The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Nascent Iodine
Posted by Silversurfer (Washington, DC) on 10/09/2014
Hello.
My question today is for Bill. I was wondering what your thoughts are on nascent iodine vs lugols (potassium iodide). Pros/cons?
Nascent Iodine
Posted by Silversurfer (Washington, DC) on 10/14/2014
★★★★★
Thanks so much for the info, Bill. I have your book and have been following your protocol religiously. Within the first 2 weeks my jock itch has almost totally resolved itself without any creams or added support. I have been struggling with it for years. Also, I am beginning to just feel much better overall. I happen to be a clinical nutritionist and am also utilizing your protocol with my clients. Much thanks for all of your research and efforts. You never know how many people you can touch.
Plant Iodine
Posted by Sam (Miami, US) on 06/19/2014
★★★★★
I found tree/plant Iodine/Potassium supplement on barefootherbalistmh site and very impressed. I am taking it with "worms be gone" tincture for a month now. There is passion in these products, passion for herbs, plant and its healing qualities. If you decided to supplement with Iodine, I recommend you look into these supplements.
Where to Buy: Canada
Posted by Val (Innisfail, Ab Canada) on 03/31/2014
Hello I am looking for Lugol's Iodine in Alberta, do you have a location here where I could purchase it?
Where to Buy: Canada
Posted by Toourlady89 (Hayward, Ca) on 04/01/2014
You could purchase Lugols Iodine from Amazon in different concentrations..
FYI: if you will be using Lugol's internally, there is a protocol of vitamins here on this site to follow to safely take iodine without untoward side effects..
Where to Buy: Canada
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 04/01/2014
Hi Val from Innisfail - I get 5% Lugol's from London Drugs or Shoppers Drug Mart (you need to ask the pharmacist to order it for you). Mary from Saskatchewan recently mentioned a number of Calgary compounding pharmacies that carry it as well (in stock so it doesn't have to be ordered). I don't know if Innisfail has a compounding pharmacy but if there isn't, try any pharmacy. You may want to talk directly to the pharmacist (sometimes the assistants aren't as helpful).
Also, Bill from San Fernando said that Lugol's can be purchased at the vets and some pet shops in Canada.
Hope this helps - good luck! Bess
Iodine Interactions
Posted by Lin (Wa) on 03/09/2014
To Ted or anyone who can help me with this question, I would like to know as I have been reading on Iodine it says that Vitamin C cancels out Iodine. So if I need Vitamin C then must I give it up in order for the Iodine to help me? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you to Ted and Earth Clinic for being here for us.
Iodine Interactions
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 03/10/2014
Lin: Animals make a lot more vitamin c than people get. They also require iodine. The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that vitamin c does not cancel iodine. Maybe isolated c supplementation causes this. A 200 lb. mans tissues become saturated with c from whole foods at 200mg. After this c is no longer absorbed. C from whole foods depletes at 8%/hour. Freeze dried wild harvested acerola cherry powder has 17% c along with co factors when the product does not contain fillers.
Iodine Interactions
Posted by Lin (Wa) on 03/10/2014
Thank you Mike62 because of your helpful answer I went back and re read the article. I realized that I had totally misread it and they simply meant that they shouldn't be taken together. The article I read was: Iodine Remedies: Secrets From the Sea.
Iodine Interactions
Posted by Lin (Wa) on 03/12/2014
Bill from San Fenando, Philippines: Thank you so much for your very clear and concise answer, it helped me understand it so much better. My friend Jackie is worried about taking lugol's iodine and I wanted to know if taking liquid kelp would work just as well? Thanks for all your help. We would be lost without you and earth clinic, I have learned so much from the good people on this site.
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Anne (Midwest) on 01/18/2014
My doc said that I'm hypothyroid, and rather than put me on Armor (which she is willing to do), she suggested that I try iodine supplements. I had a bottle of Iosol, and I have been taking one drop of this in water, for about 3 -4 days this week. I felt nothing, until yesterday while in line at the local store. Whammo! A wave of dizziness swept over me. Thankfully, today is Saturday so I can hole up at home and try to recover. I stopped the Iosol, have been drinking lots of water w/ lemon, taking B-complex and plenty of vita C, but still have some waves of vertigo if I move too quickly or duck my head too quickly. Has anyone else had weird dizziness when taking Iodine drops? Thanks to you all!
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by Ecfan99 (USA) on 12/29/2013
Hello - I have been taking iodine for over a year to help with goiter / cysts on thyroid, as well as fibrocystic breasts. I had been taking 75mg of Lugol's. About two months ago I switched to Iodoral because of ease of taking, and the Lugol's was staining my teeth. I started at 50 mg of Iodoral and didn't notice any detox or side effects. I bumped up to 100 mg a few days ago. I take the companion supplements as well (magnesium, selenium, C, B, sea salt).
