Iodine is a frequently overlooked mineral with a significant number of protective benefits and features. Iodine is most commonly found near the sea and is abundant in sea vegetables, seaweed and to some degree fish. The most common source of iodine in the American diet is iodized salt and recent studies of our salt supply demonstrate inadequate fortification. Since many of us shun salt or use sea salt, we often find ourselves deficient in this key nutrient. As a matter of fact, fully 96% of the American population (or at least the number of people who have taken a 24 hour urine iodine test) come up as deficient when it comes to iodine sufficiency.
Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of mental retardation in the world. Soil that is deficient in iodine (such as in the goiter belt of the Great Lakes) is a cause of many diseases. Hypothyroidism, fibrocystic breast disease, polycystic ovaries (just about any cystic disease for that matter) and breast cancer are all some of diseases that are frequently associated with iodine deficiency. Breast cancer is seen more frequently when one is in an iodine deficient state. This is why there is an association between hypothyroidism and breast disease. It has been demonstrated that iodine supplementation is a useful adjunct to chemotherapeutic treatment and prevention of breast cancer. This may account for the reason why the incidence of breast cancer is so much lower in Japan than it is in America. The average Japanese daily iodine intake has been stated to be between 5.3-13.8mg/day. Iodine influences estrogen metabolism toward the good, non-cancer causing estrogen, estriol.
Iodine saturation in the body typically occurs first in the thyroid gland and then the breasts and ovaries. The US RDA of iodine is 150mcg – just enough to prevent a goiter. This small amount does not adequately supply the needs of the breasts or ovaries, thus the presence of the breast and ovarian problems as noted above. This is likely a reason why hypothyroidism is 8X more common in women than men (breasts and ovaries also competing for iodine). When supplementing with iodine, it can be and is sometimes difficult to find the sweet spot of iodine adequacy. SImilar minerals, bromide, fluoride and chloride (halides) can all bind to iodine receptors and prevent iodine from doing its job. These halides are ever present in our environment as flour is brominated, water is fluoridated and chlorinated and bromides are everywhere (new car smell). With the toxic sea of halides we are swimming in, the multiple functions of iodine are often even further inhibited.
There is a growing movement recommending and supporting that we increase the supplementation of iodine. The most common recommendation being the use of Lugols solution or tableted iodoral – both of which would be useful to have on hand in the case of a nuclear disaster/fallout. When Fukushima occurred, it was almost impossible to procure iodine as it sold out across the country. It is always good to have some Lugols or iodoral on hand in case of an emergency. Adults should take a 130mg dose of iodine prior to fallout exposure, as a dose this large will provide protection for 24 hours (see last attachment).
As in many things, this is a topic of heated controversy. I would recommend you discuss this with your doctor and if you have further interest or are dissuaded, I would recommend the book, Iodine, Why You Need it and Why You Can’t Live Without It by David Brownstein, M.D. When I first saw this book, I chuckled to myself thinking, who would read a book like that. Two weeks later I was deep into it and the intricacies of iodine. I am amazed at what this miracle mineral can do. Suffice it to say, Iodine is a very important mineral and you should make sure you are getting at least the minimal requirement. If you are dealing with any of the risk factors above, it would behoove you to further explore the many benefits of optimizing your iodine intake.
It’s not just something you rub on a cut,
Chris
http://www.health-science-spirit.com/iodine.html
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/oct2011_The-Silent-Epidemic-of-Iodine-Deficiency_01.htm
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I started supplementing with iodine approximately 5 months ago. I read up on it once I got into organic eating etc… in less than a year I had lost weight and was feeling great just from eating organic and using all natural products. So I read up on iodine because of battles with gout and I had my meniscus(knee cartilage) removed due to a tear. I’m still on active duty in the Navy and really wanted my gout and joints “restored”. I’ve had awesome results and am now jogging regularly, and pain free. Since supplementing with iodine, I have quit taking indomethacin and have had no gout attacks. Also in the last couple months, my mother has seen Dr. Nagy and had a knee replacement… she has recovered amazingly fast!! She is completely convinced of the benefits of NATURAL remmedies as well. I only wish that I had a Doctor near me that supported these options.