Benefits of Iodine for Health

Ringworm

Posted by Catherine (Laval, Quebec, Canada) on 01/07/2006
★★★★★

When I was 21, I came back from the lake with what we call 'ringworm'. It is not a worm but a fungus. An older man I showed it to told me to put iodine on it. The red skin cleared within a few days. Ever since, I have been using it on abandoned cats that come in from the cold with various states of the fungus. It clears within days. Vets panic at the sight of ringworm because of the possibility of contagion to humans. Some will even suggest to put the animal to sleep. They have a tendancy to give chemical pills, I have no idea if they work. Apply the iodine on the rim of the spot as it is where the fungus lies and multiplies.

Catherine, researcher
Lost and Found Pet Network
www.rapt-lfpn.org

Sore Throat

Posted by Nita (St Pete, FL)
★★★★★

Iodine definitely works for me, however, I find it best to use the clear "decolorized" iodine, available at most drugstores. I paint it on the inside of the wrists (where the veins are closest to the skin) and on the sides of the throat.

EC: Read many more sore throat cures here.

Menstrual Issues

Posted by Donna (Aspen, CO)
★★★★★

I totally cured my PMS, as I used to have severe anxiety, temper flare ups and acne. I paint myself with 2% tincture of iodine every AM & PM. Noticed the change within 2 days! Also, my allergies went away, my teeth weren't sensitive anymore.

Recipe: Paint about a 2" X 2" area on your stomach area, always moving the spot around to different locations (or the skin gets dried out and itchy). Just two days ago I forgot to paint in the morning, by evening I had a acne starting to form on my chin, I quickly painted my tummy, and when I awoke the next day it was gone!

If your paintings don't absorb then you can put off painting, maybe every other day. It means your iodine level is okay, maybe you really don't need any. However, I read that 80% of Americans are iodine defficient. They used to put iodine in all of our flour products (before 1966), then they discovered bromide, it is easier, cheaper, less messy and makes ingredients mix well, so it's in all of our bread, flour products (except "sprouted grain" breads/products & 100% organic) cakes, even Gatorade and Mountain Dew (it was found in Dansani water too)!

Fluoride, chlorine, bromide & iodine are all halogens, their atomic weight determines which one deletes the other, fluoride being the winner (doesn't that make you happy). Iodine is the loser, so all three delete iodine. That's why we are all deficient, we cannot escape fluoride, chlorine and bromide! So, paint paint paint, you only absorb what you need!

EC: We asked Donna for more information...

Menstrual Issues

Posted by Aimee (Tampa, Fl) on 11/08/2012

Sara- I, too, went through the same run-around with the Thyroid: prescription drugs for Thryroid, anti-depressants, etc.. Nothing they gave me worked and they would not listen to me. I felt like I was going crazy.

Fast forward to 2012, I became VERY sick and tired of feeling horrible alll the time. My long list of symptoms became so numerous, I felt like I was losing my mind and came close to quiting life.

So, I started researching my signs, symptoms, and possible causes. Through my research, I discovered that the thyroid and the entire endocrine system (metabolic system) is all linked together like a house of cards or dominoes. If one falls, they all fall. If one is off, others are off. The hypothalmus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thryroid, liver, kidneys, etc... are all controlled by the timing of hormones/glandulars. Learned women have many different glands and hormones in their body that are vital to life which involves more than just estrogen and progesterone. If you go to You Tube, start researching all things related to the endocrine system and metabolic system. Look into Adrenal Fatigue/Adrenal Failure (convinced that is what happened to me after many years of hormonal and metabolic system chaos). Through trial and error over the last year, I finally found some very simple "remedies" that have worked for me the last few months.

**Trust yourself and your instincts. Question and research your symptoms. You know your body best. You know what feels normal... And what doesn't.

1- High protein diet
2- Low sugar
3-Vitamin B-100 tabs
4- Iodide and Iodine Painting (b/c of this blog)
*5- Adrenal Caps-I took for a few weeks to build up my adrenal glands.. BUT please research. You may not be as bad off as I was. I only take when I need them now.
6- Women's Multi-vitamin

**Thank you to all on this post and blog for this wonderful Iodine tip. Sounds stange, but I literally felt it work. Took about 15 minutes after painting on iodine/iodide. Was as if someone was adjusting a fuzzy channel on a TV(my brain before) then "zip" adjusted to a clear channel... The fuzziness in my head was gone. Weird!!

Again, I tried many natural items like natural Thyroid glandulars and natural female hormones. However, they did not work for me long term. The items listed above have made me a new person. Just wish I started researching a long time ago. Now, I have another ovarian cyst that is definately related to the endocrine/hormonal break-down.

Just started ACV and L-Lysine today for the cyst and to further supplement my metabolic health. Thanks to all for the wonderful tips.

