When
she was diagnosed with an iodine deficiency, I recommended that she supplement with iodine. Joan was given an
iodide/iodine supplement (Iodoral
®
) and immediately felt better. “It was like waking up from a nap. Within one week, my
head felt clearer and my energy level improved. I have a busy job and I was having trouble keeping up with it,” she said. Approximately two weeks after starting Iodoral
®
, Joan called me complaining of a rash on her body. I told her to stop
the iodine immediately. Joan told me, “I don’t want to stop it. This is the first time in years that I have 
felt wonderful.” I
had Joan come into the office and treated her with NAET. Joan’s allergy symptoms abated within 24 hours and she is
currently taking iodine without any problems. She continues to feel well today. AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE
Some researchers and endocrinologists believe that autoimmune thyroid problems are caused by iodine intake in excess of
the RDA. However, before the adoption of radioactive iodine to treat the side effects of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, the use of
higher doses of iodine was the treatment of choice for these illnesses. There are numerous reports in the literature, some dating
back well over 100 years, showing the benefits of using iodine in excess of the RDA to treat autoimmune thyroid illnesses. 2
 
3
 
4
 
5
Chapters 4
-
6
 point out that autoimmune thyroid disorders are associated with low iodine levels, not high levels. As previously stated, in the United States, iodine levels have fallen more than 50% over the last 40 years while, at the same
time, autoimmune thyroid disorders have been rapidly increasing. 6
 If iodine was the cause of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, these
illnesses should have been decreasing over the last 40 years. The opposite has occurred.My clinical experience has shown that in an iodine deficient state, higher doses of iodine are an effective and safe way to treat
autoimmune thyroid illness without appreciable side 
effects. Remember, the best results are achieved as part of a comprehensive
holistic treatment plan. It is important to restate this: My partners and I have not seen AIT disease caused by iodine supplementation. On the
contrary, it is iodine deficiency that causes AIT disease. DETOXIFICATION REACTIONS
In 
Chapter 11
, it was established that iodine could compete with the toxic halides, bromide and fluoride. The study I
undertook showed that the use of iodine resulted in the release of the toxic halides from the body. If the body’s detoxification
pathways are overloaded when the toxic halides are being released, a detoxification reaction can be triggered. A detoxification
reaction can take the form of fatigue, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea, and brain fog, among others. A detoxification reaction to iodine usage does happen--about 5% of the time. A detoxification reaction can be minimized by
using a comprehensive holistic treatment program including: nutritional support (vitamins and minerals), balancing the hormonal
system, getting the body’s pH balanced, eating healthy foods, and other holistic treatments. One of the best ways to minimize a
detoxification reaction is to ensure adequate use of unrefined salt as well as supplementation with magnesium and vitamin C.
IODINE-INDUCED HYPOTHYROIDISM AND GOITER
When animals or humans that are iodine deficient are given large doses of iodine, there is a transient decrease in thyroid
hormone production (approximately 26-40 hours) until the body reestablishes its equilibrium with iodine. 7
 
8
 After that time,
thyroid levels adjust to normal and signs of hypothyroidism do not develop. Many researchers point out the dangers of iodine by describing the goiter problems of the residents of Hokkaido, Japan. A
report in 1960 described how a significant portion of the population of Hokkaido, Japan had developed goiter. Goiters were
more common in seaweed fishermen and in villages where seaweed was eaten in large quantities. The residents of Hokkaido, as
well as other areas of Japan, were found to be ingesting large amounts of iodine. The Japanese authors did not think that iodine
was the causative factor of the goiters since residents of inland areas had the same iodine intake as the residents in Hokkaido, and
they had no signs of increased goiter. Clearly, some other factor must have been involved. However, many Western physicians
seized on the Hokkaido data and erroneously claimed that excess iodine ingestion was the cause of the rise in the goiter rate. Some still make this ridiculous assertion today. Although no testing was done, goitrogens (such 
as bromide) could have caused
the elevated goiter picture. A follow-up study 27 years later found a similar iodine intake in Hokkaido residents but no signs of
excess goiter, therefore ruling out iodine as the cause. I have spoken with other doctors who have used higher doses of iodine in the treatment of their patients; they also report no
increase in hypothyroid or goiter problems. 9
 More about this concept will be discussed in 
Chapter 16
. IODINE-INDUCED HYPERTHYROIDISM
The use of iodine in a previously iodine-deficient population may result in a transient increase in thyroid hormones. Studies
have shown that the increase in thyroid hormones, which could lead to hyperthyroid symptoms (e.g., palpitations, nervousness),
will gradually decrease. 10
 These side effects can easily be monitored by routine lab tests and adjustments in dosages. Also,
ensuring adequate amounts of unrefined salt minimizes any side effects from iodine supplementation. Researchers from Switzerland found that the correction of iodine deficiency not only decreased the incidence of
thyrotoxicosis, it also lowered the incidence of goiter, cretinism, and minor deficiencies of intellect. 11
 My experience has shown
that iodine-induced hyperthyroidism is not a common occurrence. IODISM
Iodism occurs when the dose of iodine is too high and results in a metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation, sneezing,
headache, and acne. Also, sinus headache, especially headache in the frontal area, and a sense of fever may be present. Iodism
occurs in a small minority of patients and is easily rectified by adjusting the dosage of iodine used. Dr. Sherry Tenpenny claims that chlorophyll tablets will eliminate the metallic taste of iodine. Dr. Flechas has reported similar
results with chlorophyll. I have found that unrefined salt and vitamin C powder also minimizes iodism. THYROID CANCER
Thyroid cancers are a small minority of cancers in the United States representing 1% of all cancers. 12
 Women are affected in
larger numbers than men, approximately 3:1. There have been some reports in the literature that iodine supplementation can be associated with an increased incidence of
thyroid papillary cancer. 13
 If iodine usage were the cause of thyroid cancer, then the falling iodine levels would be expected to
lead to lowered thyroid cancer levels. However, this has not been the case. During the past several decades, when iodine levels
have declined, the incidence of thyroid cancer has markedly 
increased. 14
 Perhaps iodine deficiency is the cause of the elevation in
thyroid cancers. Iodine supplementation has been shown to significantly improve the prognosis of thyroid cancer by shifting the type of cancerto a more easily treatable (i.e., differentiated) form. 15
Radiation exposure has been positively correlated with thyroid cancer for more than 50 years. Over the years, numerous
studies have confirmed this link, including the problems at Chernobyl. One of the treatments for exposure to radiation is iodine. Potassium iodide was given to residents of Poland and Russia after the Chernobyl accident and has been hailed as a success in
preventing more cases of thyroid cancer. In an iodine-deficient state, when exposed to radioactive iodine (such as in Chernobyl), the thyroid gland will absorb large
amounts of the radioactive iodine. This will lead to thyroid cancer. However, if the thyroid gland is saturated with iodine,
radioactive iodine will be absorbed in much smaller amounts and the problems with thyroid cancer will be lessened. As compared to the people surrounding Chernobyl, I predict the Japanese will have less adverse effects from the Fukushima
disaster because the Japanese, as a population, have a higher iodine intake. It makes perfect sense to have the body sufficient with iodine before being subjected to a toxic exposure of radioactive
iodine. HOW MUCH IODINE SHOULD YOU TAKE? Now we are back to the question above. There is no perfect dose for everyone. The best way to properly dose iodine is to
test the body for its iodine status. This can easily be accomplished with an iodine-loading test. The instructions for the loading test
are detailed below. Iodine-Loading Test
1
. First morning urine is discarded. 2
. Take 50mg of iodine/iodide (Iodoral®) with a glass of water. 3
. Collect 24-hour urine. Include the first morning sample at the end of the 24-hour collection. 4
. Send a sample of the 24-hour urine for evaluation of iodine status. The principle behind using the iodine-loading test has been well established. If the body was saturated with iodine, one would
expect that most of the 50mg of iodine ingested for the loading test would be excreted. If, on the other hand, there was an iodine
deficiency present, then more of the iodine would be absorbed. Research has shown that a 90% excretion (or 45mg of iodine) of a 50mg iodine-loading test would indicate an iodine-
sufficient state. Levels below 90% (or <45mg) would indicate an iodine-deficient state. In this case, iodine supplementation can
begin and retesting can be performed in the future. To find out more about iodine testing, I refer the reader to FFP Labs or
Hakala Labs (see Appendix). Once an iodine-deficient state is determined, iodine supplementation can be implemented. I recommend using a combination
of iodine and iodide. This can be found in liquid or tablet form. The Appendix will provide you more information on how to find
an iodine supplement. Chapter 1
 established that iodine concentrates in all of the trillions of cells in the body. Not only does it concentrate in the
thyroid and breasts, it also accumulates in the prostate, salivary glands, skin, intestines, and all the red and white blood cells
throughout the body. Proper iodine supplementation needs to address all of these issues. Approximately 12mg of iodine has been
established as the optimal daily dose of iodine/iodide for the breast and thyroid gland. However, this may not be adequate to
address the needs of the rest of the body. Also, due to the contact with so many goitrogenic substances such as bromide, fluoride, and chlorine, the daily iodine
requirements may be elevated for some. Depending on the iodine status of the body, my experience has shown that the RDA for
iodine–150μg/day–is inadequate not only for the thyroid gland, but for the rest of the body as well. We live in a toxic society, and are continually exposed to 
increasing amounts of goitrogens in our environment. The increased
toxic load and goitrogen exposure will necessitate an increased ingestion of iodine. Although the dose should be individualized,
my experience has shown that the dose can vary from 12-50mg/day for most adults. This is the daily dose that Dr. Guy Abraham,
my mentor on iodine, recommended. Some may need higher doses, particularly those with cancer or disease of the thyroid,
ovaries, uterus, breast, and prostate. This higher iodine dose can easily be followed by periodically checking an iodine-loading
test. A proper history and physical exam can also help guide dosing of iodine. If using Lugol’s solution, keep in mind that 2 drops provides 12.5mg of a combination of iodine and iodide. IS IODINE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? The World Health Organization claims that iodine deficiency is the world’s greatest single cause of preventable mental
retardation. In the United States, iodine levels have fallen over 50% during the last 40 years. 16
 Recent studies show that nearly
60% of U.S. women of childbearing age are deficient in iodine. 17
 
