Source : Dailynews
Experts emphasise that iodine is essential for every cell in the human body. It is included in the World Health Organisation’s list of essential vitamins. However, there is a significant issue: the levels of iodine in our food are declining, while bromide levels in our environment are rising. Bromide, though absorbed by the body, acts more like a toxin and offers no benefit. Iodine, on the other hand, is crucial for maintaining health. Unfortunately, because bromide and iodine molecules are of similar size, they can compete with one another, with bromide often displacing iodine. This creates a problem since iodine is vital for life, while bromide offers no benefit and can even be harmful.
Keeping healthy should be at the top of our list of personal concerns. But who can we turn to for help and information? That responsibility often falls to medically trained doctors, food specialists, and chiropractors.
A deficiency in iodine has serious consequences. All hormone-producing glands require it, including the thyroid, ovaries, uterus, breasts, prostate, pancreas, and others. Without iodine in our diet, these glands cannot function properly. Essential hormones like thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), ovarian hormones, testosterone, and those produced by the pituitary and hypothalamus depend on adequate iodine levels. Moreover, iodine plays a critical role in maintaining the normal structure of glandular tissues. Without it, cysts may form and enlarge, potentially leading to cancer.
Dr. David Brownstein, a prominent medical professional in the United States, has tested approximately 8,000 patients for iodine levels over the years, finding that 97% were deficient. Other medical professionals have reported similar findings. Dr. Brownstein, who has lectured in the UK, Australia, and Israel, describes this iodine deficiency as a global problem. He has authored seventeen books on iodine and related subjects and reports that iodine levels have dropped by 50% over the past 40 years. Alarmingly, he observes younger and younger patients developing cysts that can progress to cancer, significantly increasing the risk of death.Environmental factors
The causes of this widespread deficiency remain uncertain. Could it be additives in our water supply, soil depletion, or environmental factors? Regardless of the cause, the deficiency is affecting countless individuals worldwide. Experts recommend that women, especially those who are pregnant or planning to conceive, ensure their iodine levels are adequate. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to congenital issues such as cretinism, attention deficit syndrome, and reduced intelligence in children.
Dr. Brownstein also highlights the importance of understanding the various forms of iodine. The thyroid primarily utilises the reduced form, iodide, while other tissues require different forms of iodine. Successfully treating iodine-related deficiencies requires knowledge of which form is needed. Applying a one-size-fits-all approach was not effective for him, and he recommends Lugol’s liquid, which contains a solution of 2% iodine and 4% potassium iodide. Unfortunately, Lugol’s liquid is not readily available in Sri Lanka.
Another consideration is iodised salt, which may not be as effective as commonly believed. Dr Barbera O’Neill warns that the iodine in iodised salt may lose its efficacy shortly after the salt is opened and exposed to air, raising concerns about its reliability as a dietary source.
Dr. Ken Berry suggests a simple but effective approach: consume water with salt and a drop or two of iodine. Salt, in moderate quantities, can help flush out bromide and some toxic metals from the body. Combined with iodine, this remedy offers an easy and beneficial boost to health, provided the kidneys are functioning well.
Natural decline
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing essential minerals and vitamins from food. This natural decline underscores the importance of supplementation. However, determining the appropriate supplements and their correct dosages requires the expertise of specialists who understand the intricacies of human nutrition.
Iodine, a critical nutrient, is predominantly found in the oceans. Unfortunately, most agricultural farmland situated far from coastal areas is likely to be iodine-deficient. As a result, the crops grown on such land often lack sufficient nutrients, including iodine, necessary for optimal human health. While farmland is routinely fertilised, iodine and other vital trace elements are rarely replenished. Livestock grazing on these lands can only provide whatever limited iodine they consume, which is then passed on to humans through milk and meat.
Medical practitioners, doctors, and food specialists in the United States are delving deeply into the root causes of human illnesses. An increasing number of public-spirited medics are addressing the deficiencies in our environments, lifestyles, and dietary habits. These inadequacies, when left unchecked, lead to chronic conditions that become expensive and challenging to treat.
One notable expert is Dr. David Brownstein, renowned for his extensive work on iodine and thyroid health. He has authored numerous books on the subject and is a recognised authority in the field. Similarly, Dr. Stan Ekberg has investigated a wide range of health complaints, exploring their underlying causes and potential remedies. These dedicated researchers, along with many others, are diligently studying scientific research and publishing findings on food, nutrition, and the necessity of trace minerals and vitamins. The United States has become a hub of activity, with experts tirelessly working to uncover solutions to human health issues, paving the way for longer and healthier lives.
A common thread unites these medical professionals: the assertion that poor dietary choices and nutrient deficiencies are major contributors to illness. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be prevented or even reversed through the application of new knowledge derived from scientific research and a deeper understanding of the human body’s needs.
In Sri Lanka, however, the supplementation of iodine faces significant challenges. Only iodine intended for use as an antiseptic is readily available, while Lugol’s solution—a proven supplement containing two essential forms of iodine for the human body—remains unavailable. This absence makes addressing iodine deficiency particularly difficult.
For verification of the information presented here, readers are encouraged to search for the work of Dr. David Brownstein, Dr. Stan Ekberg, and other experts on platforms such as YouTube. Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only. In the case of illness or health concerns, consultation with a qualified medical professional is strongly recommended.