Iodine as a game changer

Mossy

I really appreciate the in-depth information. I will add this to my notes. Thank you.

I do have Selenomethionine, but it may be outdated by now. I've had it for at least 5 years.

Mossy

@yerrag
That is an interesting take, and one that is consistent with other success stories I've heard — where one's diet brought them back from a point of deficiency, allowing for success that otherwise would not be possible. As you say, a lot does come into play, but at the very least, high quality food — that which normally would need to come from outside the corporate food monopoly — should be objective #1. I have been positioning myself for that, over the last several years, but I'm not 100% free yet, from the corporate food manufacturing system. Though, I have been able to eat as whole food as possible, though just not from my own garden yet, or from local farms. Little by little I hope to get there.

I hear you on farmed sea food. I do look for wild caught, but due to budget constraints I need to wait for it to go on sale. Sea food is probably my least eaten food, simply due to price. Though, i do like it.

Alamang sound interesting. I'll have to look those up.

@LucH @yerrag
After a quick search I see my original understanding of iodide and iodine was lacking, to say the least. I thought they were distinct from each other. But this quote helps to clarify: "... iodide is the ionic form of iodine."

visalibero

@yerrag I'm not using anything right now. I did a 10-day cycle of 300 mg doxycycline and it doesn't seem to be much better, in fact.

The SSKI I bought is hurting my teeth and it had turned orange... even though it was initially transparent. Maybe it's a defective product! Tomorrow I should start with diluted sodium hypochlorite that a dentist friend got me. To rinse. I think it's essentially bleach. I always use erythritol and xylitol after meals. It helps a little but I feel like the disease hasn't stopped.

It seems impossible to get chlorine dioxide here in Italy. It's much more difficult here. Even SSKI requires a doctor's prescription to get it. It took me a month to find a doctor who would prescribe me doxycycline.

And at customs they block the orders and send the goods back.

yerrag

@visalibero said in Iodine as a game changer:

@yerrag I'm not using anything right now. I did a 10-day cycle of 300 mg doxycycline and it doesn't seem to be much better, in fact.

The SSKI I bought is hurting my teeth and it had turned orange... even though it was initially transparent. Maybe it's a defective product! Tomorrow I should start with diluted sodium hypochlorite that a dentist friend got me. To rinse. I think it's essentially bleach. I always use erythritol and xylitol after meals. It helps a little but I feel like the disease hasn't stopped.

It seems impossible to get chlorine dioxide here in Italy. It's much more difficult here. Even SSKI requires a doctor's prescription to get it. It took me a month to find a doctor who would prescribe me doxycycline.

And at customs they block the orders and send the goods back.

It's hard to imagine how restrictive Italian health restrictions are. It must reflect the state of the EU now.

It seems that you need to go away from the EU as s prerequisite to getting meaningful healing done.¹

visalibero

@yerrag up until 6 months ago it wasn't like this. now it seems impossible to get certain categories of products delivered.

yerrag

@visalibero

since you're not that far away from Germany or Switzerland, being in Milan, would a trip there and back allow you to get some substances that are sold there?

LucH

@yerrag said in Iodine as a game changer:

at customs they block the orders and send the goods back.

All hormones are blocked from outside Europe.
The control has been heavier since 2025 January. Before, TVA (added value fee / tax) was not due under 150 €, all costs included (carrier). No order above 150 € or you get problems.
Now if the TVA has not been paid by the sender, it takes much more time and is often more complicated (extra fee must bee paid before delivering). A detailed bordereau must be joined.
If you order unapproved molecules (hormones), the packaged will be destroyed or send back to the seller, but on the second time you'll be "punished" by the law.

visalibero

@LucH
I would like to get sski or chlorine dioxide.

not hormones!

LucH

@visalibero said in Iodine as a game changer:

I would like to get sski or chlorine dioxide.

Sski Potassium Iodide Liquid 250 mcg
https://www.amazon.com/sski-potassium-iodide-liquid/s?k=sski+potassium+iodide+liquid
Bottle 30 ml, 250 mcg/1 drop. As potassium iodide oral solution, USP. Very expensive.