Chapter 2
 reviewed the reasons why iodine levels are falling. The consequences of iodine deficiency during pregnancy are severe. For the fetus, iodine deficiency can result in neurologic
deficiencies and a lowered IQ. The worst case scenario 
is death. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with
other illnesses in neonates and children including cretinism, dwarfism, depression, and ADHD. Researchers have shown thatneonatal mortality declines over 50% when iodine deficiency is rectified. It is important to ensure that a woman has adequate
iodine intake before she becomes pregnant. Researchers at the University of Texas have reported their concern about iodine deficiency during pregnancy. “I think it is
quite likely we’ve had subtle neurological deficiencies in babies born in the U.S. (to mothers with iodine deficiencies),” claimed
one scientist. 18
 The same researchers have called on the U.S. government to boost Americans’ iodine intake. Japanese women are estimated to ingest a minimum of 12mg of iodine per day—nearly 100x the RDA for iodine in the U.S. This amount of iodine has not resulted in widespread reports of problems to Japanese newborn babies. In fact, the Japanese have
a much lower infant mortality rate as compared to the U.S. It is vital to ensure that women of childbearing age ingest sufficient amounts of iodine. How much iodine is this? No one truly
knows the answer. Proper testing and monitoring of iodine levels can help answer this question. However, since Japanese women ingest a minimum of 12mg of iodine/day without reports of adverse effects, this may be a
starting dose for women of childbearing age. My experience 
has shown this dose to be extremely safe. If you are pregnant, I do
not suggest adding iodine to your regimen without consulting your doctor. Remember, the best results with any therapy will be
obtained by working with an iodine-knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. SALIVA/SERUM IODIDE LEVELS
When iodine is taken orally, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Iodine is transported into the target cells of the body by an
energy-dependent process. One atom of iodine is transported into the cells and two atoms of sodium are transported out of cells
via the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). 19
 