Throughout the night last night I woke up feel very nauseated. Still feeling pretty queasy today. So much so that I've canceled my plans for the day.
Could this be the iodine doing further detoxing, and more halides being released into my system? I have taken some sea salt in water this morning, and may continue to do that. Just want to be sure I'm approaching this correctly. Thanks.
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 12/29/2013
Ecfan99: Like a world class symphony that has excellent musicians and finely tuned instruments in the proper ratio, the body requires dozens of nutrients and hundreds of co factors to function at peak performance. Cooked regular food and isolated supplements do not provide these. The best nutrients come from raw, organic, grass fed, soaked, sprouted, fermented, and wild harvested whole foods. I was like you a short while ago. Today I am a lot better.
Margarita
Posted by Ann (Va) on 11/28/2013
Are you being serious? 3 x's a day for how many days is the question? Interesting, Thanks
Skin Cancer
Posted by Judy (Australia) on 09/29/2013
hi... Fascinating to read about the iodine. I use petty spurge for bccs (basal cell carcinomas). It grows here like a weed. its actually called Euphorbia Peblis. The sap kills off any cancer cells.
I've dealt with at least six to eight bccs on my upper chest and face over the years. I only have very small scarring to cope with now.
The trouble is, you can't use it near your eyes as it can blind you.
My son has just had bccs removed from his lower eye lid. He had to have the eye lid completely removed and reconstructed. It was upsetting to know that I couldnt treat the area because of its proximity. He has had major surgery, and had to have two surgeries to get it right.
Is iodine just the one you can buy over the counter? is it toxic to the eye? it could be another way of getting around using something on the face to get rid of cancers.
Iodine Loading Test
Posted by Anthony (Philadelphia) on 06/03/2013
Hi, Has anyone had a iodine loading test done? Could a testing center or place be recommended? Did you find it helpful? Thanks!
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Heidi (Sierra Nevada Foothills, Ca) on 03/29/2013
Every time I take one drop a day of iodine from seaweed for a few days, I start to feel congestion in my chest. Could this be a cleansing reaction and if so what is the best course of action for improving my lung health? I am physically active and have a strong cardio vascular system.
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 03/29/2013
Hi Bill, I started taking Iodoral a few times a week after reading how valuable it is. My doctor told me not to take more than one tablet a day or it would "blow out" my thyroid. Now I find I have hypothyroid. I am in the process of using Armour thyroid supplement at 30 mg. , with the intention of increasing it every 6-8 weeks until my TSH is 1. I bought some kelp capsules to take instead of the Iodoral. But after reading your article, I wonder if I should take the Iodoral again? We are going to monitor the thyroid nodules in a year for increase instead of doing a biopsy now. From what I've read, there is only a very small chance of a cancer that is aggressive in these cases, and many are diagnosed with papillary cancer but there is no increase in mortality, indicating either a cancer that is slow growing and not harmful or an outright misnomer. In order to stop the growth of the nodules, however, it seems to me to be important to increase iodine. Is this correct? Should I wait to see the effective Armour dose first, or take the iodine and probably get a good effect on a lower dose of Armour? I read a book on this but I'm still not familiar with all this. Thank you for any advice you may have.
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 03/30/2013
Hi Rsw... As I've said many times before, TSH is a highly inaccurate test for the measurement of thyroid hormones. The better option would be, at the very least, to get your Free T3 and Free T4 levels and certain other body paramters measured instead. Free T3 and Free T4 are the
active thyroid hormones that are important to your body whereas TSH is secreted from the Pituatury gland. For a more detailed explanation of this aspect, see these links:
TSH -- Why It's Useless
Recommended Lab Work
Armour thyroid used to be a good form of natural thyroid, but in 2009 they were taken over and they changed their formula and included more cellulose -- a caking agent that helps form the tablet. Any caking agent will inhibit the proper absorption of nutrients. For a list of other natural thyroid options with explanations, see this link:
Natural Thyroid Options
As to the question of whether higher dose iodine is beneficial for the thyroid or not, here are two pieces of incontestable evidence which proves outright that higher dose iodine is not a poison:
* Before WW2 and for over 100 years medical doctors widely prescribed 5% lugols iodine supplemented in dosages of 50 to 300 drops per day -- that's a daily dosage of 300 mgs to 2000 mgs of LI per day!!
* For thousands of years, the Japanese have eaten seaweed (which contains iodine) in their diet -- and it has been found through research that they have an average daily iodine intake of 13. 8 mgs per day(the RDA for iodine is currently 150 micrograms per day). The Japanese are one of the healthiest populations in the world as a result of this diet.