You’ve got the same product with Life-flo on iherb.com, 59 ml (2 oz.) for +/ 7.5 €.
150 mcg / 1 drop.
NB: Do not leave open. 3 months validity (evaporation when liquid)

When you want more; I’d take optimox iodoral 12.5 mg (12 500 mcg)
Choice between 6.25 or 12.5 or 50 mg, 90 or 120 scored tablets.
https://ci.iherb.com/search?sug=iodoral 12%2C5&kw=iodoral 12%2C5&rank=2&rawkw=iodorale 12.5&refererLocation=suggestion

Note: If you want to use dioxide chlorine for mouth wash, I’d prefer to do it / try it first with green tea. 10-15’ 1 tsp infused. Only with green tea. 3-4 times/day for 3-4 minutes. Wait 4-6 days before results.
Combine with iodine potassium, but progressively if ingested, to avoid Wolff-Chaikoff effect.

Before paying, verify the option Added fee (European Tax) has been taken into account.

thyroidchor27

@NNight Iodine works well in the winter for boosting thermogenesis but I think in the summer its not really needed.

LucH

@thyroidchor27 said in Iodine as a game changer:

Iodine works well in the winter for boosting thermogenesis but I think in the summer its not really needed.

what about the other parameters?
If you feel / perceive cold hands or feet only in the winter, there are probably other symptoms of low metabolism you're accustomed and therefore think it's normal, or at least you manage with ... Until when !?
And it's not because you don't perceive it yet (under the radar), there aren't any low-grade problems ...

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240321/Exploring-the-role-of-iodine-in-obesity-diabetes-and-other-metabolic-conditions.aspx
=> The correlation between iodine and metabolism: a review.
Excerpt
Mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects of iodine
Iodine exerts antioxidative, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and molecular regulatory effects. Iodine alters the proportion of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria to restore the gut microbiome and reduce insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome parameters.
Iodine also reduces inflammation by lowering oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Iodine acts on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2 (KEAP1-NRF2) pathway to enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px).
In addition, iodine alters inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) levels, regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways to reduce chronic inflammation and improve metabolic health.
The mineral acts on type 2 deiodinase (D2) receptors that convert T4 to biologically active T3 to improve weight management and adaptive thermogenesis.
Iodine also interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) receptors to enhance adipocyte differentiation, fatty acid uptake, and glucose metabolism ...
Source: The correlation between iodine and metabolism: a review.
2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1346452

LucH

Deiodinase enzymes and thyroid activity
Situation:
A person is hypotensive and is taking a synthetic T3 and T4 supplement. The dose is taken gradually and with modulated doses. Metabolism improves and fueling is better, but this only lasts for a short time. Why? Symptoms return:
"Feeling cold immediately after taking Cynoplus. What's going on?"

Impact of Iodine and Selenium Deficiency on Deiodinase Enzymes

Deiodinase enzymes are selenoproteins, meaning they require selenium to function properly. If the body is deficient in selenium, these enzymes may not be sufficiently active, which can disrupt the proper conversion of thyroid hormones. Furthermore, iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine (T4), and an iodine deficiency can lead to insufficient T4 production, worsening hypothyroidism.
In such a situation, supplementing with T3 and T4 may temporarily improve symptoms, but if the body lacks the nutrients needed to properly activate or degrade these hormones (via DIO1, DIO2, and DIO3), the beneficial effects will be limited over time. In other words, taking T3 and T4 may only mask a deeper problem related to disturbed hormonal metabolism, rather than resolving the underlying cause.