Aimee:)

Detox Bromides

Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 03/23/2023 523 posts

Crikeys! Getting rid of bromine is like a Catch-22 thing. It's like dislodging a sedative with a bad edge to it but, at the same time, you want it out of you - I'm going to bed. And hope I can just sleep through it.

I cut the dose way back but just used straight KI. I think it might be speeding things up a bit so - THAT would be good. Yuck.

Iodoral Iodine

Posted by Ruqayya (Pennsylvania) on 10/29/2021

I find Iodoral the best for iodine supplementation, one tablet every day. I don't do any tests. I can tell by the way I feel and I don't do very well with the cheaper substitutes nor plain kelp.

Nascent Iodine

Posted by Karen (Madison, Al) on 03/08/2017
0 out of 5 stars

I began taking nascent iodine about 3 weeks ago. Started 3 drops per day in the morning, straight in my mouth then swallowed with water. First week was great. Great energy, started sleeping better, etc. Then it turned bad. I started retaining water/bloating in my stomach. To the point my "fat jeans" now won't button. I'm guesstimating about an 6 lb. weight gain in 3 weeks. I don't know what to do now. I am afraid to switch to Lugol's and take a higher dose since no one seems to know why I am bloating/swelling. I do take magnesium, C, and a raw multi in the afternoons to partner with iodine and help the side effects, to no avail. At such a low dose, why am I experiencing this?

Nascent Iodine

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 10/09/2014

Hi Silversurfer...I would go with Lugols Iodine or Iodoral every time. Nascent Iodine is simply not as good as LI. For instance Nascent Iodine -- containing just triiodide -- cannot detox heavy metals or halides(like Bromine and Fluorine) as can LI. That's because Nascent Iodine only contains triiodide. LI or Iodoral contains molecular iodine, iodide and triiodide. So Nascent iodine -- just triiodide -- does not have the other added health benefits of molecular iodine and iodide.

Here is a paper which describes in more detail why LI or Iodoral are the best forms of iodine to supplement.

Iodine Supplementation Guide

Having said that, Nascent Iodine is highly absorbed and tasteless and can easily be given to kids because its so gentle(due to no heavy metal or halide detox side-effects). Nascent iodine will also have benefit for the thyroid and other glands because it is so easily absorbed. Nascent Iodine isn't a bad form to take but, in my opinion, its just not as good as LI because LI gives the body so much more benefit.

Removing Iodine Stains

Posted by Jolole (Tasmania, Australia) on 01/28/2014

Today I accidently spilled a fair bit of lugol's iodine, staining a section of my laminated benchtop. Had just bought some borax which was still at hand and immediately spread heaps of borax onto the stain and with some slightly wetted paper towels rubbed the borax into the stain. It took a bit of scrubbing but the stain was successfully removed.

Removing Iodine Stains

Posted by Alexandra (Cheshire, Uk) on 01/28/2014

I have successfully removed iodine stains from clothing and skin with a solution of ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder) in water. I didn't measure the quantities but it was something like quarter or half a teaspoon ascorbic acid in 10ml water, dab it on and let it dry.

Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 01/20/2014

Anne: The iodine is releasing stored toxins into the plasma. They are accumulating there because they are not being removed through the elimination channels. This is why the sudden dizziness occurred and why it continues, despite taking lemon. The vitamin supplements are not effective because they are not from whole foods. For b take nutritional yeast, dessicated liver, and green smoothies from organic baby greens. B vitamins work for less than 5 hours so take every 4 hours. For c take 90g organic strawberries. For insoluable fiber make smothies from 3 organic banana peels. For soluable fiber take organic apples and black chia. For chlorophyll take Hawaiian spriulina and chlorella. The above items should open the elimination channels. Search raw food and super food videos for more beneficial products.

Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Cheryl (Pa) on 08/22/2017 2 posts

I am trying to figure out why I have had so much vertigo as well. It happens mostly when I am moving quickly or laying down or getting up from laying down. I also have had numbness in my face and right eye twitches. I was taking potassium iodide 225 mcg because my urine iodine was low and then it became very high so I went off it for about a month and retested and my urine iodine was too low. For the last month and a half I have been taking 225 mcg every other day. I have noticed brain fog, lots of headaches and some nausea and periods feeling like low blood sugar. The last couple of weeks I noticed my face was numb and then I noticed the vertigo and the eye twitching. The only thing I changed in my supplement regime was to add oregano oil. I stopped the oregano oil, the licorice root and the iodine on Sunday and am feeling better. I am not sure what the culprit is? I also was bitten by a deer tick in late June but as I have chronic Lymes and have had several active infections, I think I would have demonstrated symptoms sooner than this. I still have the brain fog and a mild headache but it does go away at times. The eye twitching seems less and the vertigo is about the same but the numbness feels somewhat better. I am going to the lab today to get another urinary iodine done so I am curious to see what it shows. I am also having thyroid antibodies tested as well as my TSH, and other thyroid tests seem to be in range. I am also wondering if I need my nature throid increased. I am currently at 3/4 grains or about 44 mg and started treatment in April when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Any thoughts on the side effects of too much iodine? I do use a lot of Himalayan sea salt and am eating grain free. I have not lost any further weight which is good and am maintaining my weight. Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!!

Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Iowama (Usa) on 08/22/2017

Hi Cheryl,

You have different reasons for supplementing Iodine than I do, but when I first started using iodine drops, I also suffered severe vertigo as a result. I still don't understand what makes me different from the others who use the supplement protocol and salt loading and have things go well. What I finally did, and it worked, was to take the companion nutrients that I had purchased, and for a full year, I used them without supplementing iodine at all. I did use pink salt at the table, which contains iodine, and I cut way back on cruciferous vegetables during that period. My thyroid nodules shrank visibly during that time and I stopped having a rash across my neck as well. I've never been certain what caused that intermittent rash. This year, I have started iodine drops when I know I am about to eat cruciferous vegetables and I have no bad side effects whatsoever. None. I don't even count the drops; just take a small swig from the Logul's bottle. Is it possible that some of us are just ancestrally and genetically different where iodine is concerned?

Iodoral Iodine

Posted by Bill (San Fenando, Philippines) on 12/29/2013

Hi Ecfan99...What you are probably experiencing is the Herx (die-off) or Detox side-effects of supplementing Lugol's Iodine. If you have large amounts of heavy metals or halides(fluorine and bromine) in your body, then iodine removes them from the cells and dumps them into the blood and then it is up to the liver to get rid of them. The liver becomes overwhelmed and stressed -- hence you fell sick and nauseous.

Although a good detoxer, iodine removes these poisons from the cells and just dumps them into the blood -- so there is a danger of redistribution of these heavy metals and halides in the body. Secondly, when these heavy metals and halides are excreted into the intestines from the liver -- they can also be re-absorbed back into the body from the colon.

Perhaps your best course of action for removal of heavy metals is to take Chlorella. Dr William Kelly, well known for his anti-cancer Metabolic Protocol, advised Chlorella in his own protocol because chlorella contains alginates. Alginate is a huge molecule. When alginates bind to heavy metals, the alginate molecule is far to big for it to be re-absobed into the cells of the body and too big for it to be re-absorbed into the body via the colon. Hence, heavy metals are excreted even quicker and more efficiently by the chlorella

If you have poisons like fluorine and mercury already in excess in your body then these poisons can be absorbed in areas of the brain as well as the glands. The thyroid relies on its hormone regulation in the hypothalimus (TRH -- Thyroid-releasing Hormone) and the pituitary gland(TSH - Thyroid Stimulating hormone) -- so if these two regions of the brain have excess mercury or fluorine then this will also cause gross mis-regulation of the thyroid. You are already taking selenium, which helps to remove mercury from the body but I think adding borax to your protocol will help to more quickly eliminate the fluorine. See Ted's borax water protocol here.

Another thing you can do is just get a simple hair analysis -- this will tell you exactly what heavy metals, halides and other poisons are in your body in excess, so you will be able to employ a much more focused protocol to get rid of all these poisons from your body.

And for now, perhaps it would be best to reduce your iodoral protocol to just 50mgs per day -- or at least to a level where the effects of the detox are not so severe.

Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, La Union, Philppines) on 02/17/2013

Hi Von Butz... If you are taking larger dose lugols iodine then bromide detox causing skin problems is a known problem. This is not really because of a problem with the iodine -- the problem is that iodine is too efficient at removing bromine (too much bromine from food, drugs etc in the body). Thus iodine ends up dumping alot of bromine into the blood which the body cannot remove fast enough, so the skin, which is also an excretory organ in the body, tries to help excrete the bromide as well and the excess bromine being excreted through the skin is what causes the strange skin problems. The detailed reasons for this bromide detox problem with symptoms are given in this link:

http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/bromidedominancetheory.html

The solution to this problem seems to be to supplement Sea Salt, Vitamin C and Zinc. You can also pulse the dose (take the full iodine dose then stop taking iodine for two days) which will stop too much bromide being dumped into the blood -- causing excretion through the skin. Sea salt is key in helping to remove the bromide (causing your skin problem) more quickly and efficiently. The chloride from the salt binds to the bromide and simply excretes it safely and quickly through the urinary pathway. The bromide detox strategy is more fully explained here:

http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/bromidedetoxsymptomsandstrategies.html

This should help to get rid of your skin problems.

General Feedback

Posted by Adc (Phx, Az) on 08/16/2012

To Mark - Have you retaken the iodine loading test/bromide test again since starting iodine supplementation to determine that your system still has too much bromide and not enough iodine?

