Health Benefits Of Iodine

by Sara Banta | Apr 13, 2020 | Articles, Immune Support, Iodine, Natural Remedies, Nutrition

Why Is Iodine So Important for Health?

Iodine is the wildcard in supporting the immune system. Iodine is found in every single one of our body’s hundred trillion cells. Without adequate iodine levels, life is impossible. Iodine is the universal health nutrient and improves health on many levels.

A commonly asked question: “Is Iodine antiviral and does iodine kill fungus?”

Not only is Iodine is antiviral and antifungal, but it is antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-allergenic, antihistamine, mucolytic, hydrating (2006, Miller), detoxifying, energy producing and performs a unique function known as healthy apoptosis. Healthy apoptosis (natural death of traumatized and unhealthy cells) is the premise of rapid wound healing as well as dis-ease reversal as shown by Dr. Zhang, Ph.D. in the 2003 UCLA study with lung cancer. (2003, Zhang)

There is no pathogen resistant to iodine (Derry). The history of iodine has been lost as it pertains to protecting people from the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed over 30 million people. Iodine was the most effective agent for killing viruses, especially influenza viruses. Aerosol iodine was found to kill viruses, and solutions of iodine were equally effective. In one study, they found putting iodine on mice snouts prevented the mice from being infected with a live influenza virus in mists. (1945, Burnet and Stone)

Iodine is a more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin C, Vitamin E and phosphatidylcholine (Brownstein, 2006). Iodine is also a more powerful antioxidant than any oxygen therapies such as ozone, etc. (2006, Miller)

Why Do We Need Iodine for health?

It is THE “Metabolic Mineral” for stimulating metabolism, increasing energy, activating the immune system and building one’s health.

Additionally, it is necessary for assimilating key minerals, such as calcium and silica, and key vitamins, such as B12 and D and removes fluoride, chlorine and bromide from the body. Iodism, an unpleasant brassy taste, causing a runny nose and acne-like skin lesions, is caused by the bromide that iodine extracts from the tissues.

Many have reported that they feel a greater sense of well being, increased energy, and a lifting of brain fog. They also report feeling warmer in cold environments, need less sleep, have improved skin complexion, and have more regular bowel movements.

Iodine helps synthesize thyroid hormones and prevents both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Here are the reasons why iodine is important:

1. Iodine helps reverse hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

It helps synthesize thyroid hormones and helps prevent and reverse both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

2. Iodine supports apoptosis.

Apoptosis is programmed cell death of unhealthy cells that occurs to protect against cancer and facilitate anti-aging. This is particularly relevant in preventing cancer and aging.

3. Iodine activates hormone receptors and helps prevent certain forms of cancer.

4. Iodine protects ATP function and enhances ATP production.

Sufficient iodine in all tissues and cells helps to produce a healthy 36 ATP’s through the Krebs cycle, which has profound implications for all levels of function, including brain function. When we are low in iodine, we tend to transition into glycolysis, which only produces 2 ATP bypassing the normal Krebs cycle and bypassing the mitochondria altogether. This significantly lower ATP production greatly contributes to low vital life-force and disease.

5. Iodine prevents fibrocystic breast disease.

6. Iodine decreases insulin needs in diabetics.

7. Iodine helps support protein synthesis.

If you are deficient in iodine, protein synthesis is disturbed. The thyroid hormone has two effects: increased protein synthesis and increased oxygen consumption. Thyroid hormones are essential for life as they activate key biochemical reactions including protein synthesis, enzymatic activities, and function of target organs such as development of brain, heart, muscles, pituitary, and kidneys. Therefore iodine is also important in the development of the fetus.

8. Iodine destroys pathogens, molds, fungus, parasites, and malaria.

With its power as a negatively charged substance to destroy all pathogens, molds, fungus, and parasites, it is our solution in our antibiotic-resistant world.

9. Iodine helps reduce inflammation.

It supports immune function and plays a role in the physiology of inflammatory responses. This is essential to the immune system. Since all disease is associated with inflammatory response, iodine becomes key for retaining youth in the body.

10. Iodine eliminates toxic halogens like bromine, chlorine, and fluorine.

These toxic halogens negatively impact all of our organs including thyroid function. Bromine is recognized as one of the top 12 most harmful toxins on earth, and is found in most bakery goods and also found in pesticide-laden produce, common mattresses, cell phones, fire retardants, and hot tubs. When a dose of iodine is given, you will see a 78% increase of bromine discharge and a 50% increased discharge of chlorine. Iodine also chelates Mercury, lead, and cadmium.

