Iodine is an exceptionally important healing agent with extraordinary full body health results. It is much more than just a supplement for the thyroid, it is also a primordial antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral that has been long forgotten. Although it is widely used externally, it has a myriad of functions to cleanse and balance the body if taken internally. Dr. Browstein, MD, author of “Iodine, Why You Need It”, states “Iodine has many positive therapeutic actions. It is a potent anti-infective agent. No virus, bacteria or parasite has been shown to be resistant to iodine therapy”.
According to Dr. Brownstein, iodine is extremely important to the production of all hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers for the cells, transporting important information required for metabolism. Studies have shown that issues arise with the thymus (immune system), adrenal glands, thyroid (metabolism and energy regulation), ovaries, prostate, pituitary and hypothalamus, pancreas as well as the entire endocrine system when there is an iodine deficiency.
A wide spread health issue among people today is over growth of the fungus commonly called candida albicans. This systemic fungus can range from a nuisance to being the underlying cause of cancer. Many times candida overgrowth is at the root of a person’s inability to loose weight and achieve/maintain optimal body stamina and composition. Candida also plays a role in chronic depression and other systemic diseases. Supplementing with nascent iodine is one way to control systemic candida and get back on the road to optimal weight and vibrant energy.
As time progresses more and more people are known to be iodine deficient. Iodine belongs to group 17 on the periodic table called halogens. Due to their atomic weight, these halogens are able to replace iodine on cell receptors causing cell malfunctioning and disease. They are commonly found in our everyday life and include bromine, chlorine, fluorine. Using nascent iodine internally on a regular schedule is one way to keep these halogen displacement in check. Nascent iodine will also chelate lead, mercury (from your teeth fillings), aluminum, arsenic, and cadmium.
Iodine is found in it’s greatest concentration in the thyroid, where it is utilized to make T3, T4 and help regulate body metabolism, temperature, energy level, blood calcium levels and immune response. Dr. Abraham, MD has demonstrated iodine’s role goes much further. Other possible functions include: regulate moods, preventing cancers (especially in breasts, ovaries, uterus, prostate and thyroid gland), preventing and treating fibrocystic breasts in women, helping regulate blood sugar, increasing insulin function, reducing migraine headaches and stablizing cardiac rhythms.
What are the most common formulations of iodine? Which one is the safest and most beneficial?
Nascent – This iodine has the iodine molecule’s diatomic bond broken and carries a high amount of electromagnetic energy. It releases this energy when mixed with water over the first 2-3 hours. Nascent iodine is the type produced in the thyroid and is readily absorbed and utilized by the glands. It is the safest of all types of iodine with 400 mcg per drop. The amount of nascent iodine needed to produce positive health results is much less than some of the other forms.
Lugol’s formula – is a combination of elemental iodine and potassium iodide in water, formulated in 1829 by J.G.A. Lugol. The formula contains 6.3 mg of molecular iodine/iodide per drop and is 1/3 molecular iodine (5%) and 2/3 potassium iodide (10%). It’s metallic taste and smell are not very pleasant. Higher doses are recommended as the body needs to convert it into a useable form through the digestive tract.
Iodoral – is the tablet form of Lugol’s solution, containing both iodide (reduced) and iodine (oxidized) forms of iodine at 12.5 mg per tablet. This form has been successfully used by Dr. Abraham, MD. and is much more pleasant to ingest. Dr. Abraham has had good results with Iodoral at doses of 50 -100 mg per day.
The liquid form of iodine has several uses. It can be used as a water purifier, as protection from radiation, on cuts, skin lesions (skin cancer or fungus), ingested internally or used transdermal. If applied to the skin, studies have shown the absorption rate is reduced to only 6-12%, the difference being evaporated by the air. Utilizing the nascent iodine in combination with magnesium oil has shown positive results for skin application.
In my own life and practice I have seen many beneficial results with nascent iodine when taken internally. I suggest beginning with 1 drop 3 times per day and slowly increasing to a range of 8-15 drops twice daily (taken before 3pm). It usually takes from 3-12 months to reach full body saturation. If you experience any signs of detoxification such as headaches, increased heart rhythms, nausea or tiredness, discontinue iodine consumption for 48 hours and begin again with a reduced amount. Be sure to always consult your doctor or health care provider before beginning any program.
Sources: Optimox, Mark Sircus, Dr. Brownstein
