Iodine: Medical Uses

Historical Treatments Using Iodine

The following is a list of historical uses of Lugol’s Solution. I have not verified the safety or effectiveness of these uses, and they do not constitute medical advice. Check with your doctor before beginning any treatment or supplementation with iodine.

THYROID

The thyroid is one of the largest glands in the body. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and body temperature. The thyroid will steal iodine from other tissues because of the gland’s central role in the body.

The government estimates up to 40% of Americans have thyroid conditions. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) is a main contributor to weight gain, depression, and fatigue. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid), a rare condition, causes hyperactivity, anxiety, and an inability to gain weight. Goiter is a severe symptom of underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland, located in front of the Adam’s apple, swells up like a bat resting on the neck.

Lab work is primary way to diagnose thyroid problems. Common tests measure Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) levels, but this is a controversial and potentially inaccurate method. More accurate tests look at T4 and T3 levels because mild hypothyroidism may not be detected with TSH tests. Holistic practitioners generally have a much smaller threshold for TSH levels than traditional laboratory standards. The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (www.acamnet.org ) can be contacted to locate a holistic doctor near you.

Holistic professionals report that most thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter are relieved within weeks after iodine supplementation. The herbs guggul, ashwagandha, mother’s wort, and bugleweed may help with normalizing thyroid functionality as well.

Concentrating enough iodine in the thyroid has another benefit. All the blood in the body passes through the thyroid gland 4 times per hour. The presence of iodine in the thyroid can act as an antiseptic that kills or weakens bacteria, viruses, and parasites growing in the blood.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

Iodine is easily absorbed through mucus membranes. Some homeopathic doctors have reported success in treating this painful disease of the uterus within two weeks of high dose iodine supplementation. The treatment involves soaking an organic tampon in Lugol's Solution and inserting it for 2 hours. The iodine absorbs directly into the uterine tissues where it is needed most.

PREGNANCY, INFERTILITY, MISCARRIAGE & PRENATAL VITAMINS

As stated earlier, iodine deficiency is the world’s number one cause of infertility and miscarriage. There is a theory that first children are the smartest because they get the mother’s iodine reserves, but the second child is iodine deficient because mom hasn’t had a chance to build her stores back up. Check to make sure your vitamins have lots of iodine or take Lugol's Solution is recommended by your doctor. Iodine is an absolutely critical mineral passed to the baby in the womb. A child’s IQ could be 20 points lower if it is iodine deficient. Deformity, mental retardation, autism, ADHD, cretinism, and miscarriage are also more likely. Lactating women need up to 5 times the amount as normal people and pass the iodine to their child in breast milk, so postnatal vitamins containing iodine may also be important. Sufficient iodine makes children smarter and more able to concentrate after birth by facilitating mental development.

BREAT CANCER, FIBROCYCSTIC BREASTS & PMS/PMDD

One holistic practitioner reported that 70% of his patients were cured of fibrocystic breast disease after iodine supplementation. The thyroid is the first place iodine goes, and then the excess goes directly to the breasts. Women often report more mild PMS symptoms and less painful periods. In conjunction with iodine supplementation patients may also consider eliminating antipersperant use in the armpits because it blocks the important lymph drainage mechanisms used by the breasts.

CANCER

The risk of all forms of cancer may be reduced by sufficient iodine supplementation, but the development of breast, prostate, ovary, uterus, and thyroid cancer seem to be the most sensitive to iodine deficiency. Iodine is found in nearly every healthy cell within your body, but there is little or no iodine found in cancer cells. Iodine also seems to inhibit the spread of cancer from the area of origin to the surrounding tissue, making the cancer more treatable. People taking synthetic thyroid replacement hormones, such as levothyroxine, may be 3 times more prone to breast cancer than the average population. Many experts claim that iodine supplementation reduces this risk and believe it criminal not to prescribe iodine supplementation to these patients. Taking iodine may also reduce the amount of medication needed.  

NUCLEAR WAR, RADIOACTIVE IODINE, DENTISTS & HOSPITALS

With the right pair of goggles doctor’s offices and hospitals could look like a 70s disco party with all of the x-rays bouncing around. Taking an extra dose of iodine before your next appointment may protect you from retaining radiation. Saturating your body with iodine may also aid in flushing out previous exposure to radiation. During the Cold War people were encouraged to take iodine supplements in case of a nuclear explosion. Most people don't die from the initial detonation, but instead die from radiation exposure, which could be warded off with non-radioactive iodine.

MOUTH SORES, GUM DISEASE, COLDS, SORE THROATS & BAD BREATH

Swishing in the mouth or placing Lugol’s Solution on affected areas several times per day may help with gum and tooth infections. Next time you burn your mouth with hot pizza or stab yourself with a stale tortilla chip reach for the iodine. Gargling and swallowing a double dose of Lugol’s may help kill off sore throat infections.

CUTS, BURNS, ECZEMA, PSORIASIS, MORGELLON'S & SKIN DISORDERS

As a topical antiseptic iodine kills 90% of bacteria on skin within 90 seconds. It is a common disinfectant used in surgeries and hospitals. There is some concern that wounds don’t heal as fast because iodine inhibits cell division, but proponents say that scarring is reduced when the wound does heal. Why take harmful topical antibiotics like Neosporin when you can get the same results with iodine and supply your body with a critical nutrient?

Dermatologists often treat skin conditions with iodine up to 6 grams (not milligrams) per day. Many patients report that symptoms disappear within 2 weeks. The iodine is painted directly onto the affected area several times a day and smaller amounts are taken internally.

Morgellon’s, the misunderstood skin condition in which patients pull out tiny threadlike stands from inflamed skin, is often thought of as a mental disorder. However, many people have found relief with topical iodine application and adequate internal supplementation.

IMPOTENCE, PYRONIE'S DISEASE, SYPHALLIS & OTHER STDs

Sexual dysfunction is one of the first signs of iodine deficiency. Sexual organs, especially the penis and uterus, have a high concentration of iodine and deficiency leads to an inability to perform or deformation of the organs. Many men have overcome Pyronie’s by saturating the body with iodine and applying it topically.

TRAVELLING & CAMPING

Foreign countries with mosquitoes or dirty water are full of diseases. Many travelers load up before a trip and continue supplementation during the stay to ward off illness. Campers use iodine to disinfect drinking water.

OTHER

Estrogen Imbalance- iodine plays a part in the regulation of estrogen in both men and women.

Depression- helps with hormone regulation and increases metabolism

Inability to Sweat-  doctors aren’t exactly sure why, but if you can’t sweat even in hot weather it is likely a sign of iodine and/or selenium deficiency.

Atherosclerosis- researchers have performed many studies in rabbits showing high levels of iodine will prevent this condition. Some suggest it is reversible with iodine supplementation.

Diabetes- iodine may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Mental Clarity, IQ, and ADD/ADHD- may also be linked to iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Geographical areas that are low in iodine have an average population with IQ 20 points below areas with high iodine concentrations.

Other- other conditions that iodine may play a role in treating or preventing.

• Fibromyalgia
• High Blood Pressure
• Head Trauma
• Hypothalamus Dysfunction
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Brain Damage
• Immune System Disorders

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