Iodine : Why You Need It. Why You Can't Live Without It.
By David Brownstein M.D.
Iodine deficiency has become rampant in our society. Dr. David Brownstein has found, through the years he has tested his patients for iodine, that over 90% of these patients have been deficient in this trace element. In his book "Iodine : Why You Need It. Why You Can't Live Without It", he helps lay people and medical professionals to understand why it is so very important to have adequate levels of iodine, to keep the thyroid gland functioning at optimum levels. The author also explains that not only is iodine crucial to thyroid health but it is also a necessary factor in keeping the immune system running smoothly.
In the first chapter Dr. Brownstein shares with us the fact that "Iodine contains potent antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and anticancer properties." He also provides a list of conditions which can be treated with iodine supplementation. In recent years there has been an exponential rise in chronic illness involving infectious disease, autoimmune problems and body overloads of toxic chemicals. Could this very discouraging trend be partially due to lack of iodine in the diet? Dr. Brownstein's book is very helpful in addressing this question.
In my experience I have noticed that most Lyme disease sufferers have problems with their thyroid gland. All Lyme patients that I have met, report subnormal body temperatures. They also complain of being cold and very fatigued. It is thought that the Lyme disease pathogen attacks the thyroid which in turn would lower immune system function. However , Dr. Brownstein's book leads one to ask the question, could a lack of iodine in the diet weaken the thyroid functions that affect immunity, which would then allow the pathogen to take hold and perhaps also promote chronicity of the disease?
Throughout the book it is stressed repeatedly, that certain chemicals, such as the halides... bromide, chloride and fluoride, compete with iodine for absorption into the body tissues and glands, including the thyroid gland. If there is a shortage of iodine in the body, these toxic elements will be absorbed in place of the iodine. So, then, not only would many people have an iodine deficiency but as a result they may also have accumulated toxic levels of halides. Dr. Brownstein assures his readers that supplementing with adequate iodine (above the RDA) will help their body to detoxify. He also speaks of how to lessen the detoxification reaction.
The author also covers the subject of iodized salt and how that relates to the issue of the iodine deficiency epidemic. Another important point he discusses is that there are two different forms of this element, iodine and iodide. For more complete improvement in thyroid function, he recommends both forms together in one supplement. The reader will also learn the different reasons as to why we are not getting the amount of iodine which our bodies apparently need. He thoroughly explains why iodine deficiency is so prevalent in our society. Dr. Brownstein strongly recommends an iodine loading test which was developed by his mentor, Dr. Abraham. This test will guide patients and doctors in the process of determining how much iodine the patient needs. Radioactive iodine is also discussed.
Another important point made was....if one is being treated with thyroid hormone, while the body is deficient in iodine, then the thyroid hormone could exacerbate the iodine deficiency. So, while one may feel better in the short run on thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency may eventually worsen the thyroid condition, despite prescribed hormones. Many times people do well on both the iodine and the thyroid hormones together. However, Dr. Brownstein tells us that about one third of the patients are able to discontinue the thyroid hormone and take only iodine. Also included are iodine dosage guidelines and a question and answer section.
My contention with the medical system is that they intentionally only develop symptomatic treatments and rarely look for the root cause of disease. There are no profitable economic gains when promoting cures. This is where Dr. Brownstein steps in and makes a very valuable contribution. In this book and others he has written, he probes into the basic origins of disease and shares his research and experiences with us.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about their health. One doesn't need to be sick to find this book interesting and helpful. Everyone who is familiar with The Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, knows that prevention is the optimal goal.
By David Brownstein M.D.
Iodine deficiency has become rampant in our society. Dr. David Brownstein has found, through the years he has tested his patients for iodine, that over 90% of these patients have been deficient in this trace element. In his book "Iodine : Why You Need It. Why You Can't Live Without It", he helps lay people and medical professionals to understand why it is so very important to have adequate levels of iodine, to keep the thyroid gland functioning at optimum levels. The author also explains that not only is iodine crucial to thyroid health but it is also a necessary factor in keeping the immune system running smoothly.
In the first chapter Dr. Brownstein shares with us the fact that "Iodine contains potent antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and anticancer properties." He also provides a list of conditions which can be treated with iodine supplementation. In recent years there has been an exponential rise in chronic illness involving infectious disease, autoimmune problems and body overloads of toxic chemicals. Could this very discouraging trend be partially due to lack of iodine in the diet? Dr. Brownstein's book is very helpful in addressing this question.
In my experience I have noticed that most Lyme disease sufferers have problems with their thyroid gland. All Lyme patients that I have met, report subnormal body temperatures. They also complain of being cold and very fatigued. It is thought that the Lyme disease pathogen attacks the thyroid which in turn would lower immune system function. However , Dr. Brownstein's book leads one to ask the question, could a lack of iodine in the diet weaken the thyroid functions that affect immunity, which would then allow the pathogen to take hold and perhaps also promote chronicity of the disease?
Throughout the book it is stressed repeatedly, that certain chemicals, such as the halides... bromide, chloride and fluoride, compete with iodine for absorption into the body tissues and glands, including the thyroid gland. If there is a shortage of iodine in the body, these toxic elements will be absorbed in place of the iodine. So, then, not only would many people have an iodine deficiency but as a result they may also have accumulated toxic levels of halides. Dr. Brownstein assures his readers that supplementing with adequate iodine (above the RDA) will help their body to detoxify. He also speaks of how to lessen the detoxification reaction.
The author also covers the subject of iodized salt and how that relates to the issue of the iodine deficiency epidemic. Another important point he discusses is that there are two different forms of this element, iodine and iodide. For more complete improvement in thyroid function, he recommends both forms together in one supplement. The reader will also learn the different reasons as to why we are not getting the amount of iodine which our bodies apparently need. He thoroughly explains why iodine deficiency is so prevalent in our society. Dr. Brownstein strongly recommends an iodine loading test which was developed by his mentor, Dr. Abraham. This test will guide patients and doctors in the process of determining how much iodine the patient needs. Radioactive iodine is also discussed.
Another important point made was....if one is being treated with thyroid hormone, while the body is deficient in iodine, then the thyroid hormone could exacerbate the iodine deficiency. So, while one may feel better in the short run on thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency may eventually worsen the thyroid condition, despite prescribed hormones. Many times people do well on both the iodine and the thyroid hormones together. However, Dr. Brownstein tells us that about one third of the patients are able to discontinue the thyroid hormone and take only iodine. Also included are iodine dosage guidelines and a question and answer section.
My contention with the medical system is that they intentionally only develop symptomatic treatments and rarely look for the root cause of disease. There are no profitable economic gains when promoting cures. This is where Dr. Brownstein steps in and makes a very valuable contribution. In this book and others he has written, he probes into the basic origins of disease and shares his research and experiences with us.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about their health. One doesn't need to be sick to find this book interesting and helpful. Everyone who is familiar with The Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, knows that prevention is the optimal goal.
Review By Marjorie Tietjen
HERBS FOR LYME DISEASE AND GENERAL HEALTH http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1097153