Why Iodine is Vital for Thyroid Function

Why Iodine is Vital for Thyroid Function

Iodine is vital for thyroid function because it helps in the production of thyroid hormone. According to The Iodine Crisis by Lynne Farrow, iodine is an essential micronutrient needed by every cell in the body. In recent years, iodine deficiency has become a public health crisis because iodine can displaced by environmental toxins. People are exposed to these bromine, chlorine and fluoride toxins every day through drinking water, medications, body products, make up, toothpaste and more. 1

Risks of Iodine Deficiency

The World Health Organization has recognized up to 72% of the world’s population is affected by an iodine deficiency disorder 2 According to Dr. Brownstein, iodine deficiency may result in the following severe medical conditions:

  • Cretinism
  • Mental Impairment
  • Reduced intellectual ability
  • Goiter
  • Infertility
  • Increased risk of of breast, prostate, endometrial, and ovarian cancer
  • SIDS
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • ADHD

Iodine is Vital for Thyroid Function

Iodine is not only necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, it is responsible for the production of all other hormones 3 Since the body does not make Iodine on its own, we need to get iodine from food or supplemental sources.

Brief History of Iodine

For over 100 years, iodine has been known as the element necessary for thyroid hormone production. 4 Records showing the use of iodine as a “universal medicine” date back 150 years. Archaeological records from over 15,000 years ago show iodine use in the form of seaweed [re]Farrow, Lynne. The Iodine Crisis. Devon Press. 2013. xviii.[/ref]

Since the 1970s, we’ve become iodine deficient because bromine has purged iodine from our bodies.[re]Farrow, Lynne. The Iodine Crisis. Devon Press. 2013. page 25.[/ref]

We know from world studies that if you give iodine during pregnancy the babies that come out are usually 20-30 point higher in IQ than their parents – Jorge Fechas, MD, MPH

Do I get enough Iodine from Salt?

First it’s important to know not all sources of salt have iodine. With salts that have added iodine, a significant amount of iodine may evaporate before the salt arrives in your kitchen. The longer iodized salt sits the less iodine remains. [re]Farrow, Lynne. The Iodine Crisis. Devon Press. 2013. page 166-167.[/ref]

In addition, according to Dr. Browenstein, the use of iodized salt has not eliminated iodine deficiency disorders. Studies by the NHANES show iodine levels have dropped 50% in the USA over the last 40 years. [re]Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press. 2014. page 44.[/ref]

Testing for Iodine Deficiency

Dr. Guy E. Abraham suggests The Iodine Loading Test to determine whether a person has iodine insufficiency. To order the Iodine-Loading Test try FFP Labs at 877-900-5556 or Hakala Labs. 5

Basics of the Iodine Protocol

Dr. Guy Abraham, MD, David Browenstein, MD, and Jorge Flechas, MD have used the Iodine Supplementation Protocol to treat over 4,000 patients with iodine. 6. Read  The Iodine Crisis to understand the Iodine Protocol. Here is a summary of the Iodine Protocol:

  • 50mg Iodine Daily in the form of Iodoral or Lugol’s Solution Tablet Formulation (starting at 12.5mg).
  • Some practitioners may recommend another form of iodine such as Lugol’s Solution Liquid or Nascent Iodine
  • Vitamin C: 3,000 mg per day in divided doses (more be necessary to detox bromide)
  • 300-600 mg magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide, magnesium glycerinate or magnesium citrate depending on preference
  • 200 mpg selenium (patients preferred selenomethionine)
  • 500 mg niacin (B3) twice a day (not niacinimde). Starting at a lower dose to avoid flush.
  • 100 mg Vitamin B2 three times a day, or use the ATP Cofactor instead
  • 1/2 TSP unprocessed sea salt added to meals
  • 1/4 TSP unprocessed salt in 8 oz. water twice daily or as needed for detox
  • A comprehensive vitamin and nutrition program

Lugol’s Solution

Lugol’s solution is a mix of elemental iodine and potassium iodine, first made in 1829. It was named after French physicist J.G.A Lugol. [re]http://alternativa-za-vas.com/en/index.php/clanak/article/lugols-solution[/ref]

Lugol’s 5% the strongest formula legally available in the USA contains Iodine 2.5 mg, Iodide 3.75 mg for a total of 6.25 mgs total per vertical drop.