20
 Recently a second mechanism for transport of iodine into the cells has been
observed—the chloride/iodide transporter known as pendrin. 21
Iodine may be absorbed through the intestines resulting in an elevated serum level of iodine, but the target cells are unable to
uptake the iodine. This can occur if the NIS and/or the pendrin transporter systems are damaged. Certain goitrogens, such as
bromide, can bind to the NIS causing damage to the transport system. The end result of this damage would be iodine deficiency
in the target cell. Dr. Abraham and I reported a case history of my nurse, Denise, who had a transport defect of iodine. 22
Upon taking iodine orally, the iodine is absorbed in the intestine. As serum levels of iodine increase, iodine is transported 
into
the target cells via the NIS or pendrin. One way to determine if the transport mechanism for iodine is working is by measuring the
saliva/serum iodide ratio. If the transport mechanisms for iodine are properly functioning, the saliva levels of iodine will
significantly increase relative to the serum. A saliva/serum iodide level has been used in neonates to diagnose a congenital iodide
symporter defect. 23
We (Drs. Abraham, Brownstein, and Flechas) have been evaluating saliva/serum iodide levels in a series of patients. Initial
results show that the normal saliva/serum iodide level is approximately 42. That means that when iodine is being properly
transported into the cells, the salivary fluid should have 42 times the iodine level that is found in the serum. If the saliva/serum
levels are low, especially less than 20, a thorough search for a reason for the poor transport of iodine must be undertaken. Goitrogens can bind to and damage the NIS and result in a lowered amount of iodine being transported into the target cell. 24
Examples of these goitrogens include: fluoride, perchlorate, bromine, and thiocyanate (from cigarette smoke). In the near-future,
saliva/serum iodine levels will be used to diagnose an iodine transport defect. Bob, a 42-year-old accountant, had been taking 12.5mg of iodine/iodide for two years. Bob could not tell a difference
upon taking the iodine. Although he generally felt well, he complained 
of being fatigued. His initial salivary/serum level
was low at 9.3. Bob’s testing also showed that his serum bromide levels were elevated—147mg/L (normal <5mg/L). I
increased Bob’s iodine dosage to 50mg/day. Immediately, he felt a boost in his energy. “I thought I was feeling pretty
good until I increased the iodine. Then I really felt good. After work I wasn’t so exhausted,” he said. Bob’s follow-up
testing showed that his salivary/serum iodide levels improved to a healthier 48.6 and his bromine level fell to 28.7mg/L. Bromine is a toxic halide that has no known therapeutic value in the human body. Bromine, being part of the halide family
(along with iodine and fluoride) can not only compete and bind to the iodine receptors in the body, it can also damage the NIS
and block the target cells’ ability to absorb iodine. Due to our increasing exposure to the toxic halogens (i.e., bromine and
fluoride), as well as our exposure to other goitrogens (perchlorate, thiocyanate, etc. ), our need for iodine has actually increased. In Bob’s case, a higher iodine intake was able to help his body overcome the bromine toxicity that was present. We (Drs. Abraham and Brownstein) have reported on the repair of an iodine transport defect with the use of vitamin C and
unrefined sea salt (Celtic Sea Salt
®
). 25
 This case study provides evidence that the damage to the iodine transport mechanism can
be repaired with a complete nutritional program. FINAL THOUGHTS
Iodine, like any substance, can cause adverse effects (mentioned above). For individuals who are unusually sensitive to
supplements and medications, I would recommend starting with a low dose of iodine and titrating the dose upward. Close
monitoring of the symptoms can often guide the dosage. It is vitally important that pregnant women and women of childbearing age ingest sufficient amounts of iodine before they
become pregnant. Compared to iodine deficiency, an adequate intake of iodine improves IQ and decreases neonatal mortality.To lessen side effects, iodine supplementation is more effective when it is given as part of a complete nutritional program. My
clinical experience has shown that balancing vitamins, minerals, and hormones along with iodine supplementation provides a better
result as compared to using iodine as a single agent. The average iodine dosage that I have found to be the most effective ranges from 12-50mg/day. Those with disease of the
glands (e.g., breast or thyroid) may need more. To get the best results, it is best to work with an iodine-knowledgeable health
care provider. 1
 Nagataki, S. Thyroid function in chronic excess iodide ingestion: Comparison of thyroidal absolute iodine uptake and
degradation of thyroxine in euthyroid Japanese subjects. J. Clin. Endo. 27:638-647, 1967
2
 Trousseau, A. Lectures on clinical medicine. Vol. 1. Lecture XIX, Exophthalmic goiter of Graves’ disease, New Sydenham
Society, London. 1868
3
 Thompson, W. Prolonged treatment of exophthalmic goiter by iodine alone. Arch. Int. Med. 45:481-502, 1930
4
 Plummer, H. Results of administering iodine to patients having exophthalmic goiter. JAMA. 1923; 80: 1955
5
 Thompson, W. The range of effective iodine dosage in exophthalmic goiter. Arch. Int. Med. 1930; 45:261-281
6
 Hollowell, JE et al. Iodine nutrition in the United States. Trends and public health implications: Iodine excretion data from
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971-74 and 1988-94). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:3401-3408. 1998. 7
 Wolf, Jan. Iodide goiter and the pharmacologic effects of excess iodide. American Journal of Med. Vol. 47. July, 1969
8
 Wolff, J. The temporary nature of the inhibitory action of excess iodide on organic iodine synthesis in the normal thyroid. Endocrin. 45:504, 1949
9
 Personal communication with Dr. G. Abraham and Dr. J. Flechas
10
 Baltisberger, B. Decrease of incidence of toxic nodular goiter in a region of Switzerland after full correction of mild iodine
deficiency. Eur. J. Endocrin. 1995; 132:546
11
 Gurgi, G. Thyrotoxicosis incidence in Switzerland and benefit of improved iodine supply. Letter to the Editor. The Lancet. Vol. 352. September 26, 1998
12
 NIH pub. No. 96-4104. Bethesda, MD, 2000
13
 Harach, G. Thyroid cancer and thyroiditis in goitrous region of Salta, Argentina, before and after iodine prophylaxis. Clin. Endocrin. 1995; 43: 701
14
 Schneider, Arthur. Carcinoma of follicular epithelium. In Werner and Ingbar’s The Thyroid. Lippincott Wililams and
Wilkins. 2000
15
 IBID. Schneider. 16
 J. Clin. Endocr. and Metab. 83:3401-8. 1998
17
 Thyroid. Vol. 21 N. 4. 2011
18
 Env. Heatl. Persp. Vol. 116. N. 5. May 2008
19
 Brown-Grant, K. Extrathyroidal iodide concentrating mechanism. Physiol. Rev. 41:1961
20
 Spitzweg, C. Analysis of human sodium iodide symporter immunoreactivity in human exocrine glands. J. Clin. Endocrin. And Metab. 84, 4178-4184 1999. 21
 Everett, L. Pendred syndrome is caused by a mutation in a putative sulphate transporter gene. Nat. Genet. 17:1997
22
 Abraham, G and Brownstein, D. Evidence that the administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport
mechanism for iodine: A case report. The Original Internist. Vol. 12, No. 3. Fall 2005. 125-130. 23
 Viljder, J. Hereditary metabolic disorders causing hypothyroidism. In Werner and Ingbar’s the Thyroid. Braverman, LE et
al. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 733-742, 2000. 24
 Abraham, G.E. The historical background of the iodine project. The Original Internist. 12(2):57-66 2005 57-66
25
 Abraham, G., Brownstein, D. Evidence that the administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport
mechanism for iodine: A Case Report. The Original Internist. 2005; 12(3):125-130Chapter 14
Case Histories 
CHAPTER 14: CASE HISTORIES
This chapter will contain several case histories that will illustrate how iodine deficiency is recognized and treated. It will also
provide the practitioner with information on how to approach the patient with iodine deficiency. I am a Physician’s Assistant in a primary care practice. I attended a conference in 2006 where Dr. Brownstein
lectured on iodine and thyroid disease. When I returned home, I placed my husband, myself, and my three children on
iodine. The results were nothing short of amazing, as we are all remarkably better. My oldest daughter, Randi,
experienced the most profound improvements. In her early teen years, she experienced depression, weight gain, and she
became bulimic. Randi seemed to get sick easily and had frequent sinus infections. When she 
became 18 years old, she
received a nice scholarship to a wonderful university. She was often sick during her first semester. Randi went to see a
counselor after missing several classes and upon questioning her, the counselor thought she was suicidal. She was
admitted to a local hospital psychiatric ward and was placed on several medications. Randi’s psychiatrist had her on
seven different medications and she could not function normally. She also continued to be bulimic despite counseling. We
decided to take her off all of the medications. I sent her to a doctor who prescribed natural progesterone which helped. When I returned from Dr. Brownstein’s conference and placed Randi on iodine (Iodoral
®
), we saw another
improvement. She immediately started thinking clearer and her energy level dramatically increased. Randi was able to
sleep better at night and her allergies improved. After witnessing the incredible positive improvement in her health from
supplementing with iodine, I now realized that my focus should be looking at optimizing Randi’s thyroid function. Many
of my family members, including myself, have a history of thyroid problems. I found Randi to have an elevated TSH level
(6.0mIU/L—normal levels 0.2-4.7mIU/L). She is now seeing a physician in Atlanta who has placed her on desiccated
thyroid. The change in my daughter has been amazing. Her face has slimmed down, she is not chronically depressed, and her
hair 
is not falling out. She says she can eat like a normal person and told me the other day that she is no longer bulimic. Her acne has also resolved, as has the swelling in her ankles. She is not on any prescription medications except for
progesterone and thyroid and she takes her Iodoral
®
 
