Iodine for a Healthy Thyroid
Compiled by Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness 2-2-2016
All Rights Reserved.
In 2012 I wrote an article discussing two common deficiencies in thyroid dysfunction – iodine and the hormone, progesterone. Dr. David Brownstein, expert on thyroid health, made this comment in his books on the topic. This article will focus on the need for iodine.
Every person with a poor functioning thyroid has an iodine deficiency. All soy and all gluten (especially wheat) suppress the thyroid, according to Dr. Terry Lemerond, in his Terry Talk on the subject.
Dr. Brownstein, in his book "Iodine, Why You Need It and Why You Can't Live Without It" discusses in length the ill effects of iodine on the thyroid gland. In Brownstein's book, "The Great Soy Deception", he advocates staying clear of soy products - especially soy protein isolates and soybean oil, found in many processed foods - and even purported as a health food. Puffiness of facial features, especially under the eyes, is a sign that a person may have a malfunctioning thyroid. I had attended a vegan potluck several years ago and could pick out those who heavily consumed soy, by this classic tell-tale. For the vegans who love their soy, neurosurgeon Dr.Russell Blaylock recommends consuming only organic fermented soy no more than 2-3 times weekly. Both propose that the popularity of soy milk, and soy in processed foods, has been a key player in the increase in thyroid dysfunction.
An integrative medical doctor, Dr. Terry Lemerond promotes a therapeutic dose of iodine for thyroid support:
30 mg of Iodine – combination of 3 forms: potassium iodide, sodium iodide and molecular iodine), plus 400 mg. of l-tyrosine.
Note that Brownstein does not mention l-tyrosine.
Iodide is an iodine compound bound to another element and supports the thyroid. Molecular iodine is important to support the breast tissue, ovaries, prostate. The combination of the three supports all tissue in the body.
For support of other body systems - low dose of 3 mg daily, which Lemerond states is safe for younger children.
Mid-range for most people is 6.25 to 12.25 mg daily, and a high dose is 25 mg. daily, according to David Brownstein. Hashimotos is an auto immune of the thyroid that is caused by iodine deficiency.
It is important to have a balance of the following nutrients for a synergestic effect:
Beware of Environmental Toxins that reduce iodine uptake:
Be mindful of bromine (in breads) and bromide (flame retardant treated upholstery, clothing, carpeting, etc). Fluoride and chlorine in drinking water depletes iodine.
Side effects of iodine supplementation:
Fatigue, anxiety, irritability, a rash or reaction to iodine supplementation indicates the body is detoxifying. Iodine will work to flush out the bromine, fluoride, etc. A teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan Salt in a quart of water will help flush the toxins out more quickly.
Note that doctors have a phobia to iodine because the only one they are familiar with is radioactive iodine that they use to radiate thyroid and parathyroid glands for cancer
Lugol’s Iodine
Lugol’s iodine is commonly recommended and readily available. The product does not supply information on the label as to how much iodine is in a drop. That said, a mathematician provided the following information in a review:
5% solution has 126.5 mg per ml of elemental iodine from all 3 types in solution (that's milligram, NOT microgram- much stronger). If you go with the 'rule of thumb' of 20 drops in 1 ml, then you have 6.325mg per drop for the 5% solution.
2% solution, using a simple ratio, you end up with 2.53 mg elemental iodine. Since 1000 micrograms are in 1 mg, that's 2530 micrograms per drop for the 2% solution. so again, check your sources.
One drop of 2% Lugol’s is approximately 2.5 milligrams, which would mean 5 drops for a person wanting an average intake of 12.5 mg. Talk with your physician to determine how much iodine you should take. Hakala Research is on the recommendation list to take an iodine load test. If you are near Cross Plains, Wisconsin, to remove the guesswork of how much is needed, schedule a bio resonance scan with Purely Living Wellness and bring your iodine supplement along so it may be tested specifically for your body’s need.
Interesting Comments in the podcasts:
-Pregnant? Iodine during pregnancy is critical to prevent retardation of the developing child.
-Eczema cleared up for a woman who ate healthy, once she began iodine supplementation
-Lemerond also notes that anti-cholesterol statin drugs prevent production of the cholesterol hormone, which prevents the brain from developing as it is 22% cholesterol.
All Rights Reserved.
In 2012 I wrote an article discussing two common deficiencies in thyroid dysfunction – iodine and the hormone, progesterone. Dr. David Brownstein, expert on thyroid health, made this comment in his books on the topic. This article will focus on the need for iodine.