Buy Lugol’s Solution of Iodine 5%

Lugol’s Solution Tablet Formulation

The tablet formulation of Lugol’s Solution contains the same ratio of Potassium Iodine and Iodine in Lugol’s Solution liquid. Tablets can be more convenient for traveling.

Nascent Iodine

Nascent iodine is an atomic rather than its molecular form of iodine. Because nascent iodine is an iodine atom that has an incomplete number of electrons, it can hold an electromagnetic charge. Nascent iodine has a large energy release.

Since nascent iodine is recognized by the body as the same iodine that is produced by the thyroid, it is absorbed effortlessly by the body. 7.  Nascent Iodine is a highly stable mono-element, nano-colloidal iodine not bound by mineral salts such as calcium or potassium.  This formula allows the body to efficiently utilize every drop to support thyroid and cellular iodine levels.

Notes:

  1. The Iodine Crisis, Lynne Farrow, p.219-229
  2. Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press. 2014. page43.
  3. Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press. 2014. page 25.
  4. Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press. 2014. page 24.
  5. The Iodine Crisis, Lynne Farrow, p.199-200
  6. Farrow, Lynne. The Iodine Crisis. Devon Press. 2013. page 201.
  7. http://drsircus.com/iodine/sources-and-uses-for-iodine-iodine-to-rescue/
Miss LizzyWhy Iodine is Vital for Thyroid Function
Hypothyroid Before and After Video

Hypothyroid Before and After Video

Hi everyone!! Last week I found the most amazing photo of myself at age 29… before treatment for hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue!! This before photo is so hard to look at but I think it helps show my journey. About six years ago I threw away almost all my pre-treatment photos because they were so upsetting. Before treatment I was overweight, and this photo wasn’t the worst of it! I was so tired I didn’t have energy to care about work, exercise, home, doing my hair, makeup, or nails. All those fun things being a girl were just too exhausting. Watch my video to hear the whole story! Miss Lizzy!

Miss LizzyHypothyroid Before and After Video
Before and After Hypothyroidism Treatment

Before and After Hypothyroidism Treatment

Do you ever wonder what patients look like before and after hypothyroidism treatment? Here are historic photos of patients who were treated for hypothyroidism with natural desiccated thyroid medicine (NDT). 1 In the before photos, notice the typical hypothyroid symptoms including puffy face and eyes, swollen neck area, dull complexion, dullness in the eyes, hooded eyelids, thinning eyebrows, under eye bags. In addition, notice the dry, dull and thinning hair which is common with hypothyroidism.

14 Year Old Girl, Before and After Hypothyroidism Treatment

Before and After Hypothyroidism Treatment with NDT - Miss Lizzy Hypothyroid Advocate

This historical before photo shows a 14-year-old  girl with hypothyroid. Her symptoms appear to be puffiness around the eyes, thickened lips, depressed root of the nose (saddle nose), as well as straight, dry, coarse hair. The second photo was taken after only 6 months of treatment with natural desiccated thyroid. Notice the improvements in her appearance and hypothyroid symptoms after treatment with natural desiccated thyroid:

  • Elevated bridge of the nose
  • Brighter eyes
  • Normal looking lips
  • Glossy, curly hair
  • In addition, her constipation had resolved and her appetite improved

Adult Woman, Before and After Treatment

Before and After Hypothyroidism Treatment with NDT - Miss Lizzy Hypothyroid Advocate

This photo shows before and after hypothyroidism treatment of an adult woman. She has the characteristic puffiness that often accompanies hypothyroidism, as well as dull looking complexion, dry looking her, under eye bags. Notice the improvements in her appearance and hypothyroid symptoms after treatment with natural desiccated thyroid:

  • The bags under her eyes have diminished
  • Her hair texture has markedly improved, becoming shiny
  • The swelling around her neck and face have reduced
  • Her skin appears more vibrant and youthful

Adult Male, Before and After Treatment

This historical photo shows an adult man before and after hypothyroidism treatment. He is described to have the obese form of hypothyroidism. In the before photo he has the characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism including swollen neck and face. In the before photo his eyelids appear hooded and closed. His hair appear thinning and dry. In addition his eyes appear to have a dull, foggy look, which patients describe as brain fog. Notice the improvements in his appearance and hypothyroid symptoms after treatment with natural desiccated thyroid:

  • The neck and face swelling have greatly diminished
  • His hair texture appears more full and healthier
  • His skin appears more firm and youthful

Adult Male, Before and After Treatment

Finally, the last historical photo of an adult man before and after hypothyroidism treatment. He appears to have the puffiness (myxedema) which is characteristic of hypothyroidism. Notice the improvements in his appearance and hypothyroid symptoms after treatment with natural desiccated thyroid:

  • The swelling around his neck, jowls and face have greatly reduced
  • Even the swelling on the back of his neck appears greatly improved
  • The swelling in his cheek area appears greatly reduced
  • His skin seems more youthful, especially around his eyes and forehead
  • His hair appears to be growing in thicker and fuller

Clearly these photos of before and after hypothyroidism treatment show how patients can experience significant improvements when they are on the right medicine. In this case, the medicine was natural desiccated thyroid. However each person is different, therefore treatment may vary.

Notes:

  1. http://www.jcrows.com
Miss LizzyBefore and After Hypothyroidism Treatment
Candida & Hypothyroidism

Candida & Hypothyroidism

Are your carb cravings out of control? Do you have allergies or sinus headaches which don’t respond to treatment? Recurring infections like colds, ear aches or sinus infections?

Do you have symptoms of IBS, flatulence, bad breath or acid reflux? Or mental emotional difficulties like attention deficit, depression, irritibility, poor memory? Or perhaps have cold hands, cold feet or a cold nose?

If you’ve been getting thyroid treatment but still these and other health issues which won’t go away, its possible you might have another condition called Candida. Thyroid and Candida problems are direclty related and both may need treatment.

Most commonly we hear about Candida in the form of yeast infections of the genital area, but less commonly discussed is Candida’s affect on the whole body. Here is my experience with Candida…

Yeast in Unexpected Places

After I was on thyroid treatment for over a year, even though I felt a lot better in general, I still experienced low energy and lethargy, frequent sinus headaches, sinus infections, post nasal drip, chest congestion, wheezing, irritability and other symptoms.

Also I experienced a painful, red, itching, burning rash on the corners of my mouth, and the inside of my elbows. Over the years I had asked doctors and dermatologists about this rash but they didn’t have a diagnosis.

When I explained the symptom to Dr. Brummer, my super awesome doctor, he was the first one to suggest it might be “Thrush” or Candida, more commonly known as yeast overgrowth. I never had yeast infections in my girl parts, but he explained that yeast is throughout our bodies and when the body is out of balance the yeast can overgrow and cause many health problems.

Also Dr. Brummer asked about, ahem, my bowel movements. On a side note, bowel movements are a really important indicator of body health. More on that later. Anyway, I explained that some days I was very constipated (which is part of low thyroid) and other days I would have very loose stinky bowel movements (sorry TMI, but its important).

Dr. Brummer explained that the bowel movement problems and smell could definitely be Candida. Candida lives in the intestines so it can cause bad gas as well as bad breath. In fact, people who have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) may in fact be battling Candida.

How Yeast Grows

As noted on Overcomingcandida.com, the primary factor for yeast overgrowth is the use of antibiotics, especially over a period of time with repeated uses. The antibiotics destroy bacteria allowing the yeast to grow. In women, its common knowledge that antibiotics can cause vaginal yeast infections.

