Can´t find your car keys? Jeans getting tight? Feeling tired or anxious? Feeling down? It just might be your hormones.
Have you ever found yourself misplacing things, unable to concentrate, not able to grasp the right words? I have many patients who refer to this as 'having a senior moment'. "No," I tell them. "It sounds more like you are having a thyroid moment."
Are you suffering from slow and consistent weight gain even though you are eating well and exercising? Have you been feeling tired and fatigued even though you get to bed early? Do you have feelings of anxiousness or depression? All these symptoms (and more) can be linked to an improperly functioning thyroid.
The thyroid is a small gland just under the skin on the front of the neck. This gland plays a very important role in controlling the body’s metabolism and how the body functions. It does this by producing hormones that tell the body how fast to work and how to use energy - Unused energy turns into fat.
Thyroid hormones play a major part in creating the correct metabolic rate. If it is not functioning properly everything slows down leading to these classic symptoms: * weight gain * fatigue * cold hands and feet * difficulty focusing and remembering * anxiety * depression * constipation * hair loss. The list can go on and on including many problems with the female reproductive system including menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and breast cancer.
What is the connection between reproductive problems and the thyroid? When one gland does not work properly it affects other glands and hormones in the body. When you decrease the thyroid hormones you increase estrogens. The function of estrogen is to promote growth. When your estrogens are over-producing or when you take them in from outside sources, growth can get out of control.
"But I am not on birth control pills and I am not taking HRT, I must be safe."
All of us are exposed to substances daily that mimic estrogens. These false estrogens lock up the hormonal system including the thyroid gland and the cells that need the information to work properly. These false estrogens are called 'endocrine disruptors' (ED).
These ED’s are in much of the food we eat. Haven’t you wondered why the teens now are all taller and more developed than any time in history? Their bodies have developed much earlier than they used to. And why do we have so many instances of breast cancer in devoloped countries? If you eat non-organic meats you are regularly ingesting additional estrogen. Farmers use hormones in animal feed to produce bigger livestock as fast as possible. You are what you eat.
Other substances that can lock up the system are pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and hundreds of other chemicals that we use daily. Also micro-waving food in plastic coverings creates a toxic substance known as 'xeno-estrogen' that goes right into our meal.
Often a person can have normal thyroid test results but still have thyroid problems. This can be due to ED’s blocking the cells. 'The thyroid is talking but nobody is listening'. We have grown to accept that our metabolism is going to slow down in our 30’s. This could be due to many years of exposure to toxins. Luckily there is a test that can identify the most common things locking up the system and a non-supplemental method of removing them. It is part of the Parsons Acupressure technique.
www.patlife.homestead.com
Showing posts with label thyroid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thyroid. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Iodine Deficiency - An Overlooked Contributor to Obesity?
An Overlooked Contributor to Obesity?
by Rachel Olivier, MS, ND, PhD
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in iodine
Thyroid hormones are known to affect obesity and lipid disorders, and one often-overlooked component in this equation is iodine deficiency. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasing dramatically worldwide, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as other obesity-related endocrinopathies.
Dietary iodine is recognized as an essential nutrient, as it is necessary for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are required for normal thyroid function. The dietary reference intake for dietary iodine, as dictated by the World Health Organization, is 90 µg per day for children 5 years of age or younger, with an increase corresponding to age: 120 µg/day for children 6 to 12 years, 150 µg/day for adults, and 200 µg/day for pregnant or lactating women.1
Worldwide Deficiency
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in iodine. Included in this figure are an estimated 285 million school-age children with iodine deficiency. In the United States, iodine status is considered marginal at best, within the range of 100 to 199 milligrams per liter. However, in some parts of the world, iodine deficiency remains a significant health problem.2,3 Added to insufficient intake is the recurrent exposure to the halogens chlorine, bromine, and fluoride, which also contribute to deficiency.
Of the dietary iodine intake, approximately 80% is sequestered by the thyroid gland, which uses it for the synthesis of thyroxine, via the sequential addition of four iodine molecules to the amino acid tyrosine.4 In addition to the thyroid, other bodily tissues also concentrate iodine, including the salivary glands, the gastric mucosa, choroids plexus, the lactating mammary gland, and the ovaries. Consequentially, as a result of decreased iodine status or deficiency, thyroxine cannot be made, which may ultimately result in thyroid dysfunction and subsequent weight gain.
Since thyroid hormones affect many bodily functions, including muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and the developing brain, optimal status is crucial for favorable health in all age groups.5 In one study with morbidly obese patients, a high degree of subclinical hypothyroidism (19.5%) was observed, with subjects having elevated levels of T3, T4, FT3, and TSH.6 There is also evidence of a significant correlation between the metabolic syndrome, of which symptoms include abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, and thyroid dysfunction, both of which contribute to cardiovascular disease.7
Iodine deficiency manifests as a variety of illnesses, collectively termed iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which results when iodide intake is less than 20 µg per day. With iodine deficiency, an increase in serum TSH, and a significant decrease in both serum T4 and free T4, have been noted. These observations have been correlated with marked thyroid histological alterations, including "cylindric epithelial cells, diminution or absence of colloid and dilatation of blood capillaries."8 In moderate iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland, under the influence of thyroid-stimulating hormone, hypertrophies to concentrate iodide in itself, resulting in a colloid goiter. Most of these cases remain euthyroid.