The reason for thyroid nodule formation with higher iodine intake in the West today is not due to the iodine -- but is due to a very poor western food diet that hugely lacks anti-oxidants -- lacking Selenium and Magnesium in particular (with a high calcium diet which acts to inhibit the proper absorption of iodine into crucial areas of the body). That's why anyone in the West who has thyroid problems or, indeed, any other problem requiring supplemented iodine, should always follow The Iodine Protocol without fail.
For a more detailed explanation from independent research which explains all the reasons why you get thyroid nodule formation with higher iodine intake -- see these links:
Iodine and Your Thyroid
Facts About Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by A (Southern , Ca) on 03/30/2013
I do believe you on the T3 & T4 testing. But unfortunately, last month when I went to retest my TSH level, I mentioned to the doc that I wanted to test the T3 & T4 also. Actually, I tried to
demand that they test it, stating that the TSH level is an incomplete indicator of the thyroid. She wouldn't hear such talk. She said something like - no, this is how we test. And acted as if she'd never even heard of the other tests! They are "the authorities", and will not do what a patient asks if it's not in their agreeable scope of "knowledge".
With my TSH level just inside the normal range, they would definitely not do any further testing.
And being on the state health-care system, I do not have a choice of doctors, nor could I ever afford a doctor that I would actually intentionally choose myself. So I only go to the doc minimally, like for a blood test or an asthma inhaler.
Any suggestions on how to get the proper tests done for an affordable price, without a referral? (I'm in southern California).
Thanks for all that info and links, even though I wasn't the one who asked. (I'll continue to eat Brazil nuts for selenium, but do I need to eat a few every time I take a drop or 2 of Lugol's? Also, there's no knowing whether the source of the nuts is depleted or not. So might it be better to take a supplement on and off?)
Iodoral Iodine
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 03/31/2013
Thank you, Bill, for all the useful links you have given, and also the info on Armour. In reading "Solved:The Riddle of Illness" by Stephen Langer, MD, which was recommended to me earlier, it seemed to say a lack of iodine could cause nodules, so I was confused as to why I would avoid iodine if the goal was to reduce or maintain what is already there. I will continue with the iodine and the other supplements, as explained. I am so surprised to see how many illnesses can occur as a result of low thyroid. Ohio has the lowest level of Selenium in it's soil, which can apparently lead to cancer, so I will be eating a few Brazil nuts daily, too. Thanks so much for all you do to help people everyday, and for answering my questions so I can understand the answers.
Seaweed
Posted by Mohd Shani (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 03/10/2013
Hi, TQVM [Thank You Very Much] for the posts on EC. I was informed of some benefits of seaweeds but there are many types of seaweeds. Seaching 'seaweeds' on EC gave interesting readings but there no specific topic on seaweeds.
Are all seaweeds have the same benefits ? Especially those found in South East Asia and those in Europe ?
Thank you for sharing your opinions and experience on seaweed.
Regards.
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Ecfan99 (Everywhere, , Usa) on 03/02/2013
I've been taking Lugol's steadily for about three or four weeks - slowing building. I'm at six drops of 2% per day. Also taking C and selenium. Experiencing some symptoms, and am wondering if the intense menstrual cramps I am feeling today could be related? Thanks for any insight.
I'm taking the iodine for my thyroid nodules and fybrocystic breasts, by the way.
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/03/2013
Ecfan99, if you suspect iodine for the cramps, why not try it externally?
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Von Butz (Santa Ana, Ca) on 02/16/2013
Ok EarthClinic, I'm counting on you for some kind of answer. I have been taking Lugol's 5% iodine for the past 6 months and I have had such a terrible time with my skin. I have never, ever, in all my years of illness had bad skin. In fact, it was the one thing I had left that was wonderful and beautiful and I was frequently complimented on. Not so much the case anymore.
I am up to 8 drops a day, split to 4 drops morning and night. I also take 2 tsp of macqui berry powder (vitamin c), 1 tsp MACA powder, 1 3/4 tsp magnesium/calcium powder (CALM), and spike every 16 oz of water with 1/4 tsp ACV and lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. In addition, I am cleansing for systemic candida which I'm taking a yeast control product and 3 tbsp of extra virgin coconut oil. I also take a very good daily vitamin (that has loads of goodies in it), vitamin d, astaxanthin, and ubiquinol. I even now use a cosmetic product that's made primarily with magnesium oil as well as many other good essential oils.
I have previously done extensive colon and liver cleansing. I have never cleansed my kidneys completely.
I exercise every day and go in my infrared sauna. I also try to do coffee enemas as frequently as I can to clean my blood.