Role of DIO enzymes
Three enzymes catalyzing deiodination have been identified, called type 1 (D1), type 2 (D2) and type 3 (D3) iodothyronine deiodinases. D1 and D2 have outer ring deiodinase activity, converting the prohormone T4 to its bioactive form T3 and degrading rT3 to 3,3’-T2. D3 has inner ring deiodinase activity and degrades T4 to rT3 and T3 to 3,3’-T2. (…)
Note (you can jump to next paragraph): 3,3’-T2 or 3,3'-Diiodo-L-thyronine is a metabolite of thyroid hormone that is also known as T2 or 3,3'-T2. It is derived enzymatically from triiodothyronine isoforms T3 and reverse T3. T2 plays many of the same roles as T3 but acts on different receptors. . Since there are no commercially available assays for T2, and T2 does not suppress TSH, its absence can contribute to hypothyroidism without being measurable.
https://thyroidspecificformulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TSF-Factsheet-T2-T3-Converter.pdf

Combustion Engine Analogy
Let's imagine our metabolism as a car engine. If this engine runs on pistons without oil, this will lead to excessive friction, overheating, and eventually malfunction, even if the engine is still running. In this case, the oil represents the essential micronutrients (selenium, iodine, zinc, etc.) needed to properly activate and regulate the function of the enzymes that modify the combustion (or metabolism) of thyroid hormones.
Similarly, even if the car engine (our metabolism) continues to receive fuel (the T3 and T4 supplements), without the proper "lubricants" (the micronutrients), the engine will eventually run into problems. The intake of these micronutrients is essential to optimize the function of deiodinase enzymes and maintain metabolic hormonal balance.

To be continued on this link (in French, but with study references in English):
Micronutriments utiles au fonctionnement de la thyroïde (Useful nutrients for thyroid fuction)
https://mirzoune-ciboulette.forumactif.org/t2107-la-supplementation-en-hormones-thyroidiennes-masque-la-carence-en-iode#30191

Impact of iodine and selenium insufficiency on deiodinase enzymes in order to maintain a balanced hormonal metabolism.
Caution regarding iodine supplementation (to avoid the Wolff-Chaikoff effect).
The key to iodine supplementation is gradualness, allowing the body to adapt and avoid unwanted side effects.
Thyroid hormone supplementation (T3 & T4) masks iodine deficiency.

alihaider312

@LucH said in Iodine as a game changer:

Iodine as a game changer
The Junkyard 9 32 2.0k

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LucH
Feb 28, 2025, 11:57 PM

Iodine as a game changer
This article is based on the work of George Robert DeLong, Francis C. Kelly, Broda O. Barnes, Raoul Vergini, and more recently David Brownstein, Gabriel Cousens, Lynne Farrow and Vincent Reliquet.
“What does iodine do for your body” will give you a completely different perspective about normal needs and why RDA advised is foreseen to avoid goiter and cretinism, not to optimize your health. “Keep them medicalized, not cured”, is one mantra we often encounter, particularly in the circle of people supposed to be initiated (Big Pharma). Not to play the paranoid, here. Just to make you aware of and give you the information, so you can understand why Big pharma is not your best friend when trying to get objective info. And as our physicians are not allowed to say sth against the NHA / HAS, you’d better get informed through non-traditional canals.

The complete post on this link. I’ll give a partial report here beneath.
https://mirzoune-ciboulette.forumactif.org/t2093-iodine-as-a-game-changer#30100

First of all, I admit that all excesses and inappropriate supplements are harmful. The question is how and who issued the recommendations, in what context.
Please, don’t tell me it’s dangerous to take excess iodine. All the excesses are “dangerous”. Do not be influenced by recommendations that are not supported by studies, or by recommendations from organizations that simply relay warnings made by stakeholders. Keep your mind open and think by yourself. So, now let’s be confronted to another approach because it could be a game changer for some of you.