Iodine and the Thyroid
The pattern between thyroid diseases and iodine intake is distinctly correlated, despite the absence of marked disease patterns, including cretinism and endemic goiter.9 Depressed iodine status has been correlated with elevated serum TSH, and it is an indicator of an insufficient T3 receptor saturation. Additionally, iodine deficiency affects brain development, which is particularly important in young children and adolescents. Given the increased obesity level in children, iodine status is a crucial consideration. An elevated serum TSH is an indicator of a potential risk. An elevated serum TSH, along with a normal serum T4 and T3, is an indication of subclinical hypothyroidism, while overt hypothyroidism is associated with an elevated TSH and a low T4, along with variable levels of T3.10
A 64% reduction in plasma thyroxine has been confirmed with iodine deficiency.11 Despite the consumption of iodinated salt, iodine deficiency disorders continue to exist, and goiters are still endemic in many populations.10 Sari et al have evidenced a "positive correlation between thyroid volume and body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and weight circumference," along with a positive correlation between TSH and both body weight and body fat.12
In children and adolescents, goiter/hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, retarded physical development, and an increased susceptibility of the thyroid to nuclear radiation are correlated with a dysfunctional thyroid. Considering the marked increase in childhood obesity, a nutritional deficiency in iodine should be addressed. Implications of thyroid dysfunction in adults include goiter/hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, spontaneous hyperthyroidism in the elderly, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, and increased susceptibility of the thyroid to nuclear radiation. Consequently, the spectrum of IDD includes serious complications. Of these implications, brain damage and irreversible mental retardation in children are considered the most significant disorders induced by iodine deficiency.13
Supplements Available
Liquid iodine
Liquid iodine from Biotics Research supplies 75 µg of iodine, while Liquid Iodine Forte supplies 150 µg of iodine.
Although iodine deficiency has been addressed via the widespread application of public iodine supplementation programs, including the iodization of salt, in many regions of the world iodine deficiency remains a public health concern. Consequently, supplemental iodine represents an optimal approach to deficiency. Various forms of supplemental iodine are currently available—including liquid and tablet forms—both of which consist of potassium iodine or iodine derived from food sources such as kelp.
The earliest form of potassium supplementation was that of Lugol's solution, first made in 1829 by the French physician JGA Lugol. Lugol's solution is composed of 5% iodine along with 10% potassium iodide, with a final concentration of 130 mg/mL iodine.14 Iodine derived from kelp offers a natural alternative to supplementation. However, concerns with kelp-derived iodine should be considered, specifically with the knowledge that they are typically heavily contaminated with heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
It has been noted that "more attention should be devoted to heavy metal levels in kelp, particularly where they may play a role in a subsistence diet."15 In some species of kelp, as much as 65.5 parts per million arsenic has been extracted.16 The FDA tolerance level on arsenic is 2 ppm in kelp-containing products.17 Additionally, as a result of herbal kelp supplementation, arsenic toxicity has been reported, which was alleviated once supplementation was ceased.18 A preferred form of supplementation is the use of liquid potassium iodine. This form of supplementation has shown much promise, as it is well absorbed and offers a broader dosing range, as dosage adjustments are easily implemented to corresponding iodine status. Furthermore, considering the fact it has little taste and odor, liquid potassium iodine can readily be administered to all population ranges, including infants, children, and adults. More importantly, no risk of heavy metal contamination exists, as it is not derivated from souces with known contaminants, such as sea vegetation.
Determining iodine status in overweight patients offers a valid and theraputically beneficial approach toward deficiency. It has been noted that the benefits of iodine therapy far outweigh the risks induced by excess iodine.19,20,21 Continual monitoring along with the use of an easily regulated source of iodine offers a definitive approach toward the ultimate goal of adequate iodine status. Additionally, correcting the iodine deficiency plays an important role in optimizing thyroid function, and in turn may be an important factor in weight reduction.
Rachel Olivier, MS, ND, PhD, is physician advisor for Biotics Research Corp. Contact her at ROlivier@bioticsresearch.com.
References
1. WHO global database on iodine deficiency. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: www.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA58-REC1/english/WHA58_24-en.pdf. Accessed June 27, 2007.
2. Utiger RD. Iodine Nutrition – More is Better. N Eng J Med. 2006;354(26):2819-2821.
3. Boyages SC. Clinical Review 49: Iodine Deficiency Disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
see link :
www.ultraherbal.com
www.patlife.homestead.com
by Rachel Olivier, MS, ND, PhD
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in iodine
Thyroid hormones are known to affect obesity and lipid disorders, and one often-overlooked component in this equation is iodine deficiency. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasing dramatically worldwide, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as other obesity-related endocrinopathies.
Dietary iodine is recognized as an essential nutrient, as it is necessary for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are required for normal thyroid function. The dietary reference intake for dietary iodine, as dictated by the World Health Organization, is 90 µg per day for children 5 years of age or younger, with an increase corresponding to age: 120 µg/day for children 6 to 12 years, 150 µg/day for adults, and 200 µg/day for pregnant or lactating women.1
Worldwide Deficiency
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in iodine. Included in this figure are an estimated 285 million school-age children with iodine deficiency. In the United States, iodine status is considered marginal at best, within the range of 100 to 199 milligrams per liter. However, in some parts of the world, iodine deficiency remains a significant health problem.2,3 Added to insufficient intake is the recurrent exposure to the halogens chlorine, bromine, and fluoride, which also contribute to deficiency.
