The importance of iodine

Iodine is a rare mineral found mostly in seawater and to a lesser extent in the soil of mountainous regions such as the Alps or Himalayas (1). On the other hand, low-level land masses such as the Great Lakes area of the United States are extremely deficient in this critical element and require supplementation to ensure proper levels (1). Why is iodine so important? According to Charles Walters in Minerals for the Genetic Code, iodine is responsible for thyroid, breast, ovary, liver, spleen, skin, and brain health, with highest concentrations in the thyroid, ovaries, and breast tissue (1,2). It also aids in assimilation of other minerals such as calcium, silica, and phosphorus which have their own vital duties in the body such as brain function and structural integrity (2). Speaking of the brain, iodine helps guard the brain from harmful toxins that may enter the blood! It is proposed that pregnant mothers actually require 2-3x the amount of iodine to support fetal brain development as well as her own - on top of the other vital functions already listed (3). Dr Edward Group of Global Healing has brought the attention of iodine’s function to support white blood cells in order to fight infection as well (3). 

It is clear that iodine is an extremely important mineral to prioritize for normal bodily functioning, but even more so in the toxic modern world with numerous assaults interacting with the system at any given moment. One of the most common reasons for iodine deficiency (other than geographic location) is the accumulation of toxic sister molecules (called halogens) to iodine which include fluorine, bromine, and chloride that are derivatives of fluoride, bromine, and chlorine (1).

Fluoride is commonly found in toothpastes and municipal water systems which has been found to directly hinder thyroid function (1). Bromine, usually found as potassium bromate, is commonly found in commercial flours, soft drinks, plastics, cans, jars, personal care products, produce sprays, and even some vaccinations to replace mercury (1). The problem with bromine is that it has been known to cause cancer by displacing iodine, hindering kidney function, and disrupting normal cellular functioning (4). Chlorine is commonly used to purify water in municipal water systems in which many people bathe in and consume on a daily basis. Chlorinated swimming pools are another hefty dose of this chemical which further displaces iodine levels in the body. These toxins are impossible to completely avoid and when the body accumulates the toxic sisters, iodine is replaced with them to cause thyroid gland issues, leading to the inability to create proper hormones (2). In fact, hormones which should be created with iodine are then created with the toxic sister elements instead which causes hormone uptake issues, leading to a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms (2).

The easiest way to tell if someone is lacking iodine is by looking at their neck: if there are 2 lines running horizontally, it is a sign the body is requiring more thyroid support. If the person has a thickened thyroid area - almost like a pad of fat over it, it is possible they have developed a goiter which is the thyroid desperately expanding to search for more iodine. However, other subtle signs that one is deficient in iodine includes chronic low body temperatures, infertility, numb fingers, obesity, nervousness, awkwardness, flabby skin, or childlike behavior (1,2). Having crust in the inner corner of the eyes is an indicator as well since iodine rules the urinary bladder meridian line which begins in the inner corner of the eye (2). When iodine deficiency becomes chronic along with caffeine addiction, women can develop fibrocystic tumors or ovarian cysts which can commonly be healed with simple iodine supplementation (2). In fact, women who commonly crave chocolate that are already addicted to caffeine can indicate iodine deficiency as well. Diseases associated with iodine deficiency include cancers of the breast, thyroid, ovaries, or prostate and brain disorders including Parkinson’s or mental retardation (1). It is extremely important to note that when one supplements iodine, it is just as important to ensure proper selenium levels in order to properly assimilate the iodine and maximize its power (1,2). 

Sources

1. What Doctors Fail to Tell You About Iodine & Your Thyroid by Robert Thompson, MD

2. Minerals for the Genetic Code by Charles Walters 

3. Everything You Need to Know About Iodine video presentation by Dr. Edward Group https://globalhealing.com/blogs/education/free-iodine-webinar?srsltid=AfmBOooHEA92oIkyLEI-1aTX3ETNpI4EpEFGMEoGAHVsTTJ4EcRfPKv9

4. Kurokawa Y, Maekawa A, Takahashi M, Hayashi Y. Toxicity and carcinogenicity of potassium bromate--a new renal carcinogen. Environ Health Perspect. 1990 Jul;87:309-35. doi: 10.1289/ehp.9087309. PMID: 2269236; PMCID: PMC1567851.