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IODINE Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It
Excerpted from the book by David Brownstein, M.D.
For more than 100 years, iodine has been known as the element that is necessary for thyroid hormone production. However, it is rare to see any further mention of iodine's other effects. Iodine is found in each of the trillions of cells in the body. Without adequate iodine levels, life itself is not possible.
Iodine is not only necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, it is also responsible for the production of all of the other hormones of the body. Adequate iodine levels are necessary for proper immune system function. Iodine contains potent antibacterial, anti parasitic, antiviral and anticancer properties. Iodine is also effective for treating fibrocystic breasts and ovarian cysts.
Approximately 1.5 billion people, about one-third of the earth's population, live in an area of iodine deficiency as defined by the World Health Organization. Iodine deficiency disorder can result in mental retardation, goiter, increased child and infant mortality, infertility, and socioeconomic decline. Iodine deficiency disorder is the most common preventable form of mental retardation known.
"Although the addition of iodine to the salt supply
has lessened the prevalence of goiter,
it is inadequate to supply the body's need for iodine."
Iodine is a relatively rare element, ranking 62nd in abundance of the elements of the earth. Iodine is primarily found in seawater in very small quantities and sold rocks (usually near the ocean) that form when seawater evaporates. Iodine can also be found in sea organisms, such as seaweed. In fact, seaweed is one of the most abundant sources of iodine because seaweed has the ability to concentrate a large amount of iodine from the ocean water.
If the soil has adequate iodine levels, the crops grown on that soil will contain adequate iodine levels. Conversely, deficient iodine levels will be found in crops grown on iodine-deficient soil.
Where is Iodine Found in the Body?
Every cell in the body contains and utilizes iodine, but iodine is concentrated in the glandular system of the body. The thyroid gland contains a higher concentration of iodine than any other organ. Large amounts of iodine are also stored in many other areas including the salivary glands, cerebrospinal fluid and the brain., gastric mucosa, choroid plexus, breasts, ovaries, and the ciliary body of the eye. In the brain, iodine concentrates in the substantia nigra, an area of the brain that has been associated with Parkinson's disease.
Iodine is essential for the normal growth and development of children. Severe iodine deficiency can result in severe mental deficiency and deafness. In addition, spontaneous abortion, as well as delayed physical and intellectual development is associated with iodine deficiency. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also related to iodine deficiency.
Conversely, too much iodine can be a problem. In rare cases, excess iodine (doses greater than 1 gram/day) has been associated with hyperthyroid symptoms.
How Much Iodine Do You Need?
The best way to ascertain how much iodine you need to take is to figure out the body's iodine status, Iodine levels can be checked in the blood, serum or urine. The most accepted test is the urinary test. I believe the best test to measure iodine levels is the iodine loading test by Dr. Guy Abraham.
Having an iodine loading test performed can help guide you in the proper dosing of iodine. My experience has shown that most adults will do well taking iodine in the range of 25-50 mg/day. Children need lower doses and can be dosed appropriately based on their size. My experience has shown that a healthy individual taking 50 mg of iodine/day will achieve iodine sufficiency in approximately 6 months.
Final Thoughts
Iodine deficiency is occurring at epidemic rates. I have no doubt that this deficiency is responsible (at least in part) for the epidemic of cancers of the breast and prostate as well as thyroid disorders. My clinical experience has clearly shown that it is impossible to treat these disorders as well as other chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases without ensuring adequate iodine intake.
Remember, the best results are achieved when working with a skilled heath care practitioner who is knowledgeable about iodine.
More information can be found in the book Iodine, Why You Need It,
Why You Can't Live Without It
by David Brownstein, MD
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