By Ivana Dragica

Iodine – a forgotten universal drug

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We are faced with many illnesses which find their causes in a deficiency of essential nutrients, without which we can’t function properly or be completely healthy.

Among these nutrients is iodine, deficiency of which may cause numerous mild and severe ailments.

Many years ago, iodine was used to treat numerous illnesses, but the pharmaceutical industry’s growth as well as the appearance of expensive medications caused it to be suppressed and forgotten.

However, iodine’s healing potential should not be disregarded, as it may be just what your body is lacking.
The dangers of iodine deficiency

Iodine primarily plays a role in the functioning of the thyroid – the gland that affects many bodily processes.

They thyroid contains 70% - 80% iodine, although the nutrient is important for other tissues as well: the brain, breasts, skin, stomach, thymus, pancreas and cerebral spinal fluid. An iodine deficiency in any of these body parts leads to their dysfunction.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency include:

• muscle cramps
• cold hands and feet
• a tendency to gain weight
• impaired memory
• constipation
• depression
• edema
• myalgia
• fatigue
• dry skin
• fatigue
• dry skin
• brittle nails.

A deficiency in iodine may also lead to hypothyroidism, goiter, weight gain, mental retardation and certain types of cancer.

The medicinal properties of iodine

Iodine is not merely a mineral essential to our organism – it also serves as a remedy for numerous illnesses.

This mineral clears arteries, prevents heart attack, stroke and other diseases related to atherosclerosis.

It balances the hormones and can save you from having to undergo thyroid surgery. It relieves ailments related to diabetes, as well as minimizing the need for medication.

It has been noted to improve cognitive function as well as to prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. It kills parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi, with some sources even citing it as a fail-proof cure for bladder infections.

Doctor David Derry, a renowned Canadian thyroid disease expert, considers iodine to be the best antibacterial and antiviral agent of all time.

Links between iodine and ADHD

Many studies link iodine deficiency with hyperactivity. Among these studies is a ten-year study which concluded that ADHD was more common in individuals at risk for iodine deficiency.

It could mean ADHD can be treated and prevented by intaking an adequate amount of this mineral.

Treating the thyroid with iodine

The thyroid produces hormones whose synthesis is dependent on iodine. If it is lacking, thyroid function will be slowed down, which then causes numerous disorders.

The most common symptoms are lack of energy, fatigue, depression, dry skin, puffiness, infertility, weight gain, and intolerance to cold.

On the other hand, hormone overproduction will lead to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms will include restlessness, irritability, insomnia, sweating, hair loss, diarrhea, and weight loss.

One of the pioneers in iodine treatment for thyroid dysfunction is Dr. David Brownstein, who believes these issues can be eliminated by adjusting the mineral intake.

He is the author of ‘Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It’, in which you can find more extensive information on iodine treatment.

Prevents malignant diseases

Correctly adjusted iodine intake can treat breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, as well as fibrocystic breast disease.

During the early stages of cancer or fibrocystic breast disease, it is enough to ingest one drop of Lugol’s solution in order to prevent the disease’s further development. Iodine stimulates the self-destruction of thyroid and breast cancer cells.

Within the body, it may act as both an anti-oxidant and an oxidant, which makes it a powerful anti-cancerogenic compound.

Breast cancer survival rates in the last 70 years have not changed significantly, despite treatment modernization, and this may be one approach to solving the problem.

Detoxification

It is well known that iodine removes heavy metals – fluoride, bromine, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum and lead – from the body. For the purpose of detoxification and expelling heavy metals from the body, some experts recommend large doses of iodine – up to 100 milligrams a day.

Necessary from conception onward

Supplementing iodine levels can solve all issues related to the reproductive organs: infertility, absence of ovulation, lack of libido, difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term.

Pregnant women have a 60 percent increased need for iodine, as deficiency is common in pregnancy. Iodine deficiency may lead to serious mental retardation, depression, dwarfism and cretinism.

Unfortunately, Croatian studies demonstrate that one in five pregnant women is iodine deficient.

One piece of evidence attesting to the safety of much higher doses of iodine is the fact that Japanese people are among the healthiest in the world.

On average, they consume around 13 milligrams daily, which is approximately 80 times more than the recommended dosage.

It is widely considered that this is responsible for their being among the most intelligent peoples in the world.

In addition, rates in Japan of those suffering from malignant diseases, particularly those related to thyroid, urinary and reproductive organs, are the lowest in the world.

One of the easiest ways to ingest enough iodine is to use iodized salt and eat an iodine-rich diet. The richest sources of iodine are natural sea salt, algae, dairy products, pineapple, artichokes, asparagus, and dark green vegetables.

Iodine absorption can be reduced through ingestion of ingredients classified as goitrogens, which include cabbage, cauliflower, Savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard, soy, flax seeds, peanuts and others.

The recommended daily dose of iodine is 13 mg for normal bodily functioning (2 drops of Lugol’s solution).

When treating an illness, higher doses from 6 to 50 mg are necessary, as monitored by a physician. Along with iodine supplements, intake of selenium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids is suggested.

Lugol’s solution – do it yourself

Lugol’s solution is a mixture of iodine and potassium iodide, both used for therapeutic purposes. It possesses powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. In hospitals, it is often used as a disinfectant.

It is recommended you make your own Lugol’s solution, as store-bought varieties can contain unwanted ingredients. Dissolve 88 grams of potassium iodide in ½ liter of distilled water.

Add 44 grams of crystal iodine and fill with the distilled water until you reach the 1 liter mark. It will take approximately one day, or rather 24 hours, for the potassium iodide to fully dissolve. Shake the mixture occasionally, so as to accelerate the dissolution process.

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