faithfully. I believe that the iodine therapy was the catalyst for
helping my daughter overcome her serious health issues. Randi’s case is not unique. I have seen many psychiatric issues resolve when iodine deficiency is rectified. Perhaps
psychiatrists should investigate iodine levels before reflexively putting patients on mood-altering medications. Betty is an 82-year-old female who has a twenty-five year history of thyroid nodules and intermittent hyperthyroid
symptoms. Betty was advised to receive radioactive iodine to treat her condition, but she refused. As explained in
Chapter 6
, radioactive iodine does not treat any underlying cause of a thyroid illness. I believe that radioactive iodine
should be the last choice in treating any thyroid disorder. Betty was given an iodine-loading test with 50mg of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
). Her initial iodine-loading test showed a
very low iodine excretion with a 35% excretion measured (normal >90%). Betty’s initial thyroid ultrasound showed an
enlarged thyroid gland with a total volume of 13.1ml. She also had large nodules in both the right and left lobes of the
thyroid gland. Betty was placed on 50mg/day of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
). Betty was also treated with vitamin C, unrefined sea salt
(Celtic Sea Salt
®
) and magnesium. The vitamin C can function as an antioxidant and can help support the body’s
detoxification pathways. Celtic Sea Salt
®
 can supply the body with chloride which aids in detoxifying toxic halides
(bromide and fluoride). Celtic Sea Salt
®
 is also a good source of minerals. Magnesium is a relaxing agent for the body
and can help prevent hyperthyroid symptoms caused by a detoxification of toxic halides. After two months of taking 50mg/day of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
), Betty felt much better. Her energy improved and
she felt that her brain fog had resolved. A repeat thyroid ultrasound showed the size of the thyroid gland decreased to
10.3ml—a 22% decline. In addition, all of the nodules were noted to be smaller from the previous ultrasound. Betty’s
thyroid levels were unchanged from taking 50mg of iodine. Update on Betty’s case: Betty is still taking iodine and still doing well. On physical exam, her thyroid continues to
decrease in size. New (5
th
 Edition) update on Betty’s case: Betty continues to supplement with iodine. Betty’s follow-up thyroid
ultrasound is now read as normal. When I told her I was writing a new edition to this book, she said, “Make sure you put
in there how much better I am feeling.”
Before the usage of iodine/iodide in milligram doses, it was rare to see thyroid nodules and a hypertrophied thyroid gland
shrink in size. Now it is common in my practice. Only with the proper dose of iodine/iodide (in mg doses) have I found thyroid
nodules to recede.David is a 48-year-old health club owner. David was diagnosed with thyroid cancer ten years ago and had a
thyroidectomy followed by chemotherapy. He was placed on Synthroid
®
 and had his dose of Synthroid
®
 titrated until his
thyroid levels showed a euthyroid state. However, after the surgery, David gained 50 pounds of weight and never felt the
same. “I exercised all the time and I couldn’t lose an ounce. It did not matter whether I ate or not. I kept telling my
doctors that I did not feel right—I was always tired and I couldn’t think straight,” he said. When I saw David, his
physical exam showed a slight edematous feeling around the lower neck in the area of his thyroidectomy. David claimed,
“I always told my doctor that I felt something around my neck. They kept telling me that nothing was there since I had
my thyroid removed.” An iodine-loading test showed David was extremely low in iodine—he had one of the lowest
loading tests that I have seen--0.3% excretion (normal >90%). David was also found to be excreting large amounts of
the toxic halide bromide (see figure on next page). Bromide is a toxic element and no bromide should be present in the
body. David was started on 
50mg of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
), and his iodine and bromide levels were reevaluated at 1
day and 30 days. His results are seen in the figure below. Due to the large amounts of bromide, David was treated with a
holistic regimen designed to support his detoxification pathways. This included vitamin C, unrefined salt (Celtic Sea
Salt
®
), 
and liver support. Two months later he reported, “My brain fog cleared and I began to lose weight for the first
time since the surgery. It is a miracle.” Also, the edema around the lower neck resolved and David no longer felt as if his
neck was being squeezed. Case History David: Iodide/Bromide Levels Before and After Iodine Supplementation
 
