Glenda from California sent me the following email:
I watched the show “Your Health” that Dr. David Brownstein was on about thyroid and iodine deficiency. He discussed the iodine product Iodoral {which is a tableted form of iodine}. It has helped me immensely. I had a lot of fibroid cysts in my breasts, and migraine headaches. The cysts were so bad that at my last mammogram (digital) the technician showed me the screen–she said that she really isn’t supposed to do that–but the screen was almost totally white. There were so many large cysts that you could hardly see any breast tissue. By the way, the mammogram read normal, always a mystery to me how it could be normal. The cysts were very painful and I had on occasion been going to a surgeon to have a needle aspiration of the fluid. However, that office visit was over $300.00. So, I started taking one iodine {12.5mg} pill per day since I did not have my iodine tested. After about one month the cysts were noticeably smaller. Now, after taking iodine for several months they are almost gone! Currently, my breasts are not painful and I only have a few cysts that are hard. The breast tissue is finally soft in most of the breast. The headaches are infrequent, maybe every couple of months. Furthermore, the intensity of the headaches are significantly diminished. God Bless you for your work, and many thanks!
Dear Glenda,
I hear similar versions of your story repeat itself over and over in my practice. Presently over 80% of U.S. women suffer from fibrocystic breast disease. Fibrocystic breast disease is not a benign illness; it is a precursor to breast cancer. We presently have an epidemic of breast cancer with one in seven women suffering from it. I think one of the main reasons we are seeing such an increase in breast disease is due to iodine deficiency. One of iodine’s main function in the body is to maintain the normal architecture of the glandular tissue—that includes the ovaries, uterus, prostate, thyroid, pancreas, and the breast. We are seeing epidemic increases in diseases–including cancer–in all of those tissues.
Iodine deficiency disrupts the normal architecture in the glandular tissue. When iodine deficiency is present in the glandular tissue the architecture becomes disrupted. Cysts would be the first manifestation of iodine deficiency. Next, if iodine deficiency continues, the cysts can become hard and nodular. Hyperplasia follows next. It is a precursor to cancer. The final step in the iodine deficiency continuum is cancer.
Iodine levels have fallen over 50% during the last 40 years. Iodine deficiency could explain a plethora of problems we are facing—particularly the epidemic increases in diseases of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, thyroid and pancreas. More information about iodine can be found in my book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.
DrB
Does iodine shrink or eliminate uterine fibriods of size 5cm and what are the required amounts to take and does it work effectively without any other supplemmenray minerals like selenium and magnesium?
Z,
I have seen iodine shrink fibroids. My experience has shown that a minimum of 25 mg/day and usually more is needed to achieve this. It is best to work with an iodine-knowledgeable doc.
DrB
I want to try iodine for fibroids but whenever I have taken iodine supplements I have broken out in a chest rash, so I think I’m allergic.
Christine,
Try taking 1-2 tsp of unrefined salt (Celtic brand or Redmond’s) for two weeks then try the iodine again. The salt helps bind bromine and fluoride which can cause a detox reaction.
DrB
Thank you for all the good information about iodine! I have been taking Ioderol for many years, but only at the 12.5 mg dose. I have a very small malignant tumor in the back 1/3 of my left breast at the 12 o/clock position. There is no evidence of lymph node involvement. Chemo was not recommended and I’m declining surgery and radiation for now. I heard using Lugol’s topically on the area of my tumor, along with high quality myrrh and frankincense essential oils, might be beneficial. I saw that you recommend trying Lugol’s topically for Dupuytren’s, which I also have. I’ll begin that treatment tonight! I’m eager to read your thoughts about the Lugol’s topical protocol with or without the essential oils for my malignant breast tumor. Thank you!
Hi Cathy,
Same thing for me, a 1cm tumor at 12 o’clock right above my areola, that the doctor did a core biopsy and the results were precancerous. The surgeon wants to remove it and I am waiting to see if I can heal myself naturally first. I am also wondering if using the Lugol’s topically will help. I am also using the frankincense and myrrh eo.
It has been a few months since you wrote, have you noticed any changes?
