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.
General Feedback
Posted by Adrienne (Banbury, Uk) on 01/12/2010
Hi,
I have been researching iodine deficiency in depth for a couple of years. I am very interested in this as it seems to be connected with electrosensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity both of which I have. I am certain now that iodine is of great importance to health and would love to discuss this further.
Adrienne
Heavy Metals
Posted by Jake (Chicago, Il) on 01/04/2010
Mary Louise,
I have been detoxing with iodine and my understanding, and what has seemed to be working for me, is to take the vitamin C at least an hour after taking the iodine. I generally do an hour and a half to 2 and a half hours. The C then can mobilize the halogens the iodine has been displacing. Then an hour and a half or so later, taking sea salt in water 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon, helps to flush the halogens through the kidneys. The C as I understand will halt the iodine's working, if not taken at least an hour after the iodine when the blood levels peak.
For extreme gum pain and inflammation after serious dental work, nothing works like turmeric and curcurmin.
I'd give that try - as much as you need, for the pain you describe next time.
Side Effects From Radiation and Chemo
Posted by Roger (Branson, Mo.) on 01/02/2010
Use of iodine
I basically have pretty much finally somewhat recovered from stage 4 cancer of the mouth, & tongue. The last few months have noticed at times I get like feeling cold or guess chilly. Weather here has turns cold, and now seems like that has make it worse. Now I am planning to set up an appointment with the gland doctor. However, thinking in meantime trying iodine to see if that may help a little. I see I am not alone with this problem for two other people with same problem reporting it on the internet. I never had this problem before severe radiation & chemo so now thinking this appears to be a side effect from treatment to a few people. They may be able to kill the bad cells with radiation & treatment but it does seem to result in a few other problems. However, I am lucky to have made it this far so guess considering not to bad. Roger
Broad Benefits
Posted by Ljubica (Beograd, Serbia) on 02/28/2010
Hi Bruce, would you be so kind as to provide me with the exact procedure/recipe how to extract iodine from black walnut. I live in countryside with lots of black walnut trees available. It is still possible to buy genuine Lugol solution here in Belgrade, but as we are heading towards European Community I'm afraid that this precious remedy will be hard to obtain in pharmacies. Just in case this happens I'll be glad to be equipped with knowledge how to home made iodine preparation. Btw, do you happen to know what is the chemical form in such an extraction because it is well established that Lugol's is so potent due to its iodine AND iodide composition.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by John (Liberty, Ny) on 09/28/2009
jcrow prices of Lugol's are more than you quote on your (Wonderful!) website. The small bottle of full-strength Lugol's is $26 including shipping, just thought you would want to know,
Thanks for your great work. I am battling Lyme disease and seeking the silver bullet cure which is apparently non-existent. Any assistance most appreciated!
Thanks Again
John W.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Helene (Houston, Tx) on 09/29/2009
well i have a bioelectric unit with radio frequencies and wands that do rare earth gases... it is supposed to work really well with lymes and alot of things. I think in general they are called violet ray machines.
you could hunt for that since I am not supposed to tell you what it is!!!
Kind of crazy.
It should balance your body to NORMAL frequency and so you kind of sleep with it etc.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Ladybug (Houston, Texas) on 12/11/2009
John W- Regarding your Lyme Disease - have you tried using Colloidal Silver (CS)? I have been using since 1994 with great success for many ailments internally and externally. I am retired and a full time RVer and we don't have time for being sick. CS has been reported to kill up to 650 different pathogens including the Lyme Virus, MRSA, H1N1, etc. I have used recently for flu, food poisoning, head cold, boil, etc. I bought a CS micro-particle DC generator machine from Phoenix, AZ recently . It is very small and I can carry in our motorhome. It makes a micro particle 7-10 ppm solution. I take 1-2 oz per day when sick (sometimes more). I swish under tongue for 30 seconds or more and then swallow. I am currently using on the dog internally and externally for skin rash and health issues. I am a great believer of CS and its benefits. When I am taking CS I also do a probiotic to replace good bacteria which might be affected. Be aware that if you have a lot of a virus or bacteria, that when you take CS or an antibiotic, you can go thru a Herxheimer Affect and feel worse before feeling better. I realize there are pros and cons regarding CS as I have studied and read all about them for 15 years. I believe the PROS only because I and friends/relatives have had such positive responses (and none of us have turned blue!)
Where to Buy: Philippines
Posted by Linda (Lapulapu, Cebu, Philippines) on 09/04/2009
where in philipppines can i buy lugols solution?