Of the dietary iodine intake, approximately 80% is sequestered by the thyroid gland, which uses it for the synthesis of thyroxine, via the sequential addition of four iodine molecules to the amino acid tyrosine.4 In addition to the thyroid, other bodily tissues also concentrate iodine, including the salivary glands, the gastric mucosa, choroids plexus, the lactating mammary gland, and the ovaries. Consequentially, as a result of decreased iodine status or deficiency, thyroxine cannot be made, which may ultimately result in thyroid dysfunction and subsequent weight gain.
Since thyroid hormones affect many bodily functions, including muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and the developing brain, optimal status is crucial for favorable health in all age groups.5 In one study with morbidly obese patients, a high degree of subclinical hypothyroidism (19.5%) was observed, with subjects having elevated levels of T3, T4, FT3, and TSH.6 There is also evidence of a significant correlation between the metabolic syndrome, of which symptoms include abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, and thyroid dysfunction, both of which contribute to cardiovascular disease.7
Iodine deficiency manifests as a variety of illnesses, collectively termed iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which results when iodide intake is less than 20 µg per day. With iodine deficiency, an increase in serum TSH, and a significant decrease in both serum T4 and free T4, have been noted. These observations have been correlated with marked thyroid histological alterations, including "cylindric epithelial cells, diminution or absence of colloid and dilatation of blood capillaries."8 In moderate iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland, under the influence of thyroid-stimulating hormone, hypertrophies to concentrate iodide in itself, resulting in a colloid goiter. Most of these cases remain euthyroid.
Iodine and the Thyroid
The pattern between thyroid diseases and iodine intake is distinctly correlated, despite the absence of marked disease patterns, including cretinism and endemic goiter.9 Depressed iodine status has been correlated with elevated serum TSH, and it is an indicator of an insufficient T3 receptor saturation. Additionally, iodine deficiency affects brain development, which is particularly important in young children and adolescents. Given the increased obesity level in children, iodine status is a crucial consideration. An elevated serum TSH is an indicator of a potential risk. An elevated serum TSH, along with a normal serum T4 and T3, is an indication of subclinical hypothyroidism, while overt hypothyroidism is associated with an elevated TSH and a low T4, along with variable levels of T3.10
A 64% reduction in plasma thyroxine has been confirmed with iodine deficiency.11 Despite the consumption of iodinated salt, iodine deficiency disorders continue to exist, and goiters are still endemic in many populations.10 Sari et al have evidenced a "positive correlation between thyroid volume and body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and weight circumference," along with a positive correlation between TSH and both body weight and body fat.12
In children and adolescents, goiter/hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, retarded physical development, and an increased susceptibility of the thyroid to nuclear radiation are correlated with a dysfunctional thyroid. Considering the marked increase in childhood obesity, a nutritional deficiency in iodine should be addressed. Implications of thyroid dysfunction in adults include goiter/hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, spontaneous hyperthyroidism in the elderly, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, and increased susceptibility of the thyroid to nuclear radiation. Consequently, the spectrum of IDD includes serious complications. Of these implications, brain damage and irreversible mental retardation in children are considered the most significant disorders induced by iodine deficiency.13
Supplements Available
Liquid iodine
Liquid iodine from Biotics Research supplies 75 µg of iodine, while Liquid Iodine Forte supplies 150 µg of iodine.
Although iodine deficiency has been addressed via the widespread application of public iodine supplementation programs, including the iodization of salt, in many regions of the world iodine deficiency remains a public health concern. Consequently, supplemental iodine represents an optimal approach to deficiency. Various forms of supplemental iodine are currently available—including liquid and tablet forms—both of which consist of potassium iodine or iodine derived from food sources such as kelp.
The earliest form of potassium supplementation was that of Lugol's solution, first made in 1829 by the French physician JGA Lugol. Lugol's solution is composed of 5% iodine along with 10% potassium iodide, with a final concentration of 130 mg/mL iodine.14 Iodine derived from kelp offers a natural alternative to supplementation. However, concerns with kelp-derived iodine should be considered, specifically with the knowledge that they are typically heavily contaminated with heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
It has been noted that "more attention should be devoted to heavy metal levels in kelp, particularly where they may play a role in a subsistence diet."15 In some species of kelp, as much as 65.5 parts per million arsenic has been extracted.16 The FDA tolerance level on arsenic is 2 ppm in kelp-containing products.17 Additionally, as a result of herbal kelp supplementation, arsenic toxicity has been reported, which was alleviated once supplementation was ceased.18 A preferred form of supplementation is the use of liquid potassium iodine. This form of supplementation has shown much promise, as it is well absorbed and offers a broader dosing range, as dosage adjustments are easily implemented to corresponding iodine status. Furthermore, considering the fact it has little taste and odor, liquid potassium iodine can readily be administered to all population ranges, including infants, children, and adults. More importantly, no risk of heavy metal contamination exists, as it is not derivated from souces with known contaminants, such as sea vegetation.