Iodine Deficiency

Posted by Bjornbjorn (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 07/23/2012

I need some more info on Iodine and deficiency, dosages and ailments it may fix. I believe I am Iodine deficient as I am not eating anything with it. I eat healthy but none of the foods I eat contain iodine. I eat fruits, eggs, sweet potatoes, vegtables and sometimes chicken and red meat. I know foods that contain high amounts of iodine mainly come from the sea. Which Iodine is most preferred? I heard Lugol's 5% is a good one to get, but what is the best application? Is it Painting or 1 or more drops in water? I see people talking about painting it on the skin and the average recommended dose is 2-5 inches, is this just a line, circle or square that is supposed to be painted with that length? Also I am trying to fix fatigue, dry scalp, dry skin, dry hair, allergies, and dry eyes and burning eyes. Are these symptoms of Iodine deficiency? Any help would be much appreciated.

General Feedback

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/12/2012

Maggie, maybe it's better to back off on the Lugol's to a drop LESS for a few days and see if symptoms go away. Then add a drop every few days or even weeks, what's the rush? Slower seems safer to me.

General Feedback

Posted by Had (White River Junction, Vermont) on 06/15/2012

Cramping, muscle pain is likely mineral deficiency, like magnessium, potassium, B vit..... It is so important when taking iodine, I. E. Lugol's, that you follow the rest of the protocol (supplements). Iodine is awesome for your body, but in order for detox(cleaning out) and saturation to work, your pathways have to be nourished as well. All these things work together. There is lots of info on this site about iodine therapies. Also, David Brownstein, a Dr., has many books about using Iodine to treat disease, and again the kicker to having much success, the support supplements so your body works harmoniously for a less symptomatic healing. be well.

Skin Ailments

Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/16/2012 2048 posts

Jan, here is an edited paste from previous post that worked for me: "A few yrs ago I had a mole on my back that became red, swollen, and irritated. I never had any test run, but one doc said there was involvement and to keep an eye on it. I neglected to do anything about it until it became larger and more irritating. I topically used and rotated several natural and synthetic products perhaps once a week or so: Vit-E oil w/ lemon, cod liver oil, alcohol, triple antibiotic ointment, metronadizole creame. A yr or more passes with only little results. Next I use tea tree oil, and one of the oldest over-the-counter salves on the market ---Porters SalveOnly weeks later the cancer itched one again, I took of my shirt, go to the mirror in the bathroom and scratched the ugly thing off. It simply fell to the floor and left not even a scar. Done.

I think the variety of medicines was the key to this cure as there are likely numerous types of pathogens involved in these things. Like any cancer treatment that shows no sign of working after 6 or 8 wks, drop it and adopt a different protocol. Also, I think the Porters Salve is what dealt the death blow. There is another proly not-so-familiar topical cancer salve called "Tumorgone" w/ the main ingredient as bloodroot which I use as needed w/ good results.

Hope this helps and good luck. Please report changes.

Skin Ailments

Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 02/16/2012

I read somewhere that skin tags were a sign of to much sugar, like a warning of a prediabetic condition it might pay to check for sugar in the urine. Otherwise keep doing the ACV thing and they will fall off.

Skin Ailments

Posted by Sara (The Beach, Canada) on 02/16/2012

Everything that happens to the skin at this level, happens internally, therefore, the best way to treat it is internally.

How to Take Lugol's

Posted by Lisa (Rabat, Morocco) on 02/06/2012

Francisca, the iodine yahoo group recommends taking it with food. This helps improve absorption and avoids any possible stomach upset. It is also recommended to take before 2pm as it can sometimes disturb sleep, though for me, if I have taken it later in the day, it hasn't affected my sleep.

How to Take Lugol's

Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/06/2012

Hi Francisca & Carly, Whichever way you choose please only start with one drop per day and see how you go ie detox reactions. Personally I think a week or two before going to the next level of 2 drops per day. We have taken it a few ways eg: in a glass of water 60 mins before eating; in water with a little Apple Cider Vinegar 30 mins before eating; at first 5 - 10 min before meals.

I too have read different ways/times to take it. Taking it before meals 30 -60 seems to be more often recommended. Personally we are doing what is convenient for us because that way at least we take it. We also take the recommended selenium, magnesium and Vit C although not at the same time as the iodine time.

How to Take Lugol's

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 02/07/2012

Francisca, I take mine in a little milk. It masks the taste. Before meals would be better for absorption for sure. I don't think you can take it at the same time as Vitamin C. Get ready for really vivid dreams.

Nascent Iodine

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 08/09/2014

Hi Karenina...Detoxadine is nascent iodine which only contains triiodide. It's also fairly well known that triodide forms of iodine do not detox heavy metals very well. Lugols Iodine is much better for detox. So naming it Detoxadine is just a contradictory marketing ploy.

That's why I always prefer to use lugols iodine because it contains iodide, molecular iodine as well as triiodide -- all of which are useful for the body.