But what if the yeast infection wasn’t just in the girl parts? What if the yeast overgrowth was in the entire body? And what if it affected men the same way? That’s exactly what happened to me.

Yeast also feeds off of simple carbohydrates like sugar, grain, rice, potatoes, and alcohol. I always felt pretty awful after eating simple carbohydrates but never knew why. It happened because the yeast would make me crave carbs, then it would feed off the carbs, causing a yeast bloom which caused the various symptoms like sinus infections, thrush, flatulence and more.

So in addition to having yeast on my mouth and skin, I believe it was in my lungs, intestines, and also in my sinuses.

Allergies, Sinus Infections or Candida

For twenty years I had terrible sinus headaches and sinus infections. I would get sinus infections with a bad fever and chillsat least four to five times a year. Each time the doctor would give me antibiotics. When the antibiotics stopped working, they would put me on 3 week cycles of antibiotics. I was on antibiotics for years.

Over time, I believe, low thyroid and antibiotics led to Candida overgrowth in my body, and especially in my sinuses. Without knowing about the Candida connection, doctors continued to prescribe antibiotics for sinus problems when in fact the antibiotics were a big part of the problem!

The Candida Thyroid Connection

On Stop the Thyroid Madness, Mary shares her story of being undiagnosed hypothyroid and developing Candida. Eventually someone on the Yahoo Thyroid group explained told Mary:

Hypothyroidism causes low body temps which allows fungal overgrowth. Get the temps up and the fungal/yeast will have nowhere to live.”

Some research even indicates that Hypothyroidism can be caused by Candida. Either way, there is a clear connection between Hypothyroidism and Candida.

Candida Symptoms

Here is a full list of Candida Symtpoms.

Treating Candida

If this sounds like you, there are treatment options for Candida. I will write a follow-up post with detailed treatment instructions.

More Resources

To learn more about Candida visit these websites:

Candida in the Sinuses

Curezone Candida Discussion

Candida Thyroid Connection

Miss LizzyCandida & Hypothyroidism

Iodine Reviews from Amazon

To learn more about iodine, read there iodine reviews from my customers at Amazon. Specifically, these iodine reviews from Amazon are for J.CROW’S Lugol’s Solution of Iodine 5%.

5.0 out of 5 stars “A superior Lugols product” May 7, 2014
By Donald T
This review is from: J.CROW’S® Lugol’s Solution of Iodine 5% – FREE SHIPPING US and Canada (Health and Beauty)
I have researched various iodine and Lugol products as a self-help consumer. Based on my reading of two books on the subject of iodine and based on my own use of various Lugols formulations over 7 years, I can say J.Crows Lugols meets all my expectations for proper composiiton, consistency, and purity of ingredients. It has demonstrated efficacy in eliminating some serious infections in me and my family, including various flus involving bronchitis; also prostatitis; and even mononucleosis; all in 10 days or less. I have recently started using it at very high doses against my own rheumatoid arthritis (which is considered by some doctors to be caused by infection); too early to say if it cures rheumatoid arthritis, but I must say I have much less pain and swelling now. J.Crows Lugols has given me no adverse side effects even at high doses (you must read the books for doses and treatment protocols–use Google). Furthermore, the company is very customer friendly, and they ship very quickly. I know I can buy competing brands for a few dollars less, but I am no longer tempted by the others. This is the real thing.

Perfect for My Thyroid!, April 11, 2014

By Abby

This review is from: J.CROW’S® Lugol’s Solution of Iodine 5% – FREE SHIPPING US and Canada (Health and Beauty)
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 8 years ago. Two years ago, I was cleared and didn’t have to take medication for it any longer. Though I was taking Armour Thyroid and then a naturally compounded formula, it didn’t work for me greatly though my blood tests showed I had improved. I wanted to be more natural, and this product seems to help greatly. I don’t get tired during the afternoon like I use to, and my skin is no longer ashy and dry. Nor is my hair falling out anymore. I will continue using this product.
Miss LizzyIodine Reviews from Amazon