Where to Buy: Canada
Posted by Gaby (Vancouver, B.c., Canada) on 08/13/2009
Sources for Lugol's in Canada: Two very inexpensive sources of Lugol's in Canada are Kripps and Finlandia Pharmacies in Vancouver. No prescription. Gaby
Where to Buy: Canada
Posted by Sherry (Ponoka, Ab) on 12/09/2009
I would like to add, Lugol's is found at the drug stores in Canada, If it is not on the shelf as the Pharmacist to order it for you, If they ask what you want it for, tell them it is for your pet or horse that has some ailment, and want to get rid of the problem asap, I didn't have a problem then. I have had friends that had a problem with pharmies in that respect, GOOD LUCK
General Feedback
Posted by MrsMcBear (Shoreline, WA) on 06/21/2009
So much has been said about iodine, but here's where I get confused. It seems there are three types of iodine: tincture of iodine, povidone iodine, and Lugol's iodine. Which is used for what? It seems most of the posts don't say. For example, which iodine do you paint with? Can you paint AND take Lugol's iodine drops in water? Can you drink drops of povidone in water like you can with Lugol's, or is that not to be taken internally? I'm really confused and need a little clarification.
General Feedback
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 06/21/2009 490 posts
Hello to Mrs. McBear and all who are confused on iodine.
The only two solutions usually used internally are SSKI (Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide) and Lugol's solution. I believe the Lugol's solution is a little stronger than the SSKI (but you can research the formulas for both to make sure of this. You should also be aware that either of these should be taken in unchlorinated water, as the chlorine will cause the potassium iodide to revert to iodine.
Povadine and Betadine are usually used for pre-surgical scrubs and/or handwashing.
You can paint the tincture of iodine on the skin, but I would hesitate to take it.
General Feedback
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 06/22/2009 490 posts
Answers to those confused about uses of SSKI or Lugol's solutions (both potassium iodide solutions:
An excellent article on the use of SSKI can be found and printed off the internet by typing "potassium iodide" (omit parenthesis) in search window. Pull up reference from Tahoma Clinic which is an excellent article telling you what to use it for and how much to use. SSKI & Lugol's solution are both potassium iodide solutions for oral use, but of course most anything you can use orally can be used externally also.
Sore Throat
Posted by Rachel (Dallas, Tx) on 06/18/2009
I was using iodine for several days painting it on my neck for a sore throat and because I know this is something I am deficient in. After a few days the front of my neck began to swell a little and burn when I put the iodine on so I stopped putting it on my neck and put a small patch on my leg instead. Within a few minutes my throat began to burn in the area of my thyroid where it was swollen. Does anyone have any ideas? Is it from too much iodine? Or just a reaction from being deficient too long? Any info would be appreciated.
Thyroid Issues
Posted by ThelmaLew (Baltimore, MD) on 05/29/2009
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 1999. Being that I had no clue as to what was going on with my body. I was given one pill, which I later found out was the radioactive iodine. My doctor put me on levothyroxine and told me I would have to take it for the rest of my life. Is it now too late to use the Lugol's iodine or can I still get some benefits from it?
Thyroid Issues
Posted by JoJean (La Grande, OR) on 05/31/2009
The Naturopath gave my mother Iodium, I don't know what the difference between that and Iodine was, but her Thyroid never acted up after 1 month of this.
Thyroid Issues
Posted by Chris (San Pedro, Ca) on 05/31/2009
iodium & iodine r the same thing, it was probably a Rx, so it might have been a brand name.......iodine does get stored & reused by ur thyroid, but illness, stress, heavy sweating & other things cause u to get low in it again.......one month is not enough time to know for sure.......
radioactive iodine destroys the thyroid......also, u can be hypo thyroid & exhibit, even in blood tests, signs of over hyper active thyroid........i think u might b screwed, the thyroid doesn't grow back......i would look into more natural thyroid supplements, like amour thyroid.......i have heard of others getting their thyroid damaged for idiot dr's........ there's a good book by: Dr. Broda Barnes, M.D.....called Hypothyroidism, the hidden illness.......u might b surprised...... the iodine supplement might help, if the radioactive stuff didn't kill the whole thing & i think i'd sue the dr who gave it to me, without telling me what it was & the consequences of taking it..........it's unfortunate that alot of people think dr's walk on water....
Removing Iodine Stains
Posted by Kay (Calgary, BC, Canada) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
I'm sorry for the person who tried painting iodine on her wrists; it didn't work and she had yellow stains and a presentation to do the next day! Next time, she could rub some Vitamin C (a tablet dipped in a bit of water works but Vitamin C crystals, if you have some around, are stronger) on the stain and it will vanish immediately. Otherwise, the stain may linger for hours or even a day but it will eventually disappear. Of course, if the remedy works you should let the stain sit on your skin for as long as you can before removing it with Vitamin C.
Vitamin C in water also makes a good sore throat gargle.
