Iodine

Function
thyroid hormone synthesis
makes cholesterol more soluble in water
anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-fibrotic, expectorant

Requirements
RDA - adults - 150 ug qd, pregnancy - 157 ug, lactation - 200 ug

Sources
kombu, arame, kelp, dulce

Deficiency
goitre, cretinism, hypothyroidism
goitrogens block absorption or utilization of iodine
cabbage, turnips, rapeseed (Canola), peanuts, cassava, soybeans

Therapeutics
goitre, hyperthyroidism - needed for thyroid hormone synthesis
fibrocystic breast disease - diatomic iodine followed by magnesium
atherosclerosis
asthma, bronchitis - expectorant
lymphatic stasis, lymphededma - improves lymph flow
sebaceous cysts - topical
salivary duct stone dissolution
keloids - topical potassium iodide
Duputryene's contracture, Peyronie's disease - anti-fibrotic
sarcoidosis - large doses of sodium iodide
estrogen metabolism

Toxicity
iodine may cause rashes, nausea, headaches, excess secretions
iodine has a wide margin of safety

Labs
Thyroid tests - T3 and T4 levels

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CAM Therapies has studies on natural therapies for over 100 diseases.

CAM Labs lists lab tests for 100 diseases.

Nutritional Genetics is a fantastic resource.

: NaturDoctor.com

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