Obesity epidemic: a perfect storm of deficiency of vitamin D, Magnesium, Iodine, etc – May 2012

Obesity and Chronic Disease – A Perfect Storm From Pandemic Survivor

Highlights

Vitamin D Deficiency 27 reasons
Magnesium
Iodine (replaced by Bromine, Chlorine, and fluorine)
Sulfur
Fats
Other nutrients like vitamin C

Perhaps also vitamin K2

All items in category Vitamin K 157 items

Here is the perfect storm for just Vitamin D Deficiency

Author Thomas O. Feb 2012

See also VitaminDWiki

Low vitamin D in womb linked to more weight at age 6 – May 2012
It appears that low vitamin D while in womb provides an epigenetic signal that the child should prepare for an environment with low nutrients, such as vitamin D.
The body is thus programmed to seek out and store up as much nutrients/food as it can, which leads to health when food is rare, but obesity when food is plentiful.
Results of many blood tests in Australia – deficiencies only in Vitamin D, Iodine, and Vitamin B-12 – Dec 2015

Update from web June 2016

Iodine Deficiency and Weight Loss: Is it the Next Big Thing? May 2015
http://www.thyroid-weight-loss.com/ Iodine - blocked by Bromine, which is found in
Bakery goods, Citrus flavored soft drinks, Fabric fire retardants, Hair dyes, Medicines, Pesticides used on strawberries, especially in California
Plastics, Spaghetti & pasta, Toothpaste and mouthwashes, and Your automobile!
96% of all people tested are iodine deficient!
"The World Health Organization also concurs, estimating that 72% of the world’s population is being affected by iodine deficiency."
http://www.livestrong.com/article/292129-iodine-drops-for-weight-loss/ Jan 2014
Weightloss and Iodine Supplementation 2007?
Boron and sudden weight loss after Iodine weight gain forum comment
The Silent Epidemic of Iodine Deficiency Life Extension 2011
due to reduced use of salt and that Iodine is not added in salf used commercially
The Iodine Deficiency Disorders Feb 2014
Huge amount of information which includes the following map

Surfing notes by Henry Lahore Feb 2012 on weight loss

http://www.naturalnews.com/008902.html
How Iodine accelerates weight loss by supporting the thyroid gland

Natural News, June 25, 2005 by: Dani Veracity

If adjusting your diet and exercising more hasn't helped you reach a healthy body weight, you may have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland. In addition to weight gain, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include a bad complexion, fatigue, forgetfulness, loss of sex drive, impotence, irritability and unhealthy hair, nails and teeth. Fortunately, you can help normalize an underactive thyroid gland by increasing your intake of the mineral Iodine .

"The healthy functioning of the thyroid is essential to maintaining metabolism and preventing the accumulation of body fat," writes Burton Goldberg in Alternative Medicine. An underactive thyroid gland slows your metabolism; you thus burn dramatically fewer calories and feel sluggish. In addition, in Asian Health Secrets, Letha Hadady explains that an underactive thyroid gland promotes excess weight and cellulite by causing water retention.

After-effects observed following thyroid removal surgery helped prove the connection between the thyroid gland and metabolism to the medical community. For example, according to Gayle Reichler's book Active Wellness, thyroid removal caused one patient to gain weight daily and feel that her "system had slowed down considerably." Unless your thyroid has been completely removed or damaged, your symptoms will not be quite so severe; however, even moderate hypothyroidism can make you gain weight and body fat.

Iodine makes up less than a hundred thousandth of a percent of your body weight, but your thyroid cannot function without this trace mineral. If you have too little Iodine in your diet, hypothyroidism and weight gain will occur. "I believe that an insufficient intake of organic Iodine in today's modern diet has led to a serious and chronic form of low-grade hypothyroidism," writes Donald R. Yance, Jr. in Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer. Increasing your Iodine level will allow your thyroid function and metabolic rate to return to normal.

You can add Iodine to your diet by taking supplements, but beware: Excessive thyroid function resulting from excess Iodine is just as detrimental to the human body as hypothyroidism. You should have normal, moderate amounts of Iodine in your body. In Food and Healing, Anne Marie Colbin provides a caution: "Considering that we are already ingesting large qualities of this mineral because of its presence in fertilizers and table salt, the situation (your Iodine level) definitely bears watching."

Because of this danger, Earl Mindell recommends kelp, which naturally contains Iodine , as an alternative to Iodine supplements in pill form. "Kelp has a normalizing effect on the thyroid gland. In other words, thin people with thyroid trouble can gain weight by using kelp, and obese people can lose weight with it," Mindell writes in his Vitamin Bible for the Twenty-First Century. Whichever form of Iodine supplementation you choose, however, you must also be sure to get enough vitamin A in your diet. According to Goldberg, without sufficient vitamin A, your thyroid gland cannot produce thyroxin, a hormone that helps the thyroid absorb Iodine .