Dr. Brownstein. Can someone who chooses to avoid a lobe/total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer take iodoral to reverse the cancer? Or will it make it worse? I’ve found research by Louise Davies at Dartmouth showing that the mortality rate is only about 1.5% variance between those who elect to have surgery and those that do not (I believe 98.6% vs 97.1 respectively). i’ve had two US showing nodule sizes of .80 cm and 1.1 cm.
Three separate opinions have advised to remove right away, wait and monitor growth and the the last said cut half. Again, trying to avoid the surgery. It’s been said that 1 and 3 have thyroid cancer from autopsy findings and people live with it their whole lives not knowing they have it.
I didn’t find a blog specific to this so thought I’d ask. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
You bring up good points. Many cases of papillary thyroid cancer (as well as other cancers) may be over-treated as this type of cancer is very slow growing. You are also right—many have it at the time of death and were not affected by it. Certainly, those people did not need treatment for it.
Unfortunately, there is no clear path here. I suggest educating yourself about your options and picking your path.
Iodine has not been shown to make papillary thyroid cancer worse and it may help prevent/treat it. But, the research is not totally clear.
DrB
Hi Dr. Brownstein, I have been taking synthroid since I was 16 and I am now 62…. I had an ultra sound of my thyroid and the doctor couldn’t believe how will my thyroid looked, with being on medication for so many years. My question is… If I am on synthroid, will it hurt me to take the Lodoral 12.5 1 a day along with my synthroid. I took Lodoral for about a month and I felt great, but then I read an article that said too much can cause cancer as well and too little. So I stopped………. I just don’t know if you can mix it with the synthroid.
Susan,
As I discuss in my iodine book, taking thyroid medications increases the body’s needs for iodine. It is best to work with a health care provider who can help you optimize your iodine supplementation. Iodine does not cause thyroid cancer; it helps prevent it. Iodine deficiency is associated with thyroid cancer–as well as cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and pancreas.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein,
I have been taking nascent iodine and I was just wondering if it would be better to take Lugols. From your book on Iodine you say it is good to have both the iodine and iodide, which I don’t think the nascent iodine has. Please advise.
Thank you,
Renee
Renee,
As I explained in my book, different tissues of the body take up different forms of iodine. For whole-body iodine sufficiency, it is best to take a supplement with both iodine and iodide in it. Lugol’s is one such source.
DrB
Hi,
I’m trying to heal 2 fibroadenomas and 2 cysts and have been on the iodine protocol for a year. I know that fibroadenomas can take a couple of yrs to heal but what dose is recommended regarding fibroadenomas?
Currently I’m on 150 mg (painting with Lugol’s plus Iodoral) and all co-factors.
Is it enough?
Dear Dr Brownstein,
I have Dupuytren’s Contracture in both hands, not yet significant but a concern nonetheless. My doctor was very dismissive of any treatment for this disorder and told me to live with it, surgery would be indicated if it became severe. I play classical guitar and my hands are my life. The 4th edition of your book about Iodine, on page 22, says this condition can be treated with Iodine. I took Iodoral tabs for several months but did not notice any improvement. Have you had any success in treating Dupuytren’s? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Arthur
Queensland, Australia
Arthur,
I have had success using iodine topically over the site where the tendon is inflamed. I have had patients rub Lugol’s 5% solution at bedtime over this area. It hasn’t worked every time, but it has worked more than it failed. On last thing, it can take few months before results are achieved.
DrB
Dr. I had total thyroidectomy last September’13 and radioactive iodine treatment on 12/4/14. My endo said everything was ok, nothing wrong in my results. My question is, can I take Iodine pills even when I do not have my thyroid? I am 63 years old.
Dear Eglis,
Every cell in your body needs and requires iodine. Just because you have no thyroid tissue does not mean that you do not need iodine. Only a small amount of the body’s iodine is found in the thyroid.
Also, you asked for a doctor in Florida–Dr. Jeffrey Dach is in the Ft. Lauderdale area.
DrB
Many years ago I had Kaiser.
I had cystic breasts and had treatments over a period of years in Surgery Clinic including one biopsy.
I also have at least 2 rather large uterine fibroids that did not reduce in size with menopause.