What does iodine do for your body? Stop blaming poor environment for your slowing metabolism! (“How to get out of the hole”, in short)
In the last two books I read (1-2) it was set into the light that one person among 5 were deficient in iodine in the world; 1 among 3 persons if we consider an optimal range above 200 mcg. When we ingest less than 200 mcg iodine – the RDA is set to 150 mcg, the reason being not to cause a hypo or hyper-reaction of the thyroid – 150 mcg is set only to avoid goiter – this amount 150 mcg is captured by the thyroid gland (it looks like the chief carburetor). The other tissues are deprived, most of the time. Yet we need iodine elsewhere, in other parts of the body. Iodine plays an important role in all endocrine functions of the body such as thermoregulation (the best known to the general public), the neuromuscular system, the cardio-circulatory system, respiratory, renal and digestive functions and many other functions...
It is very likely that the ideal tissue stock is close to 1500 mg (1 500 000 mcg or 1.5 g of iodine) and that the daily absorption does not exceed a few tenths of one mg per day. It therefore takes months to replenish a low stock. Probably six months according to Dr. David Brownstein. (3)
The thyroid and skin almost only use iodides of the KI type, or potassium iodide, the form of supplementation found for example in iodized table salt, whose at least 50% is already evaporated. But the breast, prostate, ovary and brain need molecular iodine type I2. The kidney, spleen, liver, blood, salivary glands, intestines and muscles all require a joint supply in both forms (4). The fight against cancer, probably also (5). And all these organs are abandoned to their sad un-iodized fate...

The Toxicity of Iodine according to Merck (6)
We are induced to believe that iodine could cause chronic intoxication from daily intakes greater than 1.1 mg/day, or 1,100 mcg/day. This figure would actually correspond to the “tolerable upper intake level”, which the Pharma Lab set therefore at 1,100 mcg for adults.
You can perfectly well wonder from which right a pharmaceutical laboratory could have to interfere in such a micro-nutritional debate... But you should know that, by impregnable tradition since the end of the First World War, Big Pharma interferes in everything. Details below, in sources and references. (6)

We would need 7 mg a day
As I was searching for a study on PubMed, I saw an article written by Gabriel Cousens whom I have appreciated for a long time, even if there are nuances to be made in terms of spirituality (link between the chakras and the body meridians): “The Universal & Holistic Super Mineral by Gabriel Cousens”. He’d take 7 mg iodine a day.
I’m not telling you to do so, abruptly, without staples, and without being informed on counter-indications.
According to G. Cousens, historically, as early as 1911, people normally took between 300,000 – 900,000 micrograms daily without incident. This is over 2,000 times more than Dr. Mercola’s recommendation! How is it that now only 1/5,000th of this dose is now considered safe?!
In 1948 there was a poorly performed and, since then, never replicated study alleging what is known as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. The Wolff- Chaikoff effect suggested that theoretically hypothyroidism could occur as a result of excess iodine. This study indicated a decreased dosage to 2 milligrams daily would be safer. (7) (This is still an amount 5 times higher than what Dr. Mercola is recommending.)

Some important iodine functions
From a larger physiological perspective, it is important to realize that the thyroid is only one gland of many glands and tissues that needs iodine. Other glands/organs/systems with high iodine uptake are the breasts, ovaries, cervix, blood, lymph, bones, gastric mucosal, salivary, adrenal, prostate, colon, thymus, lungs, bladder, kidney, and skin. In perspective, the thyroid holds 50 milligrams of iodine, the breasts hold 200 milligrams, the skin holds 400 milligrams of iodine, and the whole body holds at least 1500 milligrams, usually 2000 milligrams (2 000 mcg), and possibly much more. Iodine is found and used in every hormonal receptor in the body.
There are so many important functions of iodine that it is hard to put them into proper order of importance. The implications of iodine sufficiency go far beyond the levels necessary to avoid cretinism, brain damage, and goiter; and based on the previous cited studies, it is possible that the FDA’s recommended dosage may not even give the minimal protection.