If you believe that you have a thyroid problem, then by all means, go to a doctor or other medical professional. On the other hand, if you just haven't been exercising enough or following a healthy diet, don't put blind faith into Iodine supplements as an easy and effortless way to lose weight. "Iodine itself will not help with weight loss if there is normal thyroid function," writes Dr. Elson M. Haas in Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Unless you do indeed have abnormal thyroid function, there is no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet.

The experts speak on Iodine and the thyroid:
Iodine was first discovered in 1812 in kelp. Elemental Iodine was extracted from the seaweed and was named Iodine because of its color, which means violet in Greek. Iodine occurs naturally as iodide or iodate salts. It is a crucial part of the thyroid hormones, which, in turn, play a vital role in the production of energy. Iodine deficiency is still the major cause of hypothyroidism in the world. Deficiency of thyroid hormones really slows you down. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, apathy, dry skin, intolerance to cold, weight gain and enlargement of the thyroid (goiter).
Vitamin And Mineral Encyclopedia by Sheldon Saul Hendler MD PhD, page 145

This amazing seaweed contains more vitamins (especially Bs) and valuable minerals than any other food! Because of its natural Iodine content, kelp has a normalizing effect on the thyroid gland. In other words, thin people with thyroid trouble can gain weight by using kelp, and obese people can lose weight with it. In fact, one of the most widespread fads for many years has been the kelp, lecithin, vinegar, and B6 diet. Kelp has also been used by homeopathic physicians in the treatment of obesity, poor digestion, flatulence, obstinate constipation, and to protect against effects of radiation. It is reported to be very beneficial to brain tissue, the membrane surrounding the brain, the sensory nerves, and the spinal cord.
Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century by Earl Mindell, page 185

Goiter is usually associated with hypothyroidism, which is decreased thyroid function that leads to slower metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, sluggishness, dry hair, thick skin, poor mental functioning, decreased resistance to infection, a feeling of coldness, and a decrease in sexual energy. More advanced hypothyroidism may worsen these symptoms as well as create a hyperactive, manic state and hypertension, which is paradoxical because this may occur with an overactive thyroid as well. Iodine by itself usually will not cure goiter and hypothyroidism but often will slow their progression.
Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 196

Needed only in trace amounts, Iodine helps to metabolize excess fat and is important for physical and mental development. It is also needed for a healthy thyroid gland and for the prevention of goiter. Iodine deficiency in children may result in mental retardation. Excessive Iodine intake (sometimes as little as 750 micro-grams daily) may inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormone and can produce a metallic taste and sores in the mouth, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 29

The thyroid gland depends on Iodine , which is found in food, to manufacture thyroid hormone. It doesn't take much. The Iodine in your body makes up less than 0.00001 percent of your body weight. But your thyroid can't do its job without even this tiny amount of this trace mineral.
New Foods For Healing by Selene Yeager, page 529

Herbs for weight reduction are generally either diuretic or mildly purgative. Large amounts of kelp or other seaweeds are sometimes used because their high Iodine content stimulates the thyroid gland, which assists weight loss through increased metabolism.
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra CA ND, page 108

I believe that an insufficient intake of organic Iodine in today's modern diet has led to a serious and chronic form of low-grade hypothyroidism, a major contributing factor to breast and ovarian cancers. Even a mild low thyroid function can cause an imbalance of other hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, hormones that play a pivotal role in reproductive health as well as in the prevention of cancerous and noncancerous tumors, such as fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease. Low thyroid function frequently coincides with low adrenal function—what I call a "hypo-overall endocrine system"; it's just not working up to speed. This condition manifests itself in many ways, including fatigue, low energy during the day, insomnia, low body temperature, very low blood pressure, low-grade depression, dry skin, dry hair, pear-shaped figure, weight gain, infertility, PMS, sensitivity to cold (particularly the extremities), calcification buildup, hardening of the arteries, cystic breasts and/or ovaries, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 161, 85

Iodine, a trace element, along with tyrosine, an amino acid, is required for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. A deficiency of Iodine , though difficult to document, probably exists in some hypothyroid dogs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs are sluggishness, dull hair coat, weight gain, increased cholesterol, and generalized malaise. In people, a goiter is seen in the neck area where the thyroid enlarges to compensate for the decreased Iodine intake. Some goiters are not due to a simple Iodine deficiency. Over activity of the thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism. In cats this is sometimes accompanied by a goiterous swelling. In humans, it is called Graves' Disease.32 In both, the condition is life threatening with a sharp increase in metabolism. We will discuss treatments for thyroid disorders in chapter 10, which covers endocrine diseases.
Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures By Henry Pasternak DVM CVA, page 56