At no time was iodine ever mentioned for either problem even when I got a private physician with Medicare eligibility.
About 4-5 years ago I did try Iodoral tabs for about 90 days. I did not notice much at that time so did not reorder.
I am now almost 75 and take 2 drops of Iodoral very regularly. Again, not sure about any benefits. Also do not
have any negative signs like acne.
Dr. Brownstein:
Two years ago I had a thick Endometrium and the doctor was going to schedule me for a Hysterectomy which I didn’t want. She said I was at risk for Cancer. She also told me to stop taking the topical hormones Progesterone and Estriol plus a tiny bit of DHEA. They were compounded by another doctor and in very tiny amounts, far less than prescribed.
So I increased the Lugol’s Solution (5%) that I had been taking, to 100 mg. and after 6 weeks had another Uterine Ultrasound and after 13 years (I am now 71) of being too thick, the Uterus lining had now gone back to normal limits. Even the Technician remarked after seeing the original.
When the doctor saw the improvement, she said, “so you stopped using those hormones like I told you?” “No I said, this improvement was because I was taking Iodine!”
She was now perturbed and said, “Iodine is only for Thyroid Cancer.”
I said, “No, Iodine is used for lots of things!”
I never saw her again. She gave my file to another doctor at the clinic.
Bonnie
Ontario, Canada
Bonnie,
Thanks for the story. Iodine is important for ALL the hormone sensitive tissues–uterus included.
DrB
Hi Dr. BROWNSTEIN, I had Stage IV cancer metastasized to the rib cage, pleura and lymph system. The breast tumour was 9-1/2 cm. As a result of the radical mastectomy, I have developed Stage IV lymphedema and am required to wear a compression sleeve 24/7. I have been taking iodine and Vitamin K – as well as Bactipro and Everto – since I found your blogs and work. There is no question that the iodine has renewed my physical strength. I was an athlete before I developed cancer, and since taking iodine, I am able to swim again in an Olympic pool, and walk marathons on the treadmill. You and your work are the Holy Grail of health, and of breast health.
After reading four of Dr. Brownstein’s books I began supplementing with 12.5 mg Ioderal. Literally within days I noticed increased energy and stamina, increased mental alertness especially upon waking, decreased food cravings/caloric intake, and improved nail growth. Unfortunately, I also began experiencing acne-like erruptions on my face. No itching, but definitely annoying at age 60! In addition to the Ioderal I supplement daily with 2000 mg C, 30 mg zinc citrate and 200 mcg selenium, and I use celtic sea salt for food seasoning. Would a different form of iodine supplementation be of help? Would magnesium supplemntation be of help? if so, what form and dose? Best regards!
Isabella,
Acne is a side effect of iodine. I believe it is a detox reaction from iodine displacing bromine and other halides. When this happens, I often suggest to my patients to try increasing their unrefined salt use (perhaps 1-2 tsp/day if there is normal kidney function) and vitamin C for a few weeks. Then try it again. Usually, this relieves the problem. For best results, it is best to review this with your doctor before trying it. Let me know how you do.
Drb
Dr. Brownstein,
What if you need the iodine, but you are allergic to it?
How can I do a successful loading dose test for iodine deficiency with this allergy to iodine. I get very back head aches from it.
Thank you.
Cindy
Cindy,
For true iodine allergies–which are VERY rare– I suggest NAET. It is an acupressure program used to diagnose and treat food and environmental allergies. Go to http://www.naet.com to find a practitioner near you.
DrB
Hi Dr. B,
I am 48 and was diagnosed hypothyroid, with Hashimoto’s, about 11 years ago (and diagnosed with a 5mm pituitary adenoma about 7 years ago). I also suffer from consistent acne (all types — cystic and other). I recently read that iodine can contribute to acne. I did supplement with Iodoral years ago and noticed an immediate, huge surge in cystic acne. How can I balance my body’s need for iodine without the acne reaction?
Thanks for all you do…
Wendy
Wendy,
The best results are achieved when working a health care practitioner who is knowledgeable about iodine. I have seen this in my patients. Supporting their detox pathways with unrefined salt, vitamin C, magnesium, and B vitamins helps.