11. Iodine regulates estrogen production in the ovaries.

Estrogen and progesterone compete for the same receptor site, and infertility and miscarriage are both associated with estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency, due to iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiencies have been linked to an increase in miscarriages, stillbirths, and low birth weight infants.

12. Iodine hydrates you.

It neutralizes hydroxyl ions and hydrates the cells. It helps to eliminate oxidative stress because it neutralizes hydroxyl ions, one of the most potent free radicals, and in other words it has a particular antioxidant effect. According to Dr. Donald Miller, MD, hydroxyl ions don’t have a chance to form when iodine is present with active oxygen, but instead water, or H2O, is created. This is particularly important considering most diseases are related to chronic dehydration. According to Dr. Brownstein, iodine is a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C, vitamin E, and phosphatidylcholine. With iodine supplementation, antioxidant activity increases and immune system function increases.

 13. Iodine makes us smarter.

Low iodine is associated with low IQ. Iodine deficiency is also associated with mental functioning in adults because iodine not only chelates lead, but according to Dr. Jorge Flechas, iodine prevents lead from lodging in the body in the first place. Furthermore, low thyroid function decreases brain circulation, slowing intellectual function, and can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, depression, slowness of the mind, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and a variety of psychiatric disorders. As a side note, research has shown that parasites in the gut eat up a great amount of serotonin, 95% of which is produced in the intestines. When parasites are destroyed with iodine, there is an increase in serotonin which leads to better mental functioning.

14. Iodine prevents heart disease.

The thyroid regulates the heart, and hypothyroidism leads to heart disease. The treatment of using high iodine supplementation has been shown to prevent heart disease.

15. Iodine helps protect us from EMF’s.

It is needed with the use of cordless phones, cell phones and now smart meters to prevent hypothyroidism. A recent study published in the international Journal of radiation biology, shows that pulsed 900 megahertz radiation, a frequency range emitted by cordless phones, cell phones and now smart meters that is being quickly deployed throughout the world, induces hypothyroidism.

16. Iodine supports pregnancy.

As mentioned before, iodine supports apoptosis. Pregnant women need more iodine because the fetus goes through more apoptosis than any other phase in life.

17. Iodine helps with disease.

High doses of iodine may be used to reverse certain diseases and have been used to cure syphilis, skin lesions, and chronic lung disease.

18. Iodine helps with wounds.

High doses of iodine may be used for wounds, bedsores, inflammatory and traumatic pain, and restoration of hair growth when applied topically.

19. Iodine helps with scars.

It helps in the diminishing of tissue scarring and keloid formations. Iodine doesn’t just help diminish scar tissue.  The most important aspect is that because Acceleradine® in particular, is negatively charged, it changes the polarity of the scar tissue from positive to negative so that the electrons flowing up and down the meridians can flow once again.  Blocked energy can lead to dis-ease.  The skin is also the richest source of hormones, let alone where the majority of meridians flow.  Lastly, fat soluble toxins that cannot be eliminated are stored in the skin (kidneys process the water soluble toxins). Hence, working with castor oil and iodine head to toe can revitalize the skin, as castor oil is the only plant-based oil that can penetrate all three layers of the skin.  Furthermore, if you add coconut oil on top of that to help your “gua sha” tool slide across scar tissue (especially C-sections that block 5 meridians), you will start to feel more energy.  Even if you only used iodine directly on the scar, especially C-section scars or other CORE scars (core scars block midline meridians), you will usually feel the difference for the first time in unblocking that energy since the surgery!

20. Iodine supports spiritual development.

It feeds your pineal gland, also known as your “third eye” and your connection to your “higher self.”

Does Iodine Help Hypothyroidism?

One of the most notable benefits of iodine is its ability to help alleviate hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s and even hyperthyroidism. Iodine is very important for the thyroid, the key endocrine gland for the immune system.  The thyroid produces T4 (4 stands for 4 iodine atoms), and, without iodine, the thyroid is unable to produce the T4 that is necessary for the immune system. T4 then is converted into T3 (3 stands for 3 iodine atoms), to then produce ATP and energy.

Obesity or emaciation (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively), both may be caused by thyroid issues, which iodine may treat, prevent and even reverse. The early 1900s study by Dr. Marine proved reversal of goiter, a condition associated with both hypo-and hyperthyroidism with iodine. Fibromyalgia is another problem stemming from iodine deficiency, as is chronic fatigue.