The nature of the acne is quite odd too. They aren't actually bonfide pimples. They are usually a very hard sebum that more often then not I have to dig out of the skin because it won't come out on it's own. And when I finally get it out, I try to smash the sebum between my thumb nails (gross, I know) just to see how hard it is and sometimes it won't crush. Almost like a pebble. And then I'm left with a very slow healing wound on my face.
I'm trying to keep a positive disposition and look at it as a good thing because I know my body is detoxing and that's great. And I know that I'm doing a lot at once to detox but I feel as though I keep all of my pathways of detoxification flowing pretty well. Nothing is stopped up. So why the acne? And why such a weird form of the acne? Should I be doing something else in addition to my protocol?
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 02/16/2013
Hi, check with Bill but it could be B3?
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/17/2013 2048 posts
Von Butz: Take a Cal/Mag/Zinc instead of the Cal/Mag. A mixed Caroteinoid complex seems appropriate here also. Take Vit-E and Selenium with your Ubiquinol (not same time as caroteinoids).
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Natalie (Santa Ana, Ca, Usa) on 02/11/2013
Hello All, I am having an issue. I've been taking Lugol's 5% iodine for about 6 months now. I have finally reached the max dose and have been taking 8 drops a day, 4 in the morning and 4 at night for about 3 weeks now. I mix the the iodine with a few tablespoons of water and hold it under my tongue for 30 seconds.
This morning, I noticed a slight yellowing/browning on my bottom front teeth and upon checking the inside of my front teeth was horrified to find that they are "30-year-smoker" status. Simply, my bottom teeth (just in the front) are perfectly brown but only from the inside. Again, from the front, they are just yellowing/browning on a minor level.
After I calmed down and assessed the situation, I figured out that my permanent retainer was the culprit. I had braces for a few years in high school and as some of you know, orthodontists will put a permanent retainer in on the bottom teeth on the inside (I should probably just get the thing removed). I'm figuring that the iodine is reacting with the metal of the retainer, clinging to it, and as the day goes on, it slowly slides down the back of my teeth. I'm assuming idodine has metallic properties?
I am very particular about my teeth. I use a natural toothpaste, flouride-free, I swish with hydrogen peroxide after brushing. I floss everyday (maybe twice if need be). And I do still wear my invisalign retainer.
My only vice is I drink coffee but I don't drink nearly enough to cause this kind of staining.
From now on, I will be diluting the iodine in adequate amounts of water and shooting it as quickly possible. I would opt to paint the iodine on but my skin is very fair and it has a cool undertone. I fear the iodine would NEVER go away.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to whiten the teeth? Will it just go away over time? Could I possibly have permanently stained the teeth?
*Fair warning to all those taking iodine with permanent retainers or braces: Take heed and keep an eye on your teeth! *
Thanks!
-That 28-year-old with smoker's teeth (or Natalie)
Iodine Side Effects
Posted by Gerrit (Abbotsford, Bc, Canada) on 02/11/2013
Hi, Perhaps you should change the way you take the Lugol's 5% Iodine solution, I was doing it like you internally and was up to 35 DROPS a day in divided dosis and sometimes I felt water running out of mine nose meaning stop you have reached the limit. At the beginning of the month I started to paint it on the inside of my forearm and use only 7 drops in the AM with the dropper I drop the dropplets about a inch apart and then with the side of the dropper I smear or roll it on, than the next day I use the other arm. Works for me. I'm Hypothyroid (83 yr male) and in the AM my temp is slowly coming up to 97.7. I would like to get it over the 98 mark.
If you look at the bottle it probably says for external use only. Take care and do your own DD
Kelp
Posted by Merrin (Mundaring, Western Australia) on 11/22/2012
For iodine intake I have made delicious "Kelp Tea" (tastes like clear broth) by steeping Wakame seaweed in hot water and sipping it. The label states it is Australian Certified Organic and comes from icy cold, clear waters off eastern Canada. I presumed this to be a natural source of iodine but now wonder if heavy metals are undoing any good I thought it would do. Any ideas?
General Feedback
Posted by Mark (Denver, Co, Us) on 08/14/2012
I tested for Iodine deficiency (urine test) which showed my Bromide levels were elevated and Iodine was deficient.
I have been taking 50mg per day of Iodoral for the past 5 months to hopefully excrete bromide and saturate with iodine. In addition, I have been taking a minimum of 3k mg daily of ascorbic acid vitamin c, 400 mg magnesium oxide, 200mcg of selenium and 1 pill of atp co-factors. These supplements are all in tablet form with fillers which might not be good!
My question is I would like to know what Ted recommends for excreting bromide so that Iodine can become saturated. There is a liquiod Iodine supplement called Lugol's that many people talk about... Please provide your recommendations!
Also, have you heard of Intramax, Intrakid and Intramin from Drucker Labs? Please provide your thoughts on these products!
Thanks, Mark
