can learn more. Proceed with caution.

Update: 7/9/10. It took about three months for the hot flashes and night sweats to stop, I'm sleeping through the night, and I have begun menstruating again. I still supplement occasionally with iodine, but very small amounts.

Book availability: At the time I'm writing this, Amazon is out of stock. Thus, be advised that Dr. Brownstein sells the book for $15 on his site, and offers a CD with the same name. (Google him.)

Iodine is vital to so many of the body's functions, that traces of it are found in every single organ. Yet, it's rarely discussed. (Notice the shortage of iodine books on Amazon.) Still, through all the years of Dr. Brownstein's holistic practice, iodine supplementation has proven to make the biggest difference in the lives of his patients. That's a remarkable fact. When sufficient iodine is present, the body is equipped to fight off many germs that might otherwise sicken us.

Unfortunately, foods which should contain iodine (but don't), combined with poisons in our water, like chlorine and fluoride, are slowly killing or weakening us--and we don't even know it. Our bodies most certainly do, however.

Yet, iodine is the type of health remedy that doesn't have a date for Friday night. In other words, zillions of dollars won't be spent courting iodine, because it can't be patented--or at least, pharmaceutical profit-mongers haven't figured out a way to patent it just yet. (Anything seems possible, however. Just this month, the naturally occurring Vitamin B6 was declared a patentable "drug," which I found astonishing. It's now set to become available by prescription only. Imagine that.) In the market place of medicine, a remedy that can't be marked up 2,000% just isn't sexy. It's unable (most of the time) to attract the physician's attention away from the ubiquitous pharmaceutical rep's, whose satchels overflow with free samples, lunch invitations, jokes and flattery, etc.

As the book carefully explains, a physician's inattention to nutritional deficiencies can be devastating. I'll use my experience as an example (an experience that eventually led me to this book). Over a period of time, I saw three physicians regarding my hypothyroidism. All three prescribed the same thing (a synthetic hormone), and nothing else. How I actually felt, which was miserable with fatigue, was ignored in favor of "all good" lab reports. The doctors spoke to me and I listened, but when I spoke in return, I wasn't heard. Apparently, in the world of "the only remedy is pharmaceutical," all the streets are one-way.

Later, after my HMO coverage ended, I started to educate myself about my symptoms. Losing that coverage seemed horrible at the time. However, now I see it as a good thing--because that is when I became much more responsible for my health. Thanks to eventually finding Dr. Brownstein's book, I learned that iodine deficiency directly contributes to thyroid malfunctioning. Being able to apply this knowledge has been empowering, and God bless you, Dr. Brownstein, for making your grasp of this issue available. As I learned (the hard way), anyone who takes a back seat with their health care by handing all responsibility to the doctor, will pay for that passivity. As for iodine deficiency, this book thoroughly covers the multitude of ways the price is paid.

In our nation, the three most common nutrient deficiencies are iodine, Vitamin D3. and magnesium (according to Dr. Mercola, who is also a holistic practitioner). This book is an essential eye-opener regarding one of those three deficiencies--and all have significant consequences. Therefore, read this book, apply its recommendations, and spread the word to others, so they can enjoy better health, too. I'm confident you'll thank yourself many times over for doing so.

this is his 3rd edition book, Dr. Brownstein has a 4th out also.... I found this book to be so interesting and I hate to read but I couldn't put this one down..... He has stories in there explaining why you need Iodine, what it will do for you and what it will prevent. I love this book because it is so interesting and lifesaving....

You will read about iodine, how he got started on it, what it does for your body and your mind and you will be amazed.... I found the Iodoral here at Amazon to be cheaper than any other site so far and I highly recommend what Dr. Brownstein has said about using this supplement. It was and is an eye opener and something you've never heard before.... highly recommend this read....

The message of this book is so important, particularly for anyone suffering with a serious illness. The book goes into a lot of detail but all you really need to know is that:

1. Iodine is very important in the body and is essential for health.

2. Many of us are low in iodine, and the small amounts in multivitamins or iodised salt are not nearly enough.

4. If you have a serious illness, GET AN IODINE TEST! It's an easy urine test that can be done at home, and costs around $100

3. Despite some scaremongering, iodine is safe to take in doses over 1 mg although iodine levels should always be tested before iodine is given at higher doses and iodine supplement levels should be raised slowly where the patient is sensitive to the effects of detoxing.



