Weight loss associations

Vitamin D
Magnesium
Calcium
Iodine
Surfing by Henry Lahore Feb 2012
===============
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

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 By Earl Mindell, page 78

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/008902.html#ixzz1mf9urQq8

==============================================
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
====================================
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
 =========================
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
1

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 http://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

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
––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
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.