Determining iodine status in overweight patients offers a valid and theraputically beneficial approach toward deficiency. It has been noted that the benefits of iodine therapy far outweigh the risks induced by excess iodine.19,20,21 Continual monitoring along with the use of an easily regulated source of iodine offers a definitive approach toward the ultimate goal of adequate iodine status. Additionally, correcting the iodine deficiency plays an important role in optimizing thyroid function, and in turn may be an important factor in weight reduction.
Rachel Olivier, MS, ND, PhD, is physician advisor for Biotics Research Corp. Contact her at ROlivier@bioticsresearch.com.
References
1. WHO global database on iodine deficiency. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: www.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA58-REC1/english/WHA58_24-en.pdf. Accessed June 27, 2007.
2. Utiger RD. Iodine Nutrition – More is Better. N Eng J Med. 2006;354(26):2819-2821.
3. Boyages SC. Clinical Review 49: Iodine Deficiency Disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
see link :
www.ultraherbal.com
www.patlife.homestead.com
Sunday, 11 November 2007
hypo-active thyroid?
Nearly 11 million of us have a hypo-active thyroid, and Hypothyroidism is linked to obesity and high cholesterol..
According to the Mayo Clinic "women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease".
Television talk show host and actress Oprah Winfrey said a thyroid condition slowed her metabolism and caused her to gain nine kilos.
"My body was turning on me," Winfrey, 53, says in the October issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. "First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days. Most people lose weight. I didn't."
Winfrey says she then experienced hypothyroidism, which slowed her metabolism and made her constantly sleepy.
An exhausted and stressed Oprah Winfrey discovered the condition after finishing taping of her shows in May. She took a month-long break in Hawaii to regain her health.
Hypothyroidism, also called under-active thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone to regulate the needs of the body. Even though it’s linked to many of our modern day ills, many of us are unaware that our thyroid may be the culprit. Hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed by doctors, because the symptoms are so diverse and vary with each person. Sometimes doctors attribute your symptoms to other causes.
Think back to those years when you felt fabulous! You had energy to burn, passion for living, and a feeling of vitality that carried you through the day and night. You were feeling great.
Did your “get up and go” just get up and leave?
Are you one of those 11 million people thinking, “I guess I’m just getting old,” and wishing it weren’t true? Do you feel blue and depressed? Is your skin is dry? Do you have brittle hair? You don’t understand why you’re gaining weight, and your hands and feet are always cold.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.
I have teamed up with Ultraherbal, a leading herbal supplement company, that has developed 'Thyromine' - an all-natural thyroid supplement that works with your body’s own systems to help the thyroid produce the right amount of hormone for every day needs. Thyromine also contains a source of iodine from nori seaweed - available here:
According to the Mayo Clinic "women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease".
Television talk show host and actress Oprah Winfrey said a thyroid condition slowed her metabolism and caused her to gain nine kilos.
"My body was turning on me," Winfrey, 53, says in the October issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. "First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days. Most people lose weight. I didn't."
Winfrey says she then experienced hypothyroidism, which slowed her metabolism and made her constantly sleepy.
An exhausted and stressed Oprah Winfrey discovered the condition after finishing taping of her shows in May. She took a month-long break in Hawaii to regain her health.
Hypothyroidism, also called under-active thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone to regulate the needs of the body. Even though it’s linked to many of our modern day ills, many of us are unaware that our thyroid may be the culprit. Hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed by doctors, because the symptoms are so diverse and vary with each person. Sometimes doctors attribute your symptoms to other causes.
Think back to those years when you felt fabulous! You had energy to burn, passion for living, and a feeling of vitality that carried you through the day and night. You were feeling great.
Did your “get up and go” just get up and leave?
Are you one of those 11 million people thinking, “I guess I’m just getting old,” and wishing it weren’t true? Do you feel blue and depressed? Is your skin is dry? Do you have brittle hair? You don’t understand why you’re gaining weight, and your hands and feet are always cold.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.
I have teamed up with Ultraherbal, a leading herbal supplement company, that has developed 'Thyromine' - an all-natural thyroid supplement that works with your body’s own systems to help the thyroid produce the right amount of hormone for every day needs. Thyromine also contains a source of iodine from nori seaweed - available here:
Saturday, 10 November 2007
IODINE IS VITAL FOR GOOD HEALTH
long article, but worth a read - especially if you suspect you have a thyroid problem:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm
IODINE IS VITAL FOR GOOD HEALTH
By Dr. James Howenstine, MD.
November 5, 2005
NewsWithViews.com
Lack of iodine is widespread in the United States today. For many years iodine was added to bread in generous quantities which prevented iodine deficiency. Each slice of bread contained 150 mcg. of iodine filling the whole days RDA of iodine In 1960 the average diet consumed about 1 mg. of iodine daily with bakery products accounting for about 75 % of the total. This quantity of iodine was enough to decrease the thyroid glands ability to absorb radioactive iodine and it was also sufficient to prevent excess release of thyroid hormone thus preventing many cases of hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease).
Forty years ago the food industry decided to remove iodine from baked goods and replace the iodine with bromine. Iodine and bromine appear similar to the thyroid gland and bromine easily binds to the thyroid gland’s receptors for iodine. Bromine, however, is of no value to the thyroid gland unlike iodine and it inhibits the activity of iodine in the thyroid gland. Bromine also can cause impaired thinking and memory, drowsiness, dizziness and irritability. This substitution of bromine for iodine has resulted in nearly universal deficiency of iodine in the American populace. Iodine therapy helps the body eliminate fluoride, bromine, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum and mercury. Could this substitution of bromine for iodine have been carried out to increase diseases and thus create more need for pharmaceutical drugs?