The reason you get strange side-effects from using any form of iodine is because you have probably been eating a supermarket-bought processed food diet all your life which is high in heavy metals and other poisons and hugely lacking in anti-oxidants.

So your body will be lacking in anti-oxidants and will also probably have an excess build up of heavy metals and halides. To check this you can get a simple hair analysis -- this will tell you all vitamins and minerals your are lacking in your body and will also tell you about the excessive heavy metal and halide levels in your body as well.

Lugol's Iodine will detox cadmium, aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, bromine and fluorine. So if you have high amounts of these heavy metals and halides already in your body, iodine will remove them quickly from the cells and put them into the blood and this puts a strain on the liver and kidneys, hence the strange hyper symptoms. So the problem here is really your diet and not the iodine.

And if you also have an extensive infection in your body(known or unknown), iodine may also cause a significant Herx reaction from the die-off with more strange symptoms.

I take 8 drops 5% lugols iodine(50 mgs) per day -- been doing this every day for 8 years -- with no side-effects at all because I always ensure to take the iodine companion supplements like selenium, vitamin C, Magnesium, B Vitamins, Zinc etc as advised in this document:

The Guide to Supplementing Lugols Iodine(or Iodoral)

You should never supplement any form of iodine without also taking the iodine companion supplements every day as well. With iodine, start small and go slow is the rule.

Lugols Iodine and Iodoral are equivalent and are the most useful iodine supplements for the body.

General Feedback

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 09/21/2011

Hi Susan... Lugol's has been shown through research to alleviate and correct hypothyroid in dosages between 12.5 mgs and 50 mgs (2 and 8 drops 5% Lugols respectively). If you use the 12.5mg dose, it will take a year before full body iodine sufficiency is attained. If you take the 50 mg dose -- full body iodine sufficiency will be attained in about 3 months. I am not talking just about thyroid sufficiency here -- I'm talking about the whole body's need for iodine.

See this link:

http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm

Nascent iodine, to keep it simple, is the electrochemical form of elemental iodine and is the same as Atomidine -- what Edgar Cayce recommended. Certain people have iodine sensitivities and lugols iodine can have harsh effects on the stomach in certain people due to the iodine content. But Nascent Iodine tends to be much kinder and is also a highly bioavailable and tasteless form of iodine/iodide solution. It is, however, more expensive.

See this link for dosages and use of Nascent Iodine:

http://iodine.imva.info/index.php/iodine-dosages/

Also it would be advisable to take Magnesium Gluconate(250 mgs twice a day), Vitamin C(1000 mgs 3 times a day), Selenium(200 mcg twice a day) and zinc(25-50 mgs once a week).

The Selenium and Magnesium aid in certain thyroid enzyme processes to convert and store the iodine in the thyroid and to convert the T4 to the more active T3 thyroid hormone form respectively. Vitamin C has been proven to improve and increase iodine/iodide transport and absorbtion in both the intestines and into the cells and organs. These absorbtion problems are usually caused by excess bromine in the body which is chelated and removed by the Vit C. Zinc helps to improve the immune system and also helps to increase the rate and efficiency of metabolism in the body.

See this link for the most current and up to date research on iodine supplemetation by the Iodine Project:

http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml

The need for daily Iodine:

http://www.iodine4health.com/overviews/uses/panam_uses.htm

General Feedback

Posted by Little Bro (Anon) on 09/25/2011

Yikes Bill and Sasha! Thats a lot of things 2 take in your daily routine!

1 Can they all be taken at the same time in the morning or night?

2 You get vitamin D from the sun & omega 3 from fresh fish & u take zinc when sick?

3 What about vitamin A? B? B3? B12? E? Chlorophyll?

4 You don't take molasses bc you're a guy? Molasses helps the woman's problem and grey hair. What helps you keep your hair color? If it isn't cull color maybe consider adding the molasses.

Can't wait to read your answers! Good stuff here! Thanks!!!

Iodine Painting

Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 09/06/2011

painting iodine evidently is not for everyone! I started this about a year ago using iodine tincture - and since it would fade away quite quickly I kept doing it... I thought it was making me feel better and it still seemed to be going away pretty quickly.

after a week or so I noticed that my thyroid was swelling up! I also noticed that I felt weird, kind of nervous, and my blood sugar was higher (i am a type 1 diabetic).

so I stopped taking it (there is iodine in my multivitamin) and my thyroid went back to normal and I've had no problems since.

however once I had an animal bite and my bf insisted on putting iodine on it and it got more and more swollen until I stopped the iodine.

perhaps it is sensitizing for some people? or we actually have more than we think.

Iodine Painting

Posted by Jc (Boston, Ma) on 09/06/2011

You don't mention if you have a thyroid issue.

If you have Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune conditon that attacts your thyriod) you may be aggravating it. If you don't know, get your TPO and Tg antibodies tested. While you are at it get a full thyroid panel done.

