Iodine : Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It

This book is very informative and useful to have as a reference guide.

Really a great book. Dr. Brownstein is a wonderful Dr...I can tell you that this is the 3rd book I have bought for others I know suffering from thyroid problems. Personally, I have found that I did follow Dr. Brownstein's methodology, and have been cured of all the illnesses (took almost a year to repair myself) I had, from bi-lateral carpel tunnel, idiopathic hives, some other skin ailments, and a myriad of other crazy health issues. Adding Iodine, selenium, magnesium, vitamin C, Celtic grey sea salt, and pure spring water daily (I no longer drink or cook with city fluoridated water) and removed levothyroxine, (synthroid) adding dedicated pig thyroid (Armour) worked for me. I also added a chiropractic adjustments for some added benefits. I continue to support Dr. Brownstein's methods...the regular medical industry doesn't get it. The facts are in his book. Read it. Follow it. Feel better.

Great introduction to the importance of iodine in human anatomy and it's proven clinical applications!

My daughter has been ill for a number of years with hypothyroidism and associated issues. We searched the region for a doctor and finally found a wonderful physician who worked with her, prescribed Armour Thyroid and a number of supplements to get her back in balance after the years of Synthroid, Despite some improvements, it was not until I read Dr. David Brownstein's book on the subject of iodine deficiency that we decided we would give this a try. And no, we didn't get any blessing from anyone.My husband, daughter and myself, all used liquid iodine and did the paint test to see if we were deficient, which we all were. Based upon a significant amount of research we decided to take a specific amount, starting last Monday, June 14. What has happened is NOTHING less that a miracle.My daughter, who has hideous outbreaks of hives, had no hives during the first three days, had two outbreaks on the 3rd day, but they were noticeably small and did not last near as long. Secondly, she has so much more energy and is able to get through the day without an afternoon nap, whereas before this iodine, the fatigue drove her to nap every afternoon. Thirdly, her voice, which had been very hoarse since before she was diagnosed has cleared and her attitude is much more positive now. These are just of the improvements we have seen in her, but they are remarkable when you understand her long journey and the insane number of doctors she has been through. For the first time in 10 years, I am getting my daughter back.As far as my husband is concerned, he has hypothyroidism as well and he has noticed considerable improvement in energy, muscle strength, attitude, and the puffiness is starting to leave his face, his joint pain has also improved to the degree that it has almost completely dissipated, and keep in mind this is only ONE WEEK on the Iodoral.As for my own improvements, my former level of energy has returned, joint pain from several injuries has lessened considerably, I no longer have a number of cravings that used to plague me and the list goes one.It is clear, once again, that the FDA, Big Pharma, the food industry and the AMA are doing their best to get us fat, break us down and keep us sick. Everywhere we turn, essentials to our quality of life are being depleted or destroyed and we wonder why our health care costs are out of control. If one is diligent to read, research and study the findings in Dr. Brownstein's book, you will be amazed and committed to using the information the quality of your life.This book and Iodoral, which you can also find on Amazon, have been miraculous in our lives.