Iodine is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. An Iodine deficiency can lead to a sluggish thyroid, which can result in fatigue, weight gain, and puffiness under the chin. Good food sources include iodized salt, seaweed, onions, and seafood. The RDA is 150 micrograms for adults.
Earl Mindells Soy Miracle Earl Mindel RPH PHD, page 120

How can you tell if you are deficient in Iodine ? A sluggish feeling — due to the fact that your thyroid is not producing enough thyroxine for your metabolism to work at normal speed — is one clue. Other symptoms are a bad complexion and unhealthy looking hair, teeth, and nails. If your thyroid function degenerates into official hypothyroidism, in which perhaps only one-quarter of the thyroxine your body needs is present, you may suffer from chronic fatigue, forgetfulness, lack of interest in sex, impotence, overweight, and irritability. Should you notice any of these symptoms, consult your physician. He or she may suggest a prescribed Iodine supplement, which in the early stages of thyroid malfunction could solve your problem.
Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 410

Vitamin A facilitates the efficient absorption of nutrients by strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. Along with vitamins C and E, it bolsters the immune system and thus makes the body more resistant to infection from parasites and yeast overgrowth, two common causes of weight gain. Vitamin A is also necessary for the production of thyroxin, a thyroid hormone, and helps the thyroid to absorb Iodine ; a key nutrient. The healthy functioning of the thyroid is essential to maintaining metabolism and preventing the accumulation of body fat.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 830

An inefficient thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can be the cause of sluggish metabolic rate, says Dr. Birdsall. And while it is possible that laboratory tests will not indicate the existence of hypothyroidism, other tests, such as basal body temperature, and symptoms, such as chronic constipation, fatigue, feeling cold, and a tendency to gain weight, may point to subclinical hypothyroidism. When metabolism slows, the body will store rather than burn calories, causing an accumulation of fat. Insufficient thyroid hormones and the consequent slowing of metabolism affects nearly every function in the body and several of these have a direct connection to weight problems.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 822

An underactive thyroid can encourage water retention, leading to excess weight and cellulite. Low thyroid function has recently been linked with lethargy and depression. If you tend to have slow digestion and elimination, excess catarrh, or sinus trouble, and generally feel down in the dumps during humid weather, seaweeds high in potassium, calcium, and Iodine are for you.
Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 188

Two minerals that are vital are potassium and Iodine , they are essential to proper thyroid maintenance. Since the thyroid is responsible for metabolism rates, any interference in its operation can actually inhibit our ability to remain thin. When a thyroid malfunction occurs, the rate at which calories are burned is dramatically decreased.
Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 166

It is of course possible to eat too much seaweed. This leads to an excess of minerals in the body, which can negatively affect certain organs, especially the skin and the thyroid gland. In one case I observed kelp tablets caused a series of welts on the arms and face; apparently the body couldn't handle the excess concentrated minerals and simply pushed them out through the skin. (The problem disappeared when the kelp was discontinued.) Thyroid problems can arise from an excess of Iodine as much as from a deficiency. Considering that we are already ingesting large quantities of this mineral because of its presence in fertilizers and table salt, the situation definitely bears watching. Early warning symptoms of an excess of Iodine might include underweight, hyper-activity, rough skin, acne, mental and emotional imbalances, and a "spaced-out" feeling. (It is interesting, I think, that a fast-food "junk" meal of hamburger, french fries, and chocolate shake provides 200 percent of the RDA of Iodine . Bad news, perhaps, for acne sufferers.)
Food And Healing by Anne Marie Colbin, page 189

KELP and BLADDERWRACK are two of the best weight-reduction plants available. Iodine in Kelp maintains a healthy thyroid, thereby significantly reducing one major cause of obesity.
Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine by Daniel B Mowrey PhD, page 281

Iodine has also been used to help increase energy level and utilization in cases of fatigue, mental sluggishness, and weight gain caused by hypothyroidism. Iodine itself will not help with weight loss if there is normal thyroid function. If weight gain results from Iodine deficiency causing decreased thyroid activity, this hypothyroid condition may be improved with Iodine followed by thyroid supplementation.
Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 196

This seaweed was the original source of Iodine , discovered in 1812. The weight reducing reputation of bladderwrack is probably due to its effect on an under-active thyroid. The main herbal use of bladderwrack is to remineralize the body. External compresses and plasters are used to reduce the inflammation and pam of arthritis.
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, page 78