Removing Iodine Stains
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/11/2012
I got some iodine on my carpet, and t shirt. Does anyone have any tricks for getting iodine stains out of fabric? Even if it takes a few attempts. Thx citygirl in Richardson, TX
Where to Buy: Worldwide
Posted by Alex (Sydney, Australia) on 01/21/2013
Newtons Pharmacy (online orders and Sydney CBD store).
Skin Cancer
Posted by Muffet (San Luis Obispo, CA) on 04/07/2009
Where did you get your 10% iodine? Thanks.
Skin Cancer
Posted by Younglady1975 (Tucson, Arizona) on 01/09/2013
Where were you able to get 10 percent iodine? I can't find 7 percent anywhere. Does the percentage matter?
Skin Cancer
Posted by Younglady1975 (Tucson, Arizona) on 01/11/2013
What's the best source for 7% iodine?
Skin Cancer
Posted by Mrsmcbear (Shoreline, Wa) on 05/22/2013
To Younglady 1975 in Tucson, AZ: I have seen 7% Iodine on Amazon.com.
Removing Iodine Stains
Posted by Karenvt (Perth, Australia) on 01/15/2011
★★★★★
Thanks for that tip... VitC on removes iodine stains... Very useful!
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Rose (Steedman, MO) on 01/21/2009
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Rose (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 01/05/2009
★★★★★
Sore Throat Decolorized Iodine: Just wanted everyone who has been searching for Decolorized Iodine (also know as White Iodine) to know that Walgreens Pharmacy can special order it for you. I've searched high and low for it. The internet gets you with the S&H charges! You will need to speak with a pharmacist-its not in the main store part. I am trying it for a severe sore throat my child has with a sinus infection its been four(4) days that she is on antibiotics and her throat is killing her. I've tried everything else-will let you know if it works.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 01/05/2009
Rite Aid has decolorized iodine - a 2 ounce bottle of their own brand for $4.99. It's on an aisle shelf with all the rest of the first aid-type items. But it has ammonia in it; I really have no idea if this is acceptable as I am only just learning about the iodine issues. This is what the label says: "(Decolorized Iodine) Iodides Tincture. U.S.P." - Ingredients: "Alcohol 45%, denatured with ammonia, Ammonium, and Potassium Iodides". Anyone have input on this?
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 06/28/2010
I, too, have purchased decolorized iodine, as described by T from Maryland. I am hesitant to use this due to the mention of ammonia on the label. Could you please forward T's description to Ted for feedback on safety. We need a biochemist! (I would be using externally, e.g., foot painting) Thanks!
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Isabelle (Garden Grove, Ca, Usa) on 06/29/2010
Hello everyone! To de-color iodine :the amount of iodine to be used in a small glass bowl, add a little pinch of vitamin c (crystal ascorbic acid), swish it around and the color vanishes. Paint away! Peace!
Thyroid Issues
Posted by Nichole (Stanton, CA) on 12/23/2008
I am hoping you will start a new supplements section on iodine. Also another section on maybe causes of ailments, like fluoride and the problems it causes. Here is my story about fluoride, iodine, and thyroid....
I first noticed my husbands goiter close to 6 months ago, at that time it had become quite noticeable and was indeed very large. Obviously concerned for his health he went to see his doctor, who referred him to an endocrinologist, who then referred him to a surgeon. Strangely enough they told him his blood levels were normal and he didn't have a thyroid condition.... interesting since he has this giant goiter on his neck. lol
At the time there was so little that I knew about thyroid disease and I didn't have much interest in it, I was concerned for my husband but thought that surgery was the only option. Then my husband began to have panic attacks after my daughter was born, and at home no less (I now understand it to also cause and fluctuation of the thyroid hormone)! I honestly thought it was a mind over matter and went searching online to prove that he just needed to stop scaring himself. Instead what I found was that his panic attacks were actually caused by the goiter. Because I had my daughter at home without a midwife, just me him and my mother (planned it that way ; ) I had already learned a few natural remedies, while looking up honey and the wonderful benefits of it I also learned of coconut oil, though I only learned about it being good for pimples. I was interested in purchasing some coconut oil online and that's when I found some of the most amazing information. The site selling it said it helped with thyroid conditions, I wasn't going to believe them, after all they were selling it they would say anything to sell their product right? So I looked up thyroid forums and testimonies regarding the use of coconut oil and sure enough I found out that it was indeed beneficial to his thyroid. Well I ran out to the store and bought some the next day, in the car my husband was exhausted and began to have a panic attack and I told him to take some coconut oil, he only had a 1/4 of a teaspoon and ten minutes later his attack had subsided and he felt energized! After this experiment, we continued treatment and slowly worked up to 3tblspns a day where he's at now. After that revelation and since we had his attacks under control (and in fact after taking it for a week he no longer even experienced an attack) I went back online to find out what we needed to do to shrink his goiter. That's when I learned about iodine and how important it is and how many people are deficient and thus many are hypothyroid and even still many are undiagnosed with hypothyroidism. I also learned about what counteracts iodine, like soy which is a big one since it is in just about all prepackaged foods. When I found out how important iodine was for the thyroid and how the thyroid makes hormones for your whole body I became interested in what else iodine deficiency was responsible for, And do you know what I found? Lots! Here is a sight that lists all the symptoms of iodine deficiency...