Update on David’s case: David is still taking iodine. His bromide levels have now started to decline. All swelling of
the thyroid gland is gone. New (5
th
 Edition) update on David’s case: David continues to feel well. He recently stated at a routine office visit, “I
am still amazed at how much better I feel with iodine. I can’t understand why more doctors aren’t prescribing it.”
Iodine deficiency is associated with hypertrophy of the thyroid gland as well as hyperplasia of the thyroid gland. Oftentimes,
when there is iodine deficiency present, the physical exam will reveal an edematous feeling in the thyroid area of the neck, often
like there are “cotton balls” surrounding the thyroid gland. Patients will often report to me that they have a swollen feeling of the
thyroid gland. Most times, when iodine deficiency is rectified, the edematous feeling will resolve. The treatment for thyroid cancer
must include identifying and treating the underlying cause(s) of the illness. The conventional approach to thyroid cancer relies on
the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, thyroid cancer does not develop because of a deficiency of thyroid
surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. A treatment can only be effective if it treats the underlying cause of the condition. Research
has shown that iodine can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) of thyroid cancer cells. 1
As stated previously, there is no doubt that iodine deficiency plays a large role in the development of thyroid cancer (as well
as other cancers). Only with rectifying iodine deficiency, coupled with a comprehensive treatment plan that emphasizes 
optimizing
the function of the immune system, will people be able to prevent and overcome these serious disorders. Janice, a 52-year-old nurse (my nurse) was complaining of intermittent fatigue and muscle aches. At the beginning of
our work day, I could tell how Janice was feeling by the way she walked down the hall. If she was feeling well, she had a
bounce in her step. If she was feeling down, she would have a slight slouch to her body and slowness in her step. Usually
by the end of a busy day, Janice would be extremely fatigued and complain of muscle and joint pain. “Sometimes my feet
and legs would just be killing me by the end of the day,” she said. Janice was very sensitive to all medications and
supplements. She frequently took children’s doses of items because she had such a sensitive system. She did not want to
do an iodine loading test because she feared taking the loading dose of iodine—50mg. I elected to therapeutically treather with 12.5mg of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
). Immediately, she felt better. “All of my pain was gone in three days. After
two weeks, my energy zoomed higher. I was no longer aching at the end of the work day; I felt great,” she claimed. After
four weeks of taking 12.5mg Iodoral
®
/day, she developed mild palpitations. I told her to stop the iodine and the
palpitations subsided one day later. Janice was instructed to take 12.5mg Iodoral
®
 three days per week. In addition, she
was placed on a vitamin and mineral regimen. Janice did well for the next five months until one day at 
work I saw her
limping down the hall. I asked her why she was limping and she told me, “I feel terrible. Everything aches and my feet
are killing me.” When I asked her if she was taking the iodine, she told me that she quit it one week ago. Incredulously, I
asked her “why?” She told me that she thought she had enough in her body. After a few terse comments, I instructed her
to resume the iodine dose. By the time Janice had taken her third iodine dose, all of her symptoms again resolved. Update on Janice’s case: Janice never misses an iodine dose now. “I learned my lesson. It truly made a huge
difference in my life. I know I would not feel well without it,” she said. Shirley, at 69-years-old, is very sensitive to medications and supplements. She also happens to be my mother-in-law. Shirley was on 6.25mg/day of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
) to help treat many hypothyroid symptoms including cold
extremities, hair loss, dry skin, and fatigue. All of her symptoms improved significantly with the iodine supplementation. Furthermore, she was able to stop taking thyroid hormone due to the positive effects of the iodine. Approximately four
months after starting the iodine regimen, Shirley developed palpitations. Now, having your mother-in-law develop
palpitations is not a good thing. The palpitations ceased after two days without the iodine. Shirley was instructed to take
microgram doses of iodine in the form of Atomidine
®
 (Edgar Cayce’s iodine formulation) three days per 
week. Since
reducing her dose, all of her hypothyroid symptoms have improved and she is not having palpitations. Shirley’s case is
very rare. I have only had to use microgram amounts of iodine a few times over the last 12 years. This has occurred in
patients who are extremely sensitive to nearly everything. The above cases illustrate that every patient needs to have an individualized treatment plan. Those that are sensitive to
medications may need a lowered dose, and may need to titrate their dose of iodine. If one is deficient in iodine, it is rare not to be
able to find an appropriate dose to improve the clinical condition. Amanda, a 23-year-old fitness instructor, complained of coldness of her extremities and fatigue. “I teach four aerobic
classes per day and I am exhausted after each class,” she said. Amanda’s saliva/serum of iodide could not be calculated
since her iodine level was too low. In addition, she was found to have a large amount of bromide in her serum (127mg/L). As established in 
Chapter 11
, bromide is a toxic halogen that inhibits iodine absorption and binding in the body. Amanda
was started on 25mg/day of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
). Immediately, her symptoms improved. “I was not exhausted after
teaching my aerobics class. Also, my hands and feet warmed up,” she said. Amanda was also complaining of a rash on
her skin after teaching a pool aerobics class. The pool was sanitized with bromine. After taking the 
iodine, the rash
immediately disappeared. Follow-up testing revealed that Amanda’s saliva/serum iodide improved to 42.5 and her serum
bromine level fell to 16.7mg/L. Update on Amanda’s case: Amanda has now been on iodine for three years. “I would not stop taking it because it
makes me feel so good. The biggest difference I have found is that my energy level declines when I go a few days without
iodine,” she said. New (5
th
 Edition) update on Amanda’s case: Amanda continues to take 25mg/day of iodine. She has had her first
baby and took the same dose of iodine throughout her pregnancy. Amanda recently reported to me, “Of all the things I
have taken over the years, iodine is the best. If I miss taking it for a few days, I start to get puffy and my energy drops. My body will tell me when I forget to take iodine. I never want to stop taking it.”
Amanda’s case is very common. The correction of iodine deficiency can resolve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. In fact, if
there is iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism present, iodine deficiency needs to be corrected first. This was explained in 
Chapter
6
. In Amanda’s case, correcting an iodine deficit was probably helping the body rid itself of the toxic halide bromine. The
improvement in her skin was evidence of this. Kim, a 42-year-old business woman, wanted desperately to have another child. She said, “My son is 11 and I want
him to 
have a brother or sister.” Kim had two miscarriages over the last two years and she had a difficult time getting
pregnant. Her first pregnancy was very hard for her as she was extremely fatigued and had a very difficult delivery. Kim
was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of her first child and placed on thyroid hormone (Armour
®
 thyroid). “I
did feel better with the Armour
®
 thyroid, but I was still cold. The worst thing was that my energy never really returned
after the birth of my son,” she said. Kim heard a lecture that I gave on iodine and had her iodine levels checked. Her
iodine-loading test was low at 22% excretion (normal >90%) and she was placed on 50mg/day of Iodoral
®
. “I felt a
huge change immediately. My energy returned and all of my remaining hypothyroid symptoms resolved within weeks. It
felt like a miracle,” she said. Kim became pregnant shortly after starting the iodine supplementation and she delivered a
healthy baby boy nine months later. During the pregnancy, she continued the iodine supplement. “At 42 years old, thiswas the easiest pregnancy. I gained 16 pounds and could fit into all my regular clothes right after I delivered. My midwife
was amazed at how easy this pregnancy was on me. I wasn’t even fatigued after the delivery. I wish that I had taken
iodine earlier in my life,” she claimed. Kim’s story is repeated over and over in my practice. Iodine supplementation often helps improve a hypothyroid 
condition. Many times, even with the supplementation of thyroid hormone, some hypothyroid symptoms still remain. My experience has
shown that the best results in treating a thyroid condition will occur when iodine deficiency is rectified. 1
 Vitale, M. Endocrinology. 2000 Feb; 141(2):598-605.Chapter 15
Questions and Answers 
CHAPTER 15: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This chapter will help to answer common questions regarding iodine. Q: Is there a difference between Lugol’s iodine and tableted Lugol’s such as Iodoral
®
 or Iodozyme HP™? A: No. All three items contain iodine and iodide. Two drops of Lugol’s equals one Iodoral
®
 or Iodozyme HP™ tablet
(with both supplying 12.5mg of iodine/iodide). Lugol’s solution has a fairly strong metallic taste that many find offensive. For doses under 50mg, I generally prefer tableted iodine. For doses greater than 50mg, I suggest taking Lugol’s iodine
since the price is less expensive. Q: Do children need iodine? A: Yes. Children and adults need adequate amounts of iodine. Children need smaller amounts due to their size. Iodine
dosing guidelines for children were covered in 
Chapter 10
. Q: Is the iodine patch test reliable? A: No. The iodine patch test does not provide useful information on the body’s total iodine status. Approximately
20% of the body’s iodine load is found in the skin. The iodine patch test may provide information about how much iodine
is in the skin, but the studies have not been done to verify that. One study found that over 85% of the iodine applied to
the skin sublimated (evaporated) into the air. A more reliable indicator of the total body iodine load is the 24-hour
urinary iodine-loading test. Q: If I have no thyroid gland, do I need iodine? A: Yes. Iodine is found in all the tissues of the body, not just the thyroid gland. Even without a thyroid gland, the rest
of the body needs iodine. Q: Does iodine supplementation cause goiter? A: No. Iodine deficiency causes goiter. Medical research has shown this for over 100 years. Q: Does everyone need to take 50mg/day of iodine? A: No. There is no single dose that is effective for everyone. I suggest working with a health care provider who is
iodine knowledgeable. Q: Is iodine deficiency more prevalent now than it was in the past? A: Yes. Due to the increased toxicity of our modern 
surroundings, iodine deficiency is more pronounced now. The
onslaught of chemicals and goitrogens such as bromine and fluoride has risen dramatically over the last 40 years. What
has happened to our iodine levels during that time period? They have fallen by over 50%. Goitrogens can bind to iodine