Iodine is also indirectly responsible for obesity. The thyroid and sex glands work together, and if an obese person is given Iodine as contained in plants, for example, kelp tablets, the thyroid steps up its hormone production. This, in turn, activates the entire metabolism. The gonads become more active and, as a result, the deposits of body fat decrease.
The Nature Doctor by Dr H.C.A, page 162

The best sources of dietary Iodine , an essential mineral, can be found in seafood and iodized salt. Many people experience symptoms of thyroid dysfunction as they age, such as weight gain, lack of energy, poor mood, etc. Iodine has been shown to inhibit thyroid cell growth in vitro and in animal models. When applied in the form of a topical cream, povidone-iodine's antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects have been well established in the scientific literature. Topical Iodine has also been shown to be a useful treatment for wound healing.
Ultimate Anti Aging Program by Gary Null PhD, page 174

Since the thyroid gland controls metabolism, and Iodine influences the thyroid, an undersupply of this mineral can result in slow mental reaction, weight gain, and lack of energy.
Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century by Earl Mindell, page 90

Selenium works with vitamin E to help boost your pet's immune system and help prevent heart disease and cancer. It also works with Iodine for proper thyroid function.
Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century by Earl Mindell, page 379

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/008902.html#ixzz1mf9urQq8
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http://www.wellsphere.com/general-medicine-article/solving-obesity-8211-Iodine/1171647
By Mark Pegram
Blog: http://pandemicsurvivor.wordpress.com/
Solving Obesity – Iodine
Posted Jul 17 2010 4:57am

Of the several nutrients in which we are deficient, Iodine should be high your list as one to be concerned with. When consuming large amounts of vitamin A your serum Vitamin D reduces as the body uses it with vitamin A. A similar thing happens with Iodine and Vitamin D levels. Here is an interesting article to give you pause: Vitamin D / Iodine

There are number of great articles on Iodine and I would suggest that you read all three of these articles:

Michael B Schachter MD – http://www.mbschachter.com/Iodine.htm

Donald W. Miller, Jr. MD – http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller20.html

William Davis MD – http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/oct2009_Halt-on-Salt-Sparks-Iodine-Deficiency_01.htm

The path of Iodine has gone a similar way as the path of Vitamin D. There is no profit in a very inexpensive nutrient and analogs are not easy to develop. However, with Iodine , the use of meds to control the thyroid has been reasonably successful, certainly for profit.

The reason that the amount of daily Iodine requirement is so low as specified by the government is because of concern of shutting down the thyroid. I believe this response in the thyroid is because the Iodine depletes the levels of Vitamin D and this causes the thyroid to shut down.

The balance of Iodine , Magnesium, Vitamin D, calcium, potassium, sodium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin A is a magical dance that occurs in the body and when you get it right your body celebrates.

Iodine is necessary to make the hormones in the thyroid that control your body temperature and energy production. Not only are these hormones essential for energy, they are also powerful neurotransmitters and help you from getting depressed or becoming manic.

I will not even comment on how much Iodine that you should take as this is really yet to be determined. I do believe that about 35 to 40 IU per pound of body weight for Vitamin D is correct. I am sure there is a correct level for Iodine but it has been difficult to determine what that level is. One hundred fifty micrograms is too low as a total intake. I suspect that twenty five milligrams is too high as a total intake. The Japanese on average get around 12 mg per day of Iodine because of the amount of seafood and kelp that they eat.

Dr. Davis has reported that two of his patients has toxicity issues when taking 12.5 milligrams Iodine per day. http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/Iodine-update.html

I will simply tell you what I have done and then you will have to make your own decisions. I tried to build my Iodine stores to reasonable levels by taking two milligrams everyday for a year. I was not replete until I took 50 mg a day of Iodoral for two weeks and then to taking one of the 12.5 mg tablets per day. Please note that I am a large guy at 228 pounds. Yes, that is right if you have been following my weight loss – down twelve pounds.

As the halides that were improper in my body started to resolve, I did note some reddish sores develop on my shoulders and back. This is from the fluorine, chlorine, and bromine that the body has used because I was not getting enough Iodine . These eruptions disappeared after several days. I also noticed that some fatty lumps that I had under my skin have also disappeared. I would suppose this is because Iodine is significant in promoting cellular apoptosis or cellular death when a particular cell is no longer required by the body. Not giving Iodine to cancer patients is outrageous as it is significant in stopping tumor growth.