They say many people are hypothyroid and don't know it. I have also seen estimations that 90% of those who are hypothyroid have one or both of the Hashimotos antibodies.

Iodine Painting

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/04/2011

Karenina, Dr. William Shevin, has developed a salt loading protocol to clear bromide detox symptoms that may occur while taking iodine:

Take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (unrefined sea salt) in 1/2 cup of warm water and follow immediately with 12-16 ounces of water. Repeat this twice in 30-45 minute intervals until urination begins.

General Feedback

Posted by Bev (Long Beach, Ca) on 05/31/2011

Hey Andy; Anything marine fish can live in should be a good Iodine.

General Feedback

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 07/04/2012

Hi Carl... It really doesn't surprise me at all that iodine gargling by your young daughter dislodged the tonsil stones. These tonsil stones will be infested with bacteria and perhaps even yeast or fungus. Iodine kills most pathogens in about 30 seconds. Perhaps more important -- iodine also acts to dislodge and prevent attachement of pathogens to host cell sites (like tonsils). Iodine is also useful for dislodging biofilms containing large colonies of pathogens. Another little known characteristic of supplementing iodine in higher dose is that it acts as a safe anti-histamine -- preventing both pain and inflammation in the body. And I've just read another piece of interesting research that confirms that supplementing smaller amounts of iodine with food helps to prevent food sensitivity reactions and allergic reaction because when the iodine coats the offending allergy-causing protein, it prevents or greatly reduces the allergic histamine-producing reaction.

I am still continuously surprised and astonished at iodine's potential health benefits and I am convinced that there is still much to be discovered on the benefits of iodine.

Kelp

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 02/02/2011

Hi Francisca... Many apologies for not replying to your original post on this, I must have simply missed it.

The use of Kelp tincture by Swiss Herbal Remedies should do you no harm. I used kelp tablets for a while but, when I eventually checked the label, I found out I was only taking only about 150 MICROgrams of Iodine per tablet. So to get the proper daily dose of 12.5 MILLIgrams of iodine/iodide, I would have had to take about 100 tablets per day!! Your kelp extract will certainly help your thyroid but the recommended dosage will not be enough for the rest of your body's iodine needs. However, it's also well known that kelp sources contain high mineral content -- so this will be beneficial for you as well. I would simply use the kelp's recommended dosage until it is used up, then buy some 5% lugol's iodine over the internet afterwards.

Regarding your MSM Powder by Solgar, I've had a look at this product and I've seen photos of the back label ingredient list. Being a powder there are no added stearates, phosphates etc because these are only added to form tablets. The only other added ingredient besides MSM appears to be silicon dioxide -- an anti-caking drying agent which is a fairly inert form of silica that is not harmful. So the MSM Powder that you bought from Solgar appears to be safe enough to take.

Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Veghead7 (Warner Robins, Ga) on 07/19/2012

The acne breakout is caused by the iodine pushing the bromide away from the iodine receptors in the body and into the blood stream. But this can cause other problems, such as acne breakouts, if the bromide remains in the bloodstream. To completely push the bromide out of the body through the urine, 1/2 to 1 tsp /day of unrefined celtic salt needs to be taken. If you want to know how to properly supplement with iodine, join the iodine group on yahoo and read their article - "The guide to supplementing with iodine."

Supporting Nutrients for taking Iodine.

These are required to support the body while supplementing with iodine:

Vitamin C 2,000- 5,000 mgs / day supports the symporters and assists as an antioxidant to detoxing.

Selenium 200- 400 mcg / day needed for detoxification and thyroid hormone creation.

Unrefined salt (Celtic) ½ tsp / day supports adrenals, binds to bromide and assists in removal, supports symporters (sodium iodine symporters or NIS)

Magnesium 400 mgs / day critical for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

Optional ATP CoFactors

-1 tablet 2x / day when individuals continue to feel fatigued or have autoimmune thyroid disease this product can assist in increasing ATP (energy) within the cells. Riboflavin and no-flush niacin.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 09/17/2010

Hi Connie - How did you take your iodine - was it Lugol's - how many drops per day did you take? I'm so happy it's working for you! Sounds like a good protocol. Thanks!

Broad Benefits

Posted by Connie (Utah) on 08/11/2016

I believe the iodine was helpful in many ways because of it's properties. It's concentrated in parts of the eyes, so a deficiency could interfere with vision. Iodine has antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat eye infections. I don't know the formula. There are many causes for vision loss...I would consult an expert. Hopefully they would be able to detect the cause.

When there are many other symptoms, there could be infections that are systemic. I've been fighting infections in the gut, sinuses, mouth, etc. that have been disabling. The iodine has been helpful as a part of the treatment. I take a drop of 2% once or twice a week now. ( I'm sensitive to it, so that's all I can tolerate.)