receptors and also bind to and damage the transport mechanisms for iodine. Goitrogens can exacerbate the iodine-
deficiency problem that already is present. Combined with a declining nutrient level in our food supply, it is no wonder
that people need to ingest larger amounts of iodine compared to past times. Q: Does iodine cause autoimmune thyroid illness such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease? A: No. Autoimmune thyroid illnesses have been increasing over the last 40 years, while iodine levels have been
falling. If iodine was the cause of autoimmune thyroid illness, as iodine levels fall, you would expect to see a decline in
the incidence of Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. That has not happened. In fact, the opposite has happened–over the
last 40 years, autoimmune thyroid illnesses have increased at epidemic rates. Q: Are there side effects with iodine supplementation? A: There are potential side effects from supplementing with anything, iodine included. With proper follow-up visits
and 
monitoring, adverse effects are easily treated. Chapters 5
-
7
 review how to minimize adverse effects with
autoimmune thyroid disorders and 
Chapter 13
 describes the adverse effects of iodine in more detail. Q: Why hasn’t conventional medicine recognized that iodine deficiency is still present today? A: A natural product cannot be patented. A patentable product can be very profitable for a pharmaceutical company. Big Pharma cartel’s main interest is to make a profit. Big Pharma has shown little interest in any natural product
because they cannot maximize their profits on non-patentable products. Furthermore, most of the money for drug
research is controlled by pharmaceutical companies. Big Pharma has no financial interest in looking at any inexpensive
natural product, including iodine. Q: Does iodine deficiency cause breast cancer? A: Breast cancer is a multi-factorial illness. However, the evidence linking iodine deficiency to breast cancer is
overwhelming. Iodine deficiency may or may not be the sole cause of the epidemic of breast cancer that is plaguing us
today, but it certainly plays a very large role in this illness. I do not think you can adequately treat a chronic illness like
breast cancer without looking for the underlying cause. Breast cancer is not 
caused by a deficiency of chemotherapy,radiation, and surgery. I have no doubt that iodine deficiency, coupled with the increased toxic load of our environment,
is a major part of the reason why we have an epidemic of breast cancer. Q: Don’t I get enough iodine from salt? A: No. The iodine in salt is not very bioavailable for our bodies. In addition, many people are avoiding salt entirely in
their diets. Refined salt is a toxic substance for our bodies and needs to be avoided. Unrefined salt is a much healthier
substance for us. For more information, I refer the reader to my book, 
Salt Your Way to Health. Q: Can I get too much iodine? A: Yes. You can get too much of anything. It is essential to have proper follow-up with your health care provider. As
previously stated, adverse effects from ingesting excess iodine can be easily treated with an adjustment of the dose. Keep
in mind that if you have normal kidney function, excess iodine ingestion should be easily excreted by the kidneys. Q: Do I have to lower the dose of my thyroid medication when I start taking iodine? A: It varies for everybody, but my experience has shown that one-third of the people being treated with thyroid
hormone 
can lower or significantly reduce their level of thyroid hormone when starting iodine. The other two-thirds of
the people taking thyroid hormone can remain on the same dosage. If there are any palpitations when starting iodine,
consult with your physician about decreasing the thyroid dose. Also, some patients who are already taking thyroid
hormone find when they start supplementing with iodine, they will no longer need thyroid hormone. Proper monitoring
by an iodine-knowledgeable health care practitioner can help guide you. Q: Does iodine supplementation cause palpitations? A: In some people it does. Iodine supplementation works best as part of a holistic treatment regimen emphasizing
vitamins, minerals, and hormone balancing. A few patients are very sensitive to everything they take. Sometimes I have
my patients take iodine every other day. Each person needs an individualized dose. Q: Is iodine an antioxidant? A: The research is clear; iodine, like vitamin C, can function as both an antioxidant and an oxidant. In fact, iodine is
one of the most potent antioxidant substances known. We need a balance in our bodies between both antioxidants and
oxidants. Iodine, like vitamin C, can help to provide this balance. Q: Can iodine supplementation cause a flare of Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease? A: Yes. However, if iodine is given as part of a comprehensive holistic treatment program, my clinical experience has shown
this to be a very rare occurrence. It is important to provide the proper nutrients to slow down the oxidative damage that occurs in
autoimmune thyroid illness (covered in 
Chapters 5
-
7
). Unrefined salt, vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium supplementation all
help to minimize a flare. These nutrients can be taken for 2-4 weeks before beginning iodine therapy to minimize the risk of
precipitating a flare.Chapter 16
Final Thoughts: Overcoming Medical Iodophobia 
CHAPTER 16: FINAL THOUGHTS. OVERCOMING MEDICAL IODOPHOBIA
“Medical iodophobia is the unwarranted fear of using and recommending inorganic, non-radioactive iodine/iodide within the
range known from the collective experience of three generations of clinicians to be the safest and most effective amounts for
treating the symptoms and signs of iodine/iodide deficiency—from 12.5-50mg/day.” Medical iodophobia was the term coined by
my mentor on iodine, Dr. Guy Abraham. Dr. Abraham meticulously went through the history of iodine in medicine and wrote a series of articles about iodine in 
The
Original Internist
. These articles can be accessed at: 
www.optimox.com
. It is unbelievable to me that in our modern times, most doctors do not understand and are unwilling to learn about the
importance of maintaining optimal iodine levels. Every cell in the body needs and requires iodine to function optimally. The white
blood cells cannot fight infection without iodine. Iodine is concentrated by the glandular tissue in order to maintain a normal
glandular architecture. Furthermore, each gland requires adequate iodine levels in order to produce hormones. There is not a
single hormone in the body that can be produced without sufficient iodine. As I have described in this book, iodine deficiency leads to severe consequences which include an increased cancer risk in
the breast, ovary, uterus, thyroid, and prostate. Furthermore, low iodine levels lead to a host of serious illnesses such as
autoimmune thyroid illness, hypothyroidism, a poorly functioning immune system, fatigue, ADHD, autism, and heart disease. Looking at the therapeutic effects of iodine makes it hard to comprehend that medical iodophobia still exists, but, unfortunately, it
is alive and present today. WHY DOES MEDICAL IODOPHOBIA STILL EXIST TODAY? For over 13 years, nearly every new patient that has come to my office (including my partners’ patients) has had his/her
iodine levels assessed. The numbers don’t lie: After testing over 
6,000 patients, iodine deficiency is occurring over 96% of the
time. During this same time period, when iodine levels are determined to be low, I have been recommending iodine
supplementation. I can unequivocally state that iodine therapy provides more positive results than any other item—including drugs
and supplements. Seeing the positive results on a daily basis makes me ask myself, “How can so many doctors still be afraid of using iodine?” I
will try to answer that question throughout this chapter. DOES IODINE CAUSE HYPOTHYRODISM? When I am lecturing, this is one of the most common questions I am asked by physicians. Although I described iodine-
induced hypothyroidism in 
Chapter 13
, I would like to add to the discussion here. After treating thousands of patients—between
myself and my partners—we have seen a grand total of two patients who developed iodine-induced hypothyroidism. That is less
than 0.1% of the patients we have treated. Although it can occur, it is not very common. Reading and receiving many holistic and
conventional doctor rants about iodine would have you believe that iodine-induced hypothyroidism is a common side effect of
using iodine therapy. It is not. The reason many doctors think iodine-induced hypothyroidism is a common side effect of iodine therapy is that they do not
understand the biochemistry and physiology of 
iodine. For some patients, at the start of iodine therapy, the thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) level increases. I would estimate that the TSH rises in approximately 25% of patients who begin iodine
supplementation. In fact, the TSH level can rise above the laboratory reference range. How high can it go? For most patients, it
can rise to 5-15mIU/L (normal 0.5-4.5mIU/L) for a up to six months. Does a rising TSH indicate hypothyroidism? Not necessarily. In the vast majority of cases—at least 95%–a rising TSH due to
iodine supplementation does not represent iodine-induced hypothyroidism. I have been lecturing to doctors about this concept for
over ten years. Doing a history and physical exam as well as following all of the thyroid tests can distinguish a normal and
expected iodine-supplemented TSH increase from a TSH increase that indicates hypothyroidism. A hypothyroid TSH increase is associated with lowered thyroid hormone levels—T3, T4, and reverse T3. Furthermore, a
hypothyroid TSH increase is also accompanied with clinical signs of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, headaches, coldness, dry
skin, weight gain, etc. A normal and expected TSH increase with iodine therapy is not accompanied with lowered thyroid hormone levels. In fact,
T3, T4, and reverse T3 often improve with iodine therapy. Most importantly, the patient will not complain of feeling poorly with
iodine therapy—they generally report feeling better. I can guarantee you that,, if a patient reports to feeling better with iodine
supplementation, it is not causing hypothyroidism. Keep in mind that, when starting iodine therapy, an elevated TSH is an expected and normal response of the pituitary gland. As I discussed previously, TSH stimulates sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) formation. NIS is needed to transport iodine from the
blood stream into the cells. If there is little iodine, there is little need for NIS. Once iodine is supplemented, the body needs to
make more NIS. It requires elevated TSH to do this. It usually takes three to six months to saturate the cells with iodine. At that
point TSH levels will decline back to the reference range. Simply following thyroid hormone levels and doing a history and
physical exam can quickly put to rest the idea that iodine is causing hypothyroidism. FINAL THOUGHTSUnfortunately, medical iodophobia is still alive and well. However, it is the result of misinformation and ignorance. Understanding the biochemistry and physiology behind iodine should cure anyone of medical iodophobia. After treating thousands
of patients and lecturing to many health care professionals and hearing their stories of success with using iodine, I am sure that
medical iodophobia can be overcome.APPENDIX: RESOURCES
1. Iodoral
®
 can be purchased from:
 
