How IODINE Helps You To LOSE WEIGHT

In 1829 French chemist Jean Lugol, inventor of Lugol’s iodine solution, calculated that the body requires 12.5 mg per day of iodine for maximum sufficiency. Of that, the thyroid takes 6 mg/day, the breasts take 5 mg, and the other glands, including the testicles and ovaries, take about 2 mg.

Iodine is integral to health. It’s an essential mineral necessary for proper thyroid function. Iodine is a natural antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal. It detoxifies the body by displacing toxic halogens (fluoride, chlorine and bromine) which we consume in our food, water and bread and which are often mistaken for essential iodine by the thyroid in a low iodine diet.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a very common problem. Some experts believe that up to 40 percent of Americans have low thyroid function. Thyroid disease is really iodine deficiency disease. We do not store iodine in our bodies, as we do other minerals like iron. Therefore, we require a continual supply of the mineral in order to remain healthy.

Without an adequate supply of iodine, your thyroid cannot manufacture the hormones your body needs to function optimally. Thyroid hormones are used by every cell of your body to regulate metabolism and body weight by controlling the burning of fat for energy and heat.

They’re also required for optimal brain function and development in children. If you have fatigue, forgetfulness, bad complexion, cold sensitivity and/or lack of sweating, loss of sex drive, impotence, depression, difficulty swallowing, irritability, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, unhealthy hair, nails, and teeth, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, these could all be signs of hypothyroidism.

Another principal cause of hypothyroidism is related to elevated reverse T3 levels, which can become elevated in response to heavy metal toxicity. In such cases, successful thyroid treatment must include a detoxification protocol.

In studies, when thyroid patients are supplemented with iodine not only does thyroid function return but also the need for thyroid hormone is reduced or eliminated

If your thyroid responds to a supplement containing iodine by producing some of its own hormones and you are taking a thyroid hormone replacement, two key symptoms will tell you it’s time to cut back- excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations. If you get either of those symptoms, you’re getting too much thyroid replacement hormone, and you need to cut back on the dose.

If you have no thyroid gland or are currently on a thyroid replacement hormone make sure it’s not an outdated synthetic like Synthroid or Levothroid. Doctors almost always prescribe these, and anyone who doesn’t prescribe it is often criticized. Instead, find a doctor who will prescribe the new bioidentical whole thyroid hormone products like Armour thyroid (can be pricey), Nature-Throid or Westhroid.

In studies it is recommended that you take ‘companion nutrients’ to maximize iodine supplementation. These companion nutrients are:

Vitamin C
Magnesium
Selenium
Niacin
B2
Salt, (preferably pink to help facilitate bromide detoxification)

Dr. David Brownstein’s research suggests Hashimoto’s is a low selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C deficiency. Once you correct those deficiencies you can add iodine to your diet.

Dr. Brownstein’s research also indicates Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can be successfully and quickly reversed with a treatment protocol using five drops of Lugol’s 5% iodine, three times per day for four or five days.

With steady iodine consumption patients report fibroids and cysts melt away. That’s because fibrocysts are partially developed follicles that have not ovulated. Follicles, including hair follicles, are direct targets of thyroid hormones; T3 and T4. This connection may explain why people with hypothyroidism often have the symptom of thinning hair and eyebrows. Bottom line: Iodine deficiency can lead to cysts in breasts and ovaries. When iodine is supplemented, fibroids and cysts reverse.

The cause of fibroids and cysts is also associated with estrogen dominance and liver overload. Estrogen dominance means estrogen is high and progesterone is low, due to an abundance of plastic based toxins (xenoestrogens) in our environment. Estrogen blocks thyroid hormone from binding to its receptor in every cell and thereby inhibits the absorption of iodine. These toxins also congest the liver. Supplementing with iodine and eliminating as much plastic from your environment will help reverse estrogen dominance which is a known cause of weight gain.

~ Generously provided by Fred Saenz, Formulator of the AmaZing B’s