I still have some vision issues. Lately, I've reduced dietary starches in attempts to starve off infectious microbes. This has reduced generalized pain, even in the eyes. I hope you can find a diagnosis with proper treatment. It's crucial.

The Importance of Iodine

Posted by Peter (Chicago, Il) on 06/18/2010

Bill,

I eat a lot of nori seaweeds plus takes kelp capsules every day, is it possible one could consume too much iodine? Thank you for your expertise.

Where to Buy: USA

Posted by Dj2ot42 (Hyattsville, Md) on 02/08/2010

If you add Vit C powder to Lugol's the whitening effect is temporary. If you add Hydrogen Peroxide to Lugol's the whitening effect is permanent, therefore not adviseable for scalp treatment unless you don't mind bleached hair or are bald. You can get decolorized iodine from www.baar.com among other places already listed on this website.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Janine (Gardnerville, Nevada) on 01/22/2010

Beth: I was so encouraged after reading your post listing "multiple cures." I have been so sick for so long that I am beside myself. I have severe asthma and have been intibated several times and on life support. I take multiple preventive medications. In Nov 2009 I was taken by ambulance for respiratory failure again ~ my poor 11 year old had to call. Anyway, after I came out of all of that, I met with a nutritionist, because the doctors thought I had had an allergic reaction to a food. I had not. The nutritionist asked if I had ever had my thyroid checked. I have not. I have no insurance right now. Ugh. But, my sister had a huge goiter appear on her neck a few years ago ~ so it does run in the family. Yesterday I went to the store and bought kelp. Last night was the first time in almost 2 years that I have felt half way good.

I have also been wrestling with low abdominal pain on my left side that radiates all the way to my back. This started in Aug 2007. I think it involves my kidneys. The severe back and abdominal pain has been so bad, to the point it has been difficult to work. At times the pain is so horrible, I feel like I am being stabbed and it is worse than having a baby. I thought it might be kidney stones and have just started taking the lemon and baking soda. Oh my gosh. I am shocked, shocked, shocked at how much it has helped. I still have pretty bad pain every day and it scares me, as I don't know what the heck it is.

I am going to continue with the kelp, lemon juice, baking soda and I take other supplements. It is so awful to not be really old, but to feel like crud all the time. I just want to have energy, feel good and enjoy life. I actually got stuff done yesterday and today and felt so good for a change! Thanks for sharing and keep us posted on your progress. I will do the same. Janine

Heavy Metals

Posted by Mary Louise (Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia) on 01/04/2010
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

What I tried was iodine and firstly looked up google to find out whether there was a connection between liquid iodine and the removal of heavy metals, and guess what, there is!!!

SO, after taking 3 drops of iodine in a glass of purified water with a half a teaspoon of vitamin C powder, I found that I was getting a bunch of pain in my gums where I had mercury fillings removed. What astounded me was that the dentist and I could not identify which tooth was suffering the pain. After taking an x-ray, it was found that 3 teeth in the upper right quadrant were very deep, yet nothing that indicated any serious problem that may be causing me all the pain I was feeling. What I believe was happening is that after 6 weeks of taking the iodine and Vit C powder, that residue (if this is the right word to use, someone out there maybe help me on this one), was being removed out of my gums! After 5 days of pain wavering in and out, it completely went and there is now no more pain. Does anyone have any suggestions of what else may have been happening or who may support this experience/theory? I would be interested in hearing your points of view.

EC: Hi Mary Louise,

A few follow-up questions for you:

Are you taking Lugol's iodine or another type of iodine?
What kind of Vitamin C powder is it, Ascorbic Acid?
How much vitamin C are you getting in that 1/2 teaspoon of powder?

Thanks!

Goiter

Posted by Nuri (Tacoma, Wa, Usa) on 01/04/2010

I grew up in the 1940S and 1950's in what was called "The goiter belt" of Northern Minnesota where many elderly ladies and men had huge growths protruding as much as 6 to 10 inches from their throats. Dad put 1 to 2 drops of red iodine into our 8 ounce glass of milk every morning for more than ten years. I do not know if this prevented us from goiters, but we are all goiter free and there were no apparent side effects as we are all physically healthy. A little wacky psychologically but I don't know if that had anything to do with the iodine.

Arrhythmia

Posted by Lon (Stanhope, Nj) on 01/23/2011

I respect your opinion, after reading many of your posts. Do you (or anyone else), have any info about terms regarding iodine, such as nascent, atomic or atomidine. I have chronic lymphocitic leukemia. These have been suggested by two sources on the web. What is the difference between these and Lugol's, or are they the same.

Arrhythmia

Posted by Erwin (Az) on 01/24/2018

I've been struggling with heart flutters, or irregular heartbeat every time I exercise. Are you still currently taking iodine for your arrhythmia's? If so, are you taking Lugol's Iodine? Which one? 5%, 2%. And lastly how much did you start off with. I assume with one and work your way up. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kelp

Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA) on 08/15/2009
★★★★★

How bad is glutamic acid in nori? When the glutamic acid isn't added, but is simply a part of the food, is it equally as harmful? Nori is mysteriously delicious....