Individual orders for Iodoral can be purchased at Center for Holistic Medicine (Dr. Brownstein’s office):
1.866.877.6467 or 
www.centerforholisticmedicine.com
 
2. For iodine testing and the iodine-loading test as well as bromide and fluoride testing contact:
FFP Lab
 (
www.ffplab.org
)
1.877.900.5556
Hakala Labs
 (
www.hakalalabs.com
)
303.763.6242
Doctors Data
 (
www.doctorsdata.com
)
800.323.2784
 
3. For allergies to iodine, NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) can be helpful. To find an NAET
practitioner please call: 1.714.523.3068 or look on the internet: 
www.naet.com
. 4. A compounding pharmacist can make up Lugol’s solution or bioidentical hormones. To find a compounding pharmacist,
please contact:
The International Academy of Compounding
Pharmacists (IACP)
iacpinfo@iacprx.org
(800)-927-4227
Fax: 281-495-0602Index
A
Allergy 222-224, 252, 254
 
Anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies 98, 99, 120
 
Apoptosis 103, 153-4, 183
 
Autoimmune thyroid disorders 70-71, 85, 91, 105-111, 115, 120-125, 127-128, 130, 133, 144-145, 254-255
B
Bisphenol A 178
Breast Cancer 151-182
 
Bromide/Bromine 42-43, 48-50, 54, 217-223, 231, 233
C
Chloride 48-49, 226
 
Chlorine 51, 217, 226-227
 
Crohn’s Disease 141
 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 107, 111
Colorectal Cancer 142
 
Cretinism 29, 43-44, 48
D
Delta () - iodolactone 100-101, 103, 105-107, 110, 120-135
 
Detoxification 100-115, 132, 135, 234-235, 241, 243-246, 252-253, 255
E
Estrogen 157-163, 171-178
F
Fibrocystic breast disease, 73, 76, 162-165, 174-175, 182
 
Fibromyalgia96, 107, 111
 
Fluoride 48, 49, 54, 217, 223-226, 231, 233-234
G
Glutathione 141, 144-146
 
Glutathione peroxidase 143-146
 
Goiter 29-35, 43, 45-46, 54, 70-71, 73, 76, 120, 125-126, 222, 224-225, 227
 
Goiter belt 34
 
Goitrogen 222-223
 Graves’ Disease 70, 73, 85, 90, 106, 108, 119-121, 125-127, 130-135, 289, 293
 
Growth Hormone 194-196
H
Halide channel 96
 
Hashimoto’s Disease 70, 73, 85, 88, 90, 97, 99, 101, 106, 108, 110-111, 120-121, 125, 130, 132, 134-135, 289, 293
 
Hydrogen peroxide 98-99, 107, 109
 
Hyperthyroidism 74, 85-87, 120, 122-124, 127-128, 130-133
 
Hypothyroidism 35-36, 70, 72-74, 78-79, 81-82, 84-85, 87-91, 120, 125, 130, 134-135, 246
 
Iodinated lipids 105-107
 
Iodine in food 33-34
 
Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism 252, 257
 
Iodine-induced hypothyroidism 252, 256
 
Iodine loading test, 260-262, 302
 
Iodism 252, 258
 
Iodized salt 44, 46-47, 49, 73
L
Lugol’s Iodine 59-61, 63, 262
Lung Cancer 142
M
Magnesium 107, 110, 113
 
Methimazole 127
 
Mitochondria 106, 109-110, 113
N
NAET 253-254
O
Organification 95-98, 100-101, 104-106
 
Ovarian cancer 166, 174
 
Oxidation 95-96, 98-100, 104-105, 107, 113
P
Percholate 50-51, 227-231
 
Pituitary gland 83
 
Propylthiouracil 127
 
Prostate cancer 142, 176-177, 178, 182
R
Radioactive iodine 127-128, 130, 132-133
S
Saliva/serum iodide 264-266 
Salt 41, 44, 46-49, 217, 242-243, 245, 247
 
Selenium 139-146
 
Stomach cancer 166
T
T3 69, 71, 78, 84-85, 97, 100-101
 
T4 69, 71, 78, 84-85, 97, 100-101
 
Thyroperoxidase (TPO) 98-99, 105, 107-109
 
TSH 71, 83-85, 91
 
Thyroid cancer 71, 73, 129
V
Vitamin B-2 112
 
Vitamin B-3 112
 
Vitamin C 10, 293
X
Xenoestrogens 178Books by David Brownstein, M.D. More information: 
www.drbrownstein.com
Vitamin B12 for Health
Vitamin B12 deficiency is occurring in epidemic numbers. This book show you the many benefits of using natural,
bioidentical forms of vitamin B12 and how B12 supplements can help you achieve your optimal health. B12 therapy
can treat many common ailments including:
Anemia
Autoimmune Illness
Blood Clots
Brain Fog
Cognitive Decline
Depression
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Heart Disease
Muscle Disease
Neurologic Problems
Osteoporosis
AND MUCH MORE! IODINE: WHY YOU NEED IT, WHY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT, 5
th
 EDITION
Iodine is the most misunderstood nutrient. Dr. Brownstein shows you the benefit of supplementing with iodine. Iodine deficiency is rampant. It is a world-wide problem and is at near epidemic levels in the United States. Most
people wrongly assume that you get enough iodine from iodized salt. Dr. Brownstein convincingly shows you why it is
vitally important to get your iodine levels measured. He shows you how iodine deficiency is related to:
Breast cancer
Hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease
Autoimmune illnesses
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
Cancer of the prostate, ovaries, and much more! OVERCOMING ARTHRITIS
Dr. Brownstein shows you how a holistic approach can help you overcome arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
syndrome, and other conditions. This approach encompasses the use of:
Allergy elimination
Detoxification
Diet
Natural, bioidentical hormones
Vitamins and minerals
Water
DRUGS THAT DON’T WORK and NATURAL THERAPIES THAT DO, 2
nd
 Edition
Dr. Brownstein’s newest book will show you why the most commonly prescribed drugs may not be your best
choice. Dr. Brownstein shows why drugs have so many adverse effects. The following conditions are covered in this
book: high cholesterol levels, depression, GERD and reflux esophagitis, osteoporosis, inflammation, and hormone
imbalances. He also gives examples of natural substances that can help the body heal. See why the following drugs need to be avoided:
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Crestor and Zetia)
Antidepressant drugs (SSRI’s such as Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil)
Antacid drugs (H-2 blockers and PPI’s such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Zantac)Osteoporosis drugs (Bisphosphonates such as Fosomax and Actonel, Zometa, and Boniva)
Diabetes drugs (Metformin, Avandia, Glucotrol, etc.) Anti-inflammatory drugs (Celebrex, Vioxx, Motrin, Naprosyn, etc)
Synthetic Hormones (Provera and Estrogen)
 
SALT YOUR WAY TO HEALTH,
 2
nd
 Edition
Dr. Brownstein dispels many of the myths of salt—salt is bad for you, salt causes hypertension. These are just a
few of the myths Dr. Brownstein tackles in this book. He shows you how the right kind of salt--unrefined salt--can
have a remarkable health benefit to the body. Refined salt is a toxic, devitalized substance for the body. Unrefined
salt is a necessary ingredient for achieving your optimal health. See how adding unrefined salt to your diet can help
you:
Maintain a normal blood pressure
Balance your hormones
Optimize your immune system
Lower your risk for heart disease
Overcome chronic illness
THE MIRACLE OF NATURAL HORMONES, 3
rd
 EDITION
Optimal health cannot be achieved with an imbalanced hormonal system. Dr. Brownstein’s research on
bioidentical hormones provides the reader with a plethora of information on the benefits of balancing the hormonal
system with bioidentical, natural hormones. This book is in its third edition. This book gives actual case studies of the
benefits of natural hormones. See how balancing the hormonal system can help:
Arthritis and autoimmune disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
Heart disease
Hypothyroidism
Menopausal symptoms
And much more! OVERCOMING THYROID DISORDERS, 3
rd
 Edition
This book provides new insight into why thyroid disorders are frequently undiagnosed and how best to treat them. The holistic treatment plan outlined in this book will show you how safe and natural remedies can help improve your
thyroid function and help you achieve your optimal health. NEW SECOND EDITION! Detoxification
Diet
Graves’
Hashimoto’s Disease
Hypothyroidism
And Much More!! THE GUIDE TO HEALTHY EATING
, 2
nd
 Edition
Which food do you buy? Where to shop? How do you prepare food? This book will answer all of these questions
and much more. Dr. Brownstein co-wrote this book with his nutritionist, Sheryl Shenefelt, C.N. Eating the healthiest
way is the most important thing you can do. This book contains recipes and information on how best to feed your
family. See how eating a healthier diet can help you:
Avoid chronic illness
Enhance your immune system
Improve your family’s nutrition
THE GUIDE TO A GLUTEN-FREE DIET, 2
nd
 Edition
What would you say if 16% of the population (1/6) had a serious, life-threatening illness that was being diagnosed
correctly only 3% of the time? Gluten-sensitivity is the most frequently missed diagnosis in the U.S. This book willshow how you can incorporate a healthier lifestyle by becoming gluten-free. Why you should become gluten-free
What illnesses are associated with gluten sensitivity
How to shop and cook gluten-free
Where to find gluten-free resources
THE GUIDE TO A DAIRY-FREE DIET
This book will show you why dairy is not a healthy food. Dr. Brownstein and Sheryl Shenefelt, CCN, will provide
you the information you need to become dairy free. This book will dispel the myth that dairy from pasteurized milk is
a healthy food choice. In fact, it is a devitalized food source which needs to be avoided. Read this book to see why common dairy foods including milk cause:
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
Allergies
Asthma
A Poor Immune System
THE SOY DECEPTION
This book will dispel the myth that soy is a healthy food. Soy ingestion can cause a myriad of severe health
issues. More information can be found online at: 
www.thesoydeception.com
. Read this book to see why soy can
cause:
Allergies
Cancer
Osteoporosis
Thyroid Disorders
A Poor Immune System
And, Much More!DVD’s of Dr. Brownstein’s Latest Lectures Now Available! DVD: Iodine–The Most Misunderstood Nutrient
 