But first, after realizing that my husbands thyroid was caused by a change in his diet, I began racking my brain thinking of what on earth has changed over the past year. I've been trying to figure it out for the past couple months and today I found it.
During our big change to all, well almost all, things healthy, I remembered reading about people using toothpaste that doesn't have fluoride in it.. I looked online for the reason why and WOW, what I found is shocking! Fluoride also counteracts iodine, it inhibits the uptake of iodine to your thyroid and we both know (at least by now) how important adequate amounts of iodine are to your thyroid. So I told my sister about it and she said that she didn't think we had fluoridated water, so I searched for the cities that had it in OC and that's when I came across this article ( http://www.ocregister.com/article/water-fluoride-county-1924513-muir-doctors ). I told my sister what I'd found out and how the time they added fluoride pretty much coincided with the onset of my husbands goiter and the worsening of his thyroid (I believe he has been hypothyroid for a long time as have I and my mother based on the symptoms) and my sister said that she has experienced a worsening of her asthma over the past year!
I am interested in asking friends of mine who have symptoms of iodine deficiency whether they experienced and increase or decrease in their symptoms over the last year (without divulging anything till they have answered so that my findings are not biased) I will report back later with some of my findings, but I am interested if anyone else has experienced similar problems after their area had been fluoridated.
http://charles_w.tripod.com/fluoride.html
http://www.ocregister.com/article/water-fluoride-county-1924513-muir-doctors
http://poisonfluoride.com/pfpc/html/symptoms.html
EC: Thanks, Nicole. We actually have pages for both iodine (remedies section) and fluoride (ailments section) on the site! We'll be posting your feedback on both of those pages, as well as on the thyroid remedies page.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Calaska (Lenoir City, Tn) on 06/26/2016
When I first started taking iodine..nascent iodine is much better than Lugols or painting with iodine...do some research on this..I started out 2 drops a day in small amount of water in the morning.. I felt little difference, so I bumped my dose up to 6 drops a day and noticed a big energy increase..but also hurt literally everywhere and was exhausted in evening! It finally subsided and I realized after research that I was detoxing and dumping harmful bromine. So don't stop, just cut back dose if this happens, then increase SLOWLY.
I take 5 drops in a.m. on empty stomach and again in early afternoon and feel fantastic and lost 4 pounds so far. You are right about feeling fidgity and increased heartrate and throat fullness at first. It's the thyroid gland displacing bromine and uptaking iodine..all good..just go slow if discomfort is too much. Iodine is something 80% of us are deficient in. It's like waking up and living when you get levels up!
Kelp
Posted by Shlomo (Los Angeles, California, USA) on 12/12/2008
need brief complementary info re: weal thyroid
I have a question (not a comment): What kind of sea-weed is the one that has the the iodine balanced with bromine and where can I get it? Thanks for providing the answer. Shlomo
Kelp
Posted by Mona (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 03/29/2009
Why would you want the bromine?!? Check out the research and findings from the Iodine Project and Dr. David Brownstein's book, "Iodine: Why You Need and Why You Can't Live Without It" Bromine is a goitrogen and toxic. It is a halide that blocks the absorption of iodine and makes iodine deficiency even worse. Check out the information out there on bromine, fluorine, and chlorine as they relate to your body's need for iodine. Iodine is the one you want, the others are toxic!
Bruises, Bumps, Scrapes
Posted by Anne (Lithgow, Australia) on 08/10/2008
★★★★★
We had a product called FORNEX in Australia when I was a kid (now48). Mum used it on bumps and scrapes and we never had a bruise let alone a mark where the bump was. This clear iodine solution was put onto a cotton wool ball and dabbed on bump. I am now trying to find another product of clear iodine solution for my daughter to use on her son who i just starting to walk.
Tumors
Posted by Fran (Rocky Face, Ga) on 08/03/2008
I am using Iodine to cut off the blood supply to a tumor also, Saw Palmetto, as well as Chickweed, kelp has so much to offer.
EC: Fran, what type of tumor are you trying to treat? Thanks...
Tumors
Posted by Ashley (Cambridge, MA) on 08/03/2008
Fran, what sort of tumor do you have and where is it located? Has the iodine worked for you? Has it left a scar? What is the purpose of the chickweed? Are you applying it topically or drinking it?