EC: Excerpt from a NYTimes Dining & Wine article: "Professor Kirshenbaum responded that nori contains a high concentration of glutamic acid and inosinate, two molecules that create umami flavor. And since two ingredients rich in umami flavor used together can produce a synergistic effect, cheese and truffles, which are often good sources themselves, may not be such odd partners for nori after all." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/09nori.html

More about Glutamic Acid, a flavor enhancer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid
Abstract entitled: "Health benefits and nutritional properties of nori" http://www.springerlink.com/content/h15t30048j0r0447/

Where to Buy: Philippines

Posted by Bill Jencks (San Fernando, La Union, Philippines) on 04/17/2009

Many thanks for all the info on the different types of iodine, very much appreciated. I live in the Philippines now, and I've been looking for a safe source of iodine intake for a variation in alkalizing the gut(I already alkalize with lemon + sodium bicarb + water). Since much of the well-water in the Philippines isn't safe for white men to drink(but Filipinos seem drink it without problems), I also want to use iodine for killing the bacteria etc in the well-water as well as well as deal successfully with all the fungus and yeasts that continually assault our own bodies every day.

I can't buy Lugol's in the Philippines, but I can buy the 2% iodine tincture and the Povidone(Oral wash) iodine. Many thanks for the thorough descriptions of how to use these different forms of iodine orally.

Just one question which might interest Ted.

Have you ever looked at the anti-cancer properties of Graviola(Brazilian Paw-Paw or Sousop - Annona muricata)? This plant has quite a history. About 10 or more years ago this plant was researched by a large pharma company. What they found was that the plant extract killed just cancer cells outright in large numbers - up to 12 different forms of cancer - because it destroyed the cancer cells anaerobic ATP pump(energy source) and caused apoptosis - but left normal human cells alone. For seven years this pharma company tried to synthesise the main two cancer-killing chemicals - unsuccessfully. This pharma company kept graviola's cancer-curing properties a secret and told no one, but one of their biochemists left the company and informed a natural health institute in the US. Purdue University picked it up and are running with it now. It appears, much as Ted has inferred, that the anti-cancer attributes(and other properties) of graviola are due to synergistic chemical combinations and actions of this plant. Apparently this plant also kills bacteria, fungi, worms, parasites, viruses - but care has to be taken replacing the good bacteria in the gut if you take this herb. Normally taken as a tea just made from the leaves and stems of the graviola. I only mention this plant because there is a graviola tree growing about 30 feet away from my house in the Philippines. Worth a look.

http://www.cancerplants.com/medicinal_plants/annona_muricata.html

This site is packed with such useful information and its all relatively simple and cheap. Many thanks to Ted for all his minute detailed descriptions and to all other contributors as well.

Where to Buy: Worldwide

Posted by Stella (Racine, Wisconsin) on 02/07/2009
★★★★★

Lugol's purchase: If you are searching high and low for actual Lugol's iodine. Call you nearest Aquatics Store. I found it

Removing Iodine Stains

Posted by Crystal (Hot Springs, AR) on 01/31/2009
★★★★★

To remove iodine stain make a paste of vitamin c (ascorbate acid) power and water and it will remove the stain on anything.

Where to Buy: USA

Posted by Nichole (Stanton, CA) on 12/23/2008
★★★★★

Iodine source: I wanted to let you all know I found liqui-dulse by bernard and jensen at Whole Foods and Mothers Market for a little over $3. It works great! I've noticed higher energy levels and weight decrease! A lot of people are deficient, especially if their water is fluoridated so start off with less than the rec. dosage so you dont feel the effects of the "iodine rush" as I call it. With the iodine rush you feel fidgety and have an increased heart rate. I also experienced a sense of fullness in my throat for a few days then it went away when my body regulated itself to the amount of iodine being consumed. This doesnt last long but it may frighten you. Over the course of two weeks slowly increase your dosage.

I'm trying to make sure I get at least 1000mcg a day, Japanese consume between 5000 and 13000 a day! So despite some of the warnings you find on the internet regarding too much iodine I think I'll be just fine and I'll report back and let you know how I feel.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Posted by Linda K. (Palm Desert, CA) on 05/27/2008
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

It should be clarified that an iodine that is ingested be safe for internal consumption. NOT to be ingested is the iodine that is used for treatment of cuts, etc. on the skin. IOSOL IODINE is safe for internal use.

Skin Ailments

Posted by Bob (Stillwater, mnMN) on 05/21/2008
★★★★★

I have used Iodine ration to cure common warts and have helped friends to it too. It works I also had a gangliotic cyst on my palm for two years, that a doctor wanted to cut out so I tried Iodine ration for about six months and it went away. Now I can't find the pills yet.