Among the problems caused by iodine deficiency are:
• Underactivity of the thyroid gland produces fatigue. In rodents iodine deficiency leads to abnormal pituitary-adrenal function. The adrenal gland provides energy and stamina.
• When iodine no longer binds to thyroid cell membranes enzymes called peroxidases are able to damage these membranes and produce autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Hyperthroidism (Graves Disease). Researcher Dr. Guy Abraham has observed several cases of thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism that have been corrected by the simple replacement of iodine. For more than 100 years high doses of iodine have been known to benefit both underactivity (hypothyroidism) of the thyroid gland and overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Iodine therapy allows the sluggish thyroid gland to resume normal production of thyroid hormone leading to resolution of hypothyroidism. Provision of iodine stops the peroxidase injury to the thyroid membranes in hyperthyroidism which permits hyperthyroidism to resolve. Thus thyroid surgery for hyperthyroidism is no longer necessary.
• Several human organs need iodine but can not absorb it until blood iodine levels reach high values (stomach, salivary glands). Most persons exhibit impaired production of stomach acid as they age. This impaired capability to produce adequate stomach acid may be a result of iodine deficiency as iodine promotes stomach acidity.
• Resolution of cysts Iodine therapy resolves nearly every case of breast cysts. This treatment also can heal ovarian cysts and works well on skin cysts when rubbed over the cyst.
• Iodine is found in large quantities in the brain and the ciliary body of the eye. Lack of iodine may be involved in production of Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma.
• Lipoprotein (a) This dangerous substance is quite important as it produces plaques in arteries because it is very sticky and collects platelets, calcium and fibrin from the blood circulating inside our arteries. Excessive clotting and vascular disease resulting from high levels of lipoprotein (a) can be reversed by iodine treatment.
• Other Health Problems Iodine has proven value in treating headaches, keloids, and parotid duct stones.
How Can Iodine Deficiency Be Detected?
An accurate test for diagnosing iodine deficiency exists. Dr. Jay Abrahams has developed a loading test to settle this issue. The patient takes 4 iodine tablets (12.5 mg each). If there is sufficient iodine in the individual the excess iodine is excreted in the urine in the next 24 hours. If iodine is lacking the body retains most of the iodine with little iodine appearing in the urine. Use of this test has shown that nearly every patient with any condition known to be associated with iodine deficiency tested positive for iodine lack. Therefore, it often is sensible to assume iodine lack and proceed to treat with iodine.
However, when a patient takes iodine for several months and has shown no improvement this test can be used to exclude a problem with absorption of iodine.
Iodine lack is known to be a factor in the development of breast and prostate cancer. Sixty patients with a variety of cancers were studied. All sixty patients were found to have serious iodine deficiency.
To correct iodine deficiency by taking iodized salt is not feasible. You would need 20 teaspoons of iodized salt daily to get adequate quantities of iodine.
Dr. Abrahams has developed an iodine preparation named Iodoral to treat iodine deficiency. This is composed of dried Lugol’s solution containing 12.5 mg of iodine per tablet. A person with adequate iodine stores who takes 4 of these tablets (50 mg.) will excrete 90 % of the iodine in their urine.
Dr. Abrahams thinks that the correct quantity of iodine needed to maintain sufficient amounts of iodine in the body is 13 mg. daily. This is 100 times more than the government recognized RDA for iodine. This quantity of daily iodine would be distributed as follows –six mg. to thyroid gland, five mg. for the breasts in females and two mg. for the remainder of the body. Males appear to usually, but not always, need slightly less than females.
Prominent thyroid researcher, Dr. Benjamin Eskin, has shown that the thyroid gland and skin prefer to concentrate the iodide form of iodine while the breasts concentrate iodine. His research suggested that the body needs both the iodide and iodine form of iodine. This is easy to accomplish with Lugol’s solution developed by French physician Dr. Jean Lugol in the 1820s. His solution mixed iodine (5 %) with potassium iodide (10 %) and 85 % water. Dr. Lugol’s solution killed germs and was used with success in treating infections and many other conditions. This solution in the recommended 2 drop dosage contains 5 mg. of iodine and 7.5 mg. of iodine which is exactly the quantity of iodine recommended for daily intake by Dr. Abraham. Lugol’s solution tastes metallic unless greatly diluted and stains clothing and skin.
A third solution that works well in correcting iodine deficiency is Triodide made by Scientific Botanicals of Seattle, Washington. This has the same dosage of iodine and iodide combined with a sea vegetable called bladderwrack. This can be obtained from natural food stores, Tahoma Clinic Dispensary and compounding pharmacies. This contains 12.5 mg of iodine in the same 2 drop dosage.
Dr. Abrahams recommends taking 50 mg of Iodoral (four 12.5 mg. tablets), Lugol’s solution (8 drops)or Triodide (8 drops) daily for 3 months as a loading dose. Then this dose should be gradually reduced to the 12.5 mg. maintenance dosage under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care professional. Dr.Abraham feels that 14 to 15 mg. of iodine/iodide daily is the upper maximum of safety. This is close to the recommended dose of 12.5 mg daily so caution is necessary in managing iodine repletion. Japanese researchers have discovered patients with hypothyroidism who were taking 20 mg. of iodine or more daily.