Every person with a poor functioning thyroid has an iodine deficiency. All soy and all gluten (especially wheat) suppress the thyroid, according to Dr. Terry Lemerond, in his Terry Talk on the subject.
Dr. Brownstein, in his book "Iodine, Why You Need It and Why You Can't Live Without It" discusses in length the ill effects of iodine on the thyroid gland. In Brownstein's book, "The Great Soy Deception", he advocates staying clear of soy products - especially soy protein isolates and soybean oil, found in many processed foods - and even purported as a health food. Puffiness of facial features, especially under the eyes, is a sign that a person may have a malfunctioning thyroid. I had attended a vegan potluck several years ago and could pick out those who heavily consumed soy, by this classic tell-tale. For the vegans who love their soy, neurosurgeon Dr.Russell Blaylock recommends consuming only organic fermented soy no more than 2-3 times weekly. Both propose that the popularity of soy milk, and soy in processed foods, has been a key player in the increase in thyroid dysfunction.
An integrative medical doctor, Dr. Terry Lemerond promotes a therapeutic dose of iodine for thyroid support:
30 mg of Iodine – combination of 3 forms: potassium iodide, sodium iodide and molecular iodine), plus 400 mg. of l-tyrosine.
Note that Brownstein does not mention l-tyrosine.
Iodide is an iodine compound bound to another element and supports the thyroid. Molecular iodine is important to support the breast tissue, ovaries, prostate. The combination of the three supports all tissue in the body.
For support of other body systems - low dose of 3 mg daily, which Lemerond states is safe for younger children.
Mid-range for most people is 6.25 to 12.25 mg daily, and a high dose is 25 mg. daily, according to David Brownstein. Hashimotos is an auto immune of the thyroid that is caused by iodine deficiency.
It is important to have a balance of the following nutrients for a synergestic effect:
- Selenium (200-400 mcg)
- Magnesium (400 mcg)
- Vitamin C (2000-5000 mgs)
- Celtic Sea Salt (1/2 tsp diluted in quart of water)
- Enough iodine to provide adequate substrate to iodinate lipids (see recommendations above)
- Take Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin)
- Correct oxidant stress in thyroid gland and mitochondria with anti oxidants (Arbonne Anti Oxidant Immunity Booster is the author's favorite)
- Ensure adequate magnesium levels
- Minimize oxidative stress in the body
Beware of Environmental Toxins that reduce iodine uptake:
Be mindful of bromine (in breads) and bromide (flame retardant treated upholstery, clothing, carpeting, etc). Fluoride and chlorine in drinking water depletes iodine.
Side effects of iodine supplementation:
Fatigue, anxiety, irritability, a rash or reaction to iodine supplementation indicates the body is detoxifying. Iodine will work to flush out the bromine, fluoride, etc. A teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan Salt in a quart of water will help flush the toxins out more quickly.
Note that doctors have a phobia to iodine because the only one they are familiar with is radioactive iodine that they use to radiate thyroid and parathyroid glands for cancer
Lugol’s Iodine
Lugol’s iodine is commonly recommended and readily available. The product does not supply information on the label as to how much iodine is in a drop. That said, a mathematician provided the following information in a review:
5% solution has 126.5 mg per ml of elemental iodine from all 3 types in solution (that's milligram, NOT microgram- much stronger). If you go with the 'rule of thumb' of 20 drops in 1 ml, then you have 6.325mg per drop for the 5% solution.
2% solution, using a simple ratio, you end up with 2.53 mg elemental iodine. Since 1000 micrograms are in 1 mg, that's 2530 micrograms per drop for the 2% solution. so again, check your sources.
One drop of 2% Lugol’s is approximately 2.5 milligrams, which would mean 5 drops for a person wanting an average intake of 12.5 mg. Talk with your physician to determine how much iodine you should take. Hakala Research is on the recommendation list to take an iodine load test. If you are near Cross Plains, Wisconsin, to remove the guesswork of how much is needed, schedule a bio resonance scan with Purely Living Wellness and bring your iodine supplement along so it may be tested specifically for your body’s need.
Interesting Comments in the podcasts:
-Pregnant? Iodine during pregnancy is critical to prevent retardation of the developing child.
-Eczema cleared up for a woman who ate healthy, once she began iodine supplementation
-Lemerond also notes that anti-cholesterol statin drugs prevent production of the cholesterol hormone, which prevents the brain from developing as it is 22% cholesterol.