Iodine helps synthesize thyroid hormones and prevents both hypo- and hyperthyroidism
There is little awareness that when you feel sluggish, have cold hands & feet, in a wrong mood – and much more – this is to attribute to the lack / the erratic production of thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4. Thyroid hormones control metabolism, temperature, heart rate, glucose consumption, and even blood lipids (1-3). Iodine also helps to regulate cortisol. It improves immune function. (4-6)
Iodine sufficiency reverses hypo- and hyperthyroidism
Obesity or emaciation (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively) both may be caused by thyroid issues, which iodine may treat, prevent and even reverse. The early 1900s study conducted by Dr. Marine proved reversal of goiter, a condition associated with both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Parenthesis: I guess here that some readers will lament for the nonsense / the inanity or protest against the possible danger. It would be like throwing fuel on the fire (exacerbated immune reaction heightened in case of goiter or in the presence of Hashimoto). Wait a little and Keep reading till the end. I’m not giving my advice, on this post. I show case reports from medical practitioners.
Fibromyalgia is another problem stemming from iodine deficiency, as is chronic fatigue.
From a systemic holistic perspective, adequate iodine is crucial for our health. It is the universal health mineral. Its role goes far beyond the use to prevent cretinism and goiter.
When we take into account the polluted environment (perchlorate, fluorate and chlorinate), US bakeries replacing iodine by bromine (which is one of the top twelve most harmful toxins and carcinogens on the planet) – these toxic halogen pollutants have increased over time – and the fact iodine deficiency has become more seriously pronounced in today’s population, we have to consider that iodine is very often used up first to detoxify the system. So there is not enough iodine initially, especially with low doses, to support the thyroid hormone function, unless adequate iodine is added into the system.
There is the possibility of excess iodine, which may be a transient (26-40 hours) hypothyroidism as described by Dr. Brownstein in his book Iodine: Why You Need It. Why You Can't Live Without It. (7) Whenever we try to speed up the use / burning of iodine – so not leaving the TSH and the brain adjust the carburetor – there may happen a counter-reaction, due to a lack of progressiveness and the fact our NIS symporters (a kind of pump Na/I) are somewhat asleep / feel as if they were in a rut. NIS is a carrier system into all the cells, and when this system becomes deficient or lazy, due to lack of stimulation, the whole body can’t absorb the sudden amount. Deficiency of iodine may also contribute to low stomach acid and decreased ability to absorb B12 and calcium.
If one is only diagnosing hypothyroidism based on TSH scores (as most allopaths do), one may become confused. We’d better take into account our feeling (…).
If you encounter some bad reaction, though you were very progressive, keep in mind two things:

We are exceptionally allergic – not to say never – not to iodine but possibly to the protein-bound iodine found in seafood or in the medicine (provolone iodine), or to the fillers of the tablets, capsules and even alcohol found in the liquid form. Actually, iodine can help eliminate food allergies, according to Dr. Derry (p. 15 from Breast Cancer and Iodine, by David M. Derry, MD, PhD).
Your body tries to get rid of excess halogens and killed LPS (healing crisis). Your liver is then overloaded. Need for assistance is required (…)
Iodine supports apoptosis (…)
Iodine enhances ATP production (…)
Iodine prevents fibrocystic breast disease (…)
Iodine decreases insulin needs in diabetics (…)
Iodine helps support protein synthesis (…)
Iodine deficiency is a global health threat (…)
Percentage hypothyroidism in USA by geographic region from 2012 to 2019.
NE: 9.4 => 12.5
S: 9.3 => 12.6
MW: 8.2 => 10.7
W: 11.1 => 11.9
Iodine destroys pathogens, molds, fungi, parasites, and malaria (…)
Iodine supports immune function (…)
Iodine eliminates toxic halogens (including radioactive I-131)
Due to its chelating powers it is strongly advised / suggested one start taking iodine at a slower rate because of this detox effect. It is important to start with a low dose and build up, while checking / monitoring the urine for discharged toxins. These healing detox symptoms should not be confused with iodine toxicity.
A pause is advisable to reload energy. Cofactors are needed to assist Herxheimer’s crisis (healing crisis) when discharging much toxin. The liver is then overloaded. (…)
Iodine regulates estrogen production in the ovaries (…)
Iodine is anti-mucolytic (meaning it reduces mucus catarrh) (…)
Iodine neutralizes hydroxyl ions and hydrates the cells (…)
Iodine makes us smarter (…)
Iodine prevents heart disease (…)
Iodine is needed with the use of cordless phones, cell phones and now smart meters to prevent hypothyroidism (…)
Iodine supports pregnancy (…)
High doses of iodine may be used to reverse certain diseases (…)
High doses of iodine may be used for wounds, bedsores, inflammatory and traumatic pain, and restoration of hair growth when applied topically (…)
Iodine helps in the diminishing of tissue scarring, cheloid formations, and Dupuytren’s and Peyronie’s contractures, which are hyper-scarring conditions (…)
Iodine supports spiritual development – Gabriel Cousens speaking (…)
What then is a reasonable and safe dose in a holistic context?
It is safe to suggest that at least the guidelines given by Drs. Abraham and Brownstein for the use of 12-50 milligrams of iodine daily, for overall iodine sufficiency and wellbeing. (…)
My prudent suggestion is that as we follow these ideas, it is important to move forward carefully, progressively (with staples). The NIS symporters – a kind of pump to exchange Na/I – are somewhat asleep / feel as if they were in a rut… So progressivity, moderation (with staples) and capacity to listen to one’s sensation / to decode if we feel overburdened by liver (saturation of the emunctories; often called “healing crisis”).