Another valuable iodine preparation is saturated solution of potassium iodide. This does not have the correct ratio of iodine iodide recommended by Dr.Abrahams for correcting iodine deficiency but it does have a multitude of valuable healing properties. It can help open up blocked arteries, disinfect water, cure bladder infections, reduce or eliminate ovarian cysts, diminish unsightly keloids, loosen thick bronchial secretions, reduce or eliminate Peyronie’s Disease and Dupuytron’s contracture.
Endocrine Cancers And Iodine Stores
Iodine deficiency is a recognized risk factor in the development of cancer of the breast, prostate, and probably the ovary and endometrium. Breast Cancer is twice as common (12.1 %) in women taking natural thyroid hormone or synthetic thyroid hormone as in women not taking thyroid hormones (6.2 %). The risk for breast cancer in women taking thyroid hormones increases with time. Women who had taken thyroid hormone for 15 years had a 19.5 % incidence of breast cancer while women who had been on thyroid hormone therapy for five years had only a 10 % incidence of breast cancer. This increase in breast cancer with time suggests that correction of a iodine deficiency might well eliminate the need for thyroid hormone and would also lower the incidence of breast cancer.
Japanese women, who are eating lots of seaweed, have the highest iodine intake (13.8 mg. daily) of women anywhere in the world. They also have the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Japan has one of the lowest worldwide rates of every type of cancer with the exception of stomach cancer. In addition Japan has one of the lowest incidences of iodine deficiency, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and hypothyroidism. Iceland, another high iodine intake country, has low rates of goiter and breast cancer. Two countries with low iodine intakes (Thailand, Mexico) have high rates of breast cancer and goiter.
Patient Studies.With Iodine Therapy
A patient of Dr. Rowen named Betty had severely painful breast cysts. She took 5 mg. of iodine daily with complete disappearance of painful breast cysts.
Veronica, another patient of Dr. Rowen, had advanced breast cancer with severe hip pain from a bone metastasis. Iodine loading test showed severe deficiency of iodine. After three months of Iodoral she still has not restored her iodine levels but her excretion of bromine has increased 10 fold. Her cancer therapy with IPT and artemisin has been stable with only an occasional IPT and she continues with 25 mg. of Iodoral three times daily. Dr. Abrahams relates that he has seen two remissions of breast cancer in persons taking 75 mg of Iodorol daily. Iodine deficiency plays a role in allowing breast cancer and prostate cancer to develop.
Another physician has seen a case of prostate cancer go into remission after taking Iodoral and supplements.
George Flechas MD relates that many of his diabetic patients need lowering of insulin dosage and diabetic drugs after repletion of iodine deficiency. Dr. Rowen has observed the same thing.
Food Sources Of Iodine
Iodine from fish must be limited because of mercury problems. However, sardines have such a short life span they do not get contaminated with mercury. My suggestion would be to buy tins of sardines packed in tomato sauce so you can avoid the transfats used in oil packed sardines.
Brown and red seaweeds contain the most iodine (kombu, focus, etc.).of sea vegetables. You may still need supplemental iodine to get an adequate quantity for repletion of iodine deficiency. unless you are eating lots of seaweeds.
Iodoral can be purchased from Optimox 310-618-9870 if you are willing to buy a case. Otherwise you can probably find this in health food stores. Lugol’s solution is a satisfactory way to obtain iodine but you will need a prescription. The dose is 2 drops daily. Be careful in measuring as 3 drops daily can lead to toxic symptoms.
The evidence presented here proves that iodine is vital to human health. Many persons will experience improved health when their iodine deficiency is corrected.
Index Words in order
Iodine, hyperthyroidism, bromine, thyroid gland, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, breast cysts, ovarian cysts, skin cyst, Parkinson’s Disease, glaucoma, lipoprotein (a), keloids, bladder infections, arteries, bronchial secretions, Peyronie’s Disease, Duputron’s contracture, cancer breast, cancer ovary, cancer endometrium, cancer prostate, goiter, diabetes
© 2005 Dr. James Howenstine - All Rights Reserved
Dr. James A. Howenstine is a board certified specialist in internal medicine who spent 34 years caring for office and hospital patients. After 4 years of personal study he became convinced that natural products are safer, more effective, and less expensive than pharmaceutical drugs. This research led to the publication of his book A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work. Information about these products and his book can be obtained from amazon.com and at
http://www.naturalhealthteam.com
http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm
IODINE IS VITAL FOR GOOD HEALTH
By Dr. James Howenstine, MD.
November 5, 2005
NewsWithViews.com
Lack of iodine is widespread in the United States today. For many years iodine was added to bread in generous quantities which prevented iodine deficiency. Each slice of bread contained 150 mcg. of iodine filling the whole days RDA of iodine In 1960 the average diet consumed about 1 mg. of iodine daily with bakery products accounting for about 75 % of the total. This quantity of iodine was enough to decrease the thyroid glands ability to absorb radioactive iodine and it was also sufficient to prevent excess release of thyroid hormone thus preventing many cases of hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease).