DrB
Dear Dr Brownstein,
Thank you for another reminder of how important Iodine is to us. Tragically there is still much discussion of the true health benefits of iodine. And, especially, there are warnings that people will become sick with Hashimoto’s disease if they take iodine. In regards to breast cysts, I find that cysts only disappear if I continue with a daily regimen of 5 drops of iodine. If there are several weeks/months with no iodine, the discomfort returns. Would it be right to presume that people may be stuck with a lifetime of having to supplement daily with Iodine?
Jen,
Over the last forty years our iodine requirements have increased. Why? I feel it is due to the toxic world we live in–especially the increasing exposures to toxic halides bromine and fluorine. As long as there is a plethora of toxic halides around, we will all need more iodine. I explain more about this in my book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein,
I have received almost all of your books, get your newsletters, and recommends to many of my clients the information about iodine. I am trained to do muscle testing and can test people who have need of iodine and other endocrine needs. I have followed your suggestion for Lugol’s formula and have seen magnificent results in people who even have goiters. I am extremely proud of your work and endeavors to reach all who have an ear to listen to the truth. A good friend has been following many suggestions I have given her and she successfully been able to go off 4 of her 7 medications with no ill effects. Within time we will work on the rest. As a very dear and well known doctor said in the past to me. Give the body what it needs and it will heal itself. This was said by Dr. Bernard Jensen to me in the 80’s. Thank you for your wisdom and courage.
Wow!
Thanks Tina,
DrB
Dear Dr. Brownstein,
Would iodoral be helpful with a person having fibroids inside the uterus?
Thanks in adance for your reply.
Kind regards,
Abigail
Abigail,
I have seen patients with the same diagnosis improve with iodine. however, if the fibroids are too large, iodine may not shrink them, but could keep them from growing.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein,
My thyroid was removed 2 yes ago due to thyroid cancer that was diagnos at the same time I was being tested for lymphoma. Like Sherry above, and many I know, I too would like to read more about supplementing with iodine after a thyroidectomy. My thyroid tests seem to be where the doctor wants them but I don’t like taking the levothyroxine.
Tina,
You need iodine for more than just the thyroid. THe thyroid does not contain a large amount of iodine. Iodine is needed by all the cells and tissues. The skin, muscles, fat, breasts, ovaries, adrenals, etc., all need iodine.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein,
Do you think this would be helpful with a person who struggles with bartholin gland cysts? Do you have any advice on helping prevent and get rid of them? Do you think there is any connection between bartholin cysts and yeast. I have struggled with both for several years now.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine,
I have had patients who get Bartholin’s cyst report improvement with the use of iodine.
DrB
Thanks for your good work! I should have hopped a a plane to see you in 2004 before I let them cut out my thyroid. Since then, I have lent your book to many and I suggest they test their iodine levels using Hakala labs.
My question is about cysts in the kidneys. I have a client who has a kidney transplant due to kidney cysts. She said its a genetic defect. I really wonder since thyroid issues seem to run in families yet many of us grew up in the goiter belt.
And since I have your eyes for a moment, please add a chapter in your book for us thyroidless people. We are many 🙁
Sherry,
I have not found iodine helpful for kidney cysts due to polycystic kidneys.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein, my daughter who is 16 has what is called a fibro adenoma in one of her breasts. Is this the same as fibrocystic breasts? From what the doctors say it is not a cysts because it is solid like a marble and moves around when touched. They could not tell me what caused it and what to do to prevent it only that they will watch it for growth. Will iodine help a fibro adenoma?
Rosa,
I have seen iodine help this condition.
DrB
Could Iodoral play à role in THE treatment of multiple sclerosis?
Wim,
I think iodine can help MS as well as other autoimmune disorders. I think it is not going to the be miracle treatment for all conditions, MS included.
DrB
Dr. Brownstein, will iodine also be helpful in the case of Polycystic ovary syndrome by any chance ?
My niece just experience a ruptured cyst and must find ways to bring her system back into balance.
Thank you.
Cheryl,
Yes, I have found iodine helpful for PCOS. The best results are when it is used as part of a holistic treatment regimen.
DrB