Does Iodine Help the Metabolism?

Thyroid hormones control metabolism, temperature, heart rate, glucose consumption and even blood lipids. Iodine also helps to regulate cortisol and improve immune function. So, if the thyroid isn’t receiving sufficient amounts of iodine, it is unable to function efficiently and the metabolism will suffer.

Iodine and Breast Cancer

In animal studies, Female mice that were fed an iodine-free diet developed fibrocystic changes in their breasts, and elemental forms of iodine cured it. The incidence of fibrocystic breast disease in American women was 3% in the 1920s. Today, 90% of women have this disorder, and 6 million American women with fibrocystic breast disease have moderate-to-severe breast pain and tenderness that lasts more than 6 days during their menstrual cycle. In 1966, researchers first showed that iodine effectively relieves signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. Presented with the evidence on fibrocystic disease and on breast cancer, it is reasonable to hypothesize that fibrocystic disease of the breast and breast cancer may, like goiter and cretinism, be iodine deficiency disorders.

Furthermore, studies show that iodine deficiencies increase the incidences of breast cancer. In a study of 60 cancer patients given an iodine test, all were found to be seriously deficient in bodily stores of iodine, and many had excessive bromine. Women with iodine deficiency have been found to have three times greater risk of breast cancer. High intake of iodine is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.

What Is the Best Source of Iodine?

Seaweed is a potent source of iodine and comes in the form of kelp, nori sheets with sushi, and chlorella. Saltwater fish and shellfish contain iodine, but you would have to eat 15 to 25 pounds of fish to get 13 mg of iodine! How to get iodine in the diet has become an issue due to our oceans being so contaminated with radiation from Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear explosions, contaminating iodine sources. This is why it is imperative to supplement with iodine.

There are different types of iodine supplements. Most iodine supplements come from these contaminated sources, or are diatomic molecules, like compounds of potassium iodide or sodium iodide, or complexes like povidone iodine. When iodine is attached to another molecule, the body has to break it down before using it, and this leads to inefficient iodine solubility.

Furthermore, if the body is immune-compromised, which most people are, it is too weak to break apart the compound molecules. So, the best source of iodine is Acceleradine®, as it is 100 percent bioavailable and absorbable because it is a single atom of iodine and not attached to any other atom.

Acceleradine is a true scalar charged, high frequency 2% tincture of vigilantly pure, natural, singlet, active iodine (I-) of the stable isotope I-127 and thus ~100% bioactive, true ionic iodine.

Once the importance of iodine is understood, then it is important to understand that not all iodine is the same. Acceleradine® is a superior iodine product because it is:

  • 100% bioavailable as a true scalar 2% tincture of negatively charged, singlet atoms of iodine (I-) at 400 mcg per drop
  • Far different from less bioavailable iodine such as diatomic molecules (I2), compounds (potassium iodide (KI) or sodium iodide (NaI)), or complexes (povidone iodine)
  • The highest true scalar frequency of all of Nature’s essential minerals and is known to be spiritually elevating

Why Is Iodine Supplementation Important?

From a systemic holistic perspective, adequate iodine is crucial for our health. It is the Universal Health mineral and its role goes far beyond the amount used to prevent cretinism and goiters. It’s many important roles also give us a clue as to the seriousness of the 50% increase in iodine deficiency in the last 30 years, including the 96% of Americans who are presently iodine deficient.

From a worldwide perspective, the current level of iodine deficiency is pandemic. Over one-fifth of the global population is living on iodine deficient soils and are subject to significant iodine deficiency. According to the World Health Organization, 72% of the global population is iodine deficient. This is a significant problem with significant consequences, as iodine deficiency is among the top two causes of mental retardation. Associated with this increased iodine deficiency is a 690% increase in cretinism, mental retardation, and ADHD in the last several decades.  

From a larger physiological perspective, it’s important to realize that the thyroid is only one of many glands and tissues that need iodine. Other organs, glands and systems that need iodine are the breasts, ovaries, cervix, blood, lymph, bones, gastric mucosal, celery, adrenal, prostate, colon, thymus, lungs, bladder, kidney, and skin. To put it in perspective, the thyroid holds 50 mg of iodine while the breasts hold 200 mg, the skin holds 400 mg, and the whole body holds 2000 mg, and possibly much more. Iodine is found and used in every hormonal receptor in the body. This is why today, more than ever before, there is a real need to supplement iodine.