Forty years ago the food industry decided to remove iodine from baked goods and replace the iodine with bromine. Iodine and bromine appear similar to the thyroid gland and bromine easily binds to the thyroid gland’s receptors for iodine. Bromine, however, is of no value to the thyroid gland unlike iodine and it inhibits the activity of iodine in the thyroid gland. Bromine also can cause impaired thinking and memory, drowsiness, dizziness and irritability. This substitution of bromine for iodine has resulted in nearly universal deficiency of iodine in the American populace. Iodine therapy helps the body eliminate fluoride, bromine, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum and mercury. Could this substitution of bromine for iodine have been carried out to increase diseases and thus create more need for pharmaceutical drugs?
Among the problems caused by iodine deficiency are:
• Underactivity of the thyroid gland produces fatigue. In rodents iodine deficiency leads to abnormal pituitary-adrenal function. The adrenal gland provides energy and stamina.
• When iodine no longer binds to thyroid cell membranes enzymes called peroxidases are able to damage these membranes and produce autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Hyperthroidism (Graves Disease). Researcher Dr. Guy Abraham has observed several cases of thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism that have been corrected by the simple replacement of iodine. For more than 100 years high doses of iodine have been known to benefit both underactivity (hypothyroidism) of the thyroid gland and overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Iodine therapy allows the sluggish thyroid gland to resume normal production of thyroid hormone leading to resolution of hypothyroidism. Provision of iodine stops the peroxidase injury to the thyroid membranes in hyperthyroidism which permits hyperthyroidism to resolve. Thus thyroid surgery for hyperthyroidism is no longer necessary.
• Several human organs need iodine but can not absorb it until blood iodine levels reach high values (stomach, salivary glands). Most persons exhibit impaired production of stomach acid as they age. This impaired capability to produce adequate stomach acid may be a result of iodine deficiency as iodine promotes stomach acidity.
• Resolution of cysts Iodine therapy resolves nearly every case of breast cysts. This treatment also can heal ovarian cysts and works well on skin cysts when rubbed over the cyst.
• Iodine is found in large quantities in the brain and the ciliary body of the eye. Lack of iodine may be involved in production of Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma.
• Lipoprotein (a) This dangerous substance is quite important as it produces plaques in arteries because it is very sticky and collects platelets, calcium and fibrin from the blood circulating inside our arteries. Excessive clotting and vascular disease resulting from high levels of lipoprotein (a) can be reversed by iodine treatment.
• Other Health Problems Iodine has proven value in treating headaches, keloids, and parotid duct stones.
How Can Iodine Deficiency Be Detected?
An accurate test for diagnosing iodine deficiency exists. Dr. Jay Abrahams has developed a loading test to settle this issue. The patient takes 4 iodine tablets (12.5 mg each). If there is sufficient iodine in the individual the excess iodine is excreted in the urine in the next 24 hours. If iodine is lacking the body retains most of the iodine with little iodine appearing in the urine. Use of this test has shown that nearly every patient with any condition known to be associated with iodine deficiency tested positive for iodine lack. Therefore, it often is sensible to assume iodine lack and proceed to treat with iodine.
However, when a patient takes iodine for several months and has shown no improvement this test can be used to exclude a problem with absorption of iodine.
Iodine lack is known to be a factor in the development of breast and prostate cancer. Sixty patients with a variety of cancers were studied. All sixty patients were found to have serious iodine deficiency.
To correct iodine deficiency by taking iodized salt is not feasible. You would need 20 teaspoons of iodized salt daily to get adequate quantities of iodine.
Dr. Abrahams has developed an iodine preparation named Iodoral to treat iodine deficiency. This is composed of dried Lugol’s solution containing 12.5 mg of iodine per tablet. A person with adequate iodine stores who takes 4 of these tablets (50 mg.) will excrete 90 % of the iodine in their urine.
Dr. Abrahams thinks that the correct quantity of iodine needed to maintain sufficient amounts of iodine in the body is 13 mg. daily. This is 100 times more than the government recognized RDA for iodine. This quantity of daily iodine would be distributed as follows –six mg. to thyroid gland, five mg. for the breasts in females and two mg. for the remainder of the body. Males appear to usually, but not always, need slightly less than females.
Prominent thyroid researcher, Dr. Benjamin Eskin, has shown that the thyroid gland and skin prefer to concentrate the iodide form of iodine while the breasts concentrate iodine. His research suggested that the body needs both the iodide and iodine form of iodine. This is easy to accomplish with Lugol’s solution developed by French physician Dr. Jean Lugol in the 1820s. His solution mixed iodine (5 %) with potassium iodide (10 %) and 85 % water. Dr. Lugol’s solution killed germs and was used with success in treating infections and many other conditions. This solution in the recommended 2 drop dosage contains 5 mg. of iodine and 7.5 mg. of iodine which is exactly the quantity of iodine recommended for daily intake by Dr. Abraham. Lugol’s solution tastes metallic unless greatly diluted and stains clothing and skin.
A third solution that works well in correcting iodine deficiency is Triodide made by Scientific Botanicals of Seattle, Washington. This has the same dosage of iodine and iodide combined with a sea vegetable called bladderwrack. This can be obtained from natural food stores, Tahoma Clinic Dispensary and compounding pharmacies. This contains 12.5 mg of iodine in the same 2 drop dosage.