If you currently have thyroid issues that you are controlling with meds then be very careful in supplementing with Iodine . The thyroid hormones are so powerful in their effects on the brain and mind, that it will literally drive you crazy if you get the balance wrong. Work very closely with your endocrinologist as you try to reduce your meds with Iodine , Magnesium, and Vitamin D supplementation. The thyroid meds will have to be adjusted to keep a proper balance. If your doctor does not want to work with you and just keep you on the meds then find another doctor.

Death is an essential part of life when cells have reached their end. – Pandemic Survivor
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http://www.hotspringsnutritionandnaturalhealingcenter.com/obesity_and_other_ill-effects_from_Iodine_deficiencies.html

David Brownstein, MD, in his practice has tested over 4,000 patients and his results have been quite consistent – over 95% of his patients were Iodine deficient. Guy Abraham, MD, agrees and considers the problem so widespread that he says we have an epidemic of Iodine deficiency in this country.

During the last 3-4 decades, Iodine levels have fallen by nearly 50%. During this same time period there has been an increasing number of patients complaining of symptoms consistent with under-functioning thyroid (hypothyroid) and auto-immune thyroid disorders. If you think hypothyroidism may not be too common, consider the symptoms: fatigue, weakness, dry skin, cold intolerance, low body temperature, headaches, weight gain, depression, constipation, brittle nails elevated cholesterol and many others….typical symptoms in any practitioner’s daily office schedule.

Among the components necessary for a healthy functioning thyroid, Iodine has to rank near the top. Without it, thyroid function and metabolism will be impaired. This will affect the burning of fat for energy and heat. Perhaps it is not coincidental then, that the epidemic of obesity parallels the epidemic of Iodine deficiency and especially is this true during the last 35 years. It is also of interest to note that during this same period more toxic and competitive halogens, such as bromine, fluorine, chlorine and chlorine compounds, have significantly increased in our environment and have found their way into our food, water and medicinals. These compounds competitively inhibit Iodine absorption, promote an Iodine deficiency and replace Iodine stores in fat cells, where they block the release of fat and inhibit weight loss. This effect on weight loss is considered by some to prevent weight loss beyond a certain point. A plateau is reached in the weight loss endeavor and patients feel incapable of a further reduction in weight.

So why is iodized salt not enough for us? Well, keep in mind many people avoid salt or reduce its consumption. But even when freely used in the diet, there is over 30,000 times (on a molar basis) more chloride than Iodine ions in iodized salt. Remember the competitive problem I mentioned earlier? (Think also of Splenda®– where chlorine is complexed to the sugar molecule) Now it only takes a very small amount of Iodine to prevent a goiter, .05mg/day, but we need much more than that to successfully operate a thyroid gland and complete all the other projects found in the Iodine job description. It is in fact, found in every organ and tissue of the body but especially in the thyroid, liver, lung, heart and adrenals. Its highest concentration appears to be in fat and muscle tissues, however. And yet the daily Iodine intake levels set by the WHO (World Health Organization) were recommended with the goal of prevention of simple goiter and not for nourishing the whole body with the amount of Iodine all the other tissues might need. Consider that only 20 – 30% of total body Iodine is found in the thyroid gland.

The conventional approach to treating hypothyroidism is the use of synthetic drugs. However the long-term use of these synthetic drugs such as Synthroidtm, is associated with a depletion of tissue Iodine levels. It would only make sense then to recommend that Iodine /iodide should always be used with these drugs.

The work of Drs. Abraham and Brownstein has shown that Iodine , the universal nutrient, has at least 5 major functions overall:

Weight Regulation, Hormonal Function and Energy

Thyroid hormones must have adequate Iodine to function properly. These hormones that use Iodine , simulate an increase in the number and size of the mitochondria – the cellular site for the production of energy. This will directly affect the overall metabolic rate in the body. But the thyroid hormone is also involved with the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, heart rate and the strength of the heartbeat, muscle and gastrointestinal function, digestion, gene transcription and directly influences other endocrine hormones. In essence most every area of the body is affected by our thyroid function or lack thereof.