Iodine is an essential nutrient, meaning it must be consumed in the diet. Iodine is found primarily in seawater and sea organisms, particularly seaweed. Some iodine becomes airborne and is deposited in soil and water but in extremely small quantities. It is estimated that one-third of the earth's soil is deficient in iodine and that people's iodine levels have fallen 50 percent over the past thirty years.Iodine was added to table salt in the 1920s due to high incidence of goiter in areas with low soil iodine. But the RDA for iodine is just enough to prevent goiter, not necessarily enough for optimum health. Iodine is used by every cell of the body, the thyroid gland being the heaviest consumer. It's no wonder we are experiencing so much hypo- and hyperthyroidism.In the 1960s iodine was used by the commercial baking industry as a dough conditioner, but due to unfounded concerns of toxicity, it was removed twenty years later and replaced with bromine. (The Japanese regularly consume one hundred times the RDA of iodine without ill effect.) The irony is that bromine is a known goitrogen and competes with iodine at receptor sites in the cells. What were they thinking? Other chemicals that compete with iodine are chlorine, fluoride, and perchlorate, all of which can be found in most municipal water supplies.In this book, Dr. Brownstein discusses:* the history of iodine* where it's found* insufficiency of iodine in supplemented salt* why the RDA for iodine is not enough* difference between iodide and iodine and why both are needed* testing for iodine levels* the problem of halogens competing with iodine and how sufficient iodine can detoxify these chemicals* iodine's role in the cell, thyroid gland, breast, prostate, uterus and ovaries* the importance of adequate selenium and vitamins B2 and B3* requirements for children* iodine's possible role in the reduction of cancer* diseases that can occur because of iodine deficiency* a question and answer section* scientific references* numerous case studies of patients he has successfully treatedI would have liked more information on thyroid function in relation to iodine, but the author has chosen to write a separate book (Overcoming Thyroid Disorders) covering that topic and another book on a required component of his treatment protocol: (Salt: Your Way To Health (This Book Will Show You Why Salt Is The Most Misunderstood Nutrient)).I don't think the author adequately addressed the claim that supplemental iodine should be avoided in those with Hashimoto's. I'm also not fond of books with large typefaces and double spacing, yet the book still manages to convey a wealth of information that will help anyone understand the importance of iodine's many roles in the body.Another point the author makes is that many people prescribed thyroid hormones may be harming themselves down the road if they do not have sufficient dietary iodine. Demanding the thyroid to increase output without providing it with nutrients essential to its function may lead to autoimmune diseases of the thyroid. According to Bernstein, these same people may be able to reduce or eliminate these thyroid hormones by simply raising serum iodine levels. On the other hand, I have read that the Japanese consume a lot of iodine in sea plants and yet have high rates of hypothyroidism. And where do you think Hashimoto's came from?Update: 4/15/10: After supplementing with iodine, I began getting hot flashes and night sweats and stopped menstruating. I also had difficult sleeping through the night. Several other women in a Yahoo iodine group had the same complaints. Many people reacted poorly to Brownstein's protocol, which was laid at the feet of poor adrenal function and/or detoxification. But several very vocal people claimed great success with it. I've been researching further into iodine, whose use appears to be very controversial. I am skeptical about Brownstein's protocol until I can learn more. Proceed with caution.Update: 7/9/10. It took about three months for the hot flashes and night sweats to stop, I'm sleeping through the night, and I have begun menstruating again. I still supplement occasionally with iodine, but very small amounts.

Well written book. Easy to understand. Everyone needs to use this book whether you have thyroid issues or not. If you have thyroid issues, doctors rarely check for iodine levels. Instead they put you on a toxic pill when all one needs is an iodine supplement. The dentist told me my thyroid seemed a bit swollen to go get it checked out. After reading this book I immediately put myself on iodine and the little lump that was felt in my thyroid is now gone. I feel better on the iodine. The author also recommends taking selenium with some other supplements as well.

I am so glad there is not sensor on Amazon! Thank you for that! I am feeling better already with all the information I learned in this book considering that 95% people are deficient is a must read or audio for everyone! Thank you!

Ein tolles Buch das viele Hintergründe zum Thema Jod und Jodmangel beleuchtet und auch die Zusammenhänge genau beschreibt. Auch bei Hashimoto. Ich wende die Jodeinnahme seit eineinhalb Monaten nach Dr. Brownsteins Protokoll an und es geht mir super gut. Endlich keine Schmerzen mehr in der Brust und mehr Energie. Bei Hashimoto wprde ich es aber etwas vorsichtiger angehen und auf eine glutenfreie Ernöhrubg achten und zuerst den Vitamin D Spiegel ausgleichen, sowie zusötzlich Spirulina nehmen zum Ausleuten der Schwermetalle die bei der Jodeinnahme auch freigesetzt werden können. Und Anfangs hatte ich auch etwas Entgiftungssymptome wie Müdigkeit, Unruhe, schlecht schlafen und Kopfschmerzen was sich nach 1 Woche gegeben hat. Aber diese Symptome kenne ich schon von der Schwermetallausleitung.

An excellent book, a must-read for anyone suffering from thyroid problems or any other iodine deficiency issues in my opinion. Controversial, yes, but well sourced, so you can do your own research. Poorly indexed, which is a pity as this is a book that I will want to refer to again and again, but still worth five stars as it has been so helpful to me and has, I believe, helped me to avoid having to take thyroid drugs for life.

Although not particularly well written, this informative book is full of very good and useful (if not controversial) information.Based on Dr Brownstein's studies I have increased my iodine intake daily and have noticed many benefits. I am convinced it is one of the missing links on the path to excellent health. Thank you Dr Brownstein!