Dr. Abrahams recommends taking 50 mg of Iodoral (four 12.5 mg. tablets), Lugol’s solution (8 drops)or Triodide (8 drops) daily for 3 months as a loading dose. Then this dose should be gradually reduced to the 12.5 mg. maintenance dosage under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care professional. Dr.Abraham feels that 14 to 15 mg. of iodine/iodide daily is the upper maximum of safety. This is close to the recommended dose of 12.5 mg daily so caution is necessary in managing iodine repletion. Japanese researchers have discovered patients with hypothyroidism who were taking 20 mg. of iodine or more daily.
Another valuable iodine preparation is saturated solution of potassium iodide. This does not have the correct ratio of iodine iodide recommended by Dr.Abrahams for correcting iodine deficiency but it does have a multitude of valuable healing properties. It can help open up blocked arteries, disinfect water, cure bladder infections, reduce or eliminate ovarian cysts, diminish unsightly keloids, loosen thick bronchial secretions, reduce or eliminate Peyronie’s Disease and Dupuytron’s contracture.
Endocrine Cancers And Iodine Stores
Iodine deficiency is a recognized risk factor in the development of cancer of the breast, prostate, and probably the ovary and endometrium. Breast Cancer is twice as common (12.1 %) in women taking natural thyroid hormone or synthetic thyroid hormone as in women not taking thyroid hormones (6.2 %). The risk for breast cancer in women taking thyroid hormones increases with time. Women who had taken thyroid hormone for 15 years had a 19.5 % incidence of breast cancer while women who had been on thyroid hormone therapy for five years had only a 10 % incidence of breast cancer. This increase in breast cancer with time suggests that correction of a iodine deficiency might well eliminate the need for thyroid hormone and would also lower the incidence of breast cancer.
Japanese women, who are eating lots of seaweed, have the highest iodine intake (13.8 mg. daily) of women anywhere in the world. They also have the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Japan has one of the lowest worldwide rates of every type of cancer with the exception of stomach cancer. In addition Japan has one of the lowest incidences of iodine deficiency, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and hypothyroidism. Iceland, another high iodine intake country, has low rates of goiter and breast cancer. Two countries with low iodine intakes (Thailand, Mexico) have high rates of breast cancer and goiter.
Patient Studies.With Iodine Therapy
A patient of Dr. Rowen named Betty had severely painful breast cysts. She took 5 mg. of iodine daily with complete disappearance of painful breast cysts.
Veronica, another patient of Dr. Rowen, had advanced breast cancer with severe hip pain from a bone metastasis. Iodine loading test showed severe deficiency of iodine. After three months of Iodoral she still has not restored her iodine levels but her excretion of bromine has increased 10 fold. Her cancer therapy with IPT and artemisin has been stable with only an occasional IPT and she continues with 25 mg. of Iodoral three times daily. Dr. Abrahams relates that he has seen two remissions of breast cancer in persons taking 75 mg of Iodorol daily. Iodine deficiency plays a role in allowing breast cancer and prostate cancer to develop.
Another physician has seen a case of prostate cancer go into remission after taking Iodoral and supplements.
George Flechas MD relates that many of his diabetic patients need lowering of insulin dosage and diabetic drugs after repletion of iodine deficiency. Dr. Rowen has observed the same thing.
Food Sources Of Iodine
Iodine from fish must be limited because of mercury problems. However, sardines have such a short life span they do not get contaminated with mercury. My suggestion would be to buy tins of sardines packed in tomato sauce so you can avoid the transfats used in oil packed sardines.
Brown and red seaweeds contain the most iodine (kombu, focus, etc.).of sea vegetables. You may still need supplemental iodine to get an adequate quantity for repletion of iodine deficiency. unless you are eating lots of seaweeds.
Iodoral can be purchased from Optimox 310-618-9870 if you are willing to buy a case. Otherwise you can probably find this in health food stores. Lugol’s solution is a satisfactory way to obtain iodine but you will need a prescription. The dose is 2 drops daily. Be careful in measuring as 3 drops daily can lead to toxic symptoms.
The evidence presented here proves that iodine is vital to human health. Many persons will experience improved health when their iodine deficiency is corrected.
Index Words in order
Iodine, hyperthyroidism, bromine, thyroid gland, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, breast cysts, ovarian cysts, skin cyst, Parkinson’s Disease, glaucoma, lipoprotein (a), keloids, bladder infections, arteries, bronchial secretions, Peyronie’s Disease, Duputron’s contracture, cancer breast, cancer ovary, cancer endometrium, cancer prostate, goiter, diabetes
© 2005 Dr. James Howenstine - All Rights Reserved
Dr. James A. Howenstine is a board certified specialist in internal medicine who spent 34 years caring for office and hospital patients. After 4 years of personal study he became convinced that natural products are safer, more effective, and less expensive than pharmaceutical drugs. This research led to the publication of his book A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work. Information about these products and his book can be obtained from amazon.com and at
http://www.naturalhealthteam.com
Sunday, 4 November 2007
thyroid symptoms
this list of symptoms covers almost everything - could indicate the need for iodine supplements:
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)
fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage
Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)
nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods
More info at the link, including self-tests for hypo and hyperthyroidism.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/symptoms.htm
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)
fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage
Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)
nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods
More info at the link, including self-tests for hypo and hyperthyroidism.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/symptoms.htm
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