Without sufficient Iodine , thyroid hormones will dysfunction, which leads to a deficient metabolism and inadequate fat burning for energy and heat. In addition it will be accompanied by a difficulty losing or maintaining previously lost weight. No surprise to anyone with the ability to see, we have an epidemic of obesity in this country. One of the reasons for this is that Iodine is crucial for metabolism and weight loss. Iodine and other toxic halogens will store in our fat cells and when the other halogens, like chlorine are excessive, they inhibit the function of Iodine which facilitates the release of fat from the cell. Do keep in mind, however, that Iodine is no magic pill in your weight loss endeavor, if you are not following a correct eating and exercising program.
Immune Function

Individuals with inadequate Iodine levels are prone to infections of all types. You remember putting Iodine on an open wound? Well, it naturally has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and even anti-parasitic properties. In sufficient amounts it has been found to induce a destruction of cancer cells and Iodine deficiency is associated with increased risk for cancers and cysts. Finally, one of Iodine ’s least appreciated roles is its ability to act as a natural detoxifier of mercury, fluorides, chlorides and bromides.
Fertility and Menstrual Function

Probably due to its concentration and role in the thyroid, breasts and ovaries, Iodine deficiency has long been associated with difficulty in conceiving. But it is more commonly involved with menstrual irregularities, fibrocystic breasts, ovarian cysts and possibly early menopause and prostatitis in men. Dr. Brownstein believes that Iodine deficiency is a major cause of breast cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs.
Brain Development and Function

Iodine and thyroid hormone deficiency will have a marked impact on intelligence and memory and is likely to play a significant role in learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. Iodine is also found in the eye and in the substantia nigra area of the brain – the area associated with Parkinson’s disease. Even breast milk has (or is supposed to have) high amounts of Iodine since this nutrient is very important for brain and nervous system development in children.
Heart and Arrhythmias

Like underactive thyroid, heart arrhythmias are nearly epidemic. Adequate Iodine levels are necessary for a smooth regular heartbeat. One of the more common drugs used to treat arrhythmia, Amiodarone, is primarily Iodine in a sustained-release, but toxic form. But caution here – it is not safe to use Iodine along with Amiodarone – do consult with your physician first.

It was in the 1920s that Iodine was first added to table salt. As noted earlier, this practice gave a false sense of Iodine sufficiency. The medical community relied 100% on iodized salt instead of the previously used forms of Iodine and iodide found in Lugol Solution (a 5% solution of 50mg Iodine and 100mg potassium iodide per milliliter). Rarely used since the 1950s, Lugol Solution provided twice the amount of Iodine present in table salt (which also has none of the important potassium iodide form), and none of the competing chlorine ions.

So instead of adding or re-supplying the Iodine , physicians relied on synthetic drugs (such as Synthroid) to treat patients with thyroid deficiency. However there are many individuals who have 50 –80% or more of the symptoms of thyroid deficiency but have “normal” thyroid hormone levels, and none of these receive any treatment at all. This is the classic Wilson’s Syndrome. Those suffering with this syndrome always have low body temperature and have difficulty staying warm. Which is why the late, Broda Barnes, MD, always found the basal body temperature (97.8 or lower suggestive of hypothyroid) a better indicator of thyroid function than that of blood thyroid levels. Yet there are a number of practitioners who feel they could substantially improve (if not cure) these Wilson’s Syndrome individuals as well as a very high percentage of those with classical hypothyroid or hyperthyroid conditions by normalizing Iodine levels.

The thyroid gland, fat tissue, and some other vital organs appear to be repositories of toxic metals, such as mercury, along with other toxic contaminants. When this occurs, organ dysfunction is likely. One of the benefits of Iodine is that it facilitates increased removal and excretion of poisons from these tissues. In addition it enhances the liver’s detoxification mechanisms. Perhaps this is why Dr. Abraham discovered that even patients with a complete thyroidectomy benefited from Iodine therapy. He found that some of his patients who achieved Iodine sufficiency were able to resolve diabetes without insulin and to normalize blood pressure with a reduction or elimination of their medication.
Testing for Iodine Sufficiency – home test

Here is a simple test to determine whether an Iodine deficiency exists. From a bottle of tincture of Iodine (drug stores carry these), paint a 2 inch square area on your inner arm. If it disappears in less than 8 hours, Iodine need is indicated.
Testing for Iodine Sufficiency – lab test

A more definitive way of testing for Iodine deficiency uses a pre and post urine evaluation. Testing first involves collecting urine immediately upon arising for the spot or pre-test. After this collection, 50 mg. of potassium iodide/Iodine is ingested and then all urine passed in the next 24 hours is collected and measured, with a sample sent to the lab for analysis. In essence the more Iodine found in the urine, the less the body needs. Likewise, the less of the ingested Iodine sample found in the urine, the more the body wanted the Iodine and the greater the deficiency and need for supplementation. If the body has sufficient Iodine at least 90% will be excreted in the urine. Supplementation is normally done rather gradually as Iodine can mobilize toxic metals and other toxic poisons from storage sites in sufficient quantities to provoke symptoms. Re-testing should be repeated no later than 3-4 months to ensure successful therapeutic results.

