Lugol's Iodine Solution for Hypothyroidism

Lugol's Iodine, also known as Lugol's Solution was first produced by a French Physician named Jean Lugol. It chemical makeup consists of 5% Iodine, 10% Potassium Iodide and *5% distilled water. It contains no alcohol. Historically, it was often used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, and as a reagent to detect starch in laboratory and medical tests.
In 1986, it was recommended to the Polish government after the Chernobyl disaster to detoxify drinking water and block intake of radioactive materials. It was indicated that potassium iodide would help in thyroid protection after the accident and might help prevent resulting occurrences of thyroid cancer.

In the wake of the damage to the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in Japan, officials are distributing Potassium Iodide to the residents in the area. Radioactive iodine can be released into the air in a nuclear event and absorbed into the body through the food and water supply as well as simply breathing. The thyroid gland needs Stable Iodine for proper functioning, and if it is deficient, it will absorb the radioactive iodine instead, which can damage the gland. If the thyroid is already "full" of good stable iodine, the "bad" iodine cannot be absorbed. That being said, Potassium Iodide cannot prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body. It can only protect the thyroid not other parts of the body. Nor can it reverse the health effects caused by radiation poisoning.
For a more detailed explanation refer to the Center for Disease Control website.

Iodine is necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland (located in the front, lower part of the neck). Our blood circulates through the thyroid gland every 17 minutes, where iodine is secreted attacking any germs that have entered our body through the digestive tract, broken skin, or the lining of the nose and throat. If the gland does not have its normal supply of iodine, it cannot kill the harmful germs circulating through the body as it should.

The severe shortage of iodine in the gland can cause a goiter, or swelling of the gland as it tries to trap iodine from the body. Shortages of iodine to a lesser degree lead to hypothyroidism, an underactive, under-functioning thyroid gland. The symptoms it produces are fatigue, memory loss, reduced metabolism leading to weight gain, coldness of body extremities, dry rough patches of skin, and difficulty sleeping well at night.

If you have any of these symptoms, there is a possibility that you need more iodine in your body.

Statistics show that the incidence and severity of breast cancer is lower in Japan than Europe and the United States. Can we contribute this to diet? The Japanese consume 25 times more dietary iodine than we do in the U.S.
The Japanese eat an abundance of kelp (seaweed) which contains potassium iodide. Coincidentally, they have a lower rate of breast and prostrate cancer. The fact that iodine is anti viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal has to be recognized in this scenario. David Brownstein, M.D. is one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine and Medical Director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI. has done extensive studies on the effects of iodine one the body, not only on how it affects the thyroid but other areas as well.

He has found evidence to suggest that hypothyroidism and/or iodine deficiencies may contribute to the development of fibrocystic breast tissue. People with fibrocystic breasts experience tenderness, particularly just before menstruation. Caffeine, chocolate, and high fat foods can contribute to this problem. Through examination, the doctor can feel cysts and fibrous tissue. A review of clinical studies found that iodine replacement therapy (particularly for those with low levels of iodine) may improve the tenderness associated with fibrocystic breast tissue.
Iodine deficiency has also been associated with ovarian cysts, breast cancer. It appears that iodine replacement therapy decreases the risk of breast cancer and promotes the reversal of fibrocystic breast disease.

How can one go about increasing iodine levels in one's body?
There are three ways:
1. Eat more foods that are particularly rich in iodine. That includes radishes, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, rhubarb, potatoes, peas, strawberries, mushrooms, lettuce, bananas, cabbage, egg yolk, and onions and in general, foods that come from the ocean including kelp. Cod-liver oil is also rich in iodine.
2. Lugol's Solution as an external application
3. Lugol's Solution added to a drink
Choose one or the other of choices 2 and 3.

Initially, you can do an external test. Use an eye dropper to apply the Lugol's Iodine solution to your upper thigh or lower abdomen in a 3" square patch. Reapply as soon as you notice that the iodine has absorbed (the skin is clear). Continue reapplying until you have built up to only needing to reapply every 12 hours, and then 24 hours. Continue application once a day until the stain is apparent after 24 hours. When the faded stain is visible after 24 hours, discontinue with the application, as it is an indication that your iodine levels are normal

If you choose to add Lugol's Solution to a drink, add a couple drops in a glass of fruit juice and sip throughout your meal. Alternatively, you can add a couple drops to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of honey mixed in a glass of water. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium. (Its health benefits are yet another topic.) The best time to consume this drink is first thing in the morning.

Lugol's Solution is most certainly a basis for correcting your thyroid problems. However many factors may come into play. Correcting issues with your diet and exercise habits, as well as general lifestyle may also be beneficial in correcting hypothyroidism and your overall health. A balanced lifestyle, proper nutrition with specific vitamins, minerals, and herbs, combined with exercise and relaxation can result in huge strides towards balancing your thyroid and improving health. Dr. Duncan Capicchiano, a Naturopath and member of the Australian Natural Medicine Society and co-founder of a leading wellness clinic in Melbourne, has written an excellent e-book, "The Hypothyroidism Solution" that will guide you through the steps and processes that will take you back to a healthy thyroid function. Get back your energy, sleep better.

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