A Little Can Do a Lot! 

Why Your Brain and Body Need Iodine

Several years ago, I read this statement in a book of illustrations. “One of the world’s leading psychologists asserts that the only thing that keeps any of us out of the insane asylum is just five cents’ worth of iodine in the thyroid gland.” 1

 

Indeed, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that “A teaspoon of iodine is all a person requires in a lifetime, but because iodine cannot be stored for long periods, small amounts are needed regularly.”2 While some argue that more iodine is actually needed than the Recommended Daily Allowance since the value was set basically to eliminate goiter, the amount of iodine needed is still a very small amount compared to other nutrients like potassium, calcium, or magnesium, for example. However, little things missing can make a big difference for we find that, “Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation.”3 Restated in different words that means, “Iodine deficiency is recognized as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. The spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) includes mental retardation, hypothyroidism, goiter, and varying degrees of other growth and developmental abnormalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 30% of the world’s population (2 billion people) have insufficient iodine intake…”4

Iodine is an element used by the thyroid. It is named after a Greek word “iodes” meaning “violet-colored,” a reference to its purple color when in a gaseous form. My first introduction to the importance of iodine for the human body began 20-some years ago, when a friend commented that her husband had a swelling in his neck called a goiter. They found out that it was coming from a lack of iodine probably caused because they had ceased to use iodized salt and were instead using sea salt. This problem may be prevented by simply adding some seaweed like kelp to the diet.

A goiter can be an overall enlargement of the thyroid, or it may be the result of irregular cell growth that forms one or more lumps (nodules) in the thyroid. “Since iodine plays a major role in thyroid hormone synthesis and functioning, nearly 70 to 80 per cent of the mineral is present in the thyroid gland situated in the neck. The remaining 20 to 30 percent of iodine is generally stored in other bodily tissues, namely blood, ovaries, muscles…”5  The functions of iodine include “several critical functions in the human body, such as:

Maintaining normal synthesis and operation of thyroid hormone, by catalyzing the conversion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) into triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), thus uplifting immunity, heart wellness and metabolism 

Preventing the incidence of hypothyroidism, i.e. an underactive thyroid gland 

Ensuring optimal neural development in the growing fetus in pregnancy

Lowering the risk of goitre, which results in enlargement of the thyroid gland

Promoting memory, concentration, intelligence, rational thinking and myriad other brain operations

Averting the occurrence of thyroid cancers and other autoimmune conditions like Graves’ disease”5

Goiter

Lack of iodine to a growing fetus can cause cretinism [pictured] or CIDS (Congenital Iodine Deficiency Syndrome). “Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones (congenital hypothyroidism).”6 In addition to stunted growth and very low IQ levels, deaf-mutism is also one of the features of cretinism.

Cretinism

In addition to stunted growth and very low IQ levels, deaf-mutism is also one of the features of cretinism.

“In areas where there is little iodine in the diet, typically remote inland areas and semi-arid equatorial climates where no marine foods are eaten, iodine deficiency gives rise to hypothyroidism, symptoms of which are extreme fatigue, goitre, mental slowing, depression, weight gain, and low basal body temperatures.”7                               Low thyroid can also cause bulging eyes and also a gritty feeling in the eyes. 

Iodine advocate, Dr. Jorge Flechas states, “Evey cell in the body contains and utilizes iodine. White blood cells cannot effectively guard against infection without adequate amounts of iodine.” 8 One of this doctor’s experiments increased iodine intake in patients with fibromyalgia. Although iodine deficiency is not the cause of all chronic muscle pain, 80% of the patients with increased iodine reported the muscle pain went away. This makes sense since one of the places iodine is stored is in the muscles.

It is interesting that the Bible refers to sweat immediately after sin entered. God said, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground…” Genesis 3:19  Sweat is one of the ways our body gets rid of toxins. It turns out, “Thyroid hormones help the body regulate sweat. People with lower thyroid hormone levels, such as those with an iodine deficiency, tend to sweat less than people with normal thyroid hormone levels.” Also, “an iodine deficiency may affect your ability to learn and remember.  A study including over 1,000 adults found that those with higher thyroid hormone levels performed better on learning and memory tests, compared to those with lower thyroid hormone levels.”9

We have personally witnessed the mental effects of iodine (or the lack thereof) in quite a few different people. It affects their ability to think and also to reasonably handle stress and avoid depression. You can do a simple iodine patch test with the brown Lugol’s iodine. (Our’s is 5% iodine, 10% potassium iodide). Paint about a 3 inch-square patch on the inside of your arm, taking note of the time. If your iodine is low, the patch will disappear before 24 hours. If you have enough iodine, it will remain for the 24 hours. The faster the patch disappears the lower your iodine is.  One young lady that we tested had her patch disappear so quickly it was almost gone within an hour! If you are low on iodine, you can supplement with a pinch of kelp powder daily by mouth or by continuing to paint patches on your skin in different places until they remain longer. Personally, we choose not to take refined iodine by mouth due to the fact that it can be toxic if you get too much. I was happy to note that iodine expert, Dr. Flechas, also uses iodine “spot” tests as well as urine tests. He stated that, “In a study in 2004, 98% of 2,500 patients tested from a nationwide pool had significantly low iodine levels.”10 We have noted this too. Most of the people we test have low iodine levels. And it seems to be getting worse. Here are two things that we have found that deplete iodine—chemicals and electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). (Note: Heavy metals, like mercury, in the body may also deplete iodine.)