In regards to supplementation, keep in mind that nearly all available supplements found in health food stores or pharmacies contain only the iodide form of Iodine . However, Drs. Brownstein, Flechas, Abraham and others found that to successfully improve Iodine levels in the body, it was necessary to include both the iodide (reduced) and Iodine (oxidized) forms because the body needs both forms. The Iodine content of food is extremely variable, but the richest food sources all come from the ocean – Kelp/seaweed, sea vegetables, sea bass, cod, haddock, and ocean perch. Several of these may be a significant source of mercury as well.

It is highly unlikely for excess Iodine intake to occur when following the recommended dosage schedule and following urine testing results. But in very rare cases of excess, individuals may experience a metallic taste, increased salivation, sinus headache, nervousness, palpitations and a sense of fever, all easily rectified by adjusting the amount of Iodine . It should be noted, however, that some symptoms thought to be due to excess Iodine , may in fact be the forced excretion of those toxic metals and compounds lodged in the tissues.

Summary

When you put the whole picture together and compare our country with Japan, you have to ask, “What is the consequence of the Japanese ingesting many, many times the amount of Iodine as the average American?” And the answer is (at least in part), a much leaner population, a significantly lower rate of breast cancer, a lower infant mortality rate and a much better life expectancy. Of course there are other factors but let us not forget, Iodine is a part of that improved health.

The need is to achieve whole body sufficiency of Iodine . When this state is reached it correlates well with overall well being. Energy levels go up, sleep improves and less is required, elimination is better and skin complexion is much healthier. The following results have been noted by one doctor:

Goiters reduced/eliminated
Elevated TSH readings lowered to normal
Thyroid gland excretes toxins and other heavy metals
Improvement of the liver’s detoxification mechanism
Improvement in weight management
Improved blood sugar and blood pressure regulation
Improved menopausal symptoms
Breast tissue normalization including fibrocystic breast disease
Ovary tissue normalization of polycystic ovary syndrome
Less brain fog and clearer thinking
Heart function improvement with reduced arrhythmias

Reduction of thyroid and breast cancer rates
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http://pandemicsurvivor.com/category/obesity/

Solving Obesity – Magnesium
Posted on September 17, 2010

Taking one substance will not make you well either nutrient or pharmaceutical. Having a complete balanced nutritional diet will go a long way to protect you against the many intrusions to health. Environmental factors that we deal with whether man made or natural occurrences can create serious disease issues regardless of how healthy you are and how well you maintain nutrition. In general if you consume a diet that is an abundance of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and enough protein and fats (please note grains in moderation) you will be among the healthiest. Not having enough of the nutrients that our bodies require will lead to disease states whether there are environmental factors or not.

In my many years of researching the essential nutrients, I have found that the balance of the nutrients is the necessity for health. These items work together in ways that are so complex that we most likely will never be able to completely define all the interactions. However, there are some essentials that we do not get with our present diets in the US. These are vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iodine , and Magnesium. You can add potassium to this list if you do not eat enough leafy green vegetables.

Magnesium is extremely important in our biological reactions. There are more than 350 biological reactions that Magnesium has been identified with. I believe that two of the most important are the control of cellular membrane potential and Magnesium as the molecule of choice for our energy storage – ADP to ATP.

About twenty five percent of the energy that is used for our bodies is the balance of calcium and Magnesium and another twenty five percent is for potassium and sodium balance. This leads directly to how important the minerals are for maintaining a healthy weight. These important ions maintain the body electrochemical functions. If we are deficient in any of these then the ‘body electric’ starts to short circuit. I know an unusual term to describe what is going on with biological health but yet very accurate.

The balance of these minerals is extremely important for the electrical function of the heart. The heart is made up of over sixty percent neural cells just like what is found in the brain. These cells function through a cascade of reversing potentials by a balance inside and outside various membranes of potassium, sodium, Magnesium, and calcium. Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of sudden heart failure in young healthy adults.

Magnesium can be used up at a significant rate when you become Vitamin D replete. It is extremely important to be sure to get enough Magnesium when increasing your Vitamin D levels.

How much Magnesium is ill defined but falls in a range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg per pound of body weight per day. The good thing about supplementing with Magnesium is that you reach bowel tolerance before you reach a level that is too much for the body. Magnesium is an excellent laxative. Nuts and beans appear to be the richest in Magnesium of anything that we consume. A quarter cup of almonds contains 99 mg of Magnesium and 257 mg of potassium.

