By Richard Helfrich
A few years ago, I read research concerning "Iodine Supplementation Markedly Increases Urinary Excretion of Fluoride and Bromide". This research described an iodine loading test and its value at assessing whole body sufficiency for iodine.
The research described the detoxification effects of the toxic halogens, bromide and fluoride when iodine is in an optimal excretion range. Intrigued at the idea of not only measuring iodine excretion levels but also bromide and fluoride levels started me on a journey of researching and learning about iodine deficiency and the importance of detoxing halides.
INTRODUCTION TO IODINE
BROMIDE TOXICITYA few years ago, I read research concerning "Iodine Supplementation Markedly Increases Urinary Excretion of Fluoride and Bromide". This research described an iodine loading test and its value at assessing whole body sufficiency for iodine.
The research described the detoxification effects of the toxic halogens, bromide and fluoride when iodine is in an optimal excretion range. Intrigued at the idea of not only measuring iodine excretion levels but also bromide and fluoride levels started me on a journey of researching and learning about iodine deficiency and the importance of detoxing halides.
INTRODUCTION TO IODINE
Iodine deficiency is often synonymous with thyroid conditions particularly with the development of goiters. The research is clear that iodine deficiency can lead to cysts and nodules of the thyroid gland.
David Marine reported the benefits of treating school-aged children with iodine/iodide (Lugol's solution) nearly 70 years ago. Marine looked at two groups: a control group and a treatment group, which received 9mg/day of iodine/iodide. The iodine/iodide treatment group had a 0.2% incidence of goiter while the control group had a 22% goiter-a 110x difference.
This was the first U.S. iodine study showing the decline of goiter formation with the use of iodine. Shortly after this study, iodized salt was introduced which was a great success in eliminating goiter in the U.S.
Testing iodine excretion levels, I was amazed at the prevalence of iodine deficiency. Why have iodine levels fallen 50% in the last 30 years? What has changed so dramatically over the last 30 years in our environment to cause this dramatic drop. It is well known that the toxic halides, fluoride and bromide, having a similar structure as iodine, compete for the iodine receptors of the thyroid inhibiting iodine absorption.
An additive that is found in the citrus flavored type sodas or drinks and power drinks is the additive Brominated Vegetable Oil or BVO. The real kicker in all this is that BVO has actually been banned in over 100 countries, and even the FDA considers this additive as unsafe, yet, so far, no measures have been taken to ban it's usage in this country.
Brominated Vegetable Oil, has as it's composition the element of bromine in which, believe it or not, the vapors of bromine are considered both corrosive and toxic. The chemical bromine is used for a number of products, from one of the chemicals that treat surfaces for light-sensitive photographic printing papers, as an additive for gasoline, to agricultural fumigants. At one time, bromine was even used to make sedatives, but then the FDA banned its usage around 1975, as it was found to trigger a whole host of psychiatric disorders.
Why is BVO used in certain drinks? Brominated Vegetable Oil are used in citrus type drinks to stabilize the citrus oils to prevent them from separating, giving them a more unified appearance. One can always tell that Brominated Vegetable Oil has been added even if not included on the ingredient label, the drinks will have a rather murky, cloudy look to them, rather than clear. Many drinks containing BVO, do not include it on their labels!
THYROID FUNCTION
Because of the elevated levels of toxic halides (bromides) in the environment and in the food supply, iodine levels have not only fallen but bromides have increased ten fold which now compete for the iodine receptor sites on the thyroid. Without iodine the thyroid does not know whether to wind it's butt or scratch it's watch. Studies show that with iodine loading, the body and particularly the thyroid adapts becoming saturated with iodine while at the same time detoxifying the toxic halides bromide and fluoride.
After testing 95% of the results were iodine deficient. I have noticed those people with chronic illnesses, from autoimmune disorders to cancer; often have lower iodine levels as compared to relatively healthy patients.
An additive that is found in the citrus flavored type sodas or drinks and power drinks is the additive Brominated Vegetable Oil or BVO. The real kicker in all this is that BVO has actually been banned in over 100 countries, and even the FDA considers this additive as unsafe, yet, so far, no measures have been taken to ban it's usage in this country.
Brominated Vegetable Oil, has as it's composition the element of bromine in which, believe it or not, the vapors of bromine are considered both corrosive and toxic. The chemical bromine is used for a number of products, from one of the chemicals that treat surfaces for light-sensitive photographic printing papers, as an additive for gasoline, to agricultural fumigants. At one time, bromine was even used to make sedatives, but then the FDA banned its usage around 1975, as it was found to trigger a whole host of psychiatric disorders.
Why is BVO used in certain drinks? Brominated Vegetable Oil are used in citrus type drinks to stabilize the citrus oils to prevent them from separating, giving them a more unified appearance. One can always tell that Brominated Vegetable Oil has been added even if not included on the ingredient label, the drinks will have a rather murky, cloudy look to them, rather than clear. Many drinks containing BVO, do not include it on their labels!
THYROID FUNCTION
Twenty percent of the body's iodine is parked in the thyroid and acts as the spark plug for thyroid function. With most peoples Iodine levels testing well below 90 (90 being the minimum desired excretion level) and bromides well over 10 (under 10 is considered optimal) it's no wonder so many today suffer with thyroid related illnesses. In fact it is increasingly common to find the average person on some type of thyroid medication.
Because of the elevated levels of toxic halides (bromides) in the environment and in the food supply, iodine levels have not only fallen but bromides have increased ten fold which now compete for the iodine receptor sites on the thyroid. Without iodine the thyroid does not know whether to wind it's butt or scratch it's watch. Studies show that with iodine loading, the body and particularly the thyroid adapts becoming saturated with iodine while at the same time detoxifying the toxic halides bromide and fluoride.
Using doses of iodine (12.5 - 50mg/day), positive results have emerged, Goiters and Nodules of the thyroid shrank. Cysts on the ovaries became smaller and began to disappear. People reported increased energy. Metabolism was increased as evidenced by having new success in losing weight. Libido improved in men and women. People suffering with brain fog reported a clearing of their foggy feelings. Most importantly, those with chronic illnesses that were having a difficult time improving began to notice many of their symptoms resolving.
BREAST HEALTH
Breast tissue is the second largest storage site for iodine next to the thyroid gland. The relationship between breast illness and iodine deficiency has been reported for over 100 years.
Iodine concentrates in the breast and is secreted from the breast. Normal breast architecture will not develop when there is iodine deficiency present. Diseased breast tissue has been shown to take up more iodine compared to healthy breast tissue. The higher uptake in the abnormal breasts indicates a greater deficiency of iodine is present as compared to normal breasts.
Iodine/iodide supplementation can improve fibrocystic breasts in women with fibrocystic breast disease. In addition those with breast cancer also improve. Nodules and fibrous changes of the breasts significantly improve in a short time period.
You can order (inside California requires prescription) the Iodine loading combination test that includes bromide and fluoride levels. Hakala Labs (hakalalabs.com) provides the urine collection kit which they mail you with instructions, you return to them and results follow in 4-5 days.
Sincerely,
Richard Helfrich
Health Spectrum at The River
71-800 Hwy.111,A149
Health Spectrum at The River
71-800 Hwy.111,A149
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
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