Really fascinating post—it's wild how much iodine affects not just the thyroid but so many systems in the body. The part about detox and the overlooked needs of other organs really stuck with me. It reminded me of how even some story-driven games dive into these overlooked aspects of health and daily challenges. For example, I came across a title like Summertime Saga that unexpectedly touches on real-life struggles—if you’re curious, here’s the link: https://thesummertimesagaapk.com/. Just goes to show how health, lifestyle, and even entertainment can intersect in unexpected ways.

happyhanneke

Is it recommended to use iodine when taking cynomel/cynoplus?

LucH

@happyhanneke said in Iodine as a game changer:

s it recommended to use iodine when taking cynomel/cynoplus?

I won't formulate it like this.
The answer could be "yes" if you mind these points.

First of all, you need to bring useful nutrients for iodinase (specially enzyme DIO3) to keepT3 and T4 supplement functioning well on a long time.
People often feel well at the beginning (taking cynomel / cynoplus) and afterwards there is a "problem": lack of nutrients for enzymes DIO.
See above: "Impact of Iodine and Selenium Deficiency on Deiodinase Enzymes"
Deiodinase enzymes need Zn I Se Mg.

Second, When taking iodine (2 forms for I), we have first to load with selenium (2 x 100 mcg at the beginning, for 5 days); afterwards 100 mcg 2X/wk. Not every day for Se (too much of a good thing is bad).

Third, we should accustom the NIS symporter to iodine. They've been a bit lazy (asleep).
150 - 250 mcg iodine 3x/wk. Required if you didn't eat fish or seafood.
If you don't handle so, it won't match (lost). Period suggested: 4 weeks.

Fourth, I'd take 10 -12.5 mg (like iodoral). But we have to pay attention to progressivity and adaptation of the thyroid function. There is a communication between the brain and the thyroid. 10 days minimum for the thyroid to adapt the required amount of T3. and to use iodine up.
Otherwise, you get a Wolff-Chaikoff effect (shutdown). Brain protection. And side effects.
It's a transient effect but it could be hard to regulate. Need time.

Fifth, You could get a Herxheimer reaction (detox). Therapists call that a health crisis. The liver can't get rid of some toxins. They turn around. Need to get informed, not to feel anxious, to know how to deal with. (...)

Remind: You do it with staples and you listen to your feeling. Be progressive. Stop if the liver is overburden. Take it back when OK again.
Hope It can help. Come back to tell us here how you've managed, how you feel.
A testimony for other readers will be appreciated, in - let's say - 2 or 3 months (a kind of log). No obligation. Up to you.

happyhanneke

@LucH Thanks for taking time to write this all out. I probably need to read this thread a few times to grasp it better. I have Lugol's Iodine, but have not used it for a long time.