The book is worth reading if you're able to get or borrow a copy, but all you really need to do is to have a test done and see what your iodine levels are like and go from there.

Another book by Dr. Brownstein that dives more deeply into the controversial use of Iodoral or Lugol's solution (iodine/iodide products). He provides some history and describes the benefits of taking iodine for a variety of health issues. He explains why most Americans are deficient in iodine and why you should take a loading test to gauge how deficient you may be. He concludes, based on testing many patients, iodized salt is not enough to keep your iodine levels optimum. He specifically addresses breast cancer, fibrocystic disease, thyroid issues, Hashimoto's disease, and detoxification. He has a Q & A section where he addresses many questions about iodine supplementation. He refutes what mainstream western medicine has been saying about iodine. This is an easy to read book giving you enough information to make some changes to your diet, lifestyle and supplementation. He provides successful case histories with his clinical approach. This is not a self help book as you are strongly suggested to find a practitioner to work with who subscribes to his approach. I have not used Iodoral or Lugol's solution but I feel he gives compelling reasons for someone with an unresolved health issue to see a practitioner who uses these supplements per his approach. Dr. Brownstein has a website called [...] were you can learn more. To learn about research papers written on iodine/iodide go to [...] and enter the research section.

I read several of Dr. Brownstein's books, after my local pharmasist lent me a couple of Brownstein's DVD lectures (Iodine, Thyroid). The information is fascinating and worth considering by anyone suffering from thyroid disorders, fibromyalgia, fibrocystic breasts, chronic fatigue, ADD/ADHD and many other disorders. It appears to be well-grounded and supported by conventional medical research, and simply makes sense. I now have a much better understanding of the function of various minerals, vitamins and hormones in the body and feel prepared to investigate my own health further in cooperation witn my own doctor. One last note: after only 3 days of 12.5 mg of Lugol's solution, my brain fog lifted - amazing; I don't suggest experimenting on yourself, though; it's a great idea to get some pre and post testing done and to work in cooperation with an interested professional. To our health!

Based on years of research and his clinical experience as an M.D. treating patients with iodine deficiency, Dr. David Brownstein has given us a book that answers the question: why do I need iodine, and why can't I live without it? His comprehensive treatment of the subject provides a sufficient, accessible primer on iodine supplementation and health for both laymen and professionals. The book has fifteen chapters (Fourth Edition 2009):

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Iodine
Chapter 2 - Iodine Deficiency and Iodized Salt
Chapter 3 - Different Forms of Iodine
Chapter 4 - Iodine, Breast Cancer & Fibrocystic Disease
Chapter 5 - Iodine and Toxic Halogens: Bromide and Fluoride
Chapter 6 - Iodine and the Thyroid Gland
Chapter 7 - What Does Iodine Do in The Cell?
Chapter 8 - The Oxidation and Organification of Iodine
Chapter 9 - The Selenium/Iodine Connection
Chapter 10 - Do Children Need Iodine?
Chapter 11 - Iodine and Detoxification
Chapter 12 - Iodine Dosage Guidelines
Chapter 13 - Questions and Answers
Chapter 14 - Case Histories
Chapter 15 - Final Thoughts

I was looking for a single resource with scientific references that I could use as a springboard for my continuing research on the subject of iodine supplementation for health and healing. However finding comprehensive, evidence-based information on iodine can be challenging, especially in light of the medical establishment's pervasive iodophobia. Dr. Brownstein's book filled my need adequately and has helped me conceive new directions for my studies on iodine.

People suffering from thyroid and autoimmune diseases, cancer, including breast and prostate cancer, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or people who are interested in detoxification from bromide, fluoride, perchlorate, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers that are ubiquitous in the environment, should read this book. Dr. Brownstein presents compelling evidence regarding iodine's unique ability to alleviate the symptoms of those diseases and even reverse them, and iodine's remarkable ability to detoxify those environmental pollutants that may be contributing to the rise in iodine deficiency and those diseases.