Are There Side Effects of Iodine?

If someone has any adverse reaction to their iodine supplement, it is usually an allergic reaction to the binding agents, excipients, fillers, preservatives, or synthetics commonly found in tablets, capsules and even liquids as opposed to the iodine itself. Saying that, due to iodine’s chelating powers, it is important to start slow because of its detoxifying effect. Healing detox symptoms should not be confused with iodine toxicity. It’s just like focusing on the healing crisis that some experience when one transitions to a fasting protocol or strict raw food diet from the standard American diet and blames it on the diet or the fast rather than treating the healing crisis as a healthy detox activated by the raw foods or fast. Do not stop iodine supplementation in this case, as it is premature and derails the healing process.

How Much Iodine Do You Need a Day?

There is much debate about how much iodine you need per day.  Recently Dr. Mercola surprisingly stated that the highest amount of daily iodine intake should be no more than 400 micrograms. This is only slightly higher than the FDA recommendations, which is 150 to 290 micrograms daily depending upon age, gender, and life cycle. However, it is dramatically less than some of the leading iodine medical experts who suggest you need at least 12 to 18 mg daily. This is approximately 45 times the recommended dosage.

Historically, as early as 1911, people were taking between 300,000 and 900,000 micrograms daily without any issues. This is over two thousand times more than Dr. Mercola’s recommendation. In 1948, a study was done where they administered 250 times more than Dr. Mercola’s recommendation and these levels had no side effects, helping the health issue being addressed.

Furthermore, in 1997 through 2005 Dr. Abraham, Dr. Brownstein, and Dr. Flechas followed 4000 patients and administered up to 100 mg daily with 100 mg administered to diabetics primarily because low thyroid function is associated with type 2 diabetes. They had positive results with only three adverse reactions out of 4,000 people. They concluded that up to 100,000 micrograms daily is considered safe.

How To Take Iodine and What is a Proper Iodine Protocol?

Because Acceleradine® is stronger and more absorbable than other iodine supplements, you want to start slow. To start, add 1-3 drops to 4-12 oz. of water on an empty stomach 3 times a day. Drink immediately and wait 15 minutes before food. Each day, increase the dosage by 1 drop per dose until you reach 15-20 drops, 3 times a day. Maintain this dosage for at least 4 months. After 4 months, you can drop your dosage to 10-15 drops 3 times a day.

It is important to consume iodine with a complete nutritional program that includes in particular adequate amounts of selenium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Doing so, according to Dr. Braham, is the simplest, safest, most effective and least expensive way to help solve many medical problems.

What are the Symptoms of Too Much Iodine and Can You Take Too Much Iodine?

It is interesting to note, when addressing the question of safe dosage of iodine, that higher iodine levels have been used in studies since the early 1900’s. For example, in 1917 through 1922, Dr David Marine proved that iodine reversed gouters in a study in which 2,000 school girls were given an equivalent of 18.6 mg daily, or 18600 micrograms, for two and a half years with a dramatic success rate. This study was the reason that the US began to iodized salt.

Unfortunately, today, less than 20 to 25% of salt is iodized anymore and most of that salt is full of microplastics. Furthermore, the “no salt low salt” scare from a 1984 study caused people to cut salt out of their diets, leading to even less iodine consumption. 

If you take too much iodine, you may have detox symptoms such as headache or lethargy, or you may experience rapid heart rate. There is no danger in taking too much Acceleradine®, as it has been tested at extremely high dosages. If detox symptoms arise, stop Acceleradine for 48 hours and immediately sprinkle a pinch of Accelerated Ancient Salt™ on your tongue and then touch your tongue to the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth; hold your tongue in place while breathing for 30 seconds and then follow with a full glass of water. Repeat up to a few times until symptoms disappear; but if detox continues, follow the suggestions for a detox salt bath with Accelerated Ancient Salt. For optimal hydration, follow suggested use for Accelerated Ancient Salt.

Acceleradine never substitutes thyroid medications. Please consult an appropriate healthcare practitioner for any health concerns.

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Sara Banta
Accelerated Health Products | + posts

Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.

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Hi, I’m Sara Banta!
I’m a certified natural supplement expert, podcaster, Health Coach, and natural wellness expert. Each week I publish articles on the latest in cutting-edge health supplements and natural health solutions. I also interview leading experts across a wide range of health topics to transform your body, mind & spirit. I’m also the Founder of Accelerated Health Products. Join my mailing list and receive 10% off your first order.

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