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Actually, gray hair can be caused by a variety of deficiencies, but in the case of people with thyroid problems the link is more clearly to iodine. Coincidentally, last night, while watching YouTube videos about hair care, I saw one about mixing castor oil and decolorized iodine together to regrow hair...
Does anyone take Nascent iodine or Iosol? Prompted by this thread, I did some reading and I came across these forms of iodine as well. What are the advatages/disadvantages to using these forms instead of Lugol's?
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in any of the following, nor is any of this intended as medical advice. This is just me sharing an exciting discovery.
Recently at age 50 my sleep quality and testosterone levels were good, but hugely improved when I started iodine supplementation. I was truly amazed, it felt like returning to my peak teenage years! Apparently this made a big impact on my hormonal health.
Before starting, I read a lot of published information and studies about potential health benefits and safety of dosage. I highly recommend the book "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It" by Dr. David Brownstein, available on his website. He has 20+ years of clinical practice in Michigan with a focus on holistic medicine. Many of his related talks and interviews over the years are available on youtube by searching: brownstein iodine.
For an inexpensive source of iodine, I purchased pharmaceutical grade potassium iodide crystals from CarolinaChemical. Their 100 gram size bag is enough to last 17 years at 12 mg iodine per day. The product was manufactured by SQM, an established chemical company in Chile which is the largest global producer of iodine.
To make an iodine solution, I add 1/8th (0.125) teaspoon of potassium iodide crystals (just scooped and leveled off, not packed down, 940-1030 mg on my Weighmax CT20 milligram scale) into 16 ounces purified water at room temperature in a clearly labeled jar with lid. I store this solution at room temperature and it lasts me 63 days.
1000 mg potassium iodide crystals * 0.7645 (76.45% iodine by weight) = 764.5 mg iodine, divided by 63 (16 ounces water contains 63 doses, each 1/2 tablespoon) = 12.1 mg iodine dose
Each day I take a 1/2 tablespoon of the solution for 12 mg iodine. Guy. E. Abraham M.D. and associates found in extensive iodine research (free to read at Optimox) that around 12 mg/day iodine is the amount for most healthy adults to achieve optimal iodine levels throughout the body, with many observed health benefits including suppression of abnormal and cancerous cells.
I gradually worked up to a daily dosage of 12 mg iodine. I read that if suddenly taking high amounts of iodine, some people experience temporary side effects as iodine helps the body excrete toxic bromide, fluoride, perchlorate, etc. Dr. Brownstein has found that unrefined salt can assist that process. He recommends to avoid refined salt and instead consume 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day unrefined salt. Personally I have found that 1/2 teaspoon salt is plenty and have not noticed any side effects from the iodine. I do follow his advice to use unrefined salt. Most sea salt contains microplastics. I prefer unrefined rock salt from underground salt mines. I've found Morton ice cream rock salt to be clean and good quality. I visually inspect, discard the few pieces that are not clear, and fine grind it.
Included in my daily supplementation are the following which Dr. Brownstein recommends to help the body more efficiently utilize higher amounts of iodine: vitamin B complex, magnesium citrate 600 mg, zinc 30 mg, selenium 200 mcg. Selenium is especially important for thyroid health. I had already been using the Vitacost brand of those supplements for many years, so they were not responsible for the recent increase in testosterone.
Thanks for all that info, powermindset. I'm glad the iodide is helping you. Dr. Brownstein says iodine is used in every cell in the body, but especially all the glands which is probably why you noticed such a difference in your testosterone.
I am taking Iodoral along with the other companion nutrients listed by Dr. Brownstein in his book.
I started to research iodine for breast health when I stopped the 2 mammograms I did in my early 50's, and that was close to 30 yrs ago. Dr. David Williams brought Iosol to my attention and made sense to me. Then came all of Dr. Brownstein's..work. I do 1-2 drops Iosol daily for probably 20 some yrs. And NO machine squeezing for this gal's breasts.
Why do you want to take it, for general health or to treat something specific?
A regular doctor may warn you away from it. They are taught that iodine is toxic. An integrative doctor or naturopath may be better informed.
Dr. Brownstein says that 12.5 mg is a good daily dose, based on the average intake of Japanese eating a traditional diet high in fish and seaweed.
As for form, the body uses both iodine and iodide forms, and can convert iodine to iodide. I'm not sure, though, if it can convert iodide back to iodine. Some tissues require the iodine form (breasts, sex organs) and do not have a means to convert iodide to iodine.
Nascent is the iodine form. Iodoral contains both iodine and iodide. I have used both at different times. Currently I am using Iodoral and giving my cat 1 drop of Nascent iodine in her wet food once a week (the food contains only the iodide form).
For just general health and thyroid support, 12.5 mg is recommended by iodine-literate doctors such as Dr. Brownstein.
With iodine, it's best to start low and slow to see how your body responds. If using Iodoral 12.5 mg, snap the tablet in half for 6.25 mg. Take in the morning before noon, as it can be stimulatory and may interfere with sleep if taken later. If you can, also supplement with selenium 200 mcg or eat 3-4 Brazil nuts, as both iodine and selenium are needed to produce and convert thyroid hormone. If after a week or so at 6.25 mg you feel good, then consider raising to 12.5 mg.
If you're interested, check out Dr. Brownstein's book "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It".
Thank you noodlecat!
Yes, i do want to start out slow. Doesn't the Iodoral come in a tincture/drops?
Do I need to take it w/food, or on an empty stomach?
I guess I can read all about it when I purchase it.
I won't forget the selenium.
Will check out the book also. I've been seeing his name mentioned while reading these posts.
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