DVD: Overcoming Thyroid Disorders
 
DVD: Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies That Do
 
DVD: Holistic Medicine for the 21
st
 Century
 
DVD: Salt Your Way to Health
 
DVD: The Miracle of Natural Hormones
 
DVD: The Soy Deception
 
DVD: The Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet
 
DVD: The Guide to Healthy Eating
 
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Iodine_-_Why_You_Need_It_Why_You_Cant-Live_Without_It.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        When
she was diagnosed with an iodine deficiency, I recommended that she supplement with iodine. Joan was given an
iodide/iodine supplement (Iodoral
®
) and immediately felt better. “It was like waking up from a nap. Within one week, my
head felt clearer and my energy level improved. I have a busy job and I was having trouble keeping up with it,” she said. Approximately two weeks after starting Iodoral
®
, Joan called me complaining of a rash on her body. I told her to stop
the iodine immediately. Joan told me, “I don’t want to stop it. This is the first time in years that I have 
felt wonderful. ” I
had Joan come into the office and treated her with NAET. Joan’s allergy symptoms abated within 24 hours and she is
currently taking iodine without any problems. She continues to feel well today. AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE
Some researchers and endocrinologists believe that autoimmune thyroid problems are caused by iodine intake in excess of
the RDA. However, before the adoption of radioactive iodine to treat the side effects of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, the use of
higher doses of iodine was the treatment of choice for these illnesses. There are numerous reports in the literature, some dating
back well over 100 years, showing the benefits of using iodine in excess of the RDA to treat autoimmune thyroid illnesses. 2
 
3
 
4
 
5
Chapters 4
-
6
 point out that autoimmune thyroid disorders are associated with low iodine levels, not high levels. As previously stated, in the United States, iodine levels have fallen more than 50% over the last 40 years while, at the same
time, autoimmune thyroid disorders have been rapidly increasing. 6
 If iodine was the cause of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, these
illnesses should have been decreasing over the last 40 years. The opposite has occurred. My clinical experience has shown that in an iodine deficient state, higher doses of iodine are an effective and safe way to treat
autoimmune thyroid illness without appreciable side 
effects. Remember, the best results are achieved as part of a comprehensive
holistic treatment plan. It is important to restate this: My partners and I have not seen AIT disease caused by iodine supplementation. On the
contrary, it is iodine deficiency that causes AIT disease. DETOXIFICATION REACTIONS
In 
Chapter 11
, it was established that iodine could compete with the toxic halides, bromide and fluoride. The study I
undertook showed that the use of iodine resulted in the release of the toxic halides from the body. If the body’s detoxification
pathways are overloaded when the toxic halides are being released, a detoxification reaction can be triggered. A detoxification
reaction can take the form of fatigue, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea, and brain fog, among others. A detoxification reaction to iodine usage does happen--about 5% of the time. A detoxification reaction can be minimized by
using a comprehensive holistic treatment program including: nutritional support (vitamins and minerals), balancing the hormonal
system, getting the body’s pH balanced, eating healthy foods, and other holistic treatments. One of the best ways to minimize a
detoxification reaction is to ensure adequate use of unrefined salt as well as supplementation with magnesium and vitamin C. IODINE-INDUCED HYPOTHYROIDISM AND GOITER
When animals or humans that are iodine deficient are given large doses of iodine, there is a transient decrease in thyroid
hormone production (approximately 26-40 hours) until the body reestablishes its equilibrium with iodine. 7
 
8
 After that time,
thyroid levels adjust to normal and signs of hypothyroidism do not develop. Many researchers point out the dangers of iodine by describing the goiter problems of the residents of Hokkaido, Japan. A
report in 1960 described how a significant portion of the population of Hokkaido, Japan had developed goiter. Goiters were
more common in seaweed fishermen and in villages where seaweed was eaten in large quantities. The residents of Hokkaido, as
well as other areas of Japan, were found to be ingesting large amounts of iodine. The Japanese authors did not think that iodine
was the causative factor of the goiters since residents of inland areas had the same iodine intake as the residents in Hokkaido, and
they had no signs of increased goiter. Clearly, some other factor must have been involved. However, many Western physicians
seized on the Hokkaido data and erroneously claimed that excess iodine ingestion was the cause of the rise in the goiter rate. Some still make this ridiculous assertion today. Although no testing was done, goitrogens (such 
as bromide) could have caused
the elevated goiter picture. A follow-up study 27 years later found a similar iodine intake in Hokkaido residents but no signs of
excess goiter, therefore ruling out iodine as the cause. I have spoken with other doctors who have used higher doses of iodine in the treatment of their patients; they also report no
increase in hypothyroid or goiter problems. 9
 More about this concept will be discussed in 
Chapter 16. IODINE-INDUCED HYPERTHYROIDISM
The use of iodine in a previously iodine-deficient population may result in a transient increase in thyroid hormones. Studies
have shown that the increase in thyroid hormones, which could lead to hyperthyroid symptoms (e. g. , palpitations, nervousness),
will gradually decrease. 10
 These side effects can easily be monitored by routine lab tests and adjustments in dosages. Also,
ensuring adequate amounts of unrefined salt minimizes any side effects from iodine supplementation. Researchers from Switzerland found that the correction of iodine deficiency not only decreased the incidence of
thyrotoxicosis, it also lowered the incidence of goiter, cretinism, and minor deficiencies of intellect. 11
 My experience has shown
that iodine-induced hyperthyroidism is not a common occurrence. IODISM
Iodism occurs when the dose of iodine is too high and results in a metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation, sneezing,
headache, and acne. Also, sinus headache, especially headache in the frontal area, and a sense of fever may be present. Iodism
occurs in a small minority of patients and is easily rectified by adjusting the dosage of iodine used. Dr. Sherry Tenpenny claims that chlorophyll tablets will eliminate the metallic taste of iodine.
Joan was given an iodide/iodine supplement and immediately felt better. She reported that it was like "waking up from a nap," and her energy level improved.
What was Joan's initial reaction to iodine supplementation, and what did she experience?
The author states that iodine deficiency is the cause of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, and that high levels of iodine do not cause these problems.
What is the author's stance on the relationship between iodine deficiency and autoimmune thyroid problems?
The author argues that iodine deficiency may actually contribute to the development of thyroid cancer, rather than high levels of iodine causing it.
What is the author's position on the association between iodine deficiency and thyroid cancer?
The author recommends a comprehensive holistic treatment plan, including nutritional support, hormonal balancing, and other holistic treatments.
What is the recommended approach to treating autoimmune thyroid disorders?
The author suggests that iodine deficiency may play a role in the development of breast cancer, and that iodine supplementation can improve symptoms and potentially even reverse the condition.
What is the author's stance on the relationship between iodine deficiency and breast cancer?