For more information on Magnesium check this nutritionist website: http://www.krispin.com/magnes.html

For the science this excellent website shows the diseases and gives you an opportunity to review the many papers on Magnesium: www.mgwater.com
Posted in Magnesium, obesity | Leave a reply
Solving Obesity – Vitamin D
Posted on August 9, 2010
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The resources on Vitamin D and obesity are long and deep. Getting your serum level to that of a sunny country will not magically make your weight fall off. As we begin to review the obesity issues we listed many causes. Vitamin D is just one of those. If you turn off your air conditioning and allow yourself to feel the extremes of temperature during the summer you most likely will not desire as much food. I have tried this and it works. However, I also enjoy being comfortable. There are many papers on cows and pigs and how to fatten them by controlling the temperature of their environment. I do believe that both temperature driving appetite and not being outside during the highest incidence of UVB radiation both lead to increased weight gain. Think about as the temperature cools in the fall, Americans consume more calories in October than any other month of the year. I have always written this off to a natural instinct to build food storage for the winter that is driven by temperature, but also may be driven by falling Vitamin D levels. Air conditioning gives you both of these environmental effects.

The storage form of Vitamin D, calcidiol, 25(OH)D, stores in all tissue in your body. As you become more obese the amount of Vitamin D per weight decreases because you have not increased your production and\or intake of Vitamin D. The reduction of Vitamin D levels because of obesity puts you at significant risk for all diseases.

People, who are trying to lose weight, typically, do not ‘plateau’ if they are Vitamin D replete. Vitamin D directly combats metabolic syndrome so if you have been suffering from this there is hope. I personally know four people that were type II diabetic that after taking enough Vitamin D to get their serum level above 60 ng/ml found that they did not suffer the munches. They have all lost more than 30 lbs. Only one fines that it is still necessary to take the diabetic med. If you have type II diabetes and want to try this then be sure to work with your doctor.

I would suggest that you have your doctor read this paper by Dr. Heaney – Vitamin D requirements in health and disease This paper shows how calcium absorption flattens and blood sugar is blunted at serum 25(OH) D levels above 32 ng/ml. If you are extremely obese, it may take a significant amount of Vitamin D to get you to a healthy level.

Here is a link to Pub Med for the medical research from the Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/researchObesity.shtml

On the lighter side, you may enjoy this group of graduate students as they perform the dance of Vitamin D and Beta cells. I really like this because I know this group of future Vitamin D researchers gets it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiTFBRPFRh8

Henry Lahore in a recent email, offered this info on Vitamin D and obesity:

Studies so far disagree about losing weight by taking Vitamin D without low calorie diet, etc.

Obese have decreased bioavalability of Vitamin D – 2000 PDF

Clinical Trials of Obesity and Vitamin D

37 clinical trials with obesity and Vitamin D in the title as of Aug 2010
30 with 7,000 IU Vitamin D and 30 controls, expected completion Jan 2012
1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 IU should have completed April 2010
Treatment of Obesity With Vitamin D 40.000 IU Per WEEK for 1 Year Completed 2008
Supplementation With Vitamin D Improves Leptin Resistance 400 IU and 4,000 IU – unsure of status

Clinical Trials for Weight Loss and Vitamin D

Trial to Assess Response to Oral Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Obese Individuals with 2000 IU to 4000 IU for 8 weeks. should have completed March 2010

Henry Lahore https://www.VitaminDWiki.com has 2000+ Vitamin D files – subscribe to news in some/all categories, get latest Vitamin D news from web, etc.

Well there you have more than you would ever want to read about Vitamin D and obesity. Turn off your air conditioning and spend some time outside this summer. You may find you sweat more than you want but it will make you less hungry. – Pandemic Survivor
Posted in obesity | 1 Reply
Solving Obesity – Iodine
Posted on July 17, 2010

There are number of great articles on Iodine and I would suggest that you read all three of these articles:

Michael B Schachter MD – http://www.mbschachter.com/Iodine.htm

Donald W. Miller, Jr. MD – http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller20.html

William Davis MD – http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/oct2009_Halt-on-Salt-Sparks-Iodine-Deficiency_01.htm

Dr. Davis has reported that two of his patients has toxicity issues when taking 12.5 milligrams Iodine per day. http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/Iodine-update.html

Death is an essential part of life when cells have reached their end. – Pandemic Survivor
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http://www.womenfitness.net/Iodine.htm
Iodine deficiency traditionally results in hypothyroidism, goiter, and cretinism. Researchers hypothesized that Iodine deficiency may also give rise to subtle impairment of thyroid function leading to clinical syndromes resembling hypothyroidism or diseases that have been associated with the occurrence of hypothyroidism. Studies have described several clinical conditions suspected to be linked to Iodine deficiency, including obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, and malignancies.
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