I was happy to note that iodine expert, Dr. Flechas, also uses iodine “spot” tests as well as urine tests. He stated that, “In a study in 2004, 98% of 2,500 patients tested from a nationwide pool had significantly low iodine levels.”10 We have noted this too. Most of the people we test have low iodine levels. And it seems to be getting worse. Here are two things that we have found that deplete iodine—chemicals and electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). (Note: Heavy metals, like mercury, in the body may also deplete iodine.)

“Iodine, bromine, fluorine and chlorine are all in the same halide family in the periodic table of elements, meaning that they all share similar chemical structures and actions. In the body, chlorine, bromine and fluorine displace iodine in the thyroid hormone and in the tissues. Your exposure is widespread and daily, from your morning shower to your computer:

These chemicals are commonly found in the following places:

  • Bromine – Bread, hot tubs, nasal sprays, citrus-flavored sodas, fire retardant used in fabrics, electronics (pay attention computer users), carpets & upholstery, pesticides

  • Chlorine – Drinking water, swimming pools, hot tubs

  • Fluorine – Drinking water (if fluoridated), toothpaste, antidepressants

Increased consumption of and exposure to bromine, chlorine and fluorine causes complications because they all displace what little iodine you do have, further lowering tissue iodine levels.… When there is sufficient iodine in your system, bromine, chlorine and fluorine are eliminated from your body.”11


It is a little alarming to note, “In the first nationwide tests for brominated flame retardants in dust swiped from computers, the Computer Take-Back Campaign (CTBC) and Clean Production Action (CPA) found these neurotoxic chemicals on every computer sampled. The highest levels found were a form of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) called deca-BDE— one of the most widely used fire retardant chemicals in the electronics industry. These results indicate that there is exposure to certain brominated flame retardants and that computers are likely to be a significant source of deca-BDE exposure in the dust of homes, offices, schools, and businesses. There is evidence that these chemicals could be hazardous to human health. All exposures, no matter how small, are of concern because deca-BDE is a bioaccumulative substance. This means that multiple exposures to low levels of deca-BDE add up over time and build up in the body. There is no safe dose associated with these chemicals.”12

 

In addition, Dr. Janine, a naturopath warns, “Get away from the electromagnetic fields. And I’m talking about not the natural ones. I’m talking about the Wi-Fi, the cell phones, the 5G, anything that’s plugged into the wall. [It’s] really important that we are limiting our exposure because the EMFs will actually deplete our iodine. Our iodine actually protects us from the EMFs to a certain degree much like magnesium does as well.“13

 What  can you do to improve your iodine levels? Remove and minimize the offending chemicals and EMFs wherever possible. Turn off the electronics, especially at night! “Use filters to remove chlorine from drinking water and showers.… Look for breads without ‘potassium bromate.’ Substitute sprouted grain breads as they don’t contain bromine. Eat organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible, and be particularly aware of non-organic strawberries as they are commonly sprayed with methyl bromide.”11 Also, don’t forget to supplement  your iodine by eating seaweed, making sure to get enough magnesium, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B2 and B3 so it can be absorbed and used. Above all, consult the Great Physician who “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” Psalm 103:3 Remember, it is written, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…” Luke 16:10

 1-- 501 Illustrations, pg. 256      2-- https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/minerals/iodine-a-critically-important-nutrient  3-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11396702/ 

4- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iodine   5- https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/iodine-functions-food-sources-deficiency-and-toxicity     6--https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3603067/#:~:text=INTRODUCTION-,Cretinism%20is%20a%20condition%20of%20severely%20stunted%20physical%20and%20mental,thyroid%20hormones%20(congenital%20hypothyroidism).              

7-- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine#:~:text=Because%20of%20the%20specificity%20of,Organization's%20List%20of%20Essential%20Medicines.

8-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcNNKzsUIT0  9- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iodine-deficiency-symptoms

10-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ-iDbgCupU   11- https://riordanclinic.org/2013/10/iodine-the-thyroid-and-breast-health/ 

12-- https://noharm-uscanada.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/27/BFRs_in_Computer_Dust.pdf 

13-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-loLKeJ4o2A  29